Impulse Control Disorders Therapists in Toms River, NJ

Kat Schaffer

As a social worker I take a hollistic approach to helping clients with a primary focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. After a 40 year career in both the health and mental health fields I now exclusively devote my time to a private practice helping people with anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and various mental health issues. I work with clients with substance abuse issues who are already involved in a recovery program. I am noted for having a warm and supportive approach and believe that humor is a part of healing.

Paul Santasieri is a Licensed Professional Counselor certified in individual and marriage and family therapy, with over 25 years experience in the field. Paul graduated from The College of NJ with a Masters in Counseling. Prior to coming to Pathways, Paul was a full time Lecturer in Psychology at Ocean County College. Prior to that, Paul was the Supervisor of Student Personnel Services at Colts Neck High School. Paul specializes in all facets of therapy including, individual, marriage and family and an emphasis on adolescents.

People ask me, "When is it time to see a therapist?" I don't know anyone who can say everything in their lives is going well all the time. We all have challenges from time to time, but you don't have to go through them alone. I'm here to help you use your strengths to keep what is going right, and help you find your strengths to fix when things are going wrong. I specialize in working with children, teens, young adults, and families. I bring warmth, empathy, and a touch of playfulness and creativity to my work. You can hear me speak more about my approach and counseling philosophy here: http://bit.ly/podcastdrjm

Life is too short to let the everyday burdens we face create turmoil, and gain control over our emotions. Our feelings can control us or we can learn to control them. A situation, person, place, or thing only has the power to control our feelings...if we let it. It is our responsibility (and only ours) to control our feelings and behavior. Thus, we can find true contentment and serenity.

*ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS* **Flexible hours, including EVENINGS and SATURDAYS** Sometimes life is challenging and difficult to manage. I believe everyone can benefit from talking to and working with an objective, non-judgemental therapist. My name is Kim Martinez and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 18 years experience working with seniors (I am an approved medicare provider), couples, families, children, adolescents and adults, helping them cope with stress, depression, anxiety, grief issues and relationship struggles as well as learning new ways to communicate and control emotions.

Life is difficult and recent events have made it much harder as we experience fear, isolation and uncertainty. The Covid-19 crisis does not have to redefine your life by taking a toll on your emotional well-being. Having worked as a crisis counselor at FEMA disaster centers, I helped many people work through emotional difficulties in the aftermath of a crisis. During the pandemic I offer telehealth sessions. Outside of the current crisis, you might just need a caring person to listen and help you navigate the hills and find refuge in the valleys of everyday life. I welcome the opportunity to help you obtain your goals.

Therapy provides a safe place where you are free to express the thoughts and feelings you can say nowhere else. A place where you can be heard, accepted and understood; where you can gain the courage and insight to enable you to make choices and changes that lead to improved relationships and lives. As a therapist working with children and families for many years, I seek to aid those who are struggling to understand themselves and their current life situations. I specialize in working with family members to improve communication, understanding and empower them to resolve conflicts.

Do you experience anxiety? Overwhelm? Self sabotage? Difficulty with your child or family? If so, I can help! I have 20+ years experience working with adults, children & teens in a safe & supportive environment. I specialize working with Anxiety Disorders, Trauma, Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, OCD, & more. I use a multi-modal form of treatment with my clients to help them make positive changes in their lives, including the mind-body connection. I have extensive experience working with crisis and trauma. I am trained in Neurofeedback, EMDR, Hypnotherapy, and SandPlay Therapy- which is an amazing addition to "talk therapy."

I am a therapist who believes strongly that talk therapy sometimes just isn't enough. Sometimes when a person experiences difficulties in life, their defenses can often get in the way. This is especially true when you are a child, have experienced trauma, or struggle with Eating Disorders. Sandplay therapy and other approaches can help break-down those barriers and promote healing.

Addiction and mental health disorders are often misunderstood. I believe in meeting my clients where they are and empowering awareness and meaningful change. There isn't a one size fits all approach and I use various techniques to meet unique needs of each individual. Successful treatment involves education and support. I have worked in a variety of settings over the past 15 years including hospital based programs, day programs, outpatient programs, and within the criminal justice system.

Life may take us to unexpected places and challenging times, but why go through them alone? Together we can find the best possible solution to whatever you or your family is dealing with. My main goal in therapy sessions is to take your therapeutic journey at the pace that you want to go. I primarily work with children, adolescents, young adults and families and offer individual and family counseling. I am trained in sand tray therapy as well. Through empathy and support I can give you the tools to navigate through these challenges in a positive and healthy way.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, or unhappy? Do you struggle with daily routines? Does fear keep you from living the life you desire? If you are experiencing these issues or others that make you feel uncomfortable or out of control, psychotherapy may be right for you. The capacity to grow and change is within you and with your therapist as partner can be activated to help you become your best self.

Life is full of obstacles. Especially during these recent times. However, do not allow these difficult times to define who you are or what your future holds. Having additional support can be a benefit while you are on you journey to healing. The healing process during your journey is based on your specific needs and what goals you have developed for yourself. Together we can work on achieving a healthy lifestyle. You do not have to go through this alone, I am here for you.

Everyone wants to be their best selves. Adjusting to change and facing new challenges affects our health and happiness. You need to be able to vent about life stressors and decompress. We all need that from time to time. You have the ability to improve resilience, change perspective and accept those things beyond your control.

**LIMITED AVAILABILITY**Breakthrough Therapy Solutions (BTS) is currently telehealth-only due to Covid-19. I am a Board Certified National Certified Counselor (NCC), Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I have over 8 years experience working with various populations and helping clients with a wide array of symptoms. I use a person-centered, goal oriented and solution-focused approach to therapy and work collaboratively with my clients to help them achieve their goals.

Nicole Willms is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of New Jersey. She received her in BA Psychology from The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and a MS in Mental Health Counseling with a certificate in Couples & Family Counseling from Monmouth University. She also is a National Certified Counselor, an Approved Clinical Supervisor, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. Nicole specializes in working with individuals who have been affected by trauma grief and loss. Nicole has been working in an outpatient setting working with clients with a primary diagnosis of mental illness and co-occurring.

The fact that you are looking at these profiles to find the right therapist for you is a huge step. My name is Marissa Giuliano and I am a Licensed Social Worker specializing in treating eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. I believe that the therapist-client relationship is vital in the change process. I believe that each individual is unique and my treatment approach meets clients where they are at while creating a space that encourages my clients to use tools that will help them meet their goals. I know that therapy is not one size fits all and it is important to find a therapist that is a god fit.

My personal style of counseling could be best described as integrative/eclectic counseling. I incorporate various approaches and techniques to help my clients to achieve their goals. I offer my unique holistic view on therapy and life in general that utilizes comprehensive array of research and practices from both America and Europe. I believe that the best results could be achieved if my clients participate actively in our therapeutic process, both during sessions and outside them. Let me help you to achieve balance and personal happiness that you deserve and live your life to your fullest potential.