Therapists in Hawthorne, NJ

"Adulting" is one of the hardest things we will ever have to do! What happens when you are looking for an "adultier" adult to help you through the challenges of life and you realize that you are all you have? You might find yourself here, and you are in the right place! My name is Nakia and I am a Masters level Licensed Professional Counselor. I am based out of New Jersey and have over ten years of experience, working in a variety of settings, with people suffering from symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Bi polar, or simply those looking to improve their life in some way. I have also facilitated groups on self care and several other areas of growth, mental health, and wellness. My therapeutic approach is Person centered, as I feel rapport is the most important part of a successful client-therapist relationship; Motivational Interviewing, because the therapeutic relationship should be more collaborative than authoritative; and Cognitive Behavioral, because if we can confront our irrational, or problematic, thinking patterns while building healthier ones, we can improve our behaviors, which will lead to a happier life. If you are struggling with symptoms of mental illness, feelings of low self esteem, feeling anxious, stuck in a rut, seeing common themes in your relationships, or generally dissatisfied in life, you have already made the first step to improve by being here! The second step is one "click" away!

Welcome to BetterHelp, if you are reaching out for help it shows your are interested in recovering your life and starting to work toward solutions to challenges. My name is Michelle Defino, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 12 years experience. I graduated from Binghamton University in 2008 and have worked primarily worked with substance abuse/co-occurring clients. I have worked with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, bi-polar and other more severe mental illness. I have worked with a Federal Re-entry Substance Abuse Program for the last 3 years. I use many forms of therapy to meet the needs of my clients including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and solution focused. I use these modalities to help to change thinking and behaviors that lead to many of the issues in daily life. Another modality I use is mindfulness to increase focus and concentration. I realize how difficult it can be to ask for assistance and how important it is for you and I am looking forward to working with you and helping you to gain the life you are hoping for. I will consider different ways to work with you, however prefer video, since we will be able to see and get to know each other easier. I am looking forward to meeting and working with you.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of New Jersey with decades of experience , I understand that taking the first step to reach out for help and outside support oftentimes can be hard. In fact, doing so is a sign of strength. Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed at home or work; do you have strained relationships with others , unresolved issues from your past, or not feeling good about yourself? Whatever challenges you are currently facing or obstacles getting in the way of your inner peace and happiness, it is important for you to find a safe place where you feel respected, valued and affirmed. I utilize a strength based, reality and client centered approach in working with individuals, couples and families. Here, you will be listened to with empathy and compassion. The bottom line is you are not alone. We will work together to navigate your journey toward a better, brighter and more fulfilling tomorrow. One of my clients said it best (used with her permission) "Each week it feels like you ask to hold something heavy that I've been carrying for years. You have me explain how I got it, why I've kept it and why I no longer need or want to carry it anymore. By doing that, you keep it for me and I don't have to pick that weight back up. You've made me feel so much lighter, thank you". Therapy will be a journey we will navigate together and it will be my honor to do so.

I am a Professional Licensed Counselor in the state of New Jersey since 1999. I am also a certified rehabilitation counselor and have worked with clients’ different aspects of disabilities including psychiatric, medical, or cognitive or special education category.I also do some career counseling. My approach is warm, and client centered. I also use Motivational Interviewing Techniques, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness or any other approach meeting an individual client’s needs. I like to use eclectic approach utilizing more than one approach at a different stage with a client or different approaches with different clients. My specialty is to work with clients who have stress, depression, ADHD, Autism, ambivalence in decision making, and seeking career direction. I would describe myself warm, compassionate, empathic, supportive, and effective.

I am a licensed therapist from New Jersey with over 10 years of experience working with adolescents, teenagers and young adults. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and parenting problems. My therapy style is empathetic, non-judgmental, and respectful. My approach combines CBT and solution-focused to meet the clients unique and specific needs. If you feel like you need to talk to someone for direction, support, or to simply get some perspective in a challenging situation, please feel free to reach out. It takes courage to ask for help, but well worth it when you do. I look forward to working with you!

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in New Jersey with over 20 years of experience working as a social worker. I have worked with people challenged by depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, grief, LGBTQ+ and life changing situations. My approach includes solution focused, client centered, and strengths based work. When working with clients, I work towards making this experience powered by you while I support and help find your goals. Life can be challenging and it is important for all of us to make sure we are emotionally prepared for these hardships as best we can. By signing up for therapy, you are taking the first step to take control of how your life moves forward.

I am an LCSW and I work with young-adult clients, aged 18-35 years old. This is a very unique period of life, when one is solidifying their identity and trying to forge a path into their future. Life goals often include establishing a meaningful relationship, career, friendships, passions, hobbies and overall wellness. I love to help young adult clients understand how their past can contribute to challenges, but also how they can move forward in their life and use their experiences to find purpose. I empower clients with skill-building, such as re-framing, gratitude and self-care so they can live a more vibrant and fulfilling life.

I am licensed in New Jersey with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. I provide individual psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in working with members of the Deaf community and the LGBTQ+ community, with an emphasis on intersectionality and cross-cultural issues. My theoretical approaches include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and Child-Centered Play therapy. I am also fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and in Mandarin Chinese. As a first-generation Asian-American born to immigrant parents, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and an advocate for the Deaf community, I believe that an individual’s cultures and communities are key factors in their self-actualization.

I am licensed in North Carolina, New Jersey and Delaware with over 18 years of experience in the mental health field. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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.

I am licensed in New Jersey with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!