Therapists in New Jersey

I have always seemed to be in a helping position. Before graduating high school I started work at a large veterinarian hospital/boarding kennel in Blue Bell, PA as an animal health technician and then the hospital administrator, where I stayed for over 15 years. I decided to return to school to pursue a degree in psychology and have been in the mental health field since 1998, working for such organizations as Special Equestrians as a side aid volunteer assisting people with physical and/or mental health disabilities and Lenape Valley Foundation as both a house advisor and a Partial Hospital Program group therapist for people with severe and persistent mental illness. I also worked for Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia for their Narcotic Addict Rehabilitation Program where I was a counselor for people addicted to heroin. I recently worked for Catholic Charities in NJ in the roles of therapist for the Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program working with kids diagnosed with substance abuse or dependence, as well as a clinical supervisor for the Comprehensive Family Treatment of Addictions Program (CFTA). This led to the position of Program Director for CFTA, the Therapeutic After-School Program (a therapeutic group for kids ages 8-12) and an In-home therapy/case management program, while also carrying a small direct-service caseload at my private practice. Finally, after taking the position of Service Area Director, with responsibility for 13 substance abuse, mental health and social service programs, I realized that I was moving further and further away from my original ambition of providing one to one service to clients. This realization led to my decision to get back into direct service. The ability to provide a safe environment for people to share their feelings, thoughts, and experiences is essential to effective counseling. Studies have shown no one therapeutic modality utilized by therapists is superior to another; rather, clinicians themselves ultimately determine whether treatment will prove effective. It’s not about the model being used; it’s the relationship between the counselor and client. This principle guides my work, in that I strive to provide a client-centered, strength-based counseling setting to individuals, couples and adolescents for issues related to addiction, anxiety, career or relationships. I look to my clients to be the experts of themselves, which encourages them to guide the therapy where it needs to go. What I offer is a space to gain insight in order for that insight to become the catalyst for change. I believe that once a person sees their truth, they have no choice but to accept that truth…though we often do our best not to. Each of us develops psychological schemas that teach us how to interact with people and the world. When we grow accustomed to a certain pattern of behavior, however, we look to repeat it, even after it’s outlived its usefulness. Addiction, for instance, is a maladaptive coping skill that worked at one time but does no longer. With a background in English literature, I bring a decidedly post-modern perspective to my therapeutic approach. One of the concepts I utilize is Narrative Therapy, which encourages and compassionately challenges clients to be mindful of the story they’re telling to better utilize their strengths. This theory acknowledges the power of language, in that not only does the language we use reflect how we feel, it also affects how we feel. Therefore, the words we choose to use can help to manifest the changes we hope to bring about. The idea is to encourage the use of more positive words as opposed to negative words while telling our life story. I have found this approach to be remarkably effective in helping clients confront the challenges of their lives in order to bring about lasting and meaningful change. Other approaches and techniques I draw from include Humanistic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Enhancement Therapy (with a strong working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing), Trauma Informed Therapy, and Systems Theory. I find it satisfying to be part of helping people discover who they can be and realize that perhaps they’re more than who they thought they were. Ultimately, if each of us can achieve balance and make our own little corner of the world a little bit more satisfying and a little safer, we help to create a better reality for all of us. Degrees and Credentials Bachelors Degree in Psychology/English Literature from Arcadia University in Glenside PA Masters Degree in Clinical/Counseling Psychology from La Salle University in Philadelphia PA PA Board Licensed Professional Counselor PA Board Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor PA Board Certified Clinical Supervisor PA Board Certificate of Competency in Problem Gambling NJ Board Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor NJ Board Licensed Professional Counselor NJ Board Certified Clinical Supervisor Member of the Psi Chi, Phi Theta Kappa, and Sigma Tau Delta National Honor Societies. Modalities and techniques I draw from include Humanistic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy (with a strong working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing), Trauma Informed Therapy, Mindfulness, and Systems Theory. I have experience in dealing with: Relationship issues Anxiety/stress Chemical addiction Gambling addiction Compulsive behaviors (such as sexual “addiction”) Anger Management Codependency Self Esteem PTSD

I am Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey and have been providing mental health services for over 6 years. I received my Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling from William Paterson University and have experience working with individuals, families, and couples. I use a strengths-based approach to help boost self confidence and motivation to achieve your goals. I also primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused Therapy techniques to address a wide variety of issues. I have very in-depth experience working with depression, self harm, anxiety, family/relationship conflict, and parenting issues. I believe that one of the most important factors when working with clients is empowering them and helping them realize they have ability to change their lives and put themselves back in control. Creating a strong, therapeutic relationship is paramount to me. Being able to trust and have confidence in your counselor paves the way for success and I work very hard to create a safe environment for my clients. Seeking help takes courage and can be one of the hardest steps when making a change. I am so happy you are here and look forward to working with you!

Hello, I am Sandee Nebel, MS, LMHC, LPC, LPC-MHSP, LCMHC, CEDS-S. RYT. (licensed in 4 states) Are you struggling with feeling stuck or with adjustment and resistant to change? There are so many changes universally right now and they can be overwhelming. Even adapting back to what we are referring to as "normalcy" is different and new, right? Or...do you have some issues with feeling confident in one or more areas of your life? I get it. Sometimes clients come to me for support and guidance with their relationships, yet their work situation is mostly satisfying. And still others would like to feel more comfortable in their family role, professional role, or even in their roles in general. I can help you with these struggles. They are challenging to work through on your own and getting some help from a professional can bring such relief. Especially if you have been feeling stuck for awhile now, I can help you move past any traumas that may be holding you back. Sometimes you may not even realize that something from your past is re-playing in the present. I use eye movements in a form of reprocessing called Accelerated Resolution Therapy. It is similar to EMDR, except it is known to be faster (as in you're not re-experiencing trauma for long) and we clear past traumas in a solution focused format. I am certified as a Master ART Therapist. If you are someone who has been in therapy before, or are reaching out for help for the first time and you are ready to try to make lasting change, I am the type of therapist who will encourage you along your path. It will sometimes be a few steps forward and one or two back in the process of personal growth. As an experienced and compassionate therapist for 18 years, I aim to help my clients walk through life situations, over the bumps in the road, as you continue to keep moving forward, getting better and feeling better. In therapy, I use the treatment modalities that best resolve my clients’ issues. If you are experiencing a lot of stress and feeling anxious, I may use mindfulness skills from my training as a yoga teacher to alleviate the discomfort you are feeling. I provide therapy tools (Yoga, Accelerated Resolution Therapy) for you to apply on your own, too. If you are struggling with making changes, whether it is to cut back on alcohol, eat or sleep better, have better relationships, or move into a new career, I use motivational interviewing. I use all evidence-based therapies, matching the solution-focused theory to the problem, meeting you where you are at. I really look forward to my work each day, am basically tireless whether I am providing therapy, training to new therapists, or leading a workshop or seminar. I make time for my relaxation, learning, and taking good care of myself, so I can enjoy my own relationships and my career to the fullest.

I have been a grief counselor for 15 years. We know that grief does not come isolated, there are many issues that may be entwined with grief. Therefore, my experience is with all aspects of end-of-life issues (dying, death and bereavement), spiritual crisis, spirit versus religion, discussions of spirit (signs, symbols, visitations, dreams), relationship issues, self-esteem and confidence, trauma, forgiveness, reinvestment in life, life coaching, career coaching, pet loss and other disenfranchised griefs (unacknowledged relationship, suicide, overdose, homicide, etc.). I am an eclectic counselor and like to use many different techniques as appropriate to the client and their goals. My most used techniques are cognitive behavioral, mindfulness, affirmation and positive techniques. My passion is to help spread kindness, positivity and healing throughout the world. My belief is that each one of us can be a beacon of hope and healing for others and the world. I look forward to working with you in the future. Sincerely, Diana Sebzda

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!

Over the last 22 years, I have helped clients who are facing emotional difficulties such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and ADHD. I have also helped clients work through the stages of grief, family issues, parenting stress, school stress, social pressures and adjustment issues. We all just want to feel our best in life. I am here to help you on that journey.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey, a Nationally Certified Counselor, and a Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional. I aim to build a strong, therapeutic relationship with you to help us work together towards your goals. As I walk along with you throughout your growth journey, I will utilize your strengths to help you achieve your goals and utilize the most effective therapeutic treatment(s) that is tailored to your individual life. As a therapist, I have worked with individuals ages 2-21 through mobile response crisis situations, intensive in-home therapy, residential group home settings and partial care level group therapy. While working with children, adolescents and adults, I integrate family sessions as clinically indicated to promote sustainability within the household. I have also worked with all ages 65+, as an outpatient clinician in a community setting. Regardless of my clients’ ages, I aim to prioritize self-determination, promote well-being, and provide a safe, comfortable, and nonjudgmental environment for my clients to achieve their goals at their own pace.

I am licensed in New Jersey with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & 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.

I am licensed in New York and New Jersey with over three years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & depression. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with 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!