Jennifer Merva, LCSW
Licensed LCSW focused on healing relationships
- Stress and anxiety
- Grief and loss
- Attachment and relationships
About Jennifer Merva
Jennifer Merva is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Long Beach, California, who brings five years of direct clinical experience supporting children, youth, and families through periods of stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and major life transitions. She applies a strengths-based perspective that helps people recognize and build on the assets they already possess, guiding them toward greater resilience, improved motivation, and healthier self-esteem.
She emphasizes the importance of relationships and attachment in the healing process, viewing behavior and thought patterns in the context of family systems and interpersonal connections. That relational focus informs her work on issues such as abandonment, attachment concerns, caregiver stress, communication difficulties, divorce and separation, and feelings of emptiness or isolation.
Jennifer blends evidence-informed methods to teach practical skills for coping with panic, grief, trauma-related symptoms, body image concerns, and low mood. She partners with clients to address conflict, repair relationships, and cultivate more adaptive ways of responding to life stressors. Her training includes a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of San Francisco; she also holds an LCSW credential, which indicates advanced clinical training to provide psychotherapy.
Throughout therapy she maintains a collaborative approach, working with clients to set goals, develop strategies, and rediscover sources of joy and purpose in daily life.
She emphasizes the importance of relationships and attachment in the healing process, viewing behavior and thought patterns in the context of family systems and interpersonal connections. That relational focus informs her work on issues such as abandonment, attachment concerns, caregiver stress, communication difficulties, divorce and separation, and feelings of emptiness or isolation.
Jennifer blends evidence-informed methods to teach practical skills for coping with panic, grief, trauma-related symptoms, body image concerns, and low mood. She partners with clients to address conflict, repair relationships, and cultivate more adaptive ways of responding to life stressors. Her training includes a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of San Francisco; she also holds an LCSW credential, which indicates advanced clinical training to provide psychotherapy.
Throughout therapy she maintains a collaborative approach, working with clients to set goals, develop strategies, and rediscover sources of joy and purpose in daily life.
Areas of Expertise
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessLife purposePanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Jennifer Merva have?
Jennifer Merva has 5 years of experience providing clinical services.
Is Jennifer Merva a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credential LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker. License details: CA LCSW 109812.
In which languages does Jennifer Merva provide therapy?
She provides therapy in English.
Where is Jennifer Merva located?
She is located in California.
How can I work with Jennifer Merva as my therapist?
You can work with Jennifer Merva through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Jennifer Merva work with international clients?
Jennifer Merva does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Jennifer Merva cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support
Jennifer integrates Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into her online practice. Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early and current relationships shape emotional responses and patterns, helping people address abandonment, attachment issues, and relational wounds. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy and partnership - the therapist creates a respectful, nonjudgmental space that helps people clarify values, build self-esteem, and find their own solutions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, offering practical strategies to reduce anxiety, manage panic, and alleviate depressive symptoms.Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Jennifer works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She adjusts techniques over time so the work remains aligned with what is most helpful.
Online therapy with Jennifer can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access licensed professionals and maintain momentum between sessions while fitting care into busy lives.