Jennifer Kingsley, MHC

Jennifer is a Mental Health Counselor with Freedom First Psychological Services, providing therapy services to children, adolescents and their families. 

 

Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from The College of Saint Rose, and later received a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the same institution. She held New York State certifications in Early Childhood Education and Special Education for Birth–Grade  2. She has eight years experience teaching in the early childhood setting. 

 

Jennifer obtained a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from SUNY New Paltz. She completed her internship at Ellis Child and Adolescent Treatment Services, where she provided individual services for children and adolescents ages 5-17, as well as gained clinical experience in ADHD, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, ODD, OCD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

 

Jennifer uses a variety of treatment approaches in order to meet the needs of each individual client. In her work with clients, she believes that people have an innate capacity for growth, self-understanding, and positive change when provided with the right environment. She believes healing happens best in a relationship grounded in empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness. She also believes that individuals are innately creative, capable, and motivated to belong and find significance within their social world. Jennifer views behavior—even misbehavior—as purposeful and goal-directed, often reflecting the client’s attempt to meet their needs for connection, competence, and control. Keeping in mind the individual client, Jennifer also utilizes different play and activity based interventions.