Therapists in 18925

I know it's difficult to select a psychologist, someone to share your most intimate problems with, just from a list of names. Many of my clients have told me how at ease they are in my presence. I've been helping people like you for 40+ years. During this time, I've developed many approaches to fit the particular needs of each client. Originally trained in psychodynamic therapy, my therapeutic approach is now eclectic including a humanistic application of cognitive behavioral therapy. I also have expertise in body psychotherapy (Bioenergetics Analysis) which is especially helpful in stress & trauma related problems.

Immediate in person and virtual psychiatric appointments available.

Are you an adult or teen feeling disconnected, misunderstood, worried or stressed? Are you struggling with a relationship? Are you a parent concerned about your child's behavior or emotional health? If you are experiencing negative thoughts or emotions related to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship issues, career challenges or a life transition and are tired of navigating your circumstances alone, I can help. Together, we will build on your strengths and develop skills and strategies to target your current concerns.

I work with all gender clients, 13yrs and up. As men and women, young and old, we are multitaskers, we take care of others while neglecting ourselves. Self-care-self-love is foreign. Many self-medicate with food, alcohol, pills, shopping, social media, relationships, the list can go on. This creates a cycle of shame, remorse, and regret. We realize- I am not happy-how come? The people I work with are trying to answer that question. They are looking for someone else or something else to make them happy. An external fix/distraction to avoid feeling upset. And yet the outcome continues to be is anxiety, depression, substance abuse

The most important thing a client should know when working with me is to be open and honest. Starting therapy can be difficult and at times uncomfortable but know that I am here to help, support, and be there for them through these tough times and difficult conversations. The approach and process for me when working with clients is to meet them where they are at. After that the next most important step is to build trust and rapport to start an honest and open relationship between my clients and I.

I believe that the relationship and trust built in therapy are the most important and necessary agents for meaningful, lasting change, and that compassionate care is essential to your feeling validated and empowered throughout the process. Without these connections, even the most qualified and well-intentioned therapist may fail in attempting to help. As such, I devote much time and energy in my sessions towards developing and enhancing therapeutic relationships, making sure to always listen carefully and empathically, so as to fully understand the sensitive issues discussed from your perspective and at your pace.

Are you currently experiencing anxious thoughts and behaviors due to relationships, work, school, or just life in general? Is depression making it difficult for you to move through your day or even just to get out of bed in the morning? Have you recently experienced the death of a loved one and are struggling to cope with the significant loss?

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and I am passionate about helping you strengthen your relationship with yourself, your body, and others. In our sessions we will work together to identify realistic changes that you can make to get closer to living a life free of whatever challenges may be holding you back. My goal is to help you feel comfortable to explore the aspects of your life that brought you to therapy in the first place and to do so in a nurturing and non-judgmental way. I believe that a therapeutic relationship built on trust is the key to successful therapy and I would be honored to be a part of your healing journey!

Dr. Stebbins provides highly specialized treatment grounded in research for anxiety and related disorders, including OCD and depression, across most states via telehealth. If you are feeling trapped in a cycle of anxiety that is shrinking the quality of your life, fear is dictating what you can and can't do, you don't feel good enough, or you feel discouraged and depressed, then reach out. If you've started to lose hope from unhelpful therapy, it is especially important for you to receive effective, evidence-based treatment. Dr. Stebbins helps clients achieve freedom by leading a values-driven (not fear-driven) life.

My training, my experience, and my teaching and supervising have helped me to appreciate and apprehend the many and complex ways in which early experience becomes internalized and structured in one's internal world, and consequently becomes manifested and repeated in the external world of one's life and relationships. It is my goal to provide psychoanalytically-oriented psychotherapy of sufficient depth, duration and thoughtfulness to facilitate the mastery of emotional problems, the restoration and enhancement of self-esteem, and the fostering of emotional resilience, creativity and self-discovery.

Continually feeling sad, anxious, or hopeless can make you feel like this cycle in your life will never end. Feeling stuck, numb, or helpless can feel downright frustrating some days. Racing thoughts and negative thoughts seem to take up continual space in your head that just won't turn off - "I'm not good enough," "Is this person judging me right now?" "Everyone is looking at me," "I'm so exhausted from my own thoughts," "I screwed up again." You may even be wondering what kind of life you will have in the future if you are continually feeling stressed, anxious, or upset.

Are you having trouble focusing? Is your job or relationship not satisfying? Is your family telling you that you just haven't been yourself lately? If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and feel stuck it might be a good time to talk to an objective counselor who can help you sort out what is going on so that you can create the life that you really want to live.

Choosing a therapist is an important decision, and the success of therapy often depends on the "match" between client and therapist. Contact me and determine whether I might be a good fit for you. I work with individuals in a collaborative manner who are feeling stuck, sad, anxious, overwhelmed with changes in their lives or who are struggling in relationships. I most often focus on issues related to depression, anxiety, adjustment/life transitions, relationship problems, trauma and abuse, self-esteem and body image.

Most of us have been taught not to talk about sex and our bodies, and many of us have been taught to be ashamed of our bodies and what we think about, fantasize about, and do sexually.  I believe that everyone is a sexual being, and that sexual expression is a healthy part of all of our lives.  I enjoy working with folks on issues of desire, desire differences in relationships, healing from sexual trauma, sexual behavior that feels out of control, sexual self-esteem and body image, sexual function concerns, kinky and poly experiences, gender-related concerns and more.

Valerie has a Master’s Degree in Counseling from The College of New Jersey. She has also completed post Master’s coursework in Marriage and Family Therapy, Substance Abuse Counseling, and Learning, Cognition and Development at both The College of New Jersey and Rutgers University. Valerie has worked as a school counselor since 2006 with experience in middle and high school settings. Most recently, Valerie has been working as a clinical counselor with children, adolescents, and young adults ages 10-25.