Family Therapy in Montclair, NJ

People engage in therapy because they are seeking relief from uncomfortable feelings that may have arisen from being overwhelmed with what life has handed them. Many are grappling with relationship challenges, feelings of being stuck, self-defeating behaviors, anxieties, phobias and issues of self-esteem. Others are experiencing physical symptoms which have been diagnosed as being rooted in psychological turmoil, also known as psychophysiologic disorders, or TMS.

I have been working in the Mental Health field since 2016 when I graduated with my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have had opportunities to work with underserved populations of all ages in Substance Abuse Treatment, before transitioning to work with youth and families in the community. I have worked with youth and families for over 5 years helping youth, parents and families in crisis, as well as helping parents learn to navigate the world of developmental diagnoses.

I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in eating disorders, borderline PD, parenting, adolescents, and depression/anxiety. I work with individuals, couples and families in an active, caring, strengths based approach. I have advanced training in research based treatment methods such as DBT,and FBT that are proven to be effective! I combine compassion with evidenced based cognitive/behavioral interventions. I work to build collaboration with my clients and change lives by empowering individuals and families. I'm a speaker/group leader with the Eating Disorder Assoc of NJ and have appeared on CN8, WLTW-FM radio, News12 NJ.

You’re stuck in a “negative pattern” with your partner. There’s been a breakdown in communication and you're often feeling misunderstood. You find yourself having the same old conflicts which never get resolved. No matter how you try explaining what you need and how you feel, your partner takes it the wrong way. You wonder: “does my partner care about me anymore?” You feel alone and disconnected and look to your partner for reassurance that you do matter. You've tried everything and nothing seems to help bring you closer together. And you don’t know how to talk to your partner about these concerns.

Michaela is a passionate Cognitive Behavioral therapist (which is the most effective, researched, and validated therapy to date). She will work with you to identify and change overly negative thinking and unhelpful behaviors that interfere with your mood, reaching your goals, or hampering interpersonal relationships. She works with those struggling with depression, anxiety, worry, phobias, stress, body image issues, performance anxiety, defiant behavior in children, relationship struggles, and work/school issues.

If you have a child who worries a lot -- when no matter what you say, no matter how much loving reassurance you try to provide, you can't get through -- it can feel deeply painful and can leave you feeling a little powerless. Kids who worry a lot often don't know how to manage their outsized emotions. As a parent, it can make you feel like you're walking on eggshells, trying to avoid any of your child's triggers. You bend over backward to try and shift your child’s mood or their perspective, but your child continues to struggle. You’re starting to wonder if it's time to get another set of eyes on the situation.

Welcome to the Psych Center. We are a private practice that aims to provide quality services to children, adults, and their families. We understand the sensitivity and compassion it takes to help our clients succeed. Furthermore, we strive to be collaborative and work with you on identifying and accomplishing the goals you set forth. Please explore our page which addresses our services, fees, and other important information. We look forward to hearing from you. For questions, comments, or to schedule an appointment, please call: 973-587-8040 or email us.

Dr. Dobbs is an accomplished clinical psychologist with over fifteen years of experience between teaching and clinical work. She specializes in working with children, teens, and adults and has worked across various settings, including private practice, school, residential, and community mental health. Her therapeutic approach is rooted in the gold standard of treatment, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which provides faster, more effective results. With children and teens, she goes beyond the traditional confines of therapy by harnessing their natural creativity, integrating art, music, games, journaling, and other creative outlets.

Every child and parent has a unique set of strengths and experiences. Making home and school happy, safe and successful for you and your child requires harnessing existing skills, building new strengths, and carefully navigating challenges. I bring a holistic approach to help you and your child foster positive social, emotional, and behavioral well-being across settings.

Many things can trigger a call to a therapist: Overwhelming anxiety, persistent feelings of depression, unfulfilling or problematic relationships at home or at work, or sudden changes in life circumstances (health, financial, or interpersonal). Talking to a therapist in a supportive environment can be very helpful. Therapy helps you figure out what you want to get out of life, identify what gets in your way, and work out new ways of approaching your goals. When you come in regularly to talk, exploring patterns and identifying factors that interfere with achieving goals, your life tends to improve.

You never need to traverse this path alone. I want to acknowledge your courage in embarking on this transformative journey. I often liken my role in this therapeutic voyage to that of a co-pilot or co-author of your life story. My core mission is to empower individuals to unlock their fullest potential by navigating unresolved issues, healing from trauma, and breaking free from maladaptive patterns that have held them back from happiness.

In my work with children, adolescents and adults, I attempt to create a warm, peaceful and engaging environment. I work with individuals and groups with a variety of emotional, behavioral and social issues. In addition to considering the individual needs of a client, my approach to treatment also accounts for the support structure a client has in place. Particularly in my work with children, I often find parents and school professionals to be crucial partners in the process of therapy. In addition, many years of experience working within schools, makes me a strong advocate for parents and students who are struggling to succeed in their school environment.

Effective counseling, like effective parenting and teaching, involves understanding where someone is at in their growth process and providing them with a safe space and the supports essential to move to the next level. Developmentalists refer to this as "scaffolding". Like scaffolding for a building, these external supports are specific and put in place to allow for expansion and strengthening. Now, think about your favorite mentor or coach. It is likely that they provided support and encouragement that was a good match for you. As a counselor, I provide these supports, assisting my clients in reaching their greatest potential.

Congratulations on taking another step on your journey of wellness. Deciding to find a therapist can be challenging, and I encourage you to make that next step and reach out. My role as a therapist can be described as an advocate and guide as clients navigate the space of healing. I aim to help clients dismantle the thought patterns and beliefs that have been limiting. Our work together will help you learn new concepts and tools and make space for personal growth. The ultimate goal is to help you discover and align with your true self.

I believe in an integrative approach to healing and work with teens and adults. My approach is a collaborative process that is nonjudgemental, practical, and rooted in mindfulness. Together, we will identify life stressors and gain insight into the mind-body connection as well as thought and behavioral patterns. I have experience working in a variety of areas, including illness, grief, depression, anxiety, and life changes. I love working with athletes and have a robust Mindful Athlete program.

I offer a supportive and safe environment for adults and seniors who are experiencing challenges in daily living. Together we will address and work through those challenges and, as a result, I will help you to grow more satisfied in your quality of life.

Better Days Therapy is a mental health service that provides counseling for adults, adolescents, children, and families. I work with individuals, groups and communities to improve mental health. I examine issues including substance abuse, aging, bullying, anger management, careers, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, LGBTQ issues, self-image, stress and suicide. I help clients define goals, plan action and gain insight into their thought process. I develop therapeutic processes and take a holistic (mind, body, and spirit) approach to mental health care. I will perform crisis intervention and crisis counseling when needed.

Dr. Waltman is a master clinician at the forefront of modern Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). With a wealth of experience as a clinician, international trainer, bestselling author, and researcher who develops the very therapy itself, he brings a unique blend of expertise, insight, and compassion to his work. Specializing in case-conceptualization driven therapy, he tailors his interventions to meet the unique needs of each client and is known for his extensive knowledge of therapy tools and cutting-edge strategies. By creating holistic, individualized treatment plans, he helps clients overcome barriers and achieve lasting change.

I like to work collaboratively with clients of all ages to help with the following: success at work or school, cultivating satisfying relationships, stress reduction, stress management, fostering a hopeful and optimistic attitude, reducing depression and anxiety, and fostering a healthy relationship with one's body. Together, we will explore what gets in the way of maximizing your potential for success and happiness and come up with strategies to help you to feel better.