Therapists in New Jersey

Greetings, Its my guess that I have as much experience as any counselor alive today. Counseling is one of the most common & natural things that people do with each other. Counseling goes on almost all the time. Wherever humans are, there is counseling going on. In fact, more people need to counsel more people for a saner world. Everyday counseling is useful, but for more intricate & difficult problems, people need counseling from someone who is experienced and capable of navigating clarity out of confusion. My success in helping other is born of focus in three areas. I've taught Psychology since age 24 (until presently), I have engaged in clinical counseling since I was 30 and I have a legal background (Law School & Law Clerk) since age 33. I have been the director of several Behavioral Health & Substance Abuse clinics. I've specialized in treating sex offenders and anger management programs. I've been a devoted to Rational-Emotive Therapy (and its variations), however I long ago characterized my clinical philosophy as an Existentialist. I practice brief therapy techniques that does not waist time or money. Thank you for your consideration. Prof. Michael A. Davis, BCPC,LPC

Hi there. My name is Darci Shinn, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of New Jersey. Below is some background information about my education, professional experiences, and therapeutic approaches. It is my hope that you see how I've incorporated my understanding of science and therapy in to one clinical practice. In 2006, I completed my undergraduate degree in Biology at William Patterson University. There I built my foundation for understanding how both internal and external events/stimuli impact a person's functioning. Following graduation, I worked for 2 years in Assisted Reproductive Technology. I was able to use my love of science to help folks create the families they desired. I moved on from there to work in pharmaceuticals as a compound technician. In this setting I gained deeper insight into how chemicals interact with bodies and minds. Although I had great satisfaction using my scientific strategies and knowledge, the lab setting left me feeling disconnected from my emotions and rigid in my thinking. I had known since about age 18 that I wanted to be a sex therapist. I did not have the courage to pursue until 2010 when I found the dual master's degrees in Social Work and Human Sexuality at Widener University. Through both programs I gained a wealth of clinical skills, learned theory, engaged in self-reflection, became a flexible thinker, and grew my understanding of how structure impacts function. Since graduation, I have worked in both school and agency settings. The majority of my experience has been with adults presenting with a wide variety of issues they have wanted to address. To that extent, I am a person-centered and solution-focused therapist. I am there to support individuals as they work to build their own insights and embrace solutions that fit their needs. Moment by moment, thought by thought, they do the work, and we examine together the missteps and the progress. Recognizing that small changes over time are what is necessary and knowing that it is okay to make mistakes are fundamental aspects of the work. I often like to harken back to my days in biology. I think about how structure relates to function, which translates to everyday thoughts, behaviors, decisions and habits. By structure, I mean your brain and body, and your daily routine. When we take care of the structure- give it the time, attention, and resources it needs, we influence the function. The function includes, but is not limited to, the ability to think, make decisions, process information and experiences, influence interpretations and have awareness. This way of thinking falls in line with Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). That is to say, what we think, dictates our behavior. Our behavior in-turn impacts the structures of the brain and body. By purposefully altering thoughts and reactions, by exposure to new meaningful stimuli, by manipulating our environment and building awareness to everyday habits, the physical neurobiology of the brain can change. We can build the option to choose which thoughts are embraced and which are simply acknowledged, and effectively change the way we experience life. One of my favorite ways to use CBT is to address self-talk and work to make it more helpful and less harmful. Self-talk and thoughts are pretty similar, and while the science is still out on where exactly thoughts come from, it does seem clear they can often be detrimental. The pre-historic parts of our brain seem to be responsible for focusing on the negative aspects of experiences. CBT strategies can work against this innate thought manufacturing and allow for the more modern and sophisticated parts of the brain to have control. As I said before, taking care of the structure is an important part of functioning. I am a huge fan of incorporating movement and exercise into my CBT approach. The science does not waver when it comes to the physical and mental health benefits that simply moving the body provides. The advantages of improved mood, sleep, blood flow, energy, digestion and prevention of myriad diseases, to name some, are all fantastic ways to care for those all-important structures. When it comes to human sexuality, I am a sex-positive professional who advocates for healthy communication in relationships in order to achieve mutual satisfaction. I strive to help others understand the nature and scope of sexual behaviors in a non-judgmental atmosphere. I have engaged in extensive self-reflection which has helped me to develop neutrality, flexibility and compassion for many presenting problems. Through my training, I have been exposed to the broad spectrum of human behavior and thoughts related to sex. I have a thorough understanding of consent, power and control, social norms and outliers, stigma, gender, orientation, and identity. In adhering to my understanding of sexuality, Existential Therapy is one approach I use to assist individuals in creating meaning and understanding around their physical and mental sexual experiences. The brain/mind and body are integrated structures and as such, are subject to many given experiences in which they coordinate a response. Exploration and acceptance of those responses is facilitated to create purpose, satisfaction, and balance in sexual well-being. Just as many folks are, I am a work in progress. To be clear, I am working towards becoming certified with the American Association of Sexual Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). My over-arching goal to be a bona fide sex-therapist is on its way!

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey and have worked in health-related fields for over 20 years. I consider therapy to be a partnership where therapist and client work collaboratively to set and achieve goals. My philosophy is that everyone has innate and unique strengths and the ability to work through challenges with the right support and guidance. Some of the populations I have enjoyed working with include adults, older adults and caregivers of older adults. I also have experience with individuals who have experienced different types of loss and bereavement.

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

As a mental health therapist, licensed in Arkansas, Mississippi, New Jersey, and Virginia, with over 26 years experience, I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, such as anxiety, depression, poor focus, self esteem, relationship issues, parenting problems, and career satisfaction. My therapy style is caring and encouraging. I provide support, as you gain insight into the challenges that can keep you or your family caught in the cycle of dissension, and help you develop healthier coping skills. In our therapy sessions, you are accepted where you are, and encouraged to grow. Everyone is taught they are valuable. I use multiple approaches to help my clients cope and overcome their difficulties. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches individuals how to manage intense emotions, cope more effectively with challenging situations, and improve relationships. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) helps a person identify negative thoughts, make positive changes, and improve mood, actions, and outcome. Person-Centered Therapy provides a caring, non-judgemental, and empathic setting, allowing clients to take more of a lead, as they discover their own solutions. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) prepares individuals to process and manage emotional distress, and other trauma related symptoms, resulting from traumatic experiences, and help improve relationships, occupational functioning, and interest in former activities.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania with over 20 years experience working as a psychotherapist and counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including stress, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, social conflicts, PTSD, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical & emotional abuse. My therapy style is diverse and engaging. I value treating everyone with dignity, kindness, and am sensitive to their needs. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution focused, eco systemic, humanistic, play, and trauma focused therapy. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It is not always easy to reach out for support and It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life. It takes commitment to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to help. I look forward to working with you!

I am licensed in New Jersey with over 25 years of professional experience. I have a background that includes helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & motivation, change and self esteem. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that I can help you build coping strengths that will help you deal with things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can be scary, and I’m proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Connecticut, North Carolina, Massachusetts, California, and Georgia with over 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in New Jersey with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in Michigan and New Jersey with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, & self esteem. I also have experience working with confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.