Counselor Spotlight: Jennifer
Jennifer Hassan, LCSW, discusses therapy, Carrie Underwood, and being a mom.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I grew up in New Jersey and attended college in Florida. I met my husband back here in New Jersey after college. We’ve been married for 20 years and have three children—a 16-year-old daughter, a 14-year-old son, and an 11-year-old son.
What was your journey to becoming a counselor?
I earned my Bachelor’s in Social Work from Southeastern University in Florida. After receiving my LSW, I attended Monmouth University for my Master’s in Social Work and later received my LCSW after a two-year internship in the mental health field. I started my social work career as a case manager for adults diagnosed with mental illness. Later, I managed a group home and then a team of outreach case managers. At that time, I began counseling children in the community through another agency. I continued this work after having our daughter, then later transitioned to being a stay-at-home mom for several years. I learned about CCCRD through a friend and have been excited to continue my counseling journey here.
Who’s your favorite artist?
Carrie Underwood. I love her music and country-pop sound. Her ability to intertwine real-life issues with faith is refreshing. She appears genuine and down to earth. I got to see her in person at the Prudential Center last year—it was a great concert!
What does your ideal day look like?
Start with a coffee from Dunkin Donuts, then a manicure and pedicure at a salon. The afternoon would be spent on the beach and then dinner at a nice restaurant in the evening.
Do you have any pets?
I love dogs. We currently have a German Shepherd and a mixed-breed dog (Sato) rescued from the streets of Puerto Rico. We also had two previous German Shepherds.
What do you do for fun?
I don’t do anything for fun—I’m a mom! Just kidding. I enjoy running, gardening, reading, and watching too much True Crime.
Describe your approach to counseling.
I first get to know my clients by listening well and trying to have as good of an understanding of their past as I can. From there, I help clients come to positive conclusions on their own without “telling them” what to do.
What areas of counseling are you most passionate about?
I enjoy working with children, teens, and moms. I especially like being able to incorporate biblical principles into my counseling.