Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Gennaro.
Jenny, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I think like many who enter the field of Social Work. My story starts out with a bit of a struggle. I received a diagnosis of ADHD at a very young age. While being ADHD is a unique part of who I am and how I function, it also created challenges in traditional school and workplace environments. I am grateful to have maintained my compassionate heart and wild ambition through these hurdles, as it is what paved the way for me to be a business owner and have a successful private practice as a Clinical Social Worker as a young woman.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Trauma Therapist. I completed my Master’s of Social Work degree at Wichita State University. Over the years, I have worked in various inpatient, outpatient, community, schools, non-profit, residential and in-home settings, with individuals, families, parents and children. Today, I am the owner of Gennaro Counseling and a psychotherapist, specializing in trauma. The specific modality I specialize in is called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
A smooth road? Not at all. As if navigating my own personal challenges around achieving higher education and entering the adult workforce as an individual with ADHD wasn’t enough, sorting out who I am in the world of social work was just as difficult. Luckily, the world of social work is quite vast and offers many diverse opportunities. I found my fiery heart deeply passionate about the “bigger” picture, macro social work, which is community organizing, policy work, managing organizations, etc. This is where I saw the “real change” needing to take place in the world. My interest in macro work is what led me to graduate school, where my education was one of Advanced Generalist.
In short, an Advanced Generalist Social Work Degree is a multi-system framework operating on the assumption that human events can best be understood within their context. Meaning, behavior and social problems are more often than not, rooted within a hierarchical structure, not a personal deficit or flaw. For example, smaller systems like individuals and/or families are affected by the actions of larger systems of organizations, communities and societies. I thought I would use my master’s in AG social work to take on politics and social injustices. Once I was out of graduate school, I found myself deeply passionate about helping individuals heal and build resilience from their experiences with those unjust policies, social injustices and toxic systems. So here I am, a clinical social worker providing trauma therapy with a heart for macro work. As I said before, the field of social work is quite vast and offers many diverse opportunities. I am still very much involved in policy and social justice, just not in the way I thought I would be. My specific degree gave me the building blocks to navigate a multi-system framework.
We’d love to hear more about your practice.
Gennaro Counseling provides outpatient psychotherapy with a special focus on trauma. The specific therapy I specialize in is called EMDR. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a form of therapy that helps people heal from trauma or other distressing life experiences. I find this modality of therapy absolutely fascinating and beautiful. EMDR jump-starts our brain’s natural ability to recover from traumatic memories and events. Rather than focusing on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the distressing issue, EMDR allows the brain to resume its natural healing process. It is breathtaking to watch this healing process happen in my office.
What sets me apart? I am a Clinical Social Worker with an Advanced Generalist Master’s Degree, providing trauma psychotherapy. I think I have a unique perspective on how trauma is woven into our systems [history, politics, society, communities, families, and individual experiences]. As a Clinical Social Worker, my understanding of practice within a multi-system framework, as well as my training in trauma makes me quiet effective at what I do. Whether that be in my office with an individual, working within communities, or advocating for change in government and policy, I am always, first and foremost, a Social Worker.
I find it difficult to talk about pride. However, I am proud of where I am personally and professionally. My childhood was a bit tumultuous. I was hot-headed, impulsive, and often in trouble [like all the time]. I am grateful the world of Social Work welcomed this rebellious woman with fire in her veins. I am not sure where I would be had I not found this particular passion in life. I am proud to say that at 35 years young, I am a successful business owner, competent clinician, a mother, a spouse, an involved citizen, and a progressive thinker.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I think the definition of success should remain fluid. Everything changes, so should your definitions of success. Generally speaking, solid markers are kindness, compassion, and gratitude. Embedding these three attitudes towards myself, others, and society allows for a path of fulfillment. Kindness, compassion and gratitude are born out of the foundation of stability. Stability is also something that is in constant motion. Keeping a sharp mind and a soft heart is no easy feat. Being able to come back to your center to adapt and adjust is my cornerstone of success.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2373 Central Park Blvd Unit 100, Denver, CO 80238
- Website: https://www.gennarocounseling.com/
- Phone: 7203168110
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GennaroCounseling/
Image Credit:
Head shot by Jackie Wilson-Schau
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