Jessica C. Lief, Psychotherapy

Curriculum Vitae

Curriculum Vitae

Education

Simmons University, School of Social Work, Boston, MA

Doctorate in Social Work Candidate

January 2024 – Anticipated Graduation August 2026

Smith School of Social Work, Northampton, MA

Advanced Clinical Supervision Certificate Training Program

July 2024 – July 2025

University of California, Hastings College of the Law, San Francisco, California

Master of Studies in Law (MSL)

Health Law Specialization with UC Hastings/UCSF Consortium on Law, Science, and Health Policy

Graduated with Academic High Honors

September 2019 – Summer 2021

The William Alanson White Institute, New York, NY

Appetites and Urges Educational Training Program – Eating Disorders, Addictions, and Compulsions

September 2016 – June 2017

New York University, Silver School of Social Work, New York, NY

Master of Social Work

May 2014

Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY

Bachelor of Arts, Major in Liberal Arts with concentration in literature and French

May 2011

Reid Hall University, Paris, France / Université Paris Denis Diderot, Paris, France

Sarah Lawrence College in Paris, Academic Year 2009–2010

Skills and Assets
  • PC and Macintosh: Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), Windows, DonorPerfect, SPSS Data Entry, BestNotes
  • Fluent in French and conversant in Spanish
  • Strong clinical skills: individual and group therapy, CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Self-Psychology, and Seeking Safety
  • Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy
  • Trained in The Body Positive Model (Be Body Positive group and individual facilitator)
  • Comfortable conducting an effective Mental Status Examination and Risk Assessment
  • Crisis intervention and empathic listening
  • Mindfulness and diaphragmatic breathing
  • Excellent communication skills, including writing, editing, proofreading, and public or motivational speaking
  • Experience in grant writing, fundraising, and managing department budget
  • Team leadership, community outreach and organizing, and program development
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Organized, efficient, and conscientious
  • Comfortable working independently or as a member of a team
  • CPR/AED/First Aid certified for Adult, Child, and Infant
  • Mandated Reporting: Child Abuse and Maltreatment or Neglect
  • 15 hour California Clinical Supervision Training through NASW
  • Professional LCSW in California, Washington DC, Massachusetts, and New Mexico
Honors
  • President, Phi Alpha Academic Honor Society – Pi Pi Chapter, 2013–2014
  • Recipient of the Excellence in Leadership Award, Silver School of Social Work, 2014
  • Member of the Silver Academic and Professional Review Board, Silver School of Social Work, 2013–2014
  • Recipient of the Social Justice and Diversity Grant, organizer of the conference “Promoting Human Rights in Conflict Zones”
  • Recipient of the Lindsey Enserra Scholarship Award, Fall 2013
  • Writing Program Fellow, Silver School of Social Work, 2013–2014
  • Resident Advisor at International House, New York, NY, 2013–2014
  • Member, Phi Alpha Academic Honor Society – Pi Pi Chapter, Spring 2013
  • Residential Counselor at Sarah Lawrence College, Summer 2011
Specialized Training and Experience
  • Eating and exercise disorders
  • Addictions and recovery
  • Group psychotherapy
  • Anxiety and mood disorders
  • PTSD and substance use
  • Women’s issues and maternal grief and wounding
  • Body image issues and The Body Positive
  • Suicide and self-harm
  • Family therapy
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, Seeking Safety, Mindful Self-Compassion
Professional Experience
December 2018 – Present Licensed Clinical Social Worker California Board of Behavioral Sciences • LCSW #87286
December 2023 – Present Individual Licensed Clinical Social Worker Board of Social Work • New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD) • License Number SWB-2023-1279 (by reciprocity)
August 2023 – Present Individual Licensed Clinical Social Worker Department of Health, Board of Social Work • Washington DC • LC #200002167 (by reciprocity)
April 2023 – Present Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker Office of Health and Human Services • Massachusetts • LICSW #126368 (by reciprocity)
October 2025 – Present Expert Women’s Reproductive Psychotherapist Women’s Wellness Psychiatry, San Francisco, CA
  • Reproductive and integrative psychotherapist working on an interdisciplinary team treating women across the reproductive lifespan in California.
  • Provide individual and family psychotherapy to patients struggling with pregnancy, postpartum, infertility, hormonal imbalances, and life transitions such as perimenopause and midlife.
  • Work as a member of a comprehensive and forward-thinking practice that utilizes biological and medication treatments, psychotherapy, telehealth tools, and integrative modalities.
  • Manage patients electronically and via phone, including coordination of care with providers.
  • Provide clear documentation of patient encounters in the EMR.
August 2025 – Present Psychology Faculty Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY
  • Teach lecture and seminar courses on eating disorders and social justice issues.
  • Teach courses within the undergraduate and master’s level programs.
  • Meet with individual students biweekly to develop semester long independent projects (conference work), often substantial literature reviews or independent research projects under faculty guidance.
  • Support students completing course related fieldwork in community settings or at the campus laboratory preschool.
June 2023 – Present Practicum Faculty Advisor / Adjunct Faculty Smith College, School of Social Work, Northampton, MA
  • Meet with students throughout the year to discuss agency work, assignments, and issues related to social work education.
  • Complete site visits with students and supervisors and review overall practicum education and experience.
  • Provide written feedback and grade all assignments, including learning plan, interim progress report, mid-year evaluation, and final evaluation.
  • Complete trainings provided by Smith College on issues related to social work and the college, including Title IX.
  • Teach practicum preparation courses to students enrolled in the MSW program.
September 2025 – Present Private Practice Psychotherapist CA, MA, NM, DC
  • Maintain a case load of approximately 25 clients.
  • Work with individuals recovering from eating disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, substance use, self-harm, and trauma, as well as perinatal and postpartum clients and athletes.
  • Work as a consultant, advisor, and supervisor.
  • Collaborate with family members and providers, including lawyers, physicians, nurse practitioners, nutritionists, and interventionists.
September 2020 – Present LCSW Supervisor Clinical Supervisor, San Francisco, CA
  • Provide clinical supervision to staff primary therapists (MSW, ASW), counselors, clinical technicians, and individuals completing MSW or BSW fieldwork placements.
  • Provide LCSW specific supervision to psychotherapists.
  • Act as a supervisor and consultant.
June 2023 – Present LCSW Supervisor Serenity Knolls, Forest Knolls, CA
  • Provide clinical supervision to individuals completing MSW or BSW practicum placements.
  • Provide LCSW specific supervision to psychotherapists.
  • Act as a supervisor and consultant.
April 2021 – October 2025 Director of Social Work • Assistant Director of Training • Clinical Supervisor Mind Therapy Clinic, Corte Madera, CA
  • Supervise resident support services at a psychiatric support residence.
  • Provide weekly group supervision of staff and individual supervision of social work students and interns.
  • Train clinical staff in evaluation of self-harm, suicidal ideation, management of agitated residents, conflict de-escalation and resolution, and emergency management.
  • Develop video based trainings and online resource curriculum.
  • Provide on call availability for staff consultation daily until 11 PM.
  • Assist in intern searches, management, and evaluation.
  • Provide 20–25 hours of direct patient care services, including individual, family, and group therapy, in addition to supervision of master’s level interns.
August 2020 – October 2025 Primary Therapist • Licensed Clinical Social Worker • Clinical Supervisor Mind Therapy Clinic, Corte Madera, CA
  • Provide individual, family, couples, and group psychotherapy.
  • Provide psychotherapy, case management, and care coordination to IOP and outpatient clients.
  • Work with clients diagnosed with eating disorders, substance use disorders, mental health disorders, and body image issues, including experience treating ARFID.
  • Specialize in women’s issues, including fertility, pregnancy, postpartum and perinatal concerns, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, IVF, single parenthood, and LGBTQ+ issues.
  • Facilitate body image groups and grief and loss groups.
  • Provide expert clinical supervision and training to intern therapists and staff.
September 2020 – 2022 Per Diem Primary Therapist Amrita Eating Disorder IOP, San Rafael, CA
  • Provide group psychotherapy to IOP clients.
  • Provide psychoeducational groups, meal support therapy, and meal process groups.
  • Offer individual check ins and crisis management to IOP clients.
April 2015 – September 2020 Assistant Clinical Director – Mountainside • Primary Therapist • Licensed Clinical Social Worker Bayside Marin, Marin, CA
  • Provide clinical supervision to primary therapists, counselors, clinical technicians, and nurses, as well as individuals completing MSW fieldwork placements.
  • Manage and oversee the counseling department training program and clinical technicians’ training and supervision.
  • Provide individual, group, and family psychotherapy to adults in recovery from substance use disorders and dual diagnoses, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and eating disorders.
  • Conduct psychoeducation groups on PTSD, Seeking Safety, DBT skills, self-care, and shame.
  • Complete treatment plans, admission assessments, progress notes, insurance review notes, treatment plan updates, ASAM notes, Kaiser TRRS forms, and discharge summaries.
  • Provide crisis management, safety assessments, and relapse prevention planning.
  • Lead Be Body Positive groups using The Body Positive Model.
  • Provide clinical supervision to individuals completing MSW or BSW fieldwork.
  • Lead DBT skills seminars and groups on mindful self-compassion, grief and loss, shame and shame resilience, narrative therapy, and related topics.
  • Provide psychotherapy to veterans coping with military and combat trauma and military sexual trauma, and to first responders including police officers, firefighters, detectives, and paramedics.
  • Coordinate care with family members, outside providers, attorneys, and aftercare placements.
  • Lead the healthcare and professionals’ services program, including treatment for physicians, nurses, and lawyers, and collaboration with professionals’ assistance programs.
September 2014 – March 2015 Family Therapist The Sequoia Center, Redwood City, CA
  • Provide weekly multi family groups, family support groups, and individual psychotherapy for families, couples, and individuals in recovery from alcoholism and addiction.
  • Provide treatment to clients across all levels of care, including intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, and residential programs.
  • Conduct training and educational lectures in community settings.
  • Participate in wraparound services in collaboration with psychiatrists and other mental health providers.
July 2014 – September 2014 Milieu Therapist Center for Discovery, Residential Eating Disorder Treatment Facility, Menlo Park, CA
  • Complete bio-psycho-social assessments, treatment plans, and treatment summaries.
  • Conduct group psychotherapy sessions and provide milieu therapy to individuals and families.
  • Provide individual support and crisis intervention.
  • Monitor mealtime and document meal compliance; facilitate therapeutic meals.
Summer 2013 – July 2014 President, Phi Alpha Academic Honor Society – Pi Pi Chapter Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, NY
  • Serve as liaison between the university, faculty advisory board, and the National Chapter.
  • Secure guest lecturers for professional development events and plan community service events.
  • Direct and oversee the Executive Committee and Phi Alpha operations and implement structural changes.
  • Conduct monthly meetings and induction ceremonies.
September 2013 – May 2014 Social Work Intern Safe Horizon Counseling Center, Brooklyn, NY
  • Provide individual and family trauma focused psychotherapy, trauma focused CBT treatment, and Seeking Safety.
  • Provide crisis intervention and advocacy for victims of violence and abuse.
  • Complete bio-psycho-social assessments, treatment plans, and weekly treatment goals.
  • Interface with insurance companies to obtain clearance for treatment.
  • Maintain clinical documentation and chart progress throughout treatment.
September 2012 – May 2014 Events Coordinator Institute of French Studies, New York University, New York, NY
  • Manage, plan, and organize lectures, events, and programs, including department budget management.
  • Communicate extensively with scholars, professors, and faculty.
  • Organize logistics for lectures, conferences, and colloquia and arrange travel for speakers.
  • Lead graphic design and media projects for internal and external publication.
Summer 2013 Social Work Intern The Renfrew Center, New York, NY
  • Conduct group therapy with women with eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and EDNOS.
  • Facilitate group discussions, attend community meetings and therapeutic groups, and provide individual support and crisis intervention.
  • Monitor meal time and document meal compliance; facilitate after meal therapy groups.
  • Provide case management services and maintain clinical documentation as part of the treatment team.
September 2012 – April 2013 Social Work Intern University Settlement, New York, NY
  • Counsel students in the afterschool program and encourage participation in activities to strengthen academic and social skills.
  • Conduct intake and assessments and develop individual service plans.
  • Work with individuals and groups dealing with emotional and mental health issues, family and marital issues, stress management, and low self-esteem.
  • Communicate extensively with parents and provide education and information about services and counseling.
Other Experience
October 2011 – May 2012 Primary School English Teacher Teaching Assistant Program in France, Six Fours – Les Plages, France
  • Responsible for lesson planning for eight English classes at the primary level.
  • Plan and execute classroom activities and presentations.
  • Work with children aged eight to eleven, employing strong communication and interpersonal skills and patience.
April 2011 – August 2011 Assistant to the Dean of the College Office of the Dean of the College, Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY
  • Organize the office, including calendar management, scheduling appointments, and receiving faculty and guests.
  • Collaborate with faculty and administrators to prepare for the beginning of classes, including course catalog preparation, faculty offices, classrooms, and events.
  • Work on special projects, including student evaluations of faculty and organization of courses into interdisciplinary clusters.
  • Handle a demanding role requiring the ability to set priorities, handle pressure, and maintain discretion and confidentiality.
References

Dr. Leslie Arno, Psy.D
Former Clinical Director, Bayside Marin

Dr. Lynn Bertram, MD
Former Medical Director, Bayside Marin

Dr. Julianna Sauber, Psy.D
Primary Therapist, Mind Therapy Clinic

Herberth Rivera, LMFT
Program Director at Amar

Clinical Supervisors

Dr. Matt Blagys, PhD

Dr. Leslie Arno, Psy.D

Maia Newman, LCSW

Elizabeth Scott, LCSW

Languages

French – Professional fluency

Spanish – Conversant

Training
  • Smith School of Social Work, Northampton, MA – Advanced Clinical Supervision Certificate Training Program, July 2024 – July 2025
  • Foundations Level Training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy – Certificate of Training, January 2021 – August 2021, 33 CEUs
  • Gender Diversity in the Treatment of Eating Disorders: Best Practices and Affirming Care for Transgender, Gender Diverse, and Non Binary Clients – April 23–24, 2021, 7 CEUs
  • Lewis & Clark College, Clinical Supervision Training – 15 hours through NASW, November 2020
  • Compassionate Inquiry with Gabor Mate – Professional Online Training, September 2022 – October 2023
  • California Institute for Integral Studies, San Francisco, CA – When the Body Says No and The Myth of Normal: A Workshop with Gabor Mate, March 9–10, 2019
  • Vancouver School for Narrative Therapy, Vancouver, Canada – Narrative Therapy, Five Day Foundations Level Training, September 20–25, 2017
  • The Body Positive Institute, San Rafael, CA – The Body Positive Training, Licensed Be Body Positive group and individual facilitator, May 2017
  • The William Alanson White Institute, New York, NY – Feeding the Dragon: Appetites and Urges Educational Training Program, Eating Disorders, Addictions, and Compulsions, September 2016 – June 2017
  • EMDR Institute – Training in EMDR Therapy with Dr. Gerald Puk, PhD, January 30 – February 1, 2015 and May 29 – May 31, 2015
Professional Associations
  • National Association of Social Workers (NASW), March 2014 – Present
  • California Society for Clinical Social Work, March 2014 – Present
  • Clinical Social Work Association, March 2014 – Present
  • National Eating Disorders Association, June 2014 – Present
Awards
  • Above and Beyond Recognition Award, Bayside Marin, February 2020
  • Rockstar of the Month Award, Bayside Marin, August 2016
  • President of the Phi Alpha Honor Society – Pi Pi Chapter, New York University, June 2013 – July 2014
  • Excellence in Leadership Award, Silver School of Social Work, March 2014
  • Recipient of the Lindsey Enserra Scholarship Award, Silver School of Social Work, November 2013
  • Member of the Silver Academic and Professional Review Board, Silver School of Social Work, September 2013 – June 2014
  • Resident Fellow (Advisor), International House, September 2013 – May 2014
  • Writing Program Fellow, Silver School of Social Work, New York University, September 2013 – May 2014
  • Member of the Pi Pi Chapter of the Phi Alpha Honor Society, January 2011
  • Social Justice and Diversity Grant Recipient, Silver School of Social Work, December 2013 – “Promoting Human Rights in Conflict Zones,” co-sponsored by NYU Silver School of Social Work Phi Alpha National Honor Society and the Student Collective for Global Social Work
Feedback from Students

“Jessica Lief was a great instructor.”

“Jessica Lief was a wonderful instructor and myself and others in the class were very curious about learning more about eating disorders which she mentioned were her area of focus, and she discussed several examples of her experience. I would take an elective on eating disorders with her in an instant.”

“I absolutely loved having Jessica Lief as a professor. She was very honest, engaging, and knowledgeable. Her experience with law and social work was incredibly informative, and I learned a lot in class.”

“Jessica did such a great job explaining everything we need during practicum. I have a much better understanding of what I need from my practicum placement in order to be successful.”

“This professor was so lovely. She did her best to make the material engaging and relatable and was very supportive of each of us with any questions we had about our placements.”