Jennifer Blanks received her Masters of Education for Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Florida Atlantic University and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida (MH 14384).  She is a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA). Jennifer is also a Board Member of the South Broward/ North Dade Chapter of CHADD.

Jennifer’s training and expertise has been working with young adults with mental health issues including but not limited to: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD,Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, and self-esteem issues.

While receiving training, Jennifer Blanks studied a therapeutic technique called CBASP.  CBASP is a cognitive behavioral analysis systems of psychotherapy (a form of CBT). Jennifer uses this practice to help clients examine their maladapted thoughts and behaviors.  She helps  them explore alternative adaptive thoughts and behaviors as well as being aware of the control they have in situations. While using CBT regularly, she also uses a Solution Focused technique. Solution Focus helps clients move forward and practice finding solutions to help with living the functional and fulfilling lives they desire. Additionally, she uses dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). DBT focuses on building distress tolerance, mindfulness training, emotional regulation, and improving interpersonal effectiveness. Jennifer recognizes each client is different and understands different techniques are more useful to some than others. Individualized sessions are tailored to the specific client’s needs and wants.

We all need someone to talk to sometimes. Whether we are aware of a specific issue or event that is causing us distress (new stages in life, work, school, relationships, etc.) or are not quite sure what is causing us distress. Often times we are able to come up with our own solutions when we are free to speak out loud without judgment. Jennifer Blanks uses a solution focused technique in which we identify what is happening and your feelings regarding it.  She will process and validate those feelings with her clients.  Jennifer will then most importantly work towards finding solutions and making progress. Progress is often seen in small steps put together to make a larger significant change. Keep in mind the small work you do each session will lead to a more healthy and fulfilling life.

Jennifer Blanks specializes in individual and group therapy for individuals on the Autism Spectrum. She works with adolescents and adults in accepting their diagnosis and understanding what it means for them. Jennifer finds gaining independence and having a functional life to be a significant goal for all. She works with helping her clients to develop perspective taking to better understand others.  Addressing social skills to improve interactions and relationships is also a focus.

She also provides Social Skills groups for Tweens and Teens for many issues including but not limited to Autism Spectrum, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Social Anxiety, and more.

Learning to have one’s own personality appropriately fit into a world can often be confusing or frustrating. Often those on the Spectrum are told to change or “fit in”.  Jennifer helps others successfully understand and navigate social situations while also feeling confident in being themselves. Jennifer understands that having a different view or struggling to understand others can become frustrating. She believes in validating your feelings.   By appropriately experiencing these feelings and working towards solutions one will gain independence, friendships, and a sense of well-being.

Jennifer has gained significant experience in helping family and loved ones better understand the ones they love who are Autistic. Just as it can be difficult for someone on the Spectrum to understand others it can be equally as difficult for loved ones to understand those on the Spectrum. Jennifer will help you understand where your loved one is coming from and strategies that can help them as they struggle in their own way. She offers support, understanding, and information to help with coping when feeling frustrated or helpless.

Jennifer also has experience working with individuals dealing with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. She helps others feel heard and validated while they are struggling with accepting the diagnosis. Jennifer Blanks finds the main goals to be: accepting the diagnosis, medication compliance, and finding one’s own way to be able to live a functioning and fulfilling life. She also has experience in helping family members and loved ones of someone with schizophrenia in coping and gaining tools and insight to best engage and help their loved one.

Specialties

• Autism
• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Social Skills
• Adolescents

Trainings and Certifications

• CBASP
• DBT

Payment Accepted

• Private Pay
• Out of Network Provider
• Out of Network Provider for BCBS

Contact Jennifer Blanks

Jennifer offers evening and weekend appointments.  Please feel free to call (754) 816-1814 or email jennifer@cwcsf.com to set up a free phone consultation.