We were lucky to catch up with Jane Frumberg recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jane thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’re complete cheeseballs and so we love asking folks to share the most heartwarming moment from their career – do you have a touching moment you can share with us?

One of my favorite parts of being a therapist is noticing the micro-moments that may seem small, yet hold so much impact. The therapeutic relationship is the foundation of all growth — if a client doesn’t feel safe, supported, and understood, it becomes difficult for them to open up or create change.

In the early stages of therapy, I focus on connection — often through shared interests like TV shows or music. These moments of genuine connection help clients begin to feel seen and accepted.

One moment that stands out to me is with a client who tends to over-explain herself because she’s been told throughout her life that she’s wrong. During one session, I gently told her, “I get it — you don’t have to explain it to me.” I could physically see her walls come down after that one validating statement. It was a powerful reminder of how healing it can be to simply be understood.

Another example is a newer client I’ve been seeing for about a month. In our third session, she was sharing about the complexities of her relationship with her mother. As she spoke, I noticed how much guilt she carried about setting boundaries. I named that for her — and in that moment, I saw a visible shift in her body from heaviness to lightness.

My goal in every session is for my clients to feel truly seen, heard, and understood. These micro-moments of connection remind me why I do this work — they may seem small, but they’re often the start of deep healing.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Jane, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder of Light Within Therapy. I work with adolescents, adults, women, mothers (including those navigating the postpartum period), and members of the LGBTQ+ community. As a queer therapist myself, I understand how meaningful it is to have a space where you can show up fully as you are and feel deeply seen.
In this work, I help people reconnect with their own inner light—their power, resilience, and worth—through therapy that is collaborative, compassionate, and rooted in real human connection. Much of what I offer is shaped by what I’ve lived, and everything I offer is built in partnership with the people I work with.
I specialize in supporting individuals who are navigating the effects of trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. Whether you’re feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or trying to help your child through something difficult, my goal is to help you feel more grounded, empowered, and supported—wherever you are in your journey.
My approach integrates EMDR, DBT, IFS, and somatic-based practices to support healing on both emotional and nervous system levels. In sessions, I bring a steady, caring presence and create a space where all parts of you are welcome—no shame, no pressure, no judgment. I believe that therapy is most powerful when it’s a collaborative process rooted in trust and authenticity.
What sets my practice apart is my deep belief in the healing potential of small, authentic moments that remind us we are not alone. I see therapy as both a place of healing and of rediscovery—a place where you can reconnect with the parts of yourself that have felt silenced or unseen.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I’ve had to unlearn is the idea that therapists should be blank slates. In school, we’re often taught not to show emotion or share too much of ourselves, so that the focus always remains on the client. While I understand the intention behind that, I’ve found that real healing happens in spaces of authenticity and connection—not detachment.

Over time, I’ve learned that being human in the therapy room doesn’t take away from the client’s experience—it often deepens it. I have clients I’ve worked with for years, and part of what sustains that relationship is the genuine connection we’ve built together.

For example, I run a women’s trauma group, and recently we were discussing self-destructive behaviors. One of the women was feeling really stuck, and in that moment, I chose to share a personal experience that felt relevant. Afterwards, she told me how helpful it was to hear that—how it made her feel less alone.

It’s been a process to unlearn the idea that professionalism means distance. I’ve learned that authenticity—when offered with care and intention—can be one of the most powerful tools we have as therapists. Those moments where I can show up as both a human and a clinician remind me why I do this work.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

I believe that one of the most important things for succeeding in this field is staying open to learning—always. I’m at a point in my career where I’ve learned many lessons and now have the privilege of supervising other clinicians. I’m deeply grateful to be here, because it’s taken years of hard work and growth to reach this place.

Even so, I never want to stop learning. Our field is constantly evolving, and so are the people we serve. There’s no single approach that fits everyone; each client brings their own story, history, and way of being in the world. What works beautifully for one person might not for another—and that’s what keeps this work so meaningful.

I’ve learned some of my most valuable lessons from moments that didn’t go as planned. It’s not always easy to receive feedback or sit with the discomfort of being wrong, but those experiences have taught me the most about humility, growth, and the importance of staying client-centered.

As therapists, we’re not meant to be perfect—we’re meant to be present. When we can set aside our ego and remain curious, compassionate, and open to learning from our clients, we not only become better therapists, but we also create the conditions where true healing can happen.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lightwithintherapy.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/light_within_therapy/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-frumberg-022697159/