Therapists in Bay Head, NJ

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of New Jersey, and have worked in the mental health field since 1996. I obtained my Master of Arts in Counseling, from Montclair State University in May 2003. During my career, I have worked in both individual and group settings, including adults with severe and persistent mental illness and co-occurring disorders in hospital and residential settings. These populations including depression, bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, anxiety, PTSD and OCD. Additionally, I have experience working with LGBTQ individuals and adolescents. As a therapist, I believe in a holistic person-centered approach that employs motivational interviewing techniques. For me, it is important to meet each person where they are at, allowing a safe, supportive, and respectful environment. My role is to engage with you, understand more about you and what has brought you to therapy. It is additionally important for me to work with you to identify changes and a plan of action we can formulate. An empathic, non-judgement approach is important in helping you on your journey in creating a happier and healthier life. I look forward to working with you!

I believe the human connection is one of life's most powerful gifts. Meaningful relationships can propel people to do great things and be the best version of themselves, which is why I approach every counseling relationship with the utmost respect and a humble heart knowing how brave people are to allow me into their innermost thoughts and feelings. My twelve years of diverse experience in the counseling field has taught me that establishing trust, non-judgment, and open dialogue is essential to best outcomes when working in the counseling relationship. My graduate work was completed at The College of New Jersey, a CACREP accredited counseling program, with a focus in school counseling and substance use prevention, education, intervention, and referrals. My twelve years of field and professional experience include working with children and families in the school counseling setting in areas of concern such as academic, social, emotional counseling, and crisis intervention. Common counseling topics that surface for youth and families are emotional health concerns (i.e., anxiety, depression, anger management, etc.), loss and grief, self-esteem and self-image, relationship and dating issues, family conflict, substance use and abuse, college and career planning, time management and organization, post traumatic stress, and perfectionism, to name a few. My educational background, national and state certifications (National Board Certified Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, Student Assistance Coordinator, and Masters in School Counseling), and professional experience have allowed me the opportunity to also work with clients of diverse backgrounds in a private practice setting and through contracted work within my state's Children's System of Care. I intentionally work within a client-centered philosophy that encourages a variety of theoretical and practical therapeutic approaches to counseling as I genuinely believe there is "no one way" to approach every client, situation, or session. Theoretical practices that frequently guide my work with clients include Positive Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Humanistic and Systems Theory. I have also found that displaying genuine concern and regard for the well being of those whom I work with is the most effective way to ensure positive outcomes. I would love to work with clients whose commitment toward emotional growth and health compliment my dedication and enthusiasm to support and encourage them during their personal journey.

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!

** Only seeing out of USA clients at this time ** Hello, my name is Mee-Hyea Kim. I have 7 years of experience as a licensed professional counselor in New Jersey. I have a Master's Degree in Psychoanalytic Counseling from Centenary College affiliated with the Academy of Clinical and Applied Psychoanalysis. I am trained in Modern Psychoanalysis as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and have 15 years of experience working for mental health agencies in both Bergen and Morris Counties. I have worked with children, adults and couples from all religions, cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds, who struggle with depression, Bipolar Disorder, anxiety, trauma, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse. I have experience working in a variety of clinical settings including, in-home therapy, residential treatment centers, group homes, partial care programs, psychiatric hospitals, and have extensive experience in crisis intervention as part of the Bergen County Psychiatric Screening Program. My therapeutic approach is to partner with you in a supportive, non-judgmental, down to earth and thought-provoking way which allows you to develop and foster a positive change in your life as well as learn mindfulness, healthy coping skills and gain insight into your emotional well-being. I am here to listen to your story, to help you navigate through past traumas and experiences, which will allow you to break free from unhealthy patterns that cause anxiety, depression, panic, and stress. I am available via phone and telehealth sessions for your convenience. I look forward to working with you on this journey.

Hello all!!! I am a person-centered counselor who is licensed in NC, VA, and NJ. I have 10 years of counseling experience and I am also a Board Certified Counselor and an Approved Clinical Supervisor. I am a Counselor Educator and have been teaching graduate and doctoral students for seven years. My clinical orientation is integrative and includes cognitive, behavioral, humanistic, and rational/emotive approaches. My clinical experience includes working with adults dealing with addictions, HIV/AIDS, racial identity development, racial trauma, gender identity development, gender expression, issues around affectional orientation, depression/anxiety, stress management, self-esteem, and members of the LGBTQ+ and Same Gender Loving communities. I also work with career/occupational concerns. I believe in creating a brave space for my clients where they have the courage to bring their authentic selves without being silenced, marginalized, or judged. Authenticity and open communication are key to building a strong therapeutic relationship and both are a two-way street. We can challenge other, grow with each other, and work together as we travel your pathway to wellness.

Welcome! My name is Sherrie Kaelin. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida and a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey, Georgia, Arizona and Texas as well as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Nevada with over 24 years of experience. I enjoy working with other therapists and health care professionals to offer support given my my 25 plus years of experience and helping with compassion fatigue and stress. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including narcissistic abuse, emotional eating, ADHD, depression, anxiety, parenting problems, career challenges and coping with life changes. I also help people cope with hurricane stress and disaster fatigue. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, client centered and solution focused counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

I am licensed in New Jersey with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, sleeping disorders, anger management, & 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. 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 licensed in New Jersey with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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, New Jersey, and Arizona,Oregon with 20+ years of professional work experience in national and international settings. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, trauma, relationship challenges & 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 a licensed professional counselor in New Jersey with 10 years of professional work experience. Also, I am a Certified Telemental Health Provider, Certified Dialectical Behavioral Therapy-Provider, and Certified Clinical Trauma Provider. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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 takes courage and getting started could be overwhelming. Healing begins when you seek help, it progresses when you start receiving help. Connect with me for therapeutic support and be well again.