Behavioral Issues Therapists in Alpha, NJ

For over 35 years, I have been helping people resolve their problems, improve relationships, and live more fulfilling lives. It is important and helpful to understand how our past has influenced our choices, personality, and worldview. However, therapy must focus on the present, helping you see perspectives and options that were not clear to you before. Good therapy can help you see how you may get in your own way, and make needed changes. Of course, listening in a warm supportive atmosphere is essential, but feedback and guidance are important, too. I am an active partner in the therapeutic relationship.

My therapeutic philosophy is that Individuals need to be a part of their own solutions. I strive to empower clients to feel that their successes come from themselves and are the result of their own hard work. My experience in social work is deliberately broad to address a wide range of concerns. My background includes child development/behavioral issues, Individual, couples counseling, adolescent, vocational/employment counseling, chronic disease case management, Advocacy and Life coaching.

Hello! I believe in providing therapy that promotes a safe and understanding environment for each individual client. I pride myself on my adaptability and have a wide skill set that can be tailored to each client as an individual. My style of therapy is active and task-centered as I focus on providing each client with the skills and resources they need to be the best version of themselves. Find me at our practice website: www.danacolthart.com.

Clients need a professional who is understanding, creative, and nurturing. People of all ages can be extremely vulnerable during therapy and require distinct, specialized care tailored to their life experience. For over 15 years, I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults with various mental health needs. I hold a Master’s Degree in Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a Minor in Spanish from Fairleigh Dickinson University. I am proud to have the privilege to serve both English and Spanish speaking communities.

Over the course of my practice I have been specializing in working with individuals from adolescents through late adulthood. I have proficient experience working with individuals that have been diagnosed with or experience symptoms of ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Grief, and Trauma. I have long been an ally and provided services for the members of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ community. I am committed to helping my clients and working as hard as they are in their Mental Health Treatment Journey.

As a therapist, I have been in private practice for 24 years. I work with children, adolescents, adults and families. I practice primarily with solution-focused, short term therapy to help aid in empowerment and healing. I utilize life coaching/career building to help adult clients deal with difficult transitions in current day employment. The solution based focused therapies tend to help those dealing with current life stressors. I provide a variety of age appropriate play in therapy/family therapy as needed when working with a young population. I also utilize Sandtray Therapy and Certified Therapy Dogs for emotional support.

I do individual, couples, and family therapy. A large percentage of my cases deal with relationship issues and couples counseling as well as anxiety and depression. In July 2010 I authored a book entitled, "Dusting off the Ashes, One Man's Journey Through Post-Traumatic Stress," available on Amazon.com

I see in person and telehealth clients in Pennsylvania. I also see Telehealth patients from New Jersey. Everyone goes through mental health phases. These phases can range from misunderstandings among couples, adjusting to life after the death of a loved one, and or major depression. All of these Issues have one thing in common. They all can be managed. People can live a high quality of life despite being challenged with mental health obstacles.

The ideal client would be someone who is motivated to change and feel better/happier overall. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, mood instability and/or substance use, change is key in order to feel better. The main goal for clients is to learn healthier coping skills, process recent life stressors and/or traumas that may be contributing to their mental health and understand the importance of self-care/love. It is important to target the specific needs of the individual's and develop a treatment plan that is unique to them.

I offer many years of experience in treating anxiety and depression, as well as trauma. Unaddressed trauma is often the cause of anxiety and depression. I use an eclectic, holistic approach and have interest in spirituality and religion. I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitizing and Reprocessing) and Thought Field Therapy, both state of the art treatments. Also experienced in all types of family and couples work, adoption adjustment work and attachment problems. Physical health is addressed and suggestions are made and referrals given if needed. Good with anxiety in people of all ages. Good with teenagers and children over age five.

Locating a compatible therapist may feel like a task, specifically while you are facing an overwhelming amount of life stressors, anxiety, or depression. It takes effort and courage to reach out and seek therapeutic services and therefore you are one step closer. Finding a therapist that will actively listen to your most vulnerable thoughts, feelings, and emotions can be scary and intimidating for Individuals of all ages specifically for children.

Many couples and individuals are motivated to make important life changes but are not sure where to begin. I can help. I offer evidence-based interventions that can bring peace to your internal world and improve the quality of your marriage, relieve depression and anxiety, elevate performance at work or school, improve sleep, overcome addiction, and reduce stress at home. My approach to counseling focuses on a holistic view of the person. As we work to resolve problematic thoughts, difficult emotions, or troubling behaviors, we will explore many areas of healthy living.

I believe every person was created with an innate ability to overcome and thrive. I facilitate the process of you coming into that awareness, believing it for yourself, and implementing strategies for long-term change.

Everyone has struggles in life especially with these isolating times during the pandemic. I believe we can benefit from having a empathetic, understanding person to discuss these stresses and challenges with. An important part of the therapeutic relationship is finding the right therapist for each individual. While establishing an engaging patient client relationship, I can provide tools to assist and manage these challenges.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I earned my masters at Rutgers University. My background includes experience with adolescents, adults, and families in private practice, residential, and educational settings. In my most recent role, I focused on supporting adolescents and adults facing challenges with depression, anxiety, grief, communication, anger, transitions, and other stress related challenges.I thrive most with clients dedicated to self-improvement and willing to put effort into positive change. Motivation is key for effective therapy, enabling clients to confront obstacles and utilize available resources.

I believe that listening is crucial in counseling; listening not just to words, but also for feelings. Sometimes people seek therapy to clarify their thoughts and emotions; or they may be looking for specific strategies to find relief from worry or sadness, or for help with a relationship. My experience and training in multiple modes of psychotherapy allows me to help people with these concerns. While starting counseling may seem scary, it can be the first step toward feeling happier and less worried.