I specialize in working with adults who have experienced trauma of various kinds (illness, accidents, assault, loss) in childhood or adulthood. I have worked for many years with women and men who have experienced childhood sexual, physical or emotional abuse, or adult sexual assault. Recurring thoughts and images about the trauma, or less conscious feelings such as fear and worthlessness, or difficulties letting anyone get close, can persist, even if it happened long ago. My focus in therapy is to help you work through these experiences so they no longer prevent you from living more fully in your present life.

Many of us feel anxious and overwhelmed in our daily lives. Most of the time, we have the tools and support to effectively deal with our anxiety. However, there can be times when we have difficulty managing the stress on our own. Work, family, finances, health issues and other stress can trigger unresolved trauma from our past which often leads to heightened anxiety. Research shows that chronic stress negatively impacts our health and relationships. Whether your anxiety is caused by past traumatic experiences, or a recent life events, we can work together to improve your ability to cope and live a more peaceful life.

Are you facing a challenging situation in your life? Perhaps you are trying to recover from a difficult break-up. Or you may be trying to resolve conflicts in a relationship with a partner, family member, co-worker or boss. Your struggle may be an internal one, such as dealing with behavior that feels out of control, confusion over sexual orientation, gender identity or other issues affecting self-esteem. Utilizing a combination of mindfulness, cognitive therapy, insight oriented and trauma based approaches, my goal is to foster a compassionate view of yourself as you deal with life's challenges.

I am licensed in New Jersey as a practicing psychologist. I practice in Westfield. I work with people of all ages, either individually or as part of a couple or family. In my practice, I welcome general issues such as coping with depression, anxiety, stress, and other related issues. I have some special interests in recovering from trauma or abuse, coping with chronic illness or disability, and managing learning and neuro-developmental difficulties. I also work with issues such as avoiding burnout for small business owners, practice owners, and healthcare professionals. I love my work.

I'm a licensed clinical social worker(psychotherapist), professor, life coach, consultant, trainer, author &motivational speaker with over 20 year's experience. My Team and I at Great Joy Counseling &Consulting Services are committed to providing specialized services in a variety of treatment modalites. When asked what sets me apart from others in the field, clients cite my keen insight, non-judgmental approach & depth of experience as the key factors that make the difference. I provide "just- in- time" services that assist individuals and organizations with refocusing their energy and getting back on track with their goals.

I believe that within each individual, family, or relationship there is a natural and effective process for healing. Although in times of crisis helping a person or family find safety and stabilization becomes a priority, once this is established I have found an inside-out approach can be a powerful, creative, and effective process toward finding your unique self and path.

In helping people gain balance and quality of life, I rely upon Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness techniques. These evidence-based approaches give clients the education needed for personal growth, and anxiety-free living. Psychoeducation, CBT and Mindfulness allow clients to move away from therapy sooner and apply their new found skills to daily living. Learning new ways to perceive their world with more clarity and understanding frees clients to explore more about themselves, leading to a healthier and more satisfying life.

Welcome! My belief in the healing potential of psychotherapy is grounded in the decades of research on attachment, trauma and the body, and relational neuroscience. Our early relationships and experiences, including trauma, form the lens through which we experience our day-to-day lives. By understanding distressing patterns in our here-and-now functioning as remnants of protective and adaptive functioning in early life, we can move towards change from a place of self-compassion and deep understanding.

Wherever you may find yourself on the journey of seeking help I believe I can work with you towards growth, self-acceptance, and empowerment to define your own goals. I recognize the challenges that come from living in a world that consistently pushes us to find our validation from the outside. Therefore I can help individuals to begin a process of self knowing that will benefit their relationships, present and future.

I am a psychologist in practice for 30 years.I have a diverse clinical practice working with adults, adolescents, couples and families.I am an experienced psychotherapist with expertise in psychodynamic, cognitive, gestalt, existential approaches. This allows me to tailor my counseling to the specific needs of each person. I was trained to treat TMS by world renowned Dr. John Sarno and Dr. Arlene Feinblatt at NYU Medical Center/The Rusk Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine. I counsel people with anxiety, psychophysical pain/TMS, depression, stress and trauma. I help with discovering or re-discovering their inner needs and with bringing those needs to fruition.

It is helpful for you as a client to know that I use several approaches to tailor your psychotherapy, also known as "talk therapy," to work with you in the most effective way to reach your goals. Based on your needs, the focus of therapy may be managing current issues or working more deeply with your underlying history that oftentimes is the root of current pain. Throughout the therapy process, by increasing emotional and cognitive awareness you will develop increased coping strategies, which help to diminish emotional pain and conflicts and help you to live a more well-adjusted life.

Welcome. I specialize in the treatment of a variety of family issues. I treat children and teens struggling with emotional and/or behavioral issues and parents coping with these challenges, infertility and family-building through assisted reproduction or adoption and grief counseling for miscarriage and pregnancy loss. I offer a safe and supportive space to explore the many and often difficult choices and feelings associated with family building options such as IVF, donor sperm/egg, gestational carrier and adoption. I can help you manage the stress inherent in the process and help you work through couples and parenting issues.

My favorite clients are those who are on a path toward greater self awareness. I love working with couples seeking to deepen their intimate connection & relationship; I love working with parents who are seeking to create a more healthy and heart centered relationship with their children. I feel excited to work with families who are seeking to change the way they relate to one another and who want to alter the way they balance love, work & play. Within each session I draw on principles of Non-Violent Communication, Internal Family Systems, Play Therapy, Attachment Parenting and Mind-Body-Spirit Approaches.

Are you struggling to make sense of your life and your choices? Do you ever feel trapped-backed into a corner with no way to escape? Are you at a turning point and need someone to listen? I believe that people long for meaning and relationship in their lives, especially in these turbulent times. My desire is to help you find both purpose and clarity through the therapeutic experience. Using reflective feedback in conjunction with a positive, Person-centered approach, together we can build upon your strengths, identify maladaptive patterns of behavior, and grow in the ability to make healthy decisions.

Therapy is provided to individuals, couples, and families who wish to address any of a variety of adjustment, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral issues. Comprehensive care includes strategies to address long-term growth and development as well as crisis intervention.

Annette has been practicing for nearly 20 years. She enjoys working with families and individuals to create more calm and balance in their lives. If individuals can create a sense of calm within themselves; this can permeate outwards. They can build and sustain this throughout their lives and share this sense of compassion with family, friends and the world around them. My goal is to help my clients see both their strengths and weaknesses and to find a balance between the two. Change isn't easy, but when we simultaneously appreciate what is already good we can find balance and happiness while moving through transitions.

If you are struggling in your relationship, I can help you and your partner restore your connection, deepen intimacy and strengthen your emotional bond. I understand the emotional pain of relationship discord and how it impacts all aspects of your life and well-being. When your relationship is not working - or a relationship trauma has occurred - nothing seems right in the world. You need your relationship to steady so that you can face life's challenges with confidence knowing that you and your partner are together.

"I'm so overwhelmed." "I'm not coping well." "I am so alone." "I'm really scared." "I feel I have no control." "I'm so angry." "I'm trying really hard to stay positive, (or sober/clean), but I don't know how much longer I can". Do any of these resonate with you? In this unprecedented time of COVID-19 it is extraordinarily hard to feel grounded, to feel connected, to feel safe. You are in no way alone. If life seemed difficult before, or if you were in a relatively or really good place, it's likely that managing daily uncertainty & unknowns have affected you emotionally and physically. Mind and body both need your special attention.

If you're considering psychotherapy you may feel sad, anxious, exhausted, stressed, angry, or alone. We can work to understand those feelings and the experiences which led to them or maintain them. Our work can help you to get back on track or find the strength to change directions.You may discover that you can change habits, improve relationships, and accept yourself as you are. Therapy can also help you to feel freer and more authentic, even in the face of difficult circumstances which cannot be changed. (Please click "website" tab on left for more information.)