Jenn Zhang
MHC - Limited Permit
Clinician
About Me
I’m a mental health counselor and psychotherapist (limited permit holder) having graduated from New York University with an MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness. I have a passion for helping people who find themselves stuck, lost, or feeling like some change is desirable. I help individuals discover damaging patterns and uncover hidden strengths, all while boosting self-esteem and self-compassion. Anxiety and fear of failure can feel all-consuming, and I’m here to empower you so you can take control of your life.
My Specialties
Currently, I work with a lot of children of immigrants, Asian-American, or AAPI-identifying clients around discovering their authentic selves, establishing effective communication strategies, and navigating their intersectionality of identities under the cultural and societal contexts that are specific to this population. As a daughter of immigrant parents, I understand the nuances of growing up in two very different cultures and how expectations and boundaries inherently clash. This can lead to confusion, fear, and self-doubt in things that may feel trivial to others. So often our inner critic holds us back; growing up, it helped you succeed but as an adult, it now becomes paralyzing. I help clients gain awareness of why this is happening and how to better separate from their inner critic to live a more anxiety-free life.
What Inspired Me To Be A Therapist
Growing up, I had a really hard time capturing my voice and who I wanted to be. I was a “chameleon”, always adapting to the people around me. After a lot of soul-searching and with the help of therapy, I now feel confident and sure of who I am, and what is important to me. This inspired me to help people find this sense of self for themselves, as it has been an enlightening process for me and still continues to be.
My Approach
My approach as a trauma-informed therapist combines Psychodynamic, Narrative, Internal Family Systems, and EMDR modalities. I see myself as a collaborative partner, guiding my clients through processing events in their childhood (psychodynamic & EMDR), how their parts are protecting them from the stories that they have told themselves about their experiences (IFS & narrative), and how that can be reframed or reprocessed towards a more compassionate outlook. My belief is that the past is always showing up in the present – the more we can bring conscious awareness to this and catch this in the present, the stronger we have the ability to move forward and grow.
When I'm Not Working, I Like to...
I’m a big fan of decompressing and lounging in my free time. These activities almost always include cuddling with my small dog, reading a book, or watching whatever is the latest hit on any streaming service. I absolutely love food and am always up for going out to eat with family and friends, and lately have been taking up some cooking.
Services I Offer
I offer individual, couples, and EMDR therapy.