Holistic Jungian therapist specializing in trauma and relationships
Hello! My name is Jennifer Merva and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Long Beach, California. I have 6 years of experience providing direct therapy to children, youth and families with a variety of presenting issues including stress, anxiety and depression, low motivation and self-esteem, grief and loss and relationship and family issues.
We live in such a fast-paced society it can be difficult to prioritize our mental health. It’s easy to distract ourselves and bury our issues instead of facing them head-on. I will provide a safe, empathic space for you. I believe relationships and attachments are crucial for healing. Our connections matter. Your environment and relationships are interconnected and can have a huge impact on your thoughts and behaviors.
My therapeutic approach is strengths-based. You are already coming in with so many strengths! I am here to help you identify them and use them as skills. You will develop a more positive outlook and improve your resiliency. I am here to help you work though conflict in healthier ways. You will learn skills and strategies to manage the stressors of life. We can work on strengthening your relationships; both with yourself and others. Together we can help you find the joy and happiness of life again.
Our therapeutic relationship will be a collaborative one. I will work with you to help reach your goals. I want to thank you for taking the time to tend to your needs. I look forward to meeting you and helping you along this journey.
Education
• The University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA Master of Social Work May 2019
• The University of San Francisco San Francisco, CA Bachelor of Arts, Psychology; Department: Children, Youth & Families Minor: Child & Youth Studies May 2012
Certificates
• Understanding Male’s Psychology in Community Mental Health November 2023
• Changing the ADHD Brain: Moving Beyond Medication October 2023
• Art and Play in Therapy February 2023
• The Faraway-Nearby of Loss: How We Mourn October 2022
• Trauma Informed Strategies: Working with Individuals with ID/DD/ASD for Clinical Staff April 2022
• Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Clinical Guide for General Practitioners April 2021
• Providing Clinical Services to African American Men/Youth Experiencing Trauma Grief April 2021
• Providing Care for Clients who Identify as Trans, Nonbinary and/or Gender Nonconforming March 2021
• Domestic Violence in the Lives of Children March 2021
Trainings
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Problem Solving Therapy (PST)
• Compassion Focused Therapy
• Trauma-Focused CBT, Bullying
• Eating Disorders 101
• Effective Parenting Strategies
• Grief and Loss
• Suicide Risk Management and Assessment
Licensed · Professional · Cancel Anytime
Jennifer Merva is a California Licensed Clinical Social Worker (CA LCSW 109812) based in Long Beach, California, who brings five years of direct therapy experience working with children, youth, and families. She addresses a range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, low motivation and self-esteem, grief and loss, relationship and family issues, and coping with life changes.
Jennifer offers a calm, empathic therapeutic space where relationships and attachment are viewed as central to healing. She appreciates how environment and connections influence thoughts and behavior and works with clients to explore those links. Her practice emphasizes a strengths-based approach, helping clients identify and build on the abilities they already possess to increase resilience, improve outlook, and manage life stressors more effectively.
In sessions, Jennifer focuses on practical skills for managing conflict and strengthening relationships both with oneself and with others. She collaborates with clients to set and reach personal goals, encouraging development of strategies that restore joy and satisfaction in daily life. As a female therapist with a liberal perspective, she aims to create an inclusive and supportive atmosphere for those she serves.
Jennifer completed a Master of Social Work at the University of Southern California in May 2019 and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of San Francisco, awarded in May 2012. She has completed additional trainings and certificates in areas such as Motivational Interviewing, Problem Solving Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Art and Play in Therapy, grief and loss, ADHD approaches, and working with diverse populations.
People often wonder whether online therapy really helps. For many common concerns – such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and navigating life transitions – online therapy has been found to be as effective as traditional in-person treatment.
One major benefit is flexibility. Individuals can choose the format that best fits their needs and schedule – video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging – which can make it easier to maintain consistent care.
Therapy delivered online is provided by licensed professionals, and clients have the option to change therapists if they seek a different fit. This approach can make mental health support more accessible while retaining the same core elements of therapeutic care.
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