Photo of Janet Pierre-Toussaint - Progressive Healing Counseling and Consulting, LLC, LCSW, MBA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Progressive Healing Counseling and Consulting, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MBA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Montclair, NJ 07042  (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Janet Pierre-Toussaint, founder and owner of PHCC. My ideal client is someone who is seeking growth and self-awareness, struggling with anxiety or life transitions. They need support in building emotional resilience and healthier coping mechanisms. Their goal is to lead a more fulfilling life by understanding their emotions, improving relationships, and gaining confidence in their ability to navigate challenges. Open to vulnerability and potential uncomfortable feeling that comes with growth. Seeking therapy to better understand themselves and to develop skills for lasting change.
Hello, my name is Janet Pierre-Toussaint, founder and owner of PHCC. My ideal client is someone who is seeking growth and self-awareness, struggling with anxiety or life transitions. They need support in building emotional resilience and healthier coping mechanisms. Their goal is to lead a more fulfilling life by understanding their emotions, improving relationships, and gaining confidence in their ability to navigate challenges. Open to vulnerability and potential uncomfortable feeling that comes with growth. Seeking therapy to better understand themselves and to develop skills for lasting change.
(973) 382-9310 View (973) 382-9310
Photo of Maureen Mulvanerton, MA, MSW, LCSW, CCS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maureen Mulvanerton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, LCSW, CCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Montclair, NJ 07042
Accepting new clients! I am here to help. I utilize a holistic approach in working with clients, which encompasses components of cognitive behavior theory, trauma-informed interventions, positive behavioral supports and solution-focused methods. I believe in the value of the therapeutic relationship and strive to provide a safe environment for clients to feel validated, understood, and more capable of moving forward through life’s challenges. Clinical areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, trauma, loss/grief, parenting, life transitions, relationship issues, school avoidance, LGBTQ community, and learning disabilities.
Accepting new clients! I am here to help. I utilize a holistic approach in working with clients, which encompasses components of cognitive behavior theory, trauma-informed interventions, positive behavioral supports and solution-focused methods. I believe in the value of the therapeutic relationship and strive to provide a safe environment for clients to feel validated, understood, and more capable of moving forward through life’s challenges. Clinical areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, trauma, loss/grief, parenting, life transitions, relationship issues, school avoidance, LGBTQ community, and learning disabilities.
(908) 246-1480 View (908) 246-1480
Female Therapists

Does it matter what gender my therapist is?

In general, this is not an important factor, as there is no relationship between a therapist’s gender and their efficacy. Some clients, however, prefer to see therapists of a particular gender, whether due to their own past experiences with men and women, or ingrained beliefs about how people of different genders think and behave. Exploring the roots of such preferences and considering what one wants to address in therapy can help someone determine whether their therapist’s gender truly matters to them.

Should I see a female therapist?

Many people—not just women—prefer to see a female therapist, either because they believe that a woman will be able to relate to their specific challenges (for example, sexism in the workplace) or because they imagine feeling more comfortable disclosing sensitive information to a woman. Such beliefs may not turn out to be accurate, however, and adhering too rigidly to a gender preference can at times hinder a client from finding the best therapeutic match.

Do therapists get specific training to help with women’s concerns?

Therapists are trained to provide care to clients of any gender. However, some therapists—both men and women—may pursue additional training in feminist therapy, gender-specific issues, or women’s mental health. Female clients may wish to ask prospective therapists whether they have received specific training in the client’s primary area(s) of concern, or whether they have worked extensively with women on issues similar to their own.

How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience in treating women?

It’s OK—even encouraged!—to ask a therapist directly whether and how often they have treated women in the past, or whether they have treated women dealing with the client’s most prominent concern(s). Competent therapists will be happy to share their educational background, preferred treatment modalities, and prior client experience to help an individual find the therapist best suited to their needs.