Family Counseling Therapists in Montclair, NJ

Relationships define us in so many ways, whether it be relationships with our family of origin, with friends, or with romantic partners. Through open and affirming talk therapy which incorporates humor and a relaxed approach, I can help you identify and understand the behaviors getting in the way of you living your best life and provide tools to help you navigate challenging relationships.

Life brings change and challenges, sometimes without warning or without our permission. Understandably, these periods can be stressful and frustrating for us and for our families . We do our best to respond to the curveballs that life throws at us in order to move forward. Sometimes, we find that we are not able to push forward as well as we'd like to. You are not alone-- and asking for support is okay. Although we can't stop change from affecting our lives, connecting with a trusted professional to share our story is the first step to regaining control and to letting go of some of that weight on our shoulders.

Hi and welcome! While everyone’s reason for seeking therapy is different, all people have conflicts to resolve, connections to deepen, and a purpose to live out. Sometimes we need a little help figuring out how to do that, and why our own efforts aren’t getting us as far as we’d like. Asking for help isn’t always comfortable, but I find the uncomfortable places are often the ones filled with the most purpose and possibilities. Congratulations on taking the first step!

As I reflect on my many years of practicing psychotherapy , I have found that what has been the most helpful is the authenticity of the therapeutic relationship. This is where you, the client, will learn to trust and open up about yourself. This process of self reflection will help you identify and understand the deeper parts of you. Whether your problem is self esteem, family issues, or intimacy , understanding yourself in a meaningful way will allow you to be more content in your daily living. Psychotherapy is a place where you can learn to feel better about yourself.

Often we feel as if our lives have become overwhelming as we navigate life stressors. Whether you are struggling with everyday stress or a traumatic event, I provide an accepting, warm & honest therapeutic setting where we can work together on the path to wellness. While I have over 20 years experience working with children and adolescents, I enjoy working with people of all ages focusing on challenging relationships, anxiety, depression, & personal history.

Life can sometimes feel and be very complicated. As a psychotherapist in private practice for 25 years, I work with adults, adolescents, families and couples. The way I approach working with people is to create a compassionate, intelligent, non-judgemental, therapeutic space where a person can feel safe, heard and understood. A person can then be more at ease with talking about their concerns and problems in an authentic and meaningful way. I welcome people from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities and family structures.

Are you struggling with anxiety, sadness or deeply overwhelming thoughts and feelings? Are you trying to navigate life's transitions and or feeling unsure about your future? Are you experiencing dis-ease in your life? Deciding to enter therapy can be difficult for some individuals. When entering a counseling relationship with me I will provide a safe, caring and confidential environment to explore these feelings. My ideal client is someone who is hopeful and ready to take the first step and work together at a pace that is safe, comfortable and manageable. It is my goal to foster growth and help individuals to transform their lives.

Welcome! It takes strength to reach out for support. As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and certified school counselor, I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship. Together we will work to develop the insight, skills, and tools you’ll need to achieve your goals. As a therapist who values a holistic approach, I work to provide a safe, brave space for you to explore the ways you want to grow, heal and feel empowered in your life. I am trained and have experience in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

"I can, I'm capable, I have the capacity." My goal is to help you recognize these truths and use your strengths to improve your ability to cope with the difficulties you are going through. I view therapy as a collaborative process. Through our relationship, I will learn about your strengths and challenges and help bring you an awareness of both. We will also work on reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression or other roadblocks that are hurting your relationships or preventing you from achieving the things you aspire to. I'm interested in helping you challenge your negative assumptions and/or limitations about yourself.

Are you feeling overwhelmed with Life? Are you stressed out? Do you often feel tired, depressed, or anxious? Is your relationship or marriage not going well? Do you find yourself getting angry at the littlest things? Do you ever wish you could be more assertive with others around you? Do you worry about your kids? Do you want to resolve these issues - NOW? These are just some of the common themes that we all experience at one time or another, but you don't have to continue to feel this way. Please call for an appointment today (973) 865-5012.

We sometimes need help navigating life's challenges, whether they occur at home, in school, or in the work place. Resolving adversity requires resiliency and coping mechanisms. Learning to identify triggers and stressors, focus on strengths, and work collaboratively to address concerns in a safe and judgement-free space, can help to produce positive change.

*I am not accepting new clients* I work with adolescents, adults, couples and families struggling with overwhelming feelings, infertility, pregnancy/postpartum issues, disordered eating/body image, trauma, anxiety, depression or general life obstacles. I believe that the way you view yourself, your relationships with others, and the world is a gateway to the therapeutic experience. My clients would describe my warmth, compassion, use of humor and realism as a recipe for connection and safety within our relationship. I am an active participant during sessions and willing to be vulnerable to move my client to a place of change.

I begin the collaboration with each person seeking my professional counsel by asking, "What is it you're not getting in your life that causes you pain?" Together, we explore the resources that will allow them to heal, change and grow. During the 30 years I have practiced psychotherapy, from a systemic or holistic perspective, I have assisted individuals, parents, couples, adolescents and caregivers to see and experience their lives differently.

Your family doctor would not offer the same treatment to every patient dealing with physical pain. You should expect the same type of individualized and nuanced treatment when you or your family member experiences pain of an emotional nature. A licensed psychologist with 20+ years of clinical experience and an integrative orientation, I've modeled my psychological treatment approach on the family doctor paradigm. My goal is to explore, assess, identify, and then compassionately and collaboratively address the unique presenting life issues of each patient with knowledge, positivity, and creativity.

Therapy is effective when there is a good match between you and your therapist. I am an active participant and will help you work through depression, anxiety, relationship issues, work-related problems or just feeling stuck in non-productive patterns of behavior. I provide a warm, nonjudgemental and confidential space where you can make sense of your problem, thoughts and feelings to develop a better understanding of yourself and have more satisfying relationships.

We all need help sometimes. When you need help you want someone you can trust to offer understanding, support and who knows how to help in a supportive, unconditional environment. Let me help you take charge of your life. I offer individual, couple and family counseling , including therapy for children and adolescents. The approach is holistic and client-centered, and is aimed at achieving lasting results through solution-focused techniques. I strongly believe in the mind-body connection and incorporate natural forms of wellness into the therapeutic approach.

Due to my clinical training and experience, my services are best suited for families experiencing relationship issues, parenting stress, divorce, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, attachment issues, developmental disabilities, and immigration-related concerns. Each of my clients receives an individualized treatment plan, and when required, a battery of tests tailored to the individual needs of the client. My work often includes school visits, participating in IEP meetings, home visits, collaboration with pediatricians and psychiatrists, testifying in court, and consulting with experts.

My goal is to create a safe space where everyone can feel heard and validated. I have experience treating depression, anxiety, relationship problems, grief, and transitional issues. I have a passion for working with adolescents, both individually and with their families . Adolescence can be a challenging times for families and I believe in creating an open environment for encouraging both communication and the acceptance of needed privacy. I have extensive training and experience in systemic family therapy. This means that I am able to treat not only the individual, but also the entire family of origin, where appropriate.

“As adults, we are quick to forget how difficult the life of a teenager can be. When faced with the stressful demands of adulthood, it is easy to minimize the challenges of our teenage children. However, the demands of being a teenager can be just as stressful when you consider the pressures of school, family , friendships, and identity development. Adolescents today are faced with an abundance of information from social media that they are not emotionally ready or equipped to process.