Therapists in Wood-Ridge, NJ

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience counseling adolescents, young adults, individuals, and families. Providing support in a variety of settings including public schools, charter schools, colleges/universities, residential treatment programs, juvenile detention centers, and outpatient mental health settings. Life comes with struggles and transitions that are often difficult to manage on our own. Whether it’s stopping harmful behaviors that are interfering in your life, or finding was to flourish as a student, professional, partner, or parent, together we can work to achieve your goal one intentional step at a time. I provide an interactive and collaborative approach using a variety of treatment modalities, including but not limited to Family Systems Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I work with individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, educational and other diverse backgrounds. I look forward to working with you!

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!

Finding a therapist is a profoundly personal way to begin the process of addressing whatever obstacle or issue you're facing. It's not that you have "issues or problems", but rather how you respond to them that's important. I am committed to working together to find an approach that's right for you with the ultimate goal of helping you find better ways of coping with the inevitable obstacles we all face-- in life, in relationships, in our careers, personal goals, crises, destructive patterns of behavior--and the list goes on., etc. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and received my degree from the State University of New York at Albany, in 2004. I have over 20 years of working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. My approach has been influenced by many contemporary theories and therapies. My background is in Gestalt Therapy, a holistic approach that builds on awareness of oneself and one's relationships with others. I often draw from other approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Response Treatment Therapy, mindfulness and psycho-education, depending on what we decide will be most beneficial for you. I will work collaboratively with you to help bring meaning and understanding to your life, resulting in a richer fuller life in the present. I embrace all people and have many years of experience working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds. Patients find me to be genuine, approachable, inclusive, warm and interactive. In my experience, humor and lightheartedness can be very helpful in developing that secure bond between patient and therapist. I believe an open-minded atmosphere creates the safe space you need in order to speak about truly personal matters.

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!

By visiting my profile you just made the first and most important step to a better day for yourself.  I am Gina Coffaro and have over twenty years of Counseling experience.  Individual and adult mental health focusing on developing the coping skills to make the fulfilling life you deserve for yourself.  I graduated from Drew University with a Doctoral Degree specializing in individual and family counseling. I have worked in school systems and private practice. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I work with individuals and couples on infertility and family building. Adults suffering from anxiety, divorce, relationship issues, work and life changes and grief. Let me be your life coach to provide caring and supportive counseling.   My passion is to help people achieve joy and success as they define it, in developing fulfilling relationships, expressing and uncovering hidden talents and creating comfort and meaning to their work. Whether dealing with issues of anxiety, college transition, social confidence, family building, my approach is fully centered around individualized strength based counseling.  By listening, supporting and guiding, I will be there to assist you in unlocking your potential and happiness. So frequently worry and anxiety can prevent us from achieving personal and professional success.  My areas of focus are diverse because the real focus is you. We all have a story to tell. A journey that needs someone to walk beside them.  Tell me your story and let me walk beside you providing you that supportive counseling care so you can be the best version of yourself.  

Hello! If you are exploring Better Help, it is likely that you are struggling with something important in your life. Finding the right person to help you through these challenges is vital. If you don't have a good connection with your therapist, you won't make the progress you are hoping to achieve. I want to provide you with some information about me, in order to help you decide if my experience and style is the right match for you. I believe every person has a unique story, and I focus on creating a plan together that makes sense. I use a patient focused model that is realistic for day to day life, and provides skills that can be taken outside of the sessions. I strive to create a safe environment where every individual feels accepted and is able to openly share their experiences and thoughts. I have been a Social Worker for more than 20 years and have experience working with people from all different backgrounds and ages who are struggling with a wide variety of challenges. Much of my experience has been working with people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, issues with sleep, interpersonal relationships as well as the challenges of parenting. The feedback I receive from clients is that they find me to be caring and nonjudgmental, and they appreciate that I am honest and direct with them. You can expect me to work with you through whatever difficulties you are facing and help you learn more about yourself, the way you interact with the world. I can interact with you in whatever manner you are most comfortable. I find it helpful to participate in video sessions so that we can get to know each other better and I am available to you via phone and text if that is more comfortable for you. I presently have limited availability and it is only in the evenings, but I check messages at least once during each weekday. My availability is currently limited, and I am only able to take members who are seeking sessions on weekday later evenings. If we correspond initially and our scheduling looks to be an issue or we are not a good match, I will request that you select an alternate therapist from the many choices here on BH I know how hard it can be to find a therapist who you feel a connection with, and I assure you that you are in good hands.

I am licensed in NJ, NY and TX, with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+-related issues, relationship issues, & 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!

Welcome!! My name is Shannon LaTray, and I am a licensed clinical counseling professional in Montana, Utah, Maine, the District of Columbia, Oregon, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. I have experience working therapeutically with youth, teens, adults, and families regarding mental health and addiction issues. My approach to therapy is holistic and patient-centered, focusing on treating the whole person rather than just specific symptoms. I believe in addressing the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of a person's life to promote overall well-being. I also prioritize the individual needs and preferences of each patient, tailoring the therapy experience to their unique circumstances and goals. This dynamic approach allows for a more personalized and effective therapeutic experience. Additionally, I am a certified Gracious Space Trainer. My Approach... In my work, I commonly use a combination of several theoretical approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic therapy. I find that integrating elements from these different approaches allows me to address a wide range of client needs and preferences. CBT helps to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. Psychodynamic therapy explores unconscious processes and past experiences, and humanistic therapy emphasizes empathy, authenticity, and the client's subjective experience. By drawing from these different theoretical approaches, I strive to provide comprehensive and effective therapy tailored to each individual. My Focus... I typically work with a diverse range of clients, including individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, and self-esteem concerns. I have a strong background in helping clients navigate divorce and relationship challenges, career changes, and significant life adjustments individually and as couples. Overall, I am committed to supporting and guiding clients facing various challenges. My Communication Style... I strive to create a warm, empathetic, and nonjudgmental environment for my clients. I want my clients to feel safe, supported, and heard during our sessions. I aim to foster an atmosphere of trust and openness where clients feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions. Working with me, clients often describe feeling understood, validated, and empowered to work through their challenges. I seek to provide a sense of calm and reassurance while also encouraging growth and self-discovery. In addition, I challenge clients to consider alternative perspectives and mindsets and to actively participate in finding solutions to their identified concerns. I believe in empowering clients to explore different ways of thinking and to take an active role in their own journey toward resolution and personal growth. By fostering a collaborative approach, I aim to help clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their situations while working towards positive outcomes. My journey to Mental Healthcare... My counseling journey has been incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. I have had the privilege of working with diverse clients, each with their own unique experiences and challenges. Reflecting on my 20-year journey in mental healthcare, including over 8.5 years as a licensed professional, I value the diverse experiences I have gained. From implementing a mental health intake program in a men’s state prison to promoting a patient-centered care model at the Montana State Hospital, I have learned the significance of effective systems and teamwork. At a residential treatment facility for substance abuse, I developed a program that encouraged shared experiences and empowerment among participants and a team centered approach to support staff. I have supported clients aged 2 to 82, focusing on building meaningful connections through individual sessions, couples counseling, and group therapy. I focus on building deep, meaningful connections that uplift and empower individuals as they navigate their paths toward healing and wellness. I am excited about the opportunities ahead to continue fostering growth and resilience in those I serve. My goals for you... When approaching goal setting with my clients, I believe in taking a collaborative and client-centered approach. I work with my clients to identify their individual needs, values, and aspirations. Together, we establish realistic, measurable, and meaningful goals that align with their personal growth and well-being. I encourage clients to participate actively in the goal-setting process, ensuring that their aspirations and desires are at the forefront. Additionally, I support clients in breaking down larger goals into manageable steps, providing them with the tools and guidance needed to track their progress and celebrate their achievements along the way. My first session with you... During the first session, clients can expect a welcoming and supportive atmosphere where they are encouraged to share their concerns, experiences, and goals. I aim to establish a strong rapport with clients, actively listen to their stories, and gain a thorough understanding of their unique perspectives and needs. Additionally, I provide an overview of the counseling process, discuss confidentiality and the client-counselor relationship, and answer any questions or concerns the client may have. Together, we begin the process of exploring their challenges, identifying goals, and laying the foundation for our work together. Overall, clients can expect a compassionate and collaborative approach as we embark on their journey towards growth and healing.

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in AL and MA and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in FL and NJ with 25 years of experience as a therapist and counselor in a variety of settings. I have helped people with a wide range of challenges including depression, anxiety, stress, career concerns, family and couples issues and military issues. I also have experience working with trauma and abuse survivors. My therapy style is warm, inviting and open. I believe in treating people with respect, sensitivity and compassion, avoiding labels and other stigma. My background is in cognitive behavioral therapy and client-centered counseling. My goal is to work with you to develop treatment plans that fit you and your specific needs and concerns. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and the first steps it takes towards change. If you feel you are ready to take those steps, I am here to support and encourage you. At this time I am only available on Saturdays. Please visit my calendar to schedule an initial session. I look forward to working with you!

I hold a Master's of Science degree in the field of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with a specialized focus in Grief and Bereavement as well as Couples and Family therapy. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.