Therapists in New Jersey

Hi, my name is Phyllis. I am licensed in New Jersey and have over 15 years of working with people in different capacities, including social work and as a therapist. I have a graduate degree in Human Services with a Specialization in Marital, Couple, and Family Therapy. I tend to view people and their concerns in relation to their relationships with others. I enjoy helping clients find their voice and learn skills they can use to get their needs met. My approach to therapy is individualistic, positive, and strengths-based. I use a tailored approach to therapy for each client’s individual needs. I know it can be scary to be vulnerable with a therapist and will do my best to ensure you feel safe while working toward your goals at a pace that feels comfortable to you. I use a mix of person-centered, solution-focused, and narrative therapy. I enjoy helping clients feeling empowered to make changes in their lives. I enjoy watching clients feel strong enough to set boundaries in their relationships and change behaviors that no longer serve them. I like sparking curiosity and hope abut the future. My ultimate goal is to create an atmosphere that allows for free expression so you can feel empowered to live your best life. Please be advised I cannot hold sessions in a moving vehicle. Please join session once you are parked if you are driving. Specialties: *Grief *Anger Management *Women’s concerns *Family Dynamics *Relationships *LGBT community

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!

Warmest greetings and thank you for visiting! You have made the first important step in seeking solutions to current challenges in your life. It is my hope that by sharing your journey, you will emerge stronger, healthier, and more confident in handling personal difficulties. It would be my honor to support you and to help you find the resources and support you need. Our mental and emotional health is as important as our physical health. This courageous step of seeking counseling will empower you to overcome personal trials, and to achieve your best sense of self. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of New Jersey, though I currently live in Florida, where I work as a school counselor. I am available a few evenings per week and on weekends to work with Better Health clients. During the summer and school holidays, I have daytime availability. With more than 20 years of extensive experience working with adults and children of all ages on a variety of issues, I have heard both heartbreaking and inspirational personal stories. The wide range of concerns of my clients include but are not limited to anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, grief, loss and extended bereavement, trauma, career development, parenting challenges, children of divorce, executive functioning skills, and self-esteem. I draw from a variety of theories and holistic approaches to inform my practice, and to help you achieve your wellness goals. Additionally, I have helped hundreds of clients with job search strategies and finding fulfilling employment. A unique aspect of my background is that I have spent extensive time in southern India, and am well-versed in Indian culture, especially as it relates to marriage and family relationships. My doctoral dissertation focused on arranged marriage practices among Indian-American families and how young adults are driving change in this tradition. Therefore, I am quite comfortable in working with clients of this cultural background. One of the most important factors in creating change is establishing and maintaining mutual trust in the therapeutic relationship. This partnership requires honesty, respect, empathy, compassion, communication, and commitment to do the work of increasing self-awareness, practicing self-care, and growing in understanding to achieve potential. I very much look forward to working with you to help you find your path toward your best life, filled with joy, meaning and satisfaction.

I have been a behavioral therapist for over thirty years. I am licensed as a Professional Counselor and Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Counseling is a collaborative partnership between the therapist and client to help move the client forward in their life. I believe in supporting the dignity of all people and that they should be treated with respect and compassion regardless of what issues they may have.

I am licensed in New Jersey with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, life changes, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I also help families managing children's developmental issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. You are most likely wondering what type of therapy approach I use. My therapeutic approach is eclectic which simply means that I may use a combination of therapy approaches, based on your individual needs. For example, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral approaches might be intertwined. I also find that a person-centered approach is very helpful. 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.

I am currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the states of Florida, New Jersey, District of Columbia and Utah. The clients I work with are full of diversity and have a variety of issues in their day to day lives. Together, we overcome relational turmoil, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. I love helping my clients heal through trauma, pain and/or negative thoughts - that’s why I named my practice Meraki Therapy. The word Meraki means to place creativity, soul and passion in what you do - I believe that is the beauty of what we do in therapy. The first couple sessions, you can expect us to dive into the root of what is getting in the way of your happiness. I take pride in being non-judgmental and easy to talk to this way you can feel comfortable in sharing your story. My therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which means you can expect to complete homework assignments focusing on your inner-self. At the moment, I am available for telehealth sessions including phone and live chats. I am very flexible in my responses and get back to you within 24 hours. It's important keep transparent communication with each other in order to build a strong therapeutic alliance.

Life is too short to let the everyday burdens we face create turmoil, and gain control over our emotions. Our feelings can control us or we can learn to control them. A situation, person, place, or thing only has the power to control our feelings...if we let it. It is our responsibility (and only ours) to control our feelings and behavior. Thus, we can find true contentment and serenity. Rational Emotive and Cognitive Behavioral therapies are my practice methodologies. I believe a blend of validation and empathetic, compassionate confrontation is the key to helping an individual reach their fullest potential. I believe we all have the ability to change and to cope with change. Believing in my patients and encouraging this behavior has helped me succeed by becoming the agent for this change. I am dually licensed and double board certified in New Jersey with 35years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, PTSD & anger management. Individual, Couples, Marital & Family Counseling have been my venues for the change experience I have described. Best wishes to you in your journey of growth & progress!

I am licensed in New Jersey with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping youth, teens, adults, Vets, and Senior Citizens . I have also worked with different mental health issues including but not limited to stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. My goal is to meet my clients where they are in an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here and pleased to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in New Jersey with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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 Florida and New Jersey with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship and family issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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. 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.