Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Polites

Hi Jennifer, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

My journey to becoming the Clinical Director of the Center for Hope and Healing began with a very different dream. In high school, I aspired to be a photojournalist, driven by a passion for traveling and a deep curiosity about other people’s stories. I envisioned a career where I could capture and share the diverse experiences of individuals around the world, using images to convey the richness of human life. However, after speaking with someone already in the field, I realized that the realities of photojournalism—its instability, the challenges of constant travel, and the often detached perspective—were not what I had imagined.

As I reflected on what truly drew me to photojournalism, I realized it was the connection with people and the understanding of their stories that mattered most to me. Psychology, then, felt like a natural choice—an avenue where I could still connect deeply with others but in a more direct, personal, and supportive way. From that point on, I never questioned my direction. I knew I wanted to become a therapist, applying my natural curiosity, empathy, and desire to help others in meaningful and transformative ways.

Eager to gain experience and immerse myself in this new path, I began volunteering in various settings, including crisis hotlines, non-profit organizations, and community mental health initiatives. These experiences were invaluable; they provided me with a profound understanding of the complexities of human behavior and the diverse challenges people face. They also solidified my commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

As I continued my education and professional development, I sought out opportunities across a variety of placements—working with different populations, from adolescents to adults, in settings ranging from a group home to family-based programs. Each role taught me something new and deepened my skills as a clinician. Ultimately, I found my true calling in outpatient therapy, where I discovered a profound passion for working closely with clients over time, helping them navigate their struggles, and witnessing their resilience and growth.

Becoming the Clinical Director of the Center for Hope and Healing is the culmination of this journey. It is a role that not only allows me to continue my work with clients but also gives me the opportunity to mentor and guide other therapists as they develop their own practices. I am deeply committed to fostering an environment where healing, growth, and empowerment are at the forefront—both for our clients and for the dedicated professionals who work here. This position embodies everything I set out to do: to understand, to support, and to foster healing in a way that is both impactful and deeply fulfilling.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

**Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?**

The journey to becoming the Clinical Director of the Center for Hope and Healing has been far from smooth. Initially, breaking into the field of psychology was challenging, and it took years of perseverance to build the confidence and skills I have today. Volunteering at crisis hotlines, non-profits, and other community mental health settings provided invaluable experience, but securing a stable position was difficult. Each step required determination and resilience, and there were times when progress felt slow.

Personal growth was essential, too. I had to confront my own limitations and continuously strive to improve. There were diverse complications along the way that threatened to derail my career. These ranged from professional obstacles to personal challenges that required me to adapt and push forward despite setbacks.

However, these struggles have also been instrumental in shaping who I am as a clinician and a leader. They taught me the importance of persistence, empathy, and the need for ongoing learning. Every challenge faced and overcome has contributed to my ability to support others effectively, both as a therapist and as a mentor to other professionals in the field. While the road has not been easy, it has been deeply rewarding, reinforcing my commitment to helping others and fostering an environment of healing and growth.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

**We’d love to learn more about your work. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc.? What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?**

As the Clinical Director of the Center for Hope and Healing, I oversee the therapeutic services we provide, mentor our team of therapists, and ensure that our clients receive the highest quality of care. My work is rooted in outpatient therapy, where I specialize in helping individuals navigate complex emotional and psychological challenges. I’m known for my deep empathy, natural curiosity, and ability to connect with clients on a meaningful level, which allows me to support them through their personal journeys of healing and growth.

What sets me apart is the unique path that brought me here, starting with my initial aspiration to be a photojournalist, driven by a passion for understanding people’s stories. This background has given me a profound respect for the resilience of the human spirit and a strong commitment to helping others share and shape their narratives. Additionally, my own struggles—whether it was breaking into the field, building my confidence, or overcoming personal and professional obstacles—have equipped me with a deep understanding of what it means to persevere.

I’m most proud of the supportive, healing environment I’ve helped to cultivate at the Center for Hope and Healing. It’s a place where clients and therapists alike can grow, learn, and thrive. My journey has taught me that there is always more to learn, and this humility and continuous drive for self-improvement are central to my approach. What sets me apart is my ability to draw from my diverse experiences and challenges to empathize deeply with others, providing not just therapy, but a space where people can truly feel understood and supported on their path to healing.

What does success mean to you?

**How do you define success?**

I define success as the ability to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others while continuing to grow and evolve both personally and professionally. It’s not just about achieving milestones or titles—though those are important—but about the difference I can make in the lives of my clients, the therapists I mentor, and the broader community. Success, for me, is measured by the resilience I witness in others, the healing that takes place, and the connections I help foster.

It’s also about perseverance—overcoming the challenges that have threatened to derail my career and using those experiences to become a stronger, more empathetic clinician. Success is recognizing that there is always more to learn and embracing the continuous journey of personal and professional development. Ultimately, it’s about staying true to my passion for understanding and supporting others, creating a space where they can thrive, and knowing that I’ve contributed to their healing and growth in a meaningful way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://centerforhopeandhealing.net/