Jennifer Uhrlass

I believe each individual has the capacity to create lasting positive change. Whether you’ve been struggling with a difficult life transition or experience, self-esteem issues, messy relationships, the process of dating,  family conflict, anxiety, or depression, the services at Modern MFT aim to provide a safe space to explore and address your concerns.

I help my clients to gain clarity, heal, and make the necessary changes to create a lasting sense of well-being. While the best way to assess fit is to come in for a session (virtual due to COVID), I encourage you to explore my site to help familiarize yourself with my background and approach. From there, you will have a good sense of how I can help you. 

Background

Since 2014, I have been operating a successful full-time private practice here in NYC. My specialties are relationship health and sex therapy. I see both individuals and couples who are facing a variety of struggles. Some of the concerns I commonly treat include: communication difficulties, trust issues, navigating dating and relationships (showing up authentically to find meaningful connection), coping with major life transitions such as the transition to parenthood or moving in with a partner.

In addition, I deeply enjoy helping individuals to feel more confident and overcome challenges including low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, trauma, major life transitions, and in general, finding more satisfaction and pleasure in life. I see an equal distribution of individuals and couples in my caseload. (See Services -when you click on ‘individuals’ or ‘couples,’ you’ll be able to navigate the links to the various issues I commonly treat within each category).

MFT is a unique approach…

What I love most about Marriage & Family Therapy is its emphasis on healing relationships and the value placed on understanding discord through a contextual lens. I have a keen appreciation of how context – each individual’s experience and perception – affects how they communicate and function within their relationships. We are all products of our environments, experiences, perceptions and conscious decisions.

If you are unfamiliar with the field of MFT as a distinct mental health profession, you can check out consumer info here to learn more. 

I graduated from the Marriage & Family Therapy MA program at Syracuse University, completed a year-long post graduate training program in couple and family therapy from the Ackerman Institute in NYC, received advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (one of the most effective research-based approaches to couples therapy), and was also a member of two professional consultation groups with an emphasis on sex therapy, affection and desire in long-term relationships. I’ve also sought out advanced training in Gottman Method couples therapy and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). These models, I’ve found, help clients to create genuine lasting positive changes in their lives.

Prior to starting Modern MFT in 2014, I worked in several hospital and outpatient settings where I received training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Parent Management Training. At Middlesex Hospital, I provided in-home intensive psychotherapy services aimed at helping couples and families to resolve serious conflicts and repair fractured relationships. These diverse work experiences have allowed me to gain a sophisticated set of clinical skills which enables me to provide the highest quality care to my clients.

After moving back to the NYC area from Connecticut, I was offered a position at Columbia University Medical Center where I worked while pursuing postgraduate training at the Ackerman Institute and the New York Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy. This postgraduate training allowed me the unique opportunity to learn from some of the most dedicated, talented, and knowledgeable clinicians in the field of relationship health.

During this time, I began my private practice in NYC with a focus on helping adults to address problematic relationship patterns as well as anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues.

All of my training, experience and commitment to lifelong learning contributes to my ability to help you uncover your unique path towards increased fulfillment and connection. In our work together, I will be mindful of your needs, considerate of your unique challenges, and unceasingly supportive of your goals.

I value authenticity, courage and curiosity – in myself and in my clients. Through a professional relationship based on mutual trust and respect, we’ll empower you to move forward with more joy, confidence, and resilience.