Dr. Jodi Ippolito LICSW

Much can be revealed in an initial session that sets the tone for how therapy will go. Because of this, I take the first session very seriously. While there may be some business type things to discuss (informed consent, client rights, etc.,), the primary goal of our initial session is to find out why you are seeking therapy, and how I can best help you. I will also answer any questions you may have about my professional background and experiences.

On a daily basis, my work as a therapist continues to be influenced by what I read and watch. However, Viktor E. Frankl's, book "Man's Search For Meaning" has been an inspiration to me since the beginning. Frankl, a prisoner in a Nazi concentration camp during World War II, formed the psychotherapeutic approach known as "Logotherapy." This type of therapy encourages therapists to help client's identify a purpose in life to feel positive about, and imagine this outcome. According to Frankl, the way a prisoner imagined his/her future affected longevity, or the ability to survive, even in the most dire of circumstances. After Frankl's liberation from the camps he wrote, "Man's Search for Meaning." Despite the many horrors he witnessed as a prisoner, Frankl, proposed the meaning of life is found in every moment of living and life never ceases to have meaning even in suffering and death. While I do not apply Logotherapy to my work directly, I encourage client's to find meaning in their lives in order to overcome issues like anxiety, fear and depression.

My path towards becoming a therapist was far from linear. My undergraduate degree is in Journalism, something I am still passionate about today. Over the years, I've published articles and written book chapters on various topics of interest to me and my work professionally. Ironically, my interest in Journalism, in particular human interest stories, inspired me to go back to school for a Masters in Social Work (MSW) because I wanted to help people in a more hands on, direct way. After working as a social worker for two years, I decided to take things one step further and earned a Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD). Not only did I want to do therapy, I looked forward to conducting research and teaching academically. The fields of Psychology and Social Work provide me with an amazing framework for doing many of the clinical and academic goals I set out to accomplish. I couldn't be happier.

• Minnesota, LICSW, 21813

Hello and welcome to my therapy page! I want to take a moment and congratulate you for taking this important step to enhance your life. Starting therapy is not always easy, but doing so can help put life back on the right track. I have 20+ years of experience in the mental health field. I earned my Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) in 2009 and my Masters Degree (MSW) in Social Work in 1999. I am also a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LICSW). I've helped individuals and couples address and resolve many kinds of issues. Populations and isues I've worked with include, but are not limited to: Anxiety/depression, mood swings, survivors of trauma/abuse, aging populations, members of law enforcement, Veterans, folks on the spectrum. transgender, queer/intersex struggles, pansexuality, gender/sexuality, de-transition, trauma/abuse, life transitions (career, college, retirement), grief/loss, anxiety/depression, mood swings, polyamorous/open relationships, caregiver stress, and mid-life and aging. My approach to therapy is open and integrative. I customize the tools used in session to meet a client's unique needs, address the issues they are struggling with, and accomplish the goals they set out to achieve. If you select me as your therapist, we will work diligently together to identify and problem solve key issues, and enhance your mental and emotional well-being.