Jennifer Aymond Glasscock put her sociology degree from UL Lafayette to good use by opening her own private mental health group practice.
“I now own a private group practice, which offers a faith-based approach to counseling through individual, couples, family, and group therapy,” she said. “Creating content for and conducting retreats, parenting and marriage seminars, and group therapy are also fun aspects of what we do.
“Being an entrepreneur is challenging and exciting, as well.”
Jennifer's Path to Becoming a Therapist
Getting to this point took a few years and dedication. Jennifer started by studying at UL Lafayette with a major in sociology and two minors: psychology and English.
“I knew I wanted to be a therapist,” she said. “I chose sociology and psychology because I had a passion to learn more about human behavior and interactions. I was always intrigued and driven to understand why people do what they do and what influences that.”
While she was here, Jennifer learned a range of skills that are essential to her work today.
“I learned how to be open-minded and non-judgmental, and how to seek different perspectives in a given situation,” she said.
“I researched the training of couples who want to be foster parents,” she said. “As part of the research, I also participated in the classes myself. It gave me insight into the complexities of being a foster parent and the foster care system.”
As she worked through her classes and research, Jennifer felt supported as a student.
“I loved the community and encouragement,” she said. “As a young adult, my mind was open to learning and exploring. The professors catered to that with their passion for teaching and care for students. In the sociology, psychology and English departments, I experienced teachers who cared about individual students and offered their guidance for life and career paths.”
After graduating from UL Lafayette, Jennifer earned her Master of Social Work. She has worked as a clinician for children and adolescents, as a therapist for boys with a juvenile record, as a medical social worker, and an assessment and admissions coordinator at an inpatient psychiatric hospital.
But when Jennifer decided to step away and become a stay-at-home mom, she didn’t completely leave her professional life behind. She conducted parenting seminars throughout the state while she was raising her children.
Now that her kids are older, Jennifer is back on her career path as an entrepreneur working to grow her business. One of her kids is even starting on the same path as his mom.
“Our son is a current student at UL Lafayette,” she said. “I am impressed, as a parent, how the University helps incoming students adjust to college life and a new phase of life. The communication and assistance and are excellent.”
