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The Psychotherapist Association for
Gender & Sexual Diversity
Gaylesta: intersectional pride flag

Jessica Lief

 

Member profile details

First name
Jessica
Last name
Lief
Website
jessicalief.com
 

User photo

Member userpic
 

Background

Welcome
Jessica C. Lief, MSW, LCSW, MLS

Speciality:
Eating Disorders, Body Image, Borderline Personality Disorder, Self-Harm, Substance Use

LCSW and Psychotherapist

Jessica C. Lief, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, body image, Borderline Personality Disorder, self-harm, and substance use. Jessica completed psychoanalytic training through the William Alanson White Institute of Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis, and Psychology in the Eating Disorders, Compulsions, and Addictions (EDCAS) Program. She also completed the advanced clinical supervision training program through Smith College School for Social Work.
Her approach is primarily psychodynamic but combines aspects of self-psychology, feminist/womanist theories, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Seeking Safety, mindful self-compassion, and mindfulness. She is particularly interested in the treatment of eating disorders as a social justice issue, as they relate to people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. She is also adept at treating individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder.
Her grief and loss work is broad but focuses on motherless daughters, maternal grief and wounding, and emotional abandonment. Jessica also works with individuals who have experienced miscarriage, fertility-related issues, post-partum depression, anxiety, and psychosis, as well as post-partum PTSD. She also works with individuals undergoing IVF and who have struggled with women’s health issues, such as Endometriosis and PCOS, as well as individuals who are pregnant and struggling with an eating disorder.
Jessica’s favorite part of being a therapist is guiding each client in their transformation and witnessing each step as it is achieved. Jessica will work with the client to identify what is deeply meaningful and important in that person’s life. The client will develop concrete skills to get their needs met directly. Jessica will help the client to develop powerful, inner resources, including self-compassion, emotion regulation techniques, radical self-acceptance, and confidence. Jessica earned her undergraduate degree from Sarah Lawrence College with a concentration in literature, nonfiction writing, and French. She earned a master’s degree in Advanced Clinical Practice in Social Work from New York University. She also earned a Master of Studies in Law with a concentration in Health Law with high honors from UC Law San Francisco. Currently, she is enrolled in a doctorate in social work program through Simmons University.
LCSW# 87286
“Jessica’s style has been described as nurturing, empathetic, and empowering. She is direct, authentic and will never blame you for your suffering. She enjoys using humor in psychotherapy.”
Currently accepting new clients?
Yes
 

Telehealth (for Referral/Org. members only)

Telehealth: primary state
California
 

Do you practice telehealth in additional states? (Please do not select your primary state here.)

Additional state license numbers
126368
 

Demographic info (optional).

Pronouns
  • she/her/hers
Gender
  • Female
Sexual orientation
  • Bisexual
Ethnicity
  • White/Euro American
 

Credentials (required)

Prof. degree
  • MA
  • MSW
Prof. degree concentration
  • Clinical Social Work
  • Feminist Therapy
  • Mental Health
  • Social Work
  • Other/Not Listed
Year degree obtained
2014
Educational institution
New York University for MSW and UC Law San Francisco for MLS, Simmons University for DSW
License type
  • LCSW
Year originally licensed
2018
License number
LCS 87286
License expiration date
December 31, 2026
 

Background and practice info

Theoretical approaches to my work
  • Feminist
  • Narrative
  • Psychodynamic
  • Self Psychology
Clinical techniques
  • DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
Clinical specializations
  • Addiction / Substance Use
  • Disability / Chronic Illness
  • Eating Disorders
  • Personality Disorders
  • PTSD
  • Size Acceptance / Body Image
Specialized populations
Eating disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Self Harm, Trauma, Substance Use, Athletes, Professionals, Postpartum/perinatal clients
Types of therapy
  • Clinical Supervision
  • Consultation
  • Counseling
  • Individual Therapy
  • Long-Term Therapy
Languages (used in therapy)
  • French
  • Spanish
Client ages
  • Teens / Adolescents
  • Adults
Sliding scale
Yes
Low fee
No
Insurance info
n/a
Available 24 hrs?
Yes