Therapists in Oakland, NJ

For over 30 years I have maintained a private practice woking with adults, children, couples, families and groups. I am also a certified divorce mediator. I have a degree in Special and Elementary Education.and have taught courses in assertiveness training and a divorce workshop for many years. I supervised the out patient department in Catholic Community Services for Six years. I also have worked in an eating disorders clinic and am familiar with 12 step programs. At this time, due to the amount of people who are in need of counseling, I am limiting my practice and am not working with young children or Anyone with eating disorders.

to examine deeply and thoroughly motivations, emotions and behavior, especially interpersonal; focused on positive changes leading to long-lasting existential and transformational life improvements and increased self-awareness; responsible in accepting that these changes will affect-for the better- lives of loved ones, friends and other significant persons (including those that are not yet around) ; increased openness towards life-changes ; to take calculated, rational risks, mindful of other persons; serious commitment to longer-term therapy when indicated to be necessary, in order to achieve the above desired results.

Se sta pensando di chiamarmi, è per almeno una di queste ragioni: ha dedicato senza successo considerevole energia e tempo a risolvere la sua ansia, le sue paure, le sue ossessioni, le sue perdite e il suo trauma, la sua tristezza, i suoi fallimenti nelle sue relazioni o nella sua produttività; é stanco di ripetere gli stessi errori e comportamenti e non é stato in grado di cambiare; é stato respinto, ha sperimentato di non essere amato, compreso, preso nella sua unicità; o non ha fatto tutto ciò che desidera per essere più coraggioso, creativo, per essere più come persona.

Come and sit with me. We'll discover who you are through your life story and work together to make sense of your life journey. The goal is to learn new ways of understanding the purpose of your story. Whether you are seeking help with depression, anxiety or searching for an understanding within your relationships, there is no right or wrong way of "being." Rather the purpose of our close relationships is to understand ourselves more completely.

I work with families and individuals on various matters including substance use, impulse control, trauma, anxiety, depression, anger management, communication and relationship difficulties.

Many of my clients come in to address anxiety, depression and life transitions. I am particularly passionate about helping women in different phases of their lives (adolescence, womanhood, motherhood, menopause). I also have experience in the treatment of Anxiety, Depression and Adjustment Disorders. I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy and mindfulness. I use the therapeutic relationship to look at how patterns of interaction have developed and can be used to strengthen connections outside of our sessions.

In my professional capacity as a licensed social worker and psychotherapist, I have had the honor to accompany persons of all ages and backgrounds in their quest for insight and self-discovery. I believe that trust and vulnerability are at the core of the client-therapist relationship and that the client’s innate wisdom and judgment rule supreme. With that in mind, strategies and interventions in achieving clearly defined yet dynamic goals arise through a process of critical inquiry. In this process, I have witnessed individuals redefine and recreate who they are as they move toward greater lucidity and self-fulfillment.

I view each client as an individual who deserves respect, empathy, and support. Therapy should be place where you feel seen and heard in a genuine way. Perhaps you have issues that are overwhelming. I have discovered it is never to late to change, to live a more positive and happy life. Together we can develop a plan and work through your stressful situations to recovery and healing. When life gets hard, we need a place where we can talk about difficult topics. I am here to guide you to work through these difficult topics.

"Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit." ~B.K.S. Iyengar * * * A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body and a healthy soul. My goal is to partner with you in looking at your life-story, and identifying and overcoming the blockages to a peaceful way of being. Psychotherapy is a wonderful opportunity to find balance and restore a sense of wholeness and perspective on our purpose in life. I provide a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space in my practice for this to occur.

Do you find yourself constantly feeling anxious and spending a lot of time overthinking? Are you struggling in your career or relationships? Maybe you don't feel good enough and identify as an over-achiever? Are you going through a big life change or loss, and feeling completely overwhelmed? You’re not alone. I am passionate about working with adults with anxiety, self-esteem and major life changes. My belief is that our relationship with ourselves deeply effects how we navigate day to day stressors and major life transitions. You are your biggest asset.

We all struggle to improve our lives - to change and grow in ways that make us feel more fulfilled. As a psychotherapist for over 20 years, I often see people who are stuck, in unsatisfying relationships or jobs, alcohol/drug dependence or struggling with anxiety, depression or fears that hold them back from living more fully. My background in fine arts and personal experience as a painter has made me especially attuned to issues of artists who feel blocked in their creativity. Helping people with inhibitions in expressing feelings and asserting themselves is another area of interest.

I understand that each person possesses unique strengths. My goal is to help you overcome barriers and find solutions to issues that are keeping you from realizing your full potential. Together we will determine the treatment plan that will lead to positive change and growth. I can help you achieve your emotional health goals, at any age!

I believe that a client that comes to session in good faith to genuinely seek treatment is most likely to achieve their therapeutic goals. Any client who takes that first step to therapy is showing great courage. Once in therapy, simply being themselves and being open to the process will lead to exploration, goal setting and positive change leading to a happier, healthier way of life.

Kat Schaffer

Emotional suffering can be unbearable. It doesn't have to last forever...I use multiple approaches and methods to help people feel better and manage their behavior, emotions, and relationships. I challenge you to "take control of your life." I am a clinical psychologist extensively trained in individual and group therapies. I have particular expertise and experience with individuals who suffer from depression, suicidal ideation, self-harm, eating disorders, personality disorders, trauma, violence, and substance abuse. I also have extensive experience in forensic psychology, conduct forensic assessments, and have served as an expert witness in numerous legal matters.

My practice focuses on helping kids, teens, and adults struggling with anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), Tourette Syndrome, panic attacks/ panic disorder, phobias, ADHD, school avoidance, behavioral challenges in the home make changes in their lives so that they can live the lives they want to live. I know how much anxiety can impact someone's life at school, at work, and in social relationships. I work with clients to have goal directed treatment to improve their lives in these areas. It is important to me that I use scientifically backed treatments which have been shown to help other people achieve their goals.

Are you feeling dissatisfied with life and craving more; something deeper? Experiencing constant worry and mood changes? Overwhelmed and tired of feeling stuck in the humdrum routine but do not know where to start? Looking to explore the power of the mind-body connection in alleviating stress and creating a more meaningful life? Maybe a loss or life change has been challenging to navigate? Has there been a pattern of discord in relationships with your family or others? Motivated to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and make changes?

Life is full of transitions: Marriages, divorces, change of career, retirement, mid life crisis, illness. At times we feel overwhelmed. But no matter how hopeless things may appear at a time, I believe that there is a wholeness and healthiness within. I help men and women to get in touch with the part of them that is well, to heal the part that is hurting.Happiness in life comes through knowing what to hold onto, what to let go of and what to change and how. Things we perceive as negative gain a new meaning when viewed from a place of power, when new skills are learned. See what my patients say about me in Yelp, under Mena Urban

If you’re reading this, you’re probably looking for help for yourself or someone you care about. By the time you turn to a professional for help, you have probably already tried a bunch of different things to try to manage the problem on your own. Maybe you are having a hard time figuring out what to do, or you just don’t have anyone in your life who understands what you’re going through. Struggling with your mental health can be incredibly lonely and can make you feel like you’re just not good enough. I want you to know that you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out today - I want to be a part of your journey to wellness.