Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in Morganville, NJ

Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, traumatic thoughts that revisit or a difficult decision in your life, I have learned in my practice that everyone’s goal is essentially the same: to experience peace. I am a somatic practitioner, which means I will help you understand the cues that your body provides to help reveal your emotions and make decisions that help you grow. I am an eclectic blend of professional and down to earth. My ideal client is someone who is willing to be patient with themselves and the process, explore creative approaches, and dedicated to understanding themselves in a nonjudgmental way.

I believe we all have the potential to evolve. My approach uses an integration of techniques: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Internal Family Systems, Somatic Tracking, meditation, and psychoanalysis/psychotherapy. We all have stored conditioned patterns of behavior that helped us survive but holding onto these patterns may be causing you issues in the present. Our work together will assess these patterns and help recondition new ways of response to allow for more choice, less overwhelm, and wiser relationships.

I use a variety of therapeutic treatments that I have learned and developed in the 30 years of working in the behavioral health field. The art of healing, providing holistic care in a safe, confidential, therapeutic environment. Psychotherapy is based on support, learning new skills, teaching about feelings and behavior. Promoting positive changes for a healthier lifestyle. I hold a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from the Eisner Institute, a Master of Counseling Psychology from Monmouth University and a Master of the Arts in Art Therapy from New York University. Spirit, Mind and Body approach.

I am a certified EMDR therapist and consultant through EMDRIA. I offer specialized care in the treatment of trauma/ PTSD, anxiety, and complex relationship issues. Relationships are hard and are often the foundation of a lot of our pain. Some of the issues I often work with are: healing from narcissistic abuse, navigating co- dependency/ people pleasing, infidelity, present day triggers to childhood trauma ( i.e. through parenting, our partners, bosses, strangers on the road, it comes out in a host of unsuspecting ways) poor self- worth, eating and body imagine issues.

I am an experienced licensed clinical social worker trained by the IFS institute. I take an integrative approach to therapy, emphasizing healing mind, body, and soul. I believe that therapy should be enjoyable and non-judgmental. I am told that I create a collaborative and compassionate environment where my clients and I are able to tap into deep inner wisdom, provide insight, and apply concrete methods to heal and move forward. The result? Becoming brave enough to build a deep connection to your truest self and live authentically. Spirituality is incorporated, as desired.

It is said that the family is the “factory” where people are made. We learn to react in certain ways within our families which can affect how we develop, as well as our relationships and behaviors. Life can take unexpected turns and the challenges presented at such times can be difficult to work through alone. I seek to help my clients navigate and maneuver through these times by creating a safe haven from which to work through their challenges. I am committed to empowering individuals, strengthening relationships, and strive to create equilibrium within families.

Lauren Nickerson is a Licensed Social Worker in the state of New Jersey with over 2 years of experience in mental health care. She is passionate about providing therapeutic care for adolescents and adults who are seeking coping skills and support to manage life’s difficulties. Lauren specializes in anxiety, depression, stress management, life transitions, women’s issues, and more. At Rutgers University, Lauren earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) following the completion of her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

You just had another argument with your spouse. They’re happening more and more frequently. You’re not even sure what this most recent one was about, but you’re still reeling from it. It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly when things got so bad. For as long as you can remember, painful memories have bubbled to the surface without warning. You’ve always been able to push them down and ignore them, but you're starting to wonder if that’s sustainable. Maybe the constant problems in your relationship stem from these unresolved issues. You want to feel more in control and connected, but you don’t know how. It feels hopeless.

Life can be challenging, and at times we may need a safe space to ground ourselves and find healing. Here at Safe Space Counseling, I am here to support you on your healing journey. I believe that everyone deserves a safe space to heal, and I am committed to creating a space where you can feel comfortable, supported, and heard. Witnessing is the first step toward healing. When someone witnesses your pain, it validates your experience and lets you know that you are not alone. I will listen to you without judgment, and I will help you find your own healing path. I’m here when you are ready. Let healing begin!

I have an approach that is strength based, person-centered, and motivational. I try to take an inquisitive approach to identify and help you overcome barriers with empowerment and encouragement. My goal is to create a nonjudgmental, brave space where clients feel safe to process and find compassion for the unhealed parts of themselves. While my most common treatment modalities are attachment based, existential, internal family systems, and motivational interviewing; I will incorporate treatments best fit for each individual. I respect that your journey with change over time and our sessions will always accommodate that.

WELCOME! Make this your year of growth! I would love to be a part of your journey. I work with adults and adolescents who want to overcome depression, anxiety and low self-esteem as well as eating and weight related issues and body image concerns. Change can be tough so I want to honor the courage you are showing by thinking about therapy. The work we can do together will help you heal from past wounds and move forward in your life. Together we create healing change in a respectful manner where you can find peace.

Sometimes we feel alone, misunderstood, scared. Other times we feel anger, turmoil, overwhelmed. It can be a painful past which still gives us no peace, or a fork in the road ahead which confuses us. We may have no way to settle our fears. Children may be challenging us, or we may be observing them struggle in their personal lives. Relationships may be unsettling or disappointing. What we all want is happiness, inner peace. Gratifying relationships. Pride in our parenting. A way to move on from past traumas and allow us to feel free again.

If you’re reading this congratulations on taking the first step towards achieving your goals. You’ve decided to reach out and sometimes that is the hardest part. For over 15 years I’ve enjoyed helping those navigate the path to healing. I believe a safe and empathic environment is the foundation to this path. My practice works with those facing trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, performance issues, adoption, and relationship conflict. After many years behind the athletic bench I also have a passion for working with athletes and performers seeking to enhance the mental side of their game or barriers that impact their performance.

As someone who suffered from anxiety & trauma, I can tell you that I spent years looking for the right therapist & I just wanted results. I knew I had the potential to achieve so much more and create a life that I was excited about living, but I didn’t know where to start. I saw many therapists over the years & I was sick of just TALKING & re-living things over and over without seeing improvement. Finally, I met a therapist that changed my life. He introduced me to brainspotting, & IFS. I was skeptical at first but I was open minded & tried it out. I learned that trauma is stored in the body & that talk therapy doesn’t address that.

Greetings! I'm Helen, a compassionate licensed therapist dedicated to helping individuals of all ages, from children and young adults, navigate life's complexities. With extensive training and experience, I specialize in providing support for a wide range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, trauma, interpersonal difficulties, and family issues.

How brave of you to be searching for a therapist. Getting to this point often means the struggles you face have gotten to a point of affecting your quality of life; and admitting this can feel defeating. At the same time, if you’re here, you know therapy can be an opportunity to improve your well-being. By collaborating with me, we can build an understanding of your struggles and work through embracing meaningful growth and change. My twenty years experience in the mental health field has taught me that the most significant change and healing comes from within the client, and can be fostered through a supportive therapeutic rapport.

My ideal client is someone who understands the areas of their life that need improvement. They have an idea of potential treatment goals for therapy and is open to the process. Additionally, they believe there are many ways to address previous traumas and can identify preferences for treatment. For example, a client who is open to incorporating journaling, meditation, or other holistic practices in addition to traditional talk therapy. My ideal client intentionally commits to the therapeutic process and is open to collaboration in the therapeutic space.