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Exploring Life & Business with Jennifer Lipkins of JBCounseling

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Lipkins.

Hi Jennifer, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m originally from Long Island, New York, and moved to Florida in 2007 after my parents relocated here. Counseling is actually my second career—I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy with a concentration in Business Ethics and Human Resource Management from Bentley College (now Bentley University). While in New York, I worked in the Human Resources field. Still, I had always been drawn to the mental health field. I found it so meaningful to imagine someone trusting me with their story and allowing me to walk alongside them on their journey.

In my 30s, I decided to follow that calling and started graduate school. I’ve been practicing as a therapist since 2016, beginning in community mental health. I worked on a F.A.C.T. team and specialized in substance use, addiction, and co-occurring disorders. Along the way, I was fortunate to be mentored by incredible professionals who helped to shape me into the therapist I am today. It truly is a blessing to do what I love, and it’s an honor every time someone lets me be part of their healing journey.

In March 2024, I opened the doors to JBCounseling. Asking for help is never easy, and my vision has always been to create a space where people feel safe, welcomed, heard, and never judged. I’m proud of building a practice that reflects that mission, and even more proud of the meaningful work I get to do alongside my clients every day.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was definitely a bumpy road, but absolutely worth it. Starting a new career in my 30s was challenging—it truly felt like starting over. I was incredibly fortunate to have the support of my parents and friends; I don’t think I could have done it without them.

There was so much to learn, and I had big dreams I was eager to turn into reality. I had to be patient, honing my skills and building a new career from the ground up. Along the way, I learned how to combine the practical business skills I gained in business school with the knowledge and experience I was gaining in the mental health field. Every step, even the difficult ones, taught me something valuable and shaped me into the therapist I am today.

Looking back, the challenges were not just obstacles—they were lessons that allowed me to create a practice that truly reflects my values and my vision for helping others.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At JBCounseling, my mission has always been to create a safe, welcoming space where people feel heard, seen, believed, and never judged. I know how hard it is to ask for help, so when someone reaches out, I want them to feel a sense of relief from that very first contact. I work with children (ages 7+), adolescents, and adults, offering individual, couples, and family therapy. My areas of focus include EMDR therapy, anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and day-to-day life changes.

What sets JBCounseling apart is the personalized approach I take with every client, whether individual, couple, or family. There’s no one-size-fits-all plan—each session is tailored to the unique needs of the people I’m working with. I combine clinical expertise with compassion and creativity to help clients achieve real, lasting change.

I’m most proud of building a practice that reflects my values: respect, trust, ethical practice, and authentic connection. Opening JBCounseling in 2024 was the culmination of years of learning, growth, and dedication. It’s a space where people feel safe to be themselves and take the steps they need toward healing and personal growth.

Above all, I want readers to know that asking for help is a sign of strength. My goal is to make the therapeutic experience welcoming, comforting, and effective, so that anyone who walks through the doors feels supported on their journey toward mental wellness.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I believe the quality that has been most important to my success is my ability to truly connect with people authentically. I strive to create a welcoming and safe environment from the moment of contact, and I think that warmth and openness help clients feel comfortable sharing their stories.

I also have a natural intuition for understanding people and where they might be in their journey, which allows me to meet them exactly where they are. Combined with compassion and respect, this helps me tailor therapy to each individual, couple, or family. Creating customized treatment plans is central to my approach because no two clients are the same, and everyone deserves care that reflects their unique experiences and needs.

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