Therapists serving clients in Riverton, NJ

I am an MSW,LCSW that has spent most of my career in the healthcare field. In that setting I have learned a lot of crisis intervention skills and adjustment problem coping skills as people generally go through a period of crisis while trying to adjust to a new illness and all that can go along with that. I have also been in private practice since 2007 and the bulk of my patients suffer with anxiety disorders (panic attacks, social anxiety, phobias, etc.); Depression/Bipolar disorder; Eating disorders; Relationship struggles; Anger, OCD and couples counseling. I have a Masters in Social Work and a clinical license in Social Work which allows me to be in private practice. I also have gone through a lot of training on Mindfulness (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course) where I have learned how to practice mindfulness and meditation to name a few. It is a very powerful coping tool but not everyone is open to it. Therefore I am use CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) along with a Strengths Perspective. Using the CBT allows us to understand how our thoughts affect how we feel and then how we behave, which can also be enlightening. The Strengths Perspective gets us in touch with a person's strengths, because regardless of what we are dealing with we all have strengths and using them to build upon in the spirit of solving the problem @ hand. Sometimes we arent even aware of the skills we already have or how to use them to help ourselves in our current state. My approach can also be a combination of what is listed above but the most important way to help someone is to listen and then be able to understand/diagnose the problem clearly because we cant solve a problem without knowing what it truly is. I believe we all have the ability to embrace change when we are ready and truly enjoy helping people along that journey!

I have always seemed to be in a helping position. Before graduating high school I started work at a large veterinarian hospital/boarding kennel in Blue Bell, PA as an animal health technician and then the hospital administrator, where I stayed for over 15 years. I decided to return to school to pursue a degree in psychology and have been in the mental health field since 1998, working for such organizations as Special Equestrians as a side aid volunteer assisting people with physical and/or mental health disabilities and Lenape Valley Foundation as both a house advisor and a Partial Hospital Program group therapist for people with severe and persistent mental illness. I also worked for Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia for their Narcotic Addict Rehabilitation Program where I was a counselor for people addicted to heroin. I recently worked for Catholic Charities in NJ in the roles of therapist for the Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program working with kids diagnosed with substance abuse or dependence, as well as a clinical supervisor for the Comprehensive Family Treatment of Addictions Program (CFTA). This led to the position of Program Director for CFTA, the Therapeutic After-School Program (a therapeutic group for kids ages 8-12) and an In-home therapy/case management program, while also carrying a small direct-service caseload at my private practice. Finally, after taking the position of Service Area Director, with responsibility for 13 substance abuse, mental health and social service programs, I realized that I was moving further and further away from my original ambition of providing one to one service to clients. This realization led to my decision to get back into direct service. The ability to provide a safe environment for people to share their feelings, thoughts, and experiences is essential to effective counseling. Studies have shown no one therapeutic modality utilized by therapists is superior to another; rather, clinicians themselves ultimately determine whether treatment will prove effective. It’s not about the model being used; it’s the relationship between the counselor and client. This principle guides my work, in that I strive to provide a client-centered, strength-based counseling setting to individuals, couples and adolescents for issues related to addiction, anxiety, career or relationships. I look to my clients to be the experts of themselves, which encourages them to guide the therapy where it needs to go. What I offer is a space to gain insight in order for that insight to become the catalyst for change. I believe that once a person sees their truth, they have no choice but to accept that truth…though we often do our best not to. Each of us develops psychological schemas that teach us how to interact with people and the world. When we grow accustomed to a certain pattern of behavior, however, we look to repeat it, even after it’s outlived its usefulness. Addiction, for instance, is a maladaptive coping skill that worked at one time but does no longer. With a background in English literature, I bring a decidedly post-modern perspective to my therapeutic approach. One of the concepts I utilize is Narrative Therapy, which encourages and compassionately challenges clients to be mindful of the story they’re telling to better utilize their strengths. This theory acknowledges the power of language, in that not only does the language we use reflect how we feel, it also affects how we feel. Therefore, the words we choose to use can help to manifest the changes we hope to bring about. The idea is to encourage the use of more positive words as opposed to negative words while telling our life story. I have found this approach to be remarkably effective in helping clients confront the challenges of their lives in order to bring about lasting and meaningful change. Other approaches and techniques I draw from include Humanistic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Enhancement Therapy (with a strong working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing), Trauma Informed Therapy, and Systems Theory. I find it satisfying to be part of helping people discover who they can be and realize that perhaps they’re more than who they thought they were. Ultimately, if each of us can achieve balance and make our own little corner of the world a little bit more satisfying and a little safer, we help to create a better reality for all of us. Degrees and Credentials Bachelors Degree in Psychology/English Literature from Arcadia University in Glenside PA Masters Degree in Clinical/Counseling Psychology from La Salle University in Philadelphia PA PA Board Licensed Professional Counselor PA Board Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor PA Board Certified Clinical Supervisor PA Board Certificate of Competency in Problem Gambling NJ Board Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor NJ Board Licensed Professional Counselor NJ Board Certified Clinical Supervisor Member of the Psi Chi, Phi Theta Kappa, and Sigma Tau Delta National Honor Societies. Modalities and techniques I draw from include Humanistic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy (with a strong working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing), Trauma Informed Therapy, Mindfulness, and Systems Theory. I have experience in dealing with: Relationship issues Anxiety/stress Chemical addiction Gambling addiction Compulsive behaviors (such as sexual “addiction”) Anger Management Codependency Self Esteem PTSD

I am a Licensed Psychologist providing therapy to adults in NJ, NY VT, FL, and CT. Every person has different hurdles to conquer in life and might need assistance along the way. That said, I work with my patients to form a safe and comfortable treatment environment to accomplish their treatment goals. When working with patients, I believe one of the most important factors is the therapist-patient relationship. I take the time to build a solid therapeutic relationship so I can best serve my patients. I provide mainly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and person-centered therapy. To tailor therapy to each patient, I pull from additional evidence-based intervention areas in which I have training. Additional areas include mindfulness-based interventions, positive psychology, LGBTQIA+, and trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). I encourage you to reach out so we can discuss your needs and find the right path for you.

Hi there! My name is Melissa Hochbaum Strauss and I am looking forward to working with you. I have over 7 years of experience working with individuals, families and couples as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I believe that every client can teach me something and my approach is warm and engaging. I hope that you feel you have control over our time as well. Every individual has strengths and it is important to use this in the therapeutic process. My approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, Emotionally Focused and Internal Family Systems Therapy. I tailor each therapeutic style to the individual's needs. My experience includes; Depression, Anxiety, Relational Issues, Family Dynamic Issues, Trauma, Sexual Identity Work, School and Career Work, Infertility and Parenting.

My name is Laura Shaffner, and I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and counselor. My counseling style is warm and intuitive. I especially enjoy working with people around life changes, self-esteem work, anxiety, and relationship issues. I use the framework of holistic psychology primarily in my work, along with incorporating other frameworks that may best suit you. This may include cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, or psycho-dynamic counseling, along with yoga and mindfulness techniques as modalities for self-care. Holistic psychology believes that healing is a conscious process that can be lived daily through changes in our habits and patterns. The practice of holistic psychology is rooted in the ideas of freedom, choice, and ultimately, self-empowerment. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Please know that a counseling session with me is always a supportive, safe space to talk about anything that is on your mind. Oftentimes, we seek counseling to get through a difficult experience, manage overwhelming emotions, or improve relationships. While counseling is effective in helping one get through isolated challenges, the goal of counseling is to help identify patterns of ideas, emotions, and behaviors that may contribute to repetitive maladaptive experiences. Our current experiences are often shaped by past experiences. It is common to get stuck in ways that make it difficult to move past a particular state of being. It is important to recognize that counseling is a collaborative effort. The true work of counseling often occurs between sessions in self-reflection, self-awareness, and a commitment to self-improvement. It takes courage to seek for you to reach out and seek help. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to be your sounding board and help you with whatever concerns you are facing today. I very much look forward to working with you!

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in NY with over 10 years of experience working with individuals (of all ages) and families in a variety of therapeutic environments. I have worked with clients presenting with a wide array of concerns, including anxiety, depression, family issues (parenting problems, relationship concerns), addiction, trauma, abuse, PTSD, and general life stressors. I additionally have experience providing counseling to children within the criminal justice system, as well as the educational sphere. Furthermore, my 5 years of experience in a hospital setting has developed my work supporting those with chronic conditions and end-of-life struggles. I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I utilize these modalities to help individuals build mastery and create measurable goals; I also work with couples and families seeking to create more effective and healthy communication skills. My goal is to create a comfortable and engaging open space for all clients. I believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion, while valuing their individuality. I enjoy watching people grow and build confidence, finding more meaning and joy in their daily lives! Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have about therapy. For many people, beginning the process can be the most intimidating part. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling life and take the first steps towards change, and I am here to support you throughout the process. I look forward to working with you!

I am licensed in New York and New Jersey with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. 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 Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York, and a Licensed Professional Counselor( LPC)in New Jersey, with over 20 years of providing successful clinical services. I have a track record of effectively working with diverse client populations and with a wide range of clinical concerns including Dual Diagnosis, Psychiatric Disorders, Substance Use Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, At-Risk-Teens, Domestic Violence Victims, Parent/Child Relationships Grief & Loss and Multi-Stressed Families. I also provide Marriage and Pre-Marriage Counseling, Faith-Based and Psychoeducational Counseling. My therapeutic style is warm and collaborative. I work with clients to improve relationship issues, communication skills, rebuilding trust, intimacy-related issues, family conflicts, forgiveness, motivation & self-esteem, and confidence. I am passionate about developing positive and productive relationships with clients to effectively serve their counseling needs and to encourage their total wellness. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My treatment approach is a combination of Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Family Systems Therapy, and Client Centered. 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 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management, 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! Therapy can be an exciting experience. You have an opportunity to go back to zero and rebuild your life on your own terms. Developing the incite needed to make the changes you want as well as the needed coping skills. Learning that you can be happy on purpose and that you are not limited by the past.

Benia Thomas is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received her Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University in New York with an emphasis in children, youth, and families. Benia completed her bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Lehman College, Bronx, NY. Benia began her career working with children and families in the New York City foster care system. She went on to work with incarcerated women with severe mental illness, facilitating personal empowerment and psychoeducation groups and providing individual counseling. In addition, she was a clinical supervisor, in which she provided clinical supervision for Master level Social Workers. Her areas of expertise include, stress, anxiety and depression, grief and loss, family/relationship issues, personal growth, and LGBTQ+ related issues. She especially enjoys working with adolescents and young adults. As a lesbian who has been working with the LGBTQ+ community on a professional basis for over ten years. This background provides me with unique expertise on issues that tend to be a part of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender experience. Benia believes that healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires honest caring without judgment, and cooperatively assists her clients in clarifying their goals for treatment. Rather than adopting one methodology for all individuals and issues, she draws from a variety of methods to create a tailored approach for each individual and situation. As a therapist, she is warm, open, encouraging, and direct. Benia considers herself an active therapist, combining experience, education, creativity, and sense of humor with a down-to-earth, realistic approach to counseling. Your story, your pain, and your collection of struggles are unique to you. There is no one size fits all approach to therapy. Together, we will spend time understanding exactly what you are experiencing and why, so that when you start making changes that improve your life, they will stick.