Jennifer Merva

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.