Photo of Avery Italiano (Formerly Keller), Marriage & Family Therapist in 08753, NJ
Avery Italiano (Formerly Keller)
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LCADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toms River, NJ 08753  (Online Only)
As licensed therapist I believe we can transform our struggles into chances to learn and grow. I strive to help clients gain insight into how to cope with their various life circumstances and emotional health. I work with various populations, specializing in anxiety, depression, addiction, relational concerns, parenting needs, self-esteem, substance use, and trauma. My therapy style is open, direct, genuine, accepting, nonjudgmental, honest, and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Your needs are unique, and I believe therapy should be also.
As licensed therapist I believe we can transform our struggles into chances to learn and grow. I strive to help clients gain insight into how to cope with their various life circumstances and emotional health. I work with various populations, specializing in anxiety, depression, addiction, relational concerns, parenting needs, self-esteem, substance use, and trauma. My therapy style is open, direct, genuine, accepting, nonjudgmental, honest, and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Your needs are unique, and I believe therapy should be also.
(732) 707-9361 View (732) 707-9361
Photo of Christina McCormack, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 08753, NJ
Christina McCormack
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, VAWC
Verified Verified
Toms River, NJ 08753
Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. I know sometimes the journey to finding help may be bumpy. So give yourself some props for making it here. At times we all face struggles internal, external, and often a combination of both. I have observed that often we can feel stuck from these experiences, even if we’ve tried to move on from them. That is because we need a little guidance to process and buff out the imprint that remains in our system. It is my hope to help facilitate a path to finding more ease, feeling better, and move towards the life you want.
Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. I know sometimes the journey to finding help may be bumpy. So give yourself some props for making it here. At times we all face struggles internal, external, and often a combination of both. I have observed that often we can feel stuck from these experiences, even if we’ve tried to move on from them. That is because we need a little guidance to process and buff out the imprint that remains in our system. It is my hope to help facilitate a path to finding more ease, feeling better, and move towards the life you want.
(732) 795-5993 View (732) 795-5993
Photo of Brian L Burgess, Psychologist in 08753, NJ
Brian L Burgess
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Toms River, NJ 08753
Dr. Burgess is a counseling psychologist and the owner of BB Counseling. Dr. Burgess received his Bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts. Upon graduation, he went on to receive his Master's Degree and Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Seton Hall University. Dr. Burgess treats a variety of disorders including but not limited to anxiety, mood disorders, personality disorders, ocd, oppositional defiant disorder, ADHD, anger, chronic pain, marriage counseling, and parental counseling. Treatment also includes psychological evaluations for bariatric surgery, spinal cord stimulators, and long term pain medication.
Dr. Burgess is a counseling psychologist and the owner of BB Counseling. Dr. Burgess received his Bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts. Upon graduation, he went on to receive his Master's Degree and Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Seton Hall University. Dr. Burgess treats a variety of disorders including but not limited to anxiety, mood disorders, personality disorders, ocd, oppositional defiant disorder, ADHD, anger, chronic pain, marriage counseling, and parental counseling. Treatment also includes psychological evaluations for bariatric surgery, spinal cord stimulators, and long term pain medication.
(732) 655-6138 View (732) 655-6138
Adoption Therapists

Does my adopted child need therapy?

Not every adopted child needs therapy. However, many can benefit from seeing an adoption-informed therapist, especially if they were victims of abuse or neglect, appear withdrawn or disconnected, have behavioral or developmental issues (which may or may not be related to their adoption), are struggling with feelings of grief or loss surrounding their birth parents, or find it difficult to establish an identity, a challenge that often becomes most apparent during adolescence.

When should adoptive parents seek therapy?

Prospective parents can benefit from therapy even before an adoption—for example, to voice worries and fears; to reconcile infertility struggles, if relevant; or simply to prepare themselves for parenthood. After the adoption, parents who are struggling to bond with their child; are unsure how to talk about adoption or related issues, such as race; or whose child is dealing with developmental, behavioral, or psychiatric concerns can address these and other issues with the help of an adoption-competent therapist.

Is family therapy appropriate for adoptive families?

Family therapy can be invaluable for strengthening the bond between adoptive parents and children, helping the latter feel more secure in their place in the family. Family therapy can also help adoptive families navigate complex communication issues—for example, parents who feel uncomfortable discussing race with their child, who in turn feels invalidated by their silence, or a child who has questions about his birth parents but avoids asking them out of fear of hurting his adoptive parents’ feelings.

What therapy is not appropriate for adoption issues?

A discredited therapy known as “attachment therapy” (sometimes called “holding therapy” or “rebirthing therapy”) should not be used to treat adopted and foster children, though it was largely designed for this population. Attachment therapy involves restraining, coercing, and punishing the child in order for them to “release” negative emotions and attach to their new caregivers—techniques that are abusive and dangerous and have even proven fatal in some cases.