Therapists in Somerville, NJ

Greetings! My name is Dr. Nicole Donato. However, please feel free to call me Nicole. Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I am a life-long lover of knowledge evident by my two Master degrees and PhD in Psychology. Additionally, I knew as a teenage girl that I wanted to become a therapist. Thus, since 2006 I have been licensed in the state of New Jersey as a Licensed Professional Counselor. My career has taken many twists and turns. I have worked in an inpatient psychiatric hospital as well as provided therapy services on an outpatient basis. Also, I have been employed as a social worker for a foster family agency. Currently I am a college professor. I absolutely love teaching! It is extremely gratifying to see students have a lightbulb moment of understanding occur. When I started college, I never dreamed of a day that technology would offer a conduit upon which effective therapy services could be provided. Thus, I look forward to working collaboratively with clients through the online platform to heal from their emotional disturbances. How therapy works is often times shrouded in mystery. Thus, I would like to demystify the therapy process. From the person-centered therapy perspective, I aim to create a therapeutic alliance with my clients. This means that clients can expect for me to be genuine and empathetic. “Walk a mile in my shoes” is an apt saying that expresses how I work to understand my client’s life experiences. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is another theoretical orientation that I use to assist clients. The premise of CBT entails identifying activating events. These activating events may cause negative feelings when there are negative self-talk messages that a person tells themselves about the events. Thus, I work with clients to help them identify their negative self-talk messages that may be contributing to their emotional disturbances. Additionally, I draw therapeutic techniques from motivational interviewing and the psychodynamic approach. I look forward to working with you! Nicole

Thank you for taking the time to read my profile and congratulations on taking this step in self-care! Starting therapy can seem scary and intimidating, hopefully, soon, you'll understand how beneficial it can be. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing for approximately 23 years. After receiving my BA in Psychology from Ithaca College, I worked in a psychiatric hospital with all age groups, doing psychological testing, co-leading group therapy, and assisting in the intake process for new patients. I then earned my Masters in Social Work at Adelphi University and worked in the New York City Early Intervention Program. As much as I loved working with this population, I knew I needed to pursue my long-time interest of doing clinical psychotherapy. This led me to my work in community mental health organizations in New York, then New Jersey. In these environments, I was able to work with clients of all ages, presenting with a wide variety of concerns. I ultimately landed at my current position as a Clinical Director of a small, therapeutic school for grades 6-12 in Central New Jersey. Thanks to the clinical experiences I've had, I'm comfortable and familiar with many presenting problems including: Anxiety, Social/School Anxiety and Avoidance, OCD, Depression, Bipolar Disorders, Eating Disorders, those questioning Gender Identity, Reactive Attachment Disorder, Personality Disorders, self-injurious behaviors as well as suicidal ideation, Anger Management, and PTSD. I'm a firm believer that one approach does NOT fit all! After getting to know my clients and understanding their goals, I will incorporate different treatment modalities to fit their needs. People are complex; their needs are constantly changing, I see my role as being a flexible, non-judgemental, empathetic listener who will help my clients feel empowered and confident in their strengths and abilities. Please note that I typically answer messages/emails in the afternoons through approximately 7pm. I am not available on the weekends. I look forward to starting your journey with you!

I recognize that individuals are unique and some of their experiences are complex. I am passionate about helping people and saving lives. I believe in treating people as individuals - recognizing that all people face unique challenges and have specific needs. I am a licensed professional counselor. In general, I utilize a "Whole Person" approach that aims to heal the body, mind and spirit during the recovery process. Foremost, your treatment is tailored and individualized to your needs and preferences. As for my background, I have over 20 years of combined experienced working in the behavioral health field. I have experience working with various populations that include: men, women, active military personal and veterans. I employ cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), client-centered therapy, emotionally-based therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy and trauma-focused clinical approaches.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Doctorate in Behavioral Health and over ten years of mental health experience. I am also a former active-duty military officer. My education includes a B.S. in psychology, a Master's in Health Service Administration, a Master's in Social Work, and a Master's in Legal Studies. I also have a doctorate in behavioral health (clinical) and five years of integrated care study. I use a holistic approach and solution-focused approach when providing therapy to my clients, which involves assessing if a client has co-morbid issues such as diabetes and depression or chronic pain and anxiety. I believe it is vital to assist clients with health management while addressing mental health issues. I am caring and compassionate and recognize that there is still a stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment. As a result, I appreciate anyone who takes time to care for their state of mind, as it is just as important as maintaining physical health. Additional treatment modalities I use include mindfulness practice, dialectal behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. In addition to providing services to the civilian population, I have experience working with the military community, active duty, reserve, National Guard, and veterans. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and personality disorders, i.e., borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorders, trauma, sexual abuse, self-esteem issues, and PTSD. I am a military Victim Advocate who completed Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), which provides me with additional skills to assist those who are survivors/victims of sexual assault and to intervene appropriately and prevent the risk of suicidal thoughts and suicidal behaviors. I also have experience working with clients dealing with substance abuse issues, adjustment problems, grief and loss, and work-related stressors.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of New Jersey with over 25 years of professional work experience in the field of mental health. I began my counseling career specializing in the field of substance abuse, working with adults, teens, and families in both in-patient and out-patient settings. From there I developed a thriving private practice, treating individuals, couples, families, and groups for: • Addictions • Anxiety • Depression • Grief • PTSD • And more I always bring respect, compassion, and integrity into my work, creating a safe and nurturing environment which allows healing and transformation to unfold. The purpose of my work is to empower individuals to reach their highest potential as human beings. Various treatment modalities are incorporated, providing an integrated approach designed to heal a person’s physical, emotional, and spiritual bodies. Full wellness cannot be achieved unless these three areas — body, mind, and spirit — are in balance. I recognize that unique internal and external circumstances are presented by everyone I work with, and by doing so, I treat whomever I am working with, rather than the “dis-ease”. I do not believe that one size fits all. I work with clients by promoting a lifestyle of balance. Addictions, anxiety, and depression are common symptoms of imbalance. These symptoms are addressed in much the same way that light is brought into a dark room. While darkness cannot be physically removed, in the presence of light, darkness vanishes. Likewise, in the presence of a harmonious lifestyle, imbalance simply disappears. Treatment modalities I utilize include, but are not limited to: Cognitive/Behavioral Therapy Abraham Lincoln said, “Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” It is true that our thinking creates our reality. We may not be able to control external events, but we can control how we perceive them. Cognitive/Behavioral therapy empowers individuals to control their thoughts and behaviors, rather than letting their thoughts and behaviors control them. Twelve Step Programs Twelve step programs are spiritual programs of recovery designed to empower individuals to overcome addictive behaviors. When indicated, twelve step principles are incorporated into the treatment I offer. Stress Management I teach stress management techniques such as body scanning, breath work, and mental imagery. These and other techniques empower those I work with to cope with stress and anxiety in healthful ways. Nutrition I emphasize the do’s and don’ts of a healing and healthful diet, always with the intent of promoting optimal well-being. Exercise Exercise helps to lower cholesterol and strengthen the cardiovascular system. In addition, exercise stimulates the release of hormones and neurotransmitters that make people feel good. Meditation Meditation is a way of connecting with that place inside that is happy, joyous, and free. Aromatherapy Aromatherapy harnesses the energy of essential oils, extremely powerful plant material, to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. 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 takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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. 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.

Hello my name is Hillery Ferdinand. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Board Certified TMH clinician who enjoys working with individuals and families to develop healthy skills to cope with a variety of issues and life stressors. My style is warm, accepting and interactive. Some of my specialties include anxiety/depression, PTSD, military veterans and families. I use an eclectic array of therapeutic skills including CBT and Trauma Focused CBT. My goal is to help you embrace and own your strengths as well as safely navigate through challenges. I believe in the power of a healthy therapeutic relationship. I look forward to being your therapist and walking with you on this journey.

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in that state of New Jersey with 9 years of professional work experience. My treatment approach is creatively individualized to fit the unique strengths, needs, talents, and interests of my clients. It is my goal for my clients to walk away from our sessions feeling empowered as the expert in their own mental health and life challenges. I am passionate about supporting others working through various issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem, ADHD, mood disorders, family conflict, trauma, and more.

I am licensed in New York with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, & 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.