Jennifer M. Mazur, MSW.
1. What's your practice focus and what kind of clients knock on your door ?
My practice focuses on helping people resolve and heal from trauma. People often have anxiety and depression from trauma that has been living in their memories and body for years. Taking a Holistic approach, we work on the mind-body connection to help feel whole again. I am trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy which uses bilateral eye movements to help people move quickly through their trauma. I also use a Trauma Resilient Model that helps people feel more in control in their 1st session.
2. Tell us about yourself.
I was born and raised in St. Petersburg, FL. I attended University of Florida and University of South Florida. I have been interested in Social Work since my first job at McDonald's when I was 16 and saw homeless people not have enough to eat. I have an extensive background in Mental Health and over a decade of being a School Social Worker. I pursued my dream of Private Practice after the Pandemic, as I saw the need for Mental Health treatment and wanted to be a part of healing in my community.
3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.
I have been humbled to be a part of the journey for a client of mine who was in an abusive marriage for 20 years. She moved to Florida by herself to begin a new life. Over the last year, she has healed from trauma and transformed her life. She now has a job she loves, has closer relationships with her children and extended family, has made new friends, started new hobbies, and recently talked about how she is comfortable "taking up space" for the first time in her life.
4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?
One challenge I have had is keeping the sense of community I had in my previous career. Although I have a wonderful group of colleagues that I regularly consult with, it is sometimes difficult to make time to get together as much as we would like. I like to provide flexible hours for my clients, which means working in the evenings to accommodate people after their work or school day. However, the bonuses of doing what I love far outweighs any challenges I have faced.
5. What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a private practice today?\
My top 3 tips for beginning a private practice would be:
- Plan ahead financially and jump in when you have a cushion or savings to depend on while you grow your practice. Or start part-time while you are still working. This will ensure you can intentionally establish yourself, your niche, and preferred clientele.
- Find a mentor, group or practice that will provide a roadmap and help you.
- Talk about your practice to everyone and market yourself in mutliple ways.