About Me

I'm Jennifer Coonce, a licensed psychoanalyst, educator, and supervisor based in Brooklyn and Manhattan. In addition to my clinical practice, I teach at the Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies and the Manhattan Institute for Psychoanalysis, and serve as Chair of the Board of Trustees at CMPS. For over two decades, I've had the privilege of working with individuals, couples, and families who are ready to understand themselves more deeply — and to live more fully as a result.

My work is rooted in the belief that real, lasting change comes not from managing symptoms, but from understanding what drives them. Psychoanalysis gives us the tools to do that — to look beneath the surface of our experiences and uncover the patterns, feelings, and conflicts that shape how we think, feel, and relate to others.

Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or simply a persistent sense that something isn't quite right, I offer a warm, supportive, and confidential space to explore what's getting in the way — and to find a path forward.

My Approach

A depth-oriented, psychoanalytic approach

I practice psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapy — approaches that go deeper than symptom management or behavioral techniques. Rather than focusing only on what you're thinking or doing, we look at the unconscious dynamics, early experiences, and relational patterns that underlie your current difficulties.

This doesn't mean long, silent sessions on a couch. It means a genuine, collaborative conversation — one in which you feel heard, understood, and supported as you explore what's really going on.

Racial equity and diversity are central to my work and my values. I am committed to serving patients of all backgrounds, and I bring that same commitment to my role as an educator and institutional leader. I work with a wide range of clients, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people of color, and those navigating questions of identity, relationships, and self-expression. I take a sex-positive, culturally informed, non-judgmental approach in all my work.

I offer sessions in person at my offices in Brooklyn Heights and West Village, Manhattan, as well as virtually.

Areas of Focus

I work with a broad range of concerns, including:

•       Anxiety, worry, and panic

•       Depression and persistent low mood

•       Relationship and couples difficulties

•       Women's issues, including identity, body image, and life transitions

•       Personality disorders and self-esteem

•       Grief and loss

•       LGBTQ+ identity and related concerns

•       Family conflict and parenting

•       Substance use and addictive behaviors

•       Trauma and sexual abuse

•       Life transitions — career, relationships, aging

 

I work with preteens, teens, adults, and elders, and see individuals, couples, and families.

Training and Qualifications

  • Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies

    •       Chair, Board of Trustees — elected Chair in October 2022; Board member since 2015

    •       Faculty Member — teaching courses on psychoanalytic theory and practice (since January 2023)

    •       Chair, Racial Equity Steering Committee & Member, President's Council — leading ongoing faculty and student education on diversity and racial equity, and efforts to attract a more diverse student body and faculty (since September 2022)

    Additional Teaching:

    •       Faculty, Manhattan Institute for Psychoanalysis — teaching psychoanalytic theory and practice

  • •       PsyaD Candidate, Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis (2024–present)

    •       Certificate in Psychoanalysis, Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies (CMPS), 2017

    •       Modern Psychoanalysis, New York Graduate School of Psychoanalysis (NYGSP), 2005–2010

    •       BA, Philosophy / History of Math & Science, St. John's College, Annapolis, MD, 1997

  • •       Licensed Psychoanalyst (LP), New York State — License #001015

  • •       National Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis (NAAP), since 2019

    •       American Psychological Association, Division 39 (Psychoanalysis), since 2023

  • •       Gradiva Award Nomination, National Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis, 2021

    •       Rose McAloon Prize, New York Graduate School of Psychoanalysis, 2010

LET’S GET STARTED

Feel free to reach out to set up an initial consultation — there's no obligation, and we can simply talk about whether working together feels like a good fit.

REACH OUT FOR AN APPOINTMENT