Discovery: I like the name because it speaks to me of finding, uncovering and celebrating that which was already there. We cannot create solutions or new behaviors as easily as we can find our way. I cannot change you, but I will try to help you discover what you need to make your life more enjoyable.

I received a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in assessment from Radford University, a Clinical Psychology Master of Arts from the New School for Social Research, and a Ph.D. from Seton Hall University. My experience began long before I finished my degrees. I was a peer counselor in college and have always​been the one my friends came to with problems.The way their lives shaped their needs propelled me in the direction I followed to the completion of my studies.

My training was in Clinical Psychology, with a specialty in Child Clinical Psychology and I am a licensed psychologist in New Jersey. I was raised with an awareness and immersion in my family’s Native American heritage and have always been an advocate for cultural awareness and diversity. I have done extensive research and have presented papers on suicidal behavior as it relates to culture, and organized a panel discussion of multicultural perspectives on children in crisis for the New Jersey Psychological Association.
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I have worked in hospitals, mental health centers and universities in New York, New Jersey and Virginia, and taught Psychology and Forensic Psychology courses at a University for seven years prior to developing my dream at Discovery Psychotherapy center. It’s always been important to me to give the people I work with all of my attention and care. I believe they come to see me because they want change, and I will work with them to create change and discovery.
If I may share something personal with you, all three of my children are adopted, two of them from overseas, and all have some degree of special education needs. This has made me more aware of the problems faced by special needs children and the educational and medical resources that are available, which many other parents may not be made familiar with. I have advocated for my own children, and I know something of what other parents face as they negotiate a difficult maze of services and roadblocks.
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The therapy services I provide are diverse. I have worked with individuals who have been chronically hospitalized and were in need of readjustment to the community, as well as with children, families, and groups in both inpatient and outpatient facilities. I have addressed issues such as anger management, chronic and acute trauma, anxiety disorders (including Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in children and adults), a wide range of phobias, and depression. My experience working with cases of Bipolar Disorder, Childhood-Onset Bipolar Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and abused and neglected children reflect my work with children and young adults.
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I have also worked with the emotional aspects of a number of medical disorders, substance abuse treatment and maintenance, and alternative lifestyle arrangements, which include gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and dominant/submissive relationships. Of special interest to me is the work-related stress police officers and Emergency Medical Service personnel face on a daily basis.

I utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, guided imagery and relaxation training, motivational interviewing, Dialectic Behavior Therapy, and skills training for parents with children who have severe behavior problems. I provide individual, couples and group therapy to a wide range of people in a variety of life contexts. I hope this introduction has helped you know me a little better, and I look forward to working with you.

Dr. Keith Morgen is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in New Jersey and an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS). Dr. Morgen has extensive clinical experience working with both adolescents and adults struggling with substance use disorders and the behavioral addictions (e.g., sex addiction, gambling), as well as anxiety, depressive, trauma, and bipolar disorders. Dr. Morgen is consistently up-to-date on the latest clinical research and theory in his other role as an academic. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Morgen is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology and Counseling at Centenary University (Hackettstown, New Jersey) where he teaches in the undergraduate Psychology and graduate Counseling programs, serves as Undergraduate Psychology Program Coordinator, and is a former recipient of the Centenary Distinguished Teaching Award.  Dr. Morgen has published over 35 scholarly articles and book chapters focused on substance use and mental health disorders, in addition to being the author of the text Substance Use Disorders and Addictions (Sage Publishing) and the upcoming forensic psychology text Aging Behind Prison Walls (Columbia University Press). Dr. Morgen also has over 75 scholarly research presentations at major psychology conferences. Dr. Morgen is a former President (2013-14) of the addictions counseling division of the American Counseling Association and is the current Clinical/Counseling Psychology Conference Programming Chair for the Eastern Psychological Association. Dr. Morgen received his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology (Lehigh University) with his APPIC/APA Internship at the New Jersey Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, VA Medical Center in East Orange, New Jersey where he trained in the inpatient/outpatient substance use disorder treatment rotations. Dr. Morgen is also a former pre/postdoctoral research fellow (funded by the National Institutes of Health) in the Behavioral Science Training in Drug Abuse Research Program (formerly at National Development & Research Institutes in New York City; currently housed at New York University).

“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.”

I am here to listen to your inner voice that may be hurting, a battle you may be afraid to face alone. I am here to understand and assist you in using the tools and strengths you already have, and to help them flourish.

There is a story about a glass of water. If you hold it high for a few seconds or even a few minutes, it isn’t a problem. But if you hold the glass for many hours, day after day, it becomes unbearable; a burden that steals the joy of life. How long have you been holding your glass of water? Is it blocking your joy in life? I am here to help you unload your burdens and to understand different perspectives of your life, and new ways to achieve balance and peace.

I have a deep understanding of the developmental cycles of life and the impact it has. I have experience supporting clients with life circumstances such as childrearing, relationship building, intimacy issues, marriage, separation, divorce, career issues, and the grief and sorrow associated with illness or loss. I have experience helping parents understand and accept children who are questioning their gender, and I have assisted young adults who do not “fit into the box,” who may be experiencing mood swings, cutting or substance use issues.

I have specialized training in EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) for couples/relationship counseling, and I am also trained in Attachment Focused EMDR (Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing) for treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I incorporate numerous modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, Psychodynamic therapy, and Interpersonal and Relational therapy. I have extensive experience in the LGBTQ community and am an avid supporter of gender fluidity.

Along with my social work career, I have been a La Leche League leader, a volunteer for Jewish Family Services, a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer, and a volunteer advocating for the LGBTQ community. I believe in empowering people to experience the full value of their individuality and uniqueness, regardless of race, ethnicity, culture or gender identity.

I received a Bachelors Degree in Psychology, an Associates Degree in Nursing, and a Masters Degree in Social Work from Rutgers University. I have experience as a Registered Nurse in hospital, home and hospice settings, and ten years of experience as a Senior Clinical Project Manager of global FDA Pharmaceutical Studies. I belong to The National Association of Social Workers, The New Jersey Society for Clinical Social Workers, The National Alliance on Mental Illness, and I am a member of the Phi Alpha Honor Society.

Due to my 20+ years experience as a Registered Nurse, I have a strong appreciation for using approaches that help our body and mind work together. I believe in viewing people in a gestalt framework, or as a “unified whole.” Stress, anger, depression, anxiety and uncertainty can invite headaches, gastrointestinal distress, back and body aches, and rapid heart rates among many other symptoms. The mind, body and environment interact continually and, when appropriate, I suggest techniques such as cognitive exercises, meditation, nutrition and relaxation to enhance emotional and physical health.

A professor and mentor of mine has on his business card, “Helpful conversations about human concerns.” That phrase encapsulates my feelings about psychotherapy. Generally, there is something very beneficial and curative in sharing your feelings and life challenges with another person. Specifically, reflections on how early life experiences have come to shape present day choices have proven benefits. It is in this dialogue that one comes to have a better understanding of self.

My interest in mental health began as an undergraduate, where a fascination with the psychological literature developed an understanding of human behavior. Further studies and interactions with friends and family cemented my educational direction and graduate study in the field of psychology. The career path I have undertaken for the last 20 years is one that includes working with clients in various settings. From large scale hospitals, universities and institutions to community mental health agencies and group homes, my passion is in providing clinical mental health services to others.I am a New Jersey licensed professional counselor and mental health screener; a member of the New Jersey Psychological Association, as well as a board member on its Early Career special interest group. I welcome the opportunity to help.

“Never give up on someone with a mental illness. When “I” is replaced by “We”, illness becomes wellness.” Shannon L. Alder
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I started my journey at The University of Akron, Akron Ohio as a Division 1 athlete on the Women’s basketball team. I received my bachelors in Business Administration concentrating in Human Resource Management. During a summer internship as a HR assistant for a mental health agency, I gained knowledge and awareness about the mental health profession and mental issues people face daily. This had an impact on me and it became apparent to me that there was a need for mental health counselors who were truly empathetic and compassionate and I could serve that need.

After graduating with my bachelor’s degree I spent a year at Oberlin College Division III as the assistant Women’s basketball coach. Although I was there to support the players athletically, I noticed my passion was to help guide the players through their life struggles emotionally and mentally. These desires lead me to pursue and receive my Master’s degree at a Counsel for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) school in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The University of Akron. As a graduate student I was a member of Chi Sigma Iota organization.
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As a graduate student in Ohio, I gained profession experience and skills working for various organizations. At (PES) Psychiatric Emergency Services, answering calls from clients on the crisis line. I gained skills in crisis intervention, suicide prevention and crisis management. I also gained more awareness of the depression people feel around the holidays and the need for programs to combat this depression. Working at Portage Path Behavioral Health I conducted individual counseling sessions, group sessions and three hour partial hospitalization groups. While working at Portage Path I was exposed to populations of people that were underserved and realized that I was providing a basic objective need. That need to be heard and have someone just listen. Other training and workshops I have received and participated in are Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Trauma Informed Consent.
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Recently, I relocated to New Jersey as a Licensed Associate Counselor. Therapy services I provide are diverse and varied. I have provided services to individuals who are severally mentally ill with anxiety, depression, personality disorders, schizophrenia, adjustment disorders, PTSD and behavioral disorders. I have worked with individuals partially hospitalized, teenagers and children with adjustment problems and who have difficulty maintaining friendships and have problems with day to day coping skills. Therapy techniques I use are cognitive-behavioral therapy, gestalt therapy, imagery, mindfulness, relaxation techniques and motivational interviewing techniques.
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A key component in my therapeutic approach is having compassion, empathy, meeting the client were they are by being objective while aiming to guide clients into living the most effective life possible.

      At some point in all of our lives, we come face to face with a traumatic experience. Be it a car accident, war, abuse, neglect, bullying and/or rape, trauma does not discriminate.  Studies have shown that trauma effects our physical, mental and emotional state of mind and if untreated, can become a major obstacle in forming healthy attachments, achieving career goals and having the ability to see who we truly are separate from the trauma. This has a profound impact on our feelings of self worth and belief in ourself.o

      I am an EMDR therapist and have witnessed many successful outcomes by using this technique with anyone experiencing trauma. Very often, the results bring a tremendous amount of peace to the person and there is a strong sense of clarity and resolve around the traumatic experience. EMDR is a powerful method to treat trauma and in the process, heal other areas of pain you may have experienced throughout your life.

      I have been practicing EMDR for quite a few years now and am very passionate about this approach. I have seen it work in my own life and it truly was life changing.  I am so fortunate to love and believe in this type of treatment and be able to help others find and obtain the peace and understanding that EMDR brings.

I earned my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Fairleigh Dickinson University and am a licensed associate counselor. As a mental health professional, I work with children, adolescents, adults, LGBTQ individuals, and families who are experiencing difficulties in coping with a wide variety of obstacles including; adjusting to situational/transitional change, individuals struggling with relationships and coping with intrapersonal problems, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders. As an advocate for the LGBTQ community I provide a safe and supportive atmosphere.

Each therapeutic connection is unique and I empower my clients by helping them to discover personal strengths, develop and utilize techniques for coping, and by providing a link to available resources. My approach leans toward a cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic orientation.

Helping my clients learn to cope and guiding them through a challenging time is what motivates me as a therapist. I thrive from working with people who are faced with obstacles and helping them to get back on a positive path to living a quality life. The therapeutic process takes patience and motivation, and I work together with my clients to provide them with a supportive and caring environment, free of judgment, where they can feel safe enough to be open and honest. I look forward to working with you during your journey.

In therapy it all begins with effective communication and ironically, the key to good communication lies in the art of being silent. I believe that communication is a foreign language in and of itself where one must first learn the basics and be able to translate before speaking to others. I love helping my clients grasp this “language” in hopes of being able to have a conversation without words or actions that can be grossly misinterpreted.
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I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the College of St. Elizabeth, in Morristown, NJ, as well as a Master of Science degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ. and a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis on Social Justice.
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I consider my approach to be integrative, comprising of multigenerational, strategic, and structural theories. I utilize play therapy mainly with children and adolescents, genograms/family trees, in addition to role playing with families and couples. I also incorporate cognitive behavioral as well as psychoanalytic and psychodynamic theories into my theoretical orientation. In addition to working with individuals, couples, and families, I also facilitate a Women’s Empowerment group as well as implementing anger management/coping skills and triggers in individual therapy and parenting skills for individuals and couples who are looking to learn additional skills by way of increasing awareness and understanding with respect to their children, more specifically emotions and their effect on a child’s behavior.

It is a privilege and honor to work in the field of mental health and wellness. I have the utmost respect for the individuals and families with whom I work. Making the choice to come to therapy is a difficult - even intimidating -decision. But it can also be empowering and inspiring.

I focus on providing a safe, supportive, and accepting environment. I find that all individuals are capable, adaptive, and resourceful. I seek to help clients identify and leverage the skills and strengths they already possess, thereby enabling them to live richer, more fulfilling lives.

I was awarded a Master’s of Arts degree from Fairfield University, having completed its highly regarded Marriage and Family Therapy Program. I completed my undergraduate studies at Lehigh University from which I received a Bachelors of Art in Psychology.

I have been thoroughly trained in the structural and strategic models of family therapy. Additionally, I have experience in narrative and solution-focused therapies. I have worked with a diverse community of clients seeking assistance with a wide array of challenges, such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, anger management, school-related problems, divorce, parent-child relational problems, partner relational problems, and adjustment to life-cycle stages. I conduct individual, couple/marital, family, and group therapy.

Human beings do not exist in isolation. It is imperative for each individual to examine his or her relationships in depth and endeavor to understand how he or she influences, and is influenced by, others. I hold each client accountable to comprehend the full dimensions of the problem and then, with my help and support, to develop and implement practical, achievable solutions.

The definition of health, wellness, and happiness is unique to each individual and family. I will partner with you in discovering the pathway to wellness best suited for your needs and goals. I look forward to the journey!

I view therapy as a collaborative healing process and tailor my approach to your unique needs. I help individuals, families and couples overcome symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma as well as relationship issues or repetitive patterns in thinking and behavior. The bond of trust we create is a key tool for healing and I work to create a safe place where we can explore challenges together in a non-judgmental way and discover creative ways to improve your life.

I graduated from New York University with a Master of Social Work, and I have worked in inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization and community health settings with adults, adolescents, families and couples struggling with the strains of everyday life, as well as serious mental health issues. My work is guided by a desire to help people be their most emotionally authentic selves, and the healing power of a supportive therapeutic relationship for conducting sustained personal inquiry. I have a collaborative, integrative approach that draws on trauma-informed, family systems, and attachment approaches. I believe in the primacy of the nervous system in the healing process. Obstacles are rarely overcome by talk alone and the mind-body connection is paramount in my work. I am currently working towards becoming a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner; this body-oriented approach is particularly effective for healing trauma and stress disorders.

I was motivated to become a psychotherapist in part by my experience supporting, and advocating for one of my children, whose has special needs that could not be met by our local school district. As a breast cancer survivor, I know the profound dislocation that comes from facing life-threatening illness.

As a Speaker, Author, Educator and Life Coach I have dedicated my career to helping people turn their lives around and to help them develop a sustainable positive attitude that can actually turn one into an optimist, literally.

I'm the Author of Three Books, "Baby Steps: the path from Motherhood to Career", "Creating Balance and Finding Happiness" and my latest book "Mindfully Happy - Waking up to Life". I have been speaking and empowering people nationwide for over seven years.

I'm also an Adjunct Faculty Member at Montclair State University in the Undergraduate Psychology Department. I have been teaching and mentoring students in both personal and professional issues for over ten years. I have been featured in various TV, Radio and Magazines including The Daily Record, Family Magazine, Working Mother Magazine, Channel 12 NJ News, Good Day CT, Style CT, CBS News and Fox and Friends.

As a Life Coach, I help clients meet their goals by helping them better understand who they are and what they want to achieve.  I can help you:

If you’re facing a challenge

If you feeling Stuck, Confused and/or Lost

If you need help getting over negative patterns

Successfully navigating through transitions.

If you want to explore why you are fearful of specific situations

Achieve goals and actions plans that are right for you

Learn how to be happier and less stressed

I have coached individuals from all types of life including: Educators, Nurses, Business Owners, Stay at Home Parents, College Students, Lawyers, Executives and more.

I believe change only happens when there is a strong, trusting bond between client and coach. I work in partnership to support my clients so they can get unstuck, take action and thrive on their path to happiness.

“I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become” -Carl Jung

As a therapist, I am committed to provide compassionate and strength-based counseling to my clients. My goal as a therapist is to foster a warm and nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship that will help you to navigate and solve the concerns that have brought you to therapy. I work collaboratively with clients and I strive to help them finding balance to lead a more productive and authentic lifestyles.

I have completed an internship at Bonnie Brae and the experiences I have gained is indeed invaluable. As a licensed therapist, I worked at Richard Hall CMHC for approximately a year and that job offered me an opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary team and coordinate meetings with doctors, nurses, case managers, justice system and probation officers,  This is particularly a very unique experience as it allowed me to work more closely with the clients and their family members. Family therapy sessions improved over time as we navigate the concerns the client is working on from an individual perspective and having a strong support system makes the process manageable over time, as they developed the necessary skills and techniques to navigate through life's circumstances and challenges.

In both of my previous experiences as a therapist, I have worked with culturally diverse population in a residential and community mental health settings providing counseling services to individual, group and families. My clinical and hands on experiences allowed me to facilitate IOP groups and counsel children, adolescents and adults diagnosed with severe and persistent mental health diagnoses and co-occurring substance abuse disorders. I have counseled several clients struggling with the following disorders: anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, substance use, and complex trauma.

I am familiar with several counseling approaches while at Seton's Hall and as employee. As a therapist, I have adopted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to appropriately address clients’ needs and support their therapeutic goals. However, I am an adept of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) which is an optimistic and nonjudgmental orientation to build upon clients’ strengths and promote clients’ overall sense of wellbeing.

In Brazil, I was employed as a teacher for seven years before immigrating to the US. The experiences of working with underprivileged children shaped my outlook on life and inspired me to pursue a career as a counselor to make a positive contribution in people’s lives.  My educational journey started with my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Rutgers University. I have earned my dual Master’s Degrees in Professional Counseling and Education Specialist from Seton Hall University. I am licensed counselor in New Jersey. I am also certified as a Family Trauma Professional and Sex Offender Treatment Provider. I am fluent in Portuguese.

"Nothing is Impossible. The word itself says I'm Possible."  -Audrey Hepburn

I have always felt humbled and extremely privileged when someone was comfortable enough to entrust me with their painful memories, deepest desires or dilemmas. I was honored to be invited into their inner world and tried my best to be there with them offering support and guidance.

Very quickly I came to the realization that I am drawn to helping relationships, but my life took me on a motherhood and Expat Wife journey first. During those years I grew emotionally and began working in the education field.

I enjoyed teaching children and adolescents as a Native English Teacher in Hong Kong, but soon realized that counseling and psychology are my true calling.

I studied Counselling at University of Hertfordshire, UK and obtained a Masters Degree in Psychotherapy Studies from Sheffield University, UK in 2013.
After the completion of my studies I was fortunate to work as a counselor with children suffering from school related anxiety, self-harm, emotional issues; as well as couples with a variety relationship issues and individuals struggling with depression and identity crises, in Bangalore, India.

My globe-trotting family and I moved to New Jersey in 2016 where we have settled.

I became a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) after passing National Counselor Exam in 2018. I am a member of Expat Coaching Association and have a New Jersey Substitute Teacher Credentials.

The therapeutic Services I provide are a fusion of Psychodynamic, Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavior and Dilectical Behavior Therapies. I tend to use Gottman Methods when working with couples. I train visualization and mindfulness techniques and am forever seeking to improve my services by learning new approaches and modalities.

I am Bilingual and speak fluent Polish and English.

I graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), a National Certified Counselor and New Jersey Certified School Counselor. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults who face challenges including mood and anxiety disorders, developmental or learning disabilities, LGBTQ issues, domestic violence, sexual trauma, and career/life transitions.

While the therapeutic goals of each client and the struggles that they face along the way can vary immensely, I ensure that every individual that I work with is met with warmth, compassion, and respect. By integrating modalities including strengths-based, solution-focused therapy, and other approaches, I can adjust to meet the needs of each individual. Throughout our sessions, we will work together as a team to explore past experiences, learn healthy and effective coping strategies for the present, and build upon your natural strengths to help you reach your goals for the future.

I recognize the courage it takes to seek guidance towards positive life change. I strive to provide a safe and supportive environment to help you navigate the journey to discovering what healing and wellness means to you.

We cannot control everything that happens to us in life, but we can fundamentally transform our experience.

As a clinically trained Licensed Social Worker in the state of New Jersey and a New Jersey Certified School Social Worker, I have provided mental health counseling and support for hundreds of middle school and high school students in individual and group settings. I have worked in K-12 educational settings, as well as higher education for almost a decade, providing services for all types of students, including low-income students, students with disabilities, and those suffering with severe mental illness. I am passionate about the fuse of education and mental health and how to best serve our youth so they can thrive as they develop and transition to adulthood.

I specialize in anger management, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, behavior/conduct disorder, cognitive behavioral therapy, education advocacy, school observations, academic challenges, stress management, family counseling and mindfulness practices.

I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from La Salle University in Philadelphia and a Master's Degree in Social Work from Boston University. I’ve lived in Los Angeles, California serving with AmeriCorps, spent a summer on an island in Spain studying Spanish and love playing sports!

A person’s story, struggles, and pain are all unique to that one particular individual. All people face different psychological challenges at various points in their lives and there is no one-size fits all technique to therapy. Together, throughout our sessions we will spend time understanding what you are experiencing and why so when you begin creating changes that improve your overall quality of life, they will become habitual. Each individual is treated with the utmost   respect, compassion, and authenticity, while creating a safe and supportive environment. 

I entered my undergraduate program in Psychology at Montclair State University knowing that I wanted to guide individuals to work toward overcoming or managing mental and emotional issues and disorders whether it was with their relationships or family. During my undergraduate internship, I had the opportunity to be involved in group therapy as a co-leader for children and adolescents diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. Additionally, I had the opportunity within the same center to become a co-counselor for a therapeutic program. The program was designed for children and adolescents diagnosed with Level 1 Autism and related disorders that focused on social skills, outdoor fun, arts and crafts, and interpersonal relationships. 

During both undergrad and graduate school, I was able to pursue another one of my passions- a personal trainer and group fitness instructor at UFC Gym. I have always had a great interest in physical fitness and nutrition, but through my years of experience I was able to take away something much larger than just my involvement in helping others reach their targeted goal of weight loss or muscle gain. I began to see that many characteristics, qualities, and duties as a clinician intertwined as my role as a trainer as well. I was able to identify the true mind-body connection of mental health and physical health from a different perspective. I was able to understand and acknowledge that my role as a trainer was not just to provide custom designed workout plans and nutrition consultations to motivate and monitor clients, but to help them adopt a healthier lifestyle by reducing stress, anxiety, depression and other mood disorders. I was also able to connect that the genuine rapport established with clients in both mental health and physical health settings showed the true value of trust and collaboration as a team when working toward goals that are desired to be achieved. 

I completed my Master’s at Montclair State University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am forever grateful for the experiences and knowledge I had learned throughout my internship. I had the opportunity to be a part of both a partial-day program and outpatient therapy. Within the partial-day program I facilitated psycho-educational groups and individual therapy by implementing individualized and goal-directed treatment plans that would assist the clients’ needs, while prospering in life skills needed in the community. It was designed to collaborate with adults who are working diligently to recover from and cope with past trauma and mental illnesses, while transitioning toward increasing their level of independent functioning.

In the outpatient program, I had counseled a wide age range of young children to elderly adults that were diagnosed with various disorders, such as Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, ADHD, Depression, and Anxiety. While predominantly utilizing a Cognitive-Behavioral approach, I aim to positively challenge and change cognitive distortions and behaviors, while improving emotional regulations with the use of effective coping strategies and interventions.

“Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us.”

-David Richo

“Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction end up being the biggest step of your life.  Tip-toe if you must, but take the step-unknown”

For many making the call to start therapy is a very scary step.  However that first small step can lead you to a journey of exploration, building a stronger, more insightful and “successful” you.  We all have our vision of whom we want to be however sometimes our path gets bumpy because of life experiences and we get stuck.  The therapeutic relationship should be a relationship of mutual respect and trust between you and the therapist as you go on this journey together to explore how to overcome your personal struggles. You are an active participant in this journey as you are the expert on you.   I can say that a therapist has helped me through my struggles with depression, parenting, marriage and juggling a fulltime job.  We all are presented with the unique challenge of managing our day to day struggles in a very unfamiliar environment since COVID -19 and may just need that cheer quad to tell us it is ok to make mistakes.  I began my journey at New Jersey City University where I was presented with the opportunity to intern at the Office of the Public Defenders as a Life Coach.  At the time I was majoring in education and wanted to work with special needs students.  My first case was a 40 year old man who was charged with molesting a child.  I remember I felt sick on my way to see him at the jail.   My supervisor told me who are we to place judgement and that it is our responsibility to provide the best possible service to our clients regardless of our personal views.  I didn’t understand how could she say that this man hurt a child I remember thinking.   I took a deep breath and went to see him.  Each time I went to see him it became easier and easier and I could finally see the person beyond the charge and really get to know him. He ended up becoming one of my most successful clients.   It is this man that made me decide to change my major to social work and advocate and help those individuals that society has written off. He taught me so much and my clients continue to teach me.  

My journey led me to the University of Southern California where I obtained my Masters in Social Work (MSW) with a concentration on youth and family services.   I have worked in a wide range of settings including:  inpatient psychiatric units, methadone clinic, outpatient clinics that provide individual therapy for adults as well as children, couples counseling, family therapy, crisis intervention services, Intensive Outpatient Patient programs for substance abuse.  I have provided services to individuals ranging in age from 4-80 years old using a wide range of interventions.  I specialize in marriage counseling, family counseling, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, various therapeutic techniques for depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, and severe persistent mental illnesses.  Relational Life therapy, behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, communication counseling, attachment therapy, Gottman method and positive psychology.  The key to my therapeutic technique is a therapeutic bond where I guide my clients with empathy, active listening, patience and validation in developing the courage to take the small steps in overcoming their struggles and obstacles to get to their optimal life.  

Shortly after receiving my Master’s Degree in Social Work (with a minor in Law) from Columbia University, I volunteered as a grief Counselor for NYC Fire Fighters and Police Officers and their families immediately following 9-11. It was then that I discovered the driving force which has guided my work and my practice ever since: We are more resilient and powerful than we know – all individuals (adults, families, adolescents, parents, seniors) already have great strengths and coping skills within them, which have been developed throughout their lives, especially during times of crisis and change. With empathy, trust, respectful understanding and self-determination in a supportive, therapeutic environment, growth and positive change can occur.

Prior to becoming a Social Worker, I worked as a trainer and an educational service advocate for parents of children with disabilities, and was also a qualified American Sign Language Interpreter working with deaf and hard of hearing persons from various countries and cultures. Applying my signing skills in a different context, I began working as a mental health counselor, as well as a guidance counselor and as a vocational counselor for adolescents, and young adults all of whom had various disabilities including deafness, blindness, autism, CP and cognitive needs. I am also a qualified mediator and a trainer working with children, parents and families, including those involved in divorce, foster care and adoptions.

I’ve counseled parents involved in difficult and challenging custody and time-sharing disputes, and couples who’ve had relationship violence in their past, but who were hoping to find a new and secure future together. I’ve coached parents of young children with severe behavioral needs, and mediated with multi-generational families in conflict over eldercare planning. In just about every case, I helped families and individuals work through their anxiety, depression or trauma to re-learn and regain their core strengths as well as their coping and resiliency skills.

Services offered:

• Individual and family counseling
• Couples counseling
• Adolescent counseling
• Mediation services for couples or families in conflict
• Coaching
• Anger management
• Special education advocacy
• Positive aging
• Crisis management for parents and teens
• On-going and brief, solution-focused therapy
• Behavioral health (including resilience, mindfulness and meditation techniques)

Occasionally, we may lose faith in ourselves and need to re-learn who we are and what strengths we still possess. We may also need to learn or ‘try-out” new skills, in order to overcome our current moments of crisis, fear or transition. Let’s work together to regain and re-capture your strengths, or to create new strategies that match your existing values and identity so that you or your family can ultimately become your most resilient, creative and versatile selves.