Dr. Avena is a New York and New Jersey Licensed Psychologist. She holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Widener University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from New York University. She has worked and trained in a number of settings with various populations, and each experience has contributed to the well-rounded and comprehensive approach she takes in her clinical work. Her clinical training and employment experiences have included treating individuals with a wide variety of presenting concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, identity conflicts, life transitions, multicultural issues, LGBTQIA+ experiences, and family stress. Dr. Avena also has an extensive background providing substance abuse treatment, intensive trauma-focused care, and re-entry services to incarcerated individuals in correctional settings. Additionally, throughout her former work in the criminal justice system, Dr. Avena has gained expertise in providing clinical services to members of law enforcement and first responders. Finally, she also specializes in providing couples therapy.

Psychologist Jolie Avenas’ style is collaborative, conversational, and empathetic. She works from a culturally-competent perspective and maintains a nonjudgmental stance with all clients. Her approach to therapy is primarily rooted in psychodynamic theories, and she also incorporates mindfulness-based practices, emotion-focused interventions, and attachment-based methods in her practice. She believes the single most important factor in the success of therapy is the relationship between the therapist and client. She works collaboratively with her clients to build therapy relationships based on trust, compassion, connection, and understanding, in order to help clients achieve their goals, explore their life experiences, and learn more about themselves throughout the therapeutic process.

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