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Jennifer DeSouza(She/Her/Hers)

(She/Her/Hers)
Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW
Massachusetts
Anxiety - Trauma-Attachment issues- Depression-
AboutSpecialtiesLocationsInsurance & Fees

Professional statement

Jennifer DeSouza, LICSW is a Clinical Social Worker and psychotherapist based in East Arlington, MA with over 10 years of experience providing therapy to adults. She offers in-person and virtual therapy, as well as in-person psychotherapy groups focused on relationships, communication, self-esteem, and emotional regulation.

Clients seek Jennifer’s support for anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship concerns, often after struggling with long-standing emotional patterns that feel difficult to change. Many have histories of early life stress or attachment-related wounds that continue to impact emotional well-being, self-esteem, and relationships. Jennifer’s attachment-focused, relational approach helps clients understand the roots of these patterns while supporting new and more effective ways of responding in their lives and relationships.

Jennifer’s style is warm, collaborative, and flexible. She tailors therapy to each client’s goals, drawing from relational and attachment-based approaches within a developmental framework. She integrates Trauma-Informed Stabilization Therapy (TIST) and is trained in Attachment-Focused EMDR through the Laurel Parnell Institute. Her work also incorporates a mind–body perspective, with attention to how emotional experiences are held in the body, supporting greater integration and resilience.

Jennifer believes the therapeutic relationship itself is a powerful agent of change. She helps clients develop deeper self-understanding, increase emotional awareness, and respond to themselves with greater compassion, supporting meaningful and lasting change.

Jennifer is a Certified Group Psychotherapist and a Fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association, with advanced training in attachment theory, trauma therapy, and group psychotherapy. Her office is located in East Arlington and is accessible by public transportation.

She is a Certified Group Psychotherapist and a Fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association, with advanced training in attachment theory, trauma-informed care, and group therapy. Her office is located in East Arlington and is accessible by public transit.


Message to clients

Many people come to therapy feeling stuck in patterns they don’t fully understand—carrying guilt or shame, living with a relentless inner critic, or feeling disconnected from themselves and others. You may know something needs to change, yet find yourself repeating the same reactions, doubts, or emotional loops.

I approach therapy as a collaborative and steady presence, offering care, curiosity, and respect for your lived experience. Our work moves at a pace that feels safe and manageable, with close attention to your emotional world. I believe meaningful healing happens within an attuned relationship—especially when earlier relationships shaped how you learned to protect yourself, relate to others, or stay silent about your needs.

Together, we’ll gently notice the emotional patterns and automatic responses that keep distress in place, including anxiety, low mood, or self-doubt. We’ll explore how the past continues to show up in the present, sometimes in subtle ways—and how these dynamics can unfold in therapy, creating opportunities for new understanding and change. Over time, this work can help you feel more grounded, more connected to yourself, and more able to engage in relationships with greater ease, clarity, and self-compassion.


Work and Education

Years of Experience: 27 years

Massachusetts General Hospital, Clinical Social Worker Department of Psychiatry, 2010 - 2024
Massachusetts General Hospital, Clinical Director of Group Psychotherapy, Department of Psychiatry, 2018 - 2019
Massachusetts General Hospital, Clinical Coordinator of Group Psychotherapy, Department of Psychiatry, 2016 - 2018

Attachment Focused EMDR, Laurell Parnell Institute , AF-EMDR Certified, 2024
Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute, Completed One Year Fellowship Program, 2017
Certified Group Psychotherapist , National Certificate, 2015
Boston College School of Social Work, Masters of Social Work, 1999
Simmons College , Bachelors in Psychology, 1997

Licensure

Massachusetts: 110660 - Texas: 111412 - Florida: TPSW4846 - Virginia: 0904017088 - North Carolina: C016359

Languages

English

Specialties

Anxiety - Coping with excessive worry, nervousness, or stress; intense discomfort in social settings (social anxiety); sudden and intense feelings of panic (panic disorder)

Trauma - Coping and healing after threatening or scary events, such as witnessing accidents or experiencing sexual, verbal, emotional, or physical abuse

Attachment issues - Development of effective relational and communication skills; insight into family attachment patterns;fostering healthy family relationships.

Depression - Providing support and promoting healing of hopelessness, low motivation and energy, sadness, irritability, sleep disturbance, and loss of interest and pleasure in life




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)

Locations & Hours


Insurance

Jennifer DeSouza is not in-network with any insurances.

Read about the benefits of seeing an out-of-network provider here.


Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions:$220 (50min)
  • Initial session:$220 (50min)
  • Group sessions:$70 (75min)

Additional session information

Out-of-network billing options

This provider can support you in getting reimbursement from your insurance company if you are seeking out-of-network reimbursement. Here are the out-of-network billing options they provide:

  • Super billing
Payment options
  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
Session frequency

Frequency of sessions this provider offers to see clients once you are an established client.

  • As needed
Therapist's note

I also accept payment through Health Savings Plans (HSA's). I provide a Superbill for reimbursement from your insurance plan.


Therapy Groups

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Adult Process Group

Curious about how you relate to others and how you're experienced in return? Group therapy offers a supportive space to connect, reflect, and grow—with guidance from an experienced facilitator. Practice new ways of relating and create meaningful change.

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Adult Process Group

Curious about yourself and your relationships? This weekly process group offers a supportive space to build confidence, practice honest communication, and explore patterns as they show up in real time.


Book a Free Initial Consultation

The practice will call you for a free 10 minute phone call to discuss your needs and ensure a match!

This provider has no upcoming call times available.