An Inspired Chat with Jennifer Teplin , LCSW of Flatiron

Jennifer Teplin , LCSW shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Jennifer, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
As a mom of two (soon to be three!) and the owner of a 30+-person therapy practice, I’ve learned that I need to get ahead of my day before I start chasing it. I wake up about an hour before my kids — that quiet time sets the tone for everything that follows. I’ll usually listen to a book or podcast because I like to feel like I’m enriching myself before the day gets noisy. I get dressed (actually dressed, not just “Zoom-ready”), answer a few work emails that need immediate attention, and make myself breakfast.

By the time all of that’s done, my two little ones are up and the real chaos begins — breakfast, getting everyone ready, a little play, and then out the door for school. It’s amazing how much life fits into those first 90 minutes. By 9 a.m., I’ve already lived what feels like a full day — and only then does my work day officially begin.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Jennifer Teplin, LCSW — Founder and Clinical Director of Manhattan Wellness, a boutique therapy practice supporting clients in Florida, New York and New Jersey.

We specialize in helping high-achieving women, couples, and new parents navigate life transitions with confidence and clarity. Our team of 30+ relatable, compassionate therapists supports over 500 clients weekly — offering a modern, concierge-style approach to therapy that feels as seamless as it is supportive.

At Manhattan Wellness, we believe therapy should help you create a life that not only looks good on paper — but feels genuinely good to live.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful came from moments when I found myself helping others without even thinking twice about it. As a kid, it felt natural to step in when someone needed support – offering a hand, a listening ear, or a small gesture of kindness. I didn’t see it as anything special until adults started pointing it out, telling me how thoughtful or empathetic I was. That was the first time I realized that compassion and awareness of others could be their own kind of power – one that doesn’t come from control or dominance, but from connection and care. It’s a lesson that’s continued to guide my work and my life ever since.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has held me back the most is the fear of not being “successful enough.” The tricky part is that my definition of success is always shifting – I keep raising the bar before I even pause to celebrate how far I’ve come. If I heard a client share that, I’d gently challenge them to define what success actually looks like, and to consider what it would mean if they didn’t reach it. But of course, it’s always harder to turn that same reflection inward. At times, this fear has made me hesitant to take big risks – the “what if it doesn’t work out” loop can be loud – yet I’ve also learned that the very drive behind that fear is what keeps me innovating and evolving in both my business and my life.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
While it’s not a novel idea, for me, family is everything. It’s not something I say out loud often, but it quietly guides nearly every decision I make. I work hard and efficiently so that I can be present — really present — for my children and my spouse during the moments that matter most. Family is my greatest motivator and the reason I push myself to build a life that feels both meaningful and connected. It’s hard to remember a version of myself that wasn’t a wife or a mother, and I wouldn’t want to.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
I’ve learned that feeling out of my depth often means I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. Many people find comfort in being the expert, but I’ve come to see growth as the moments that feel humbling or uncertain. I don’t love the feeling of not knowing what I’m doing, but I’ve trained myself not to panic or pull back. Instead, I pause, rely on the lessons I’ve learned from past challenges, and lean on the people and resources around me to move forward. Discomfort, I’ve realized, is usually a sign of expansion.

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