I am a licensed psychologist offering individualized psychological services during day and evening hours for your convenience. I can work with you directly in my office or via secure HIPPA compliant Telehealth platform. Services include therapy for individuals, couples, family, consultations, skill development, training, problem solving, relationship issues, work issues, etc. If you would like to get help for your specific issues where you are experiencing different levels of discomfort, stress, anxiety, anger, pain, depression, behavior, relationship or work issues; then please give me a call at 973-377-2213.

​Have you been feeling "stuck?" Are you having difficulty coping with stress in your life due to relationships, parenting, employment or other life transitions? ​ Do you have concerns about your child's behavioral or emotional functioning? Does your child have difficulty interacting with his/her peers? ​ If any of the above ring true, please know that you are not alone. Often, accepting that there is a problem, or that something in your life needs improvement, can be a difficult first step. It is not uncommon to encounter bumps in the road, though it's important to know that these challenging times CAN improve.

Is your child or teen struggling with school issues, peer issues, attention, or behaviors? I can help make a positive change for your youth that will be reflected at home, in school, in the community, and for your family as a whole. I specialize in issues specific to school aged children and adolescents. In addition to attention and behavioral issues, I also work with school refusal, depression, anxiety, the struggle to "fit in". I also treat youth with Autism Spectrum disorder, and provide behavioral/social support and growth. My mission is to connect with youth and their families and to help them grow in the areas most needed.

*ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS* Asking for help is hard. That's why I work hard to make you feel comfortable, seen and heard from the moment you reach out. My approach to therapy is down to earth, genuine, and solution focused, and my goal is to make sessions feel safe and open, as well as offer real strategies that you can starting using today to begin to feel some relief. If your teen, you, or your family are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, life changes, or simply want more fulfillment out of life, please don't hesitate to call or email me. Together we can overcome the obstacles and barriers you face!

We are going through an ever evolving time in our lives that requires sensitivity to ourselves, others, and the world we live in. These times can also bring up feelings of struggle, isolation/loneliness, uncertainty, and even despair. However, this does not have to be your end point. I will assist in guiding you to be empowered and reach a sense of healing through my empathetic, insightful, and supportive therapeutic approach. My goal is to facilitate your growth in your personal journey with non-judgement and unconditional support. I will walk with you and help you to develop into the best you, you can be.

Congratulations! You did it. You took the first steps towards your journey towards hope and healing. It takes a lot of courage to begin the process of finding a therapist, there is an immeasurable strength that comes from this endeavor. As a licensed social worker, I have worked with my clients who wanted to find answers to questions that existed within themselves and the ever-changing world around them. I love going along for the ride as my clients work to seek their truth.

Navigating through the pressures of daily life can be challenging. Our therapists have the desire to empower and evoke change through the use of a supportive relationship and practical techniques. We view treatment through a client-focused lens with the intent to sustain healthy improvements in your everyday life. We wish to join our clients on their journey to wellness, guiding them with the tools and support they need.

Dr. Nicole Djakow-Fransko earned her first Master's Degree (M.A.) from Rowan University in Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Psychology in 2006. She earned her second Master's Degree (M.S.) in Clinical Psychology in 2013 from Chestnut Hill College, and then obtained her doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) in 2017 (Chestnut Hill College). Dr. Djakow-Fransko is also a Licensed Professional Counselor, and has been working within the field for fifteen years.

Lighthouse Counseling & Sand Play Training Center, LLC was conceived in 2000 in a tiny office in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey by Gretchen Morgan and Mary Pat McGeehin. Their search for effective treatment led them to include the use of Sand Play Therapy, EMDR, yoga and therapeutic group work with their clients. This was in response to the expanding body of research which illustrated that the mind-body connection was integral to the healing of mental health issues. In 2004, they expanded their practice to include like-minded affiliate clinicians and moved to a larger facility in Eatontown, New Jersey.

Every person experiences his or her own journey to healing and self-discovery. My role is to provide a safe space for individuals to get in touch with their own hidden potential and uncover what internal barriers hold them back from living their lives with joy and ease. Sessions are approached from a traditional counseling perspective as well as a holistic perspective, giving consideration to the overall mind, body, spirit, and emotions of the person. In this way, we work together to uncover any old conditionings or unconscious patterns and beliefs that no longer serve you so that positive life transformations can take place.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor by the state of New Jersey with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field in community agencies, school systems and private practice. I offer therapy services to adults, children and adolescents. I strive to provide a safe and nurturing environment and employ a variety of strategies depending on clients' needs, with an emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and play therapy.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!!! My approach to therapy starts with creating a comfortable, supportive atmosphere where my clients are free to truly be themselves. I believe a strong therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in a positive therapy outcome. Depending on the needs of each individual, I utilize multiple treatment approaches, including person-centered therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and play therapy. It is my belief that all people are capable of positive change and growth.

Therapy is about feeling better. It's a learning process. It requires a comfortable atmosphere, conducive to talking and expressing inner feelings. I try to create this environment by offering respect, sensitivity and compassion. I bring enthusiasm, and hope to the therapeutic process, as well as insight and creativity. This, in turn, helps one to develop an understanding of one's self and one's circumstances, and thus, the process of change begins, where one can acquire an ability to tackle whatever the challenge may be.

My treatment approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Therapy for individuals suffering from various disorders and psychological distress including but not limited to suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, LGBTQ, and drug addiction. In addition to psychotherapy, I conduct psychological evaluations/testing, psychoeducational testing, and biopsychosocial evaluations. I provide a compassionate, holistic, and caring atmosphere in order to provide my clients a trusting and supportive therapeutic experience.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!!! My therapeutic approach will focus on the client and an understanding of the client’s inner domain and perspective. I will provide a comfortable, non-judgmental environment allowing the client to fully express inner thoughts and feelings that may be under the surface of awareness and to empower the client to resolve difficulties through a combination of CBT, Multi-modal and Psychodynamic therapies.

The Monster Under the Bed Is Real! When you become an adult, the monster moves out from under the bed and into your head. Its name? Some call it Anxiety, others call it Depression. I call it a miserable way to live. Anxiety and Depression can cripple your life. You need to go to sleep but your brain will not shut off. The mind becomes a prisoner on the hamster wheel of shame, recounting all the things you “should've,” “could've ,” and “needed to do” that day. Struggling with depression and anxiety often causes feelings of disconnection from those we love. A desperate desire for something different, but limited energy for change.

Dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorder or other related concerns? Would a safe, reliable team of specialists help to support you or someone you care about in achieving life goals and managing emotions? ABA Telehealth Project offers expert HIPAA-compliant Telehealth services to you and your family in the comfort of your home or while out and about in the community. Our team of compassionate, well-trained professionals is committed to designing and implementing individualized, specialized behavior support services. Check out our website at www.abatelehealthproject.com

Do you often feel dissatisfied in your life? Do you have difficulty communicating your feelings and needs to others? Perhaps anxiety and depression are getting in your way of a happier existence. My style is interactive, compassionate, and non-judgmental. I aim to help you discover and activate your personal resources that you already possess. I do everything possible to create a safe environment. Together we can then help you to gain the courage to take risks in pursuit of a happier, more liberating life because people are not defined by a diagnosis or demographic, I don't specialize-I individualize.

Hello, and welcome! Are you experiencing anger, anxiety, fear or sadness? Are you feeling that you have to withdraw from the world? I invite you to join me on a journey to destination reinvent for ages 14-19, adults and elderly 65+. If you are at the crossroads of fear, loneliness, and sadness; detours of emptiness, indecisions, and failure; roadblocks of disbelief, financial strains, and personal pain. I invite you to allow me to work with you on your journey, in a safe therapeutic setting, where you will receive the necessary tools to help realign your thoughts, while empowering you to make meaningful, and lasting change.

Are you struggling with your emotions and/or your children's schoolwork during this pandemic? I am a highly skilled licensed psychologist and I work extensively with children and adults in diverse settings. I specialize in addressing the needs of those who are experiencing anxiety, depression, phobias, OCD behaviors, mood disorders and learning disabilities, and believe strongly in using cognitive behavioral strategies.My expertise in diagnosing and treating learning disabilities has made me uniquely qualified to treat individuals who are having difficulty coping with life because of cognitive and/or emotional challenges.