Jennifer Arena is a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist who earned her degree from Pratt Institute. With over 22 years of combined clinical and holistic experience, she brings an integrative approach to therapy that supports both emotional and physical well-being.
Jennifer began her career in the Tri-State area, working as an art therapist in inpatient psychiatry, a therapist for adults living with HIV/AIDS in a day treatment setting, and a residential case manager for women. After relocating to Rochester, she continued her work as a family counselor and outpatient therapist while also maintaining a private practice. During a pause to raise her family, Jennifer expanded her expertise into somatic healing, incorporating practices such as yoga, breathwork, and vagus nerve stimulation into her work.
Jennifer blends her strong clinical foundation with these mind-body approaches to help clients achieve greater emotional balance and resilience. She especially enjoys working with individuals who are open to exploring different therapeutic modalities and expanding their self-care tools.
At the core of Jennifer’s work is the belief that therapy should be a place where clients feel truly safe, seen, and supported. She emphasizes the importance of building a trusting therapeutic relationship, recognizing that healing happens through connection—with ourselves and with others. Through this supportive partnership, clients can safely deepen their self-awareness, strengthen emotional capacity, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Outside of her work, Jennifer enjoys staying active through weightlifting and a dedicated yoga practice. She has also been a freeform DJ for over 30 years, rooted in her love of music and dance as a form of expression and healing. She loves cheering on her teenager at lacrosse games, spending time at home with her French bulldog, and preparing healthy, home-cooked meals for her family