Jeanne Weiner’s Journey of Compassion, Resilience, and Social Work

Meet Jeanne Weiner, a seasoned social worker with over three decades of experience spanning a wide variety of settings. Jeanne’s journey into social work began with an intrinsic love for people and a desire to listen and engage. But her path was also influenced by something deeply personal—her own sense of difference, rooted in her height. “Being very short, I always felt different, but I learned to look at it as a strength. It helped me develop a greater understanding and compassion for others,” Jeanne shares, reflecting on how her own experiences shaped her approach to her work.

From Psychology to Social Work
Jeanne’s academic journey began with a degree in psychology from Potsdam College, but she quickly realized that her true passion lay in working directly with people. She decided to pursue her Master’s in Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania. “I considered nursing or becoming a doctor to help people, but I found that social work allowed me to use my listening skills to reach a wider population,” she explains.

Her time at the University of Pennsylvania was formative, with internships that took her into the heart of Philadelphia, working with mothers at risk of losing their children. Jeanne candidly recalls the challenges of that first experience, where she sometimes felt disconnected and unsure of how to relate to the women she was tasked with helping. “One woman didn’t want me to come anymore, and I started crying to my supervisor. It felt like I wasn’t reaching them,” she admits. Yet, through these early struggles, Jeanne began to understand the importance of perseverance, compassion, and learning to meet people where they are.

A Career Rooted in Understanding and Empathy
Jeanne’s career path has been anything but linear, reflecting her adaptability and openness to new experiences. From working with individuals with dual diagnoses of physical disabilities and mental health challenges in a mental health clinic on the Lower East Side, to part-time work in schools supporting children with special needs, Jeanne has embraced a diverse caseload with enthusiasm. “I’ve always enjoyed having a smorgasbord of different populations to work with. It’s exciting to have a mixed caseload,” she says with a smile.

Her eclectic approach extends to her therapeutic practices as well. Initially trained in psychodynamic therapy, Jeanne has evolved her practice over the years to incorporate cognitive-behavioral techniques. “I’ve found that using a mix of theories, particularly cognitive and behavioral, has become more effective for the clients I work with. It helps them stay present and understand that they have choices,” she explains.

At the heart of Jeanne’s work is a dedication to not only listening but also empowering individuals. Her ability to connect with people from all walks of life—whether mothers on the verge of losing their children, disabled individuals, or those facing mental health challenges—highlights her empathy and strength as a clinician. Jeanne’s career path shows a profound understanding of the importance of seeing others fully, without judgment, and working alongside them as they make their own choices.

A Personal Journey of Growth
Throughout her career, Jeanne has had to navigate her own personal challenges, particularly around her sense of self. “A lot comes back to how I saw myself in terms of my height,” she reflects. “I had to get out of my own way and recognize that while people may initially react to my appearance, once they get to know me, it doesn’t matter.” This insight has helped Jeanne embrace her strengths and let go of environments that do not accept her for who she is.

One pivotal experience that shaped Jeanne’s approach to her work was a brief stint at Catholic Community Services, where she and her colleagues were abruptly transitioned from long-term therapy to brief therapy—a change that ultimately led to their dismissal. “It was the first and only time I was fired, and it taught me an important lesson: not everything is personal. That experience helped me start distinguishing between what’s about me and what’s not, and I’ve carried that lesson into my practice,” she reflects.

Flexibility and a Gift for Perspective
One of Jeanne’s greatest strengths is her ability to see multiple points of view. “I think that’s the Libra in me,” she says with a laugh. “I don’t get stuck in one way of thinking. I can look at a fuller picture, and I’ve come to see that as a gift.” This flexibility has served her well in her diverse career, allowing her to adapt to the unique needs of each client and situation she encounters.

Reflection on Findings from SWEET Institute
At the SWEET Institute, Jeanne Weiner’s work and values align seamlessly with the principles of empowering people to build their own capacity. Her deep understanding that true connection happens when we approach others with empathy, and help them navigate their choices, mirrors the Institute’s belief in the power of strength-based, person-centered approaches. Through her experiences, Jeanne has demonstrated how listening and understanding not only helps her clients but transforms the therapeutic process itself—turning challenges into opportunities for growth, much like the SWEET philosophy on fostering resilience in those we serve.

Looking to the Future
As Jeanne looks ahead, one of her goals is to take on more supervisory roles. “I’d like to supervise other social workers, but balancing the time has been a challenge,” she notes. Currently the only full-time social worker at her agency, Jeanne carries a heavy caseload, but she’s looking to reduce it in the future to make room for new opportunities.

Her advice to aspiring mental health professionals? “Slow down before judging anyone. You never know what it’s like to be in someone else’s shoes. And remember, it’s not always about you. People come to their own way of living because that’s what works for them.”

Passions Beyond Work
Outside of social work, Jeanne has a passion for animals. “We have a dog, and I once ran a pet-sitting business, watching people’s dogs in my home. It was wonderful, but it took away our spontaneity, so I stopped. But animals remain a big part of my life,” she shares. Jeanne has even taken courses to become a veterinary assistant, further highlighting her love for working with animals.

Final Thoughts
Jeanne Weiner’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping others. Her journey in social work has been marked by personal growth, professional adaptability, and an unwavering belief in the power of empathy. From her early days working in mental health clinics in New York’s Alphabet City to serving clients at Rockland Jewish Family Service, Jeanne’s journey is one marked by resilience, flexibility, and a commitment to bettering the lives of people across all ages. Her eclectic approach to therapy, blending psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and other techniques, reveals her adaptability to meet the needs of diverse populations.

As she continues to evolve in her career, there’s no doubt that Jeanne will keep bringing her unique blend of understanding, flexibility, and passion to every client she encounters.

I am a social worker with 38 years of experience in mental health. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from SUNY Potsdam in 1984, followed by a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania in 1986. That same year, I embarked on my social work career.

My first role was at Barrier Free Living, where I worked with individuals who had both physical disabilities and psychiatric diagnoses. During this time, I obtained my LCSW-R after passing the CSW exam. Following my time at Barrier Free Living, I worked part-time while raising my son, including a position as a school social worker working with children receiving special services. I was introduced to play therapy and found a passion for engaging with children. Additionally, I worked part-time at Catholic Community Services in Bergen County, serving individuals of all ages.

For the past 26 years, I have found a home at Rockland Jewish Family Service, where the diversity of my caseload has kept me continually challenged and inspired. Alongside my career, I have raised two children, now 29 and 25, with my husband of 34 years.

At 62, I am excited about the possibilities ahead, though I am uncertain where my next steps will take me. My journey with the SWEET Institute over the past four years has been deeply enriching both personally and professionally, allowing me to approach life with greater awareness, confidence, and gratitude.