Therapists in Woodcliff Lake, NJ

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!

I am licensed in New Jersey with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, and military & veteran issues. 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 have a flair for helping people effect positive change in their lives. My offices are comfortable safe spaces to talk about difficult things and make tough decisions. The road to emotional wellness can be painful and challenging, so I try very hard to be encouraging and supportive while change is occurring. Hurt, pain and anger do not define who we are; it opens our emotional pathways to inform us of the need and time for change. Depression is usually an indication of the depth of personal disruption, so when it’s appropriate, I offer advice to validate feelings, encourage healing and to dismantle irrational thinking.

I am licensed in New Jersey with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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! Thanks so much for stopping by... I am a licensed independent practitioner in New Jersey with over 25 years of professional work experience in multiple clinical settings, with 17 of those years as a therapist--helping clients with a variety of concerns, including but not limited to stress and anxiety, mood disorder-related symptoms, substance abuse and recovery, relationship issues & interpersonal and family conflicts. I work with my clients to create a relationship of trust within an open, inclusive and safe environment, where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step toward seeking a more fulfilling and happier life is a STRENGTH--as it is an important and healthy step toward wellness! I am here and will be glad to support you with this process.

I am licensed in New Jersey with 15+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, sleeping disorders, anger management, & bipolar disorder. 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 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, & 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.

Over the 20 years I have been working with individuals providing services, I have found therapy is about facilitating conversations to help someone build self-awareness and healthier relationships with oneself and others. The experience of watching an individual grow beyond their current mindset of sadness, depression, feelings of hopelessness or unworthiness into an individual who truly knows and believes in their personal value is why I love therapy. I have experience working with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, as well as survivors of domestic violence. I have also supervised a number of therapists and direct care providers so I have first-hand experience in helping caregivers be successful while also practicing good self-care strategies. Clients often describe me as easy to talk to, down to earth, and compassionate. I have a great sense of humor and an open mind which allows me to quickly connect with others and create a safe therapeutic environment. My natural positive energy helps my clients improve their lives by developing better cognitive and emotional skills. I understand that the idea of starting therapy can be full of anxiety – after all, you are making a decision to start a new path for yourself! Change – even positive change – can be stressful. However, I am glad that you are feeling empowered to take your first step towards personal growth with me. I am looking forward to working together!

I am licensed in New Jersey with 20 years of professional work experience. 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.

I am licensed in New Jersey with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.