Photo of Jaclyn Paradise, Counselor in 08816, NJ
Jaclyn Paradise
Counselor, MA, LAC, NCC, CTP, CMIP
Verified Verified
East Brunswick, NJ 08816  (Online Only)
Driven by my own experiences and mental health journey, I am passionate about working with adults who have endured trauma, particularly first responders and military personal. I am attuned to the complexities of reintegrating into mainstream society after such profound experiences. Additionally, I find fulfillment in supporting individuals navigating life changes and milestones, providing guidance in the realms of confidence and self-understanding.
Driven by my own experiences and mental health journey, I am passionate about working with adults who have endured trauma, particularly first responders and military personal. I am attuned to the complexities of reintegrating into mainstream society after such profound experiences. Additionally, I find fulfillment in supporting individuals navigating life changes and milestones, providing guidance in the realms of confidence and self-understanding.
(908) 866-8964 View (908) 866-8964
Photo of Barbara Gelfand, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 08816, NJ
Barbara Gelfand
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
We all have a desire to be heard, to be understood, and to be soothed. We often yearn for more satisfying and loving relationships. In therapy, I will listen carefully to you as we sort through obstacles that may be preventing you from experiencing greater ease and happiness. I will bear witness to your life stories, acknowledge your successes and struggles, and help you to find renewed resilience, acceptance and change. I'm patient and open-minded, and provide an empathic therapy space. I believe true healing occurs when we take care of our whole self in mind, body and spirit.
We all have a desire to be heard, to be understood, and to be soothed. We often yearn for more satisfying and loving relationships. In therapy, I will listen carefully to you as we sort through obstacles that may be preventing you from experiencing greater ease and happiness. I will bear witness to your life stories, acknowledge your successes and struggles, and help you to find renewed resilience, acceptance and change. I'm patient and open-minded, and provide an empathic therapy space. I believe true healing occurs when we take care of our whole self in mind, body and spirit.
(732) 416-7957 View (732) 416-7957
Photo of Lora Kimball, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 08816, NJ
Lora Kimball
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
East Brunswick, NJ 08816  (Online Only)
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship problems or issues related to substance use? Maybe you have suffered a loss or been through a traumatic experience and are feeling overwhelmed by your emotions, stuck, or just numb? You are not alone. Everybody needs help sometimes to cope in a healthy and skillful way with life’s challenges and changes. If you want to feel better, learn more about yourself, and identify patterns of behavior & thinking that no longer serve you well, therapy may help. Tap into your innate strengths, find new meaning from your experiences, or simply get some extra support and perspective.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship problems or issues related to substance use? Maybe you have suffered a loss or been through a traumatic experience and are feeling overwhelmed by your emotions, stuck, or just numb? You are not alone. Everybody needs help sometimes to cope in a healthy and skillful way with life’s challenges and changes. If you want to feel better, learn more about yourself, and identify patterns of behavior & thinking that no longer serve you well, therapy may help. Tap into your innate strengths, find new meaning from your experiences, or simply get some extra support and perspective.
(732) 532-3228 View (732) 532-3228
Marriage Counseling Therapists

How does marriage counseling work?

Marriage counseling works by teaching couples concrete skills to communicate with one another and solve disagreements in healthy ways. A trained mental health professional works with both members of a couple to explore difficulties the couple may be having and helps them develop skills to address these matters. Couples who don’t have any difficulties but want to prepare for marriage may develop skills for the future.

How long does marriage counseling typically last?

Marriage counseling is a short-term form of therapy; the process may last between four and eight sessions. Other forms of relationship guidance from mental health professionals, such as couples therapy, are longer lasting, may focus on the past rather than just the present, and are tailored to the individual couple and their emotions, history, and patterns in the relationship. Couples therapy often lasts for 12 weeks or longer.

Is marriage counseling effective?

Marriage counseling helps many couples develop relationship skills that may not have been acquired or tested in a relationship; partners may be better able to communicate and address conflict following counseling. However, there are many different forms of marriage counseling, and this form of counseling does not have as strong an evidence base as other modalities such as couples therapy.

Is marriage counseling effective if only one partner wants to go?

Yes, marriage counseling can still be effective if one partner convinces the other to engage in the process. Of course, whether counseling is effective depends on the couple’s commitment to work on their relationship; however, the short-term, skills-based nature of marriage counseling makes it a relatively easy “ask” of a partner, and the hesitant individual may see its value once counseling begins.