JILL TORRENTE, LMSW
Licensed in: NY, NJ
Works with: Individuals (age 20+), couples, parents
Languages: English
Focus Areas and specializations
Anxiety and Stress
Do you feel “off” or not “yourself” and don’t know why? Do you ruminate over decisions or past experiences, to the point of exhaustion? Do you avoid social situations which at times increases your sense of anxiety or isolation? Do you excessively worry about everyday things such as social interactions, health, money, family, work, or school?
If experiences like these have robbed you of a sense of peace and emotional well-being, even the least of the life’s challenges can feel overwhelming. As we move forward in therapy, a core component of my work with you will be to explore the root causes of anxiety, so that you may discover or regain greater self-awareness and clarity. I offer an insight-oriented approach and will demonstrate with and teach you Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) tools to support your behavioral change when it feels right. If we listen to the message our anxiety is telling us, we learn to respond in that moment, instead of react – a decisive change that will empower you to take back control of your life.
Self-Esteem Challenges
Low self-esteem can deprive you of the mental, emotional and physical energy you both need and deserve in your everyday life. If you’re that person constantly comparing yourself to others and coming away feeling inadequate or inferior, avoid social situations for fear of judgment or rejection, or perhaps lack the self-confidence in your decisions or abilities or struggle with perfectionism, chances are you’ve accepted a negative internal belief that you’re just not “enough”.
Diminished self-esteem is a common issue many people struggle with at various points in their lives. Feelings of inadequacy often begin during childhood, resulting from hearing or interpreting messages that were perceived as critical from those closest to us. This type of feedback results in thoughts such as “I’m not good enough”, “I’m not loveable,” or believing we are hopelessly unable to live up to others’ or our own expectations.
Effective therapy begins with validation of your experiences and feelings. We will then look at any patterns you’ve crafted for your survival that are not working or effective (such as how you may be attempting to ‘change’ your authentic self to be accepted by others). Our work together to develop healthy coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills will help you navigate daily challenges and setbacks in a more adaptive and constructive way, as you become more confident and equipped to handle life's ups and downs.
Couples Counseling
A relationship in crisis can increasingly affect both people in the relationship, your children and the daily functioning of your family, until there is no other option but to reach out help and guidance. If you’re dealing with weighty financial worries, parenting concerns, relational issues such as jealousy, diminished self-esteem, emotional distancing or infidelity, communicating between partners toward satisfying repair can seem impossible.
The core of a fulfilling relationship lies in each partner’s ability to be present, to empathize with and validate the other's perspectives, triggers, and needs - and then to learn and use the skills of repair when things fall apart. My work with couples is designed to teach and enhance your communication skills, enabling both partners to truly listen, feel seen, and deeply understood.
I both embrace respected couples therapy models and take an approach tailored to your unique needs as a couple. The bottom line: creating a safe space is crucial to restore heartfelt, effective communication and collaboration in your relationship. It allows all parties to feel heard, respected, and valued, which can significantly contribute to finding a satisfying and sustainable solution for everyone involved. By prioritizing the relationship instead of a ‘who’s right and who’s wrong’ approach, you ensure that resolutions are not only reached but are also durable and conducive to long-term harmony and problem-solving skills. Rebuilding trust as the underpinning of a marriage is then possible.
Parenting Support
If the challenge and stressors of parenting feel isolating, if you worry about being seen as inadequate or incompetent when tensions arise between you and your child, you’re certainly not alone. Parents may choose to keep their struggles private to protect their children from any negative consequences or perceptions. Therapy provides emotional support without judgement, where we can learn and practice helpful skills and tools for stress management as well as a way to help better communicate with your children and parenting partners. Whether you’re a new parent or becoming an empty-nester, I provide a space to navigate developmental challenges that may arise and manage life transitions such as these. Overall, therapy can empower parents to navigate the challenges of parenthood more effectively, leading to improved well-being for both themselves and their children.
Stress in the Workplace
Work stress is a common issue that can have a significant impact on our well-being and performance in the workplace. I know this firsthand, as I hail from a previous career in the corporate business world. Therapy offers us a supportive and nonjudgmental space to explore our work-related stressors, gain insight into our thoughts and feelings, and develop practical strategies for enhancing well-being and success in the workplace.
Holistic Approach to Overall Wellness
I hold the belief that positive mental health and well-being can be sustained by the choices we make daily, the rituals and routines we practice, and the relationship we have with ourselves and those around us. I can support your self-care regimen. I am informed in the practices of Reiki energy healing, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), movement, breathwork and meditation, as well as basic nutrition and additional resources that promote balance and wellness.
About Jill
I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and often utilize psychodynamic theory and inner child work. I am educated in holistic and overall wellness lifestyle maintenance and resource areas. I am informed in the areas of parenting skills as well as child advocacy in the educational system (i.e. IEP and 504 programs). In addition, I bring a wealth of lived experience from a previous career working in the private sector in the financial and legal corporate world, in the canyons of New York City.