Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists in Princeton, NJ

We all struggle at times; emotional and psychological anguish are part of the human condition. And yet these challenges can be reframed as an indication that change may be helpful. I am a strong believer in the profound gift that mental health support can confer and that seeking therapeutic support is an act of self-empowerment and strength. I have a private practice in Princeton, NJ where I specialize in the treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders, LGBTQIA+ issues, parenting concerns, family systems and eating disorders. In my private practice I work with preadolescents, adolescents, adults, couples and families.

Anxiety is a part of being human, but when worry, perfectionism, panic, rumination, intrusive/unwanted thoughts, compulsions & preoccupations take over, you may need new strategies. I specialize in anxiety, OCD, social anxiety, tics, insomnia, indecision, procrastination, depression and overeating & health. I work with children, adolescents and adults to manage these challenges and put into place tools that help you return to a full life again. I have over 28 years of experience offering compassionate, evidence based approaches for these symptoms. I also have expertise in ADHD, 2E, ASD & learning differences in children & adults.

Imagine that you are engaged in a battle of tug-of-war. In between is a dark bottomless pit that you struggle against falling into. Some days it looks like maybe you are winning the battle; other days you are barely avoiding falling in to the pit. Humans are hardwired for pain and suffering. The good news is that rooted deep within us is also the capacity for growth and transcendence. Readiness for therapy involves an opening up to new possibilities and experience and a willingness to learn more supportive ways of relating and responding to life’s challenges, or in other words, learning to drop the rope.

Recovery-Oriented Solutions and Consulting, established by Joe Keifer, Psy.D, BSN, RN. works primarily with individuals with serious mental health challenges, medical providers, and individuals with complex medical conditions who are experiencing difficulties with their mental health. We recognize that not everyone will benefit from standard or "cookie cutter" therapy. We hope to work collaboratively and create a treatment plan that builds hope and purpose, increases connection, and manages the challenges that are holding you back from doing what you love and a sense of purpose in your life. See my website for more information.

Lets be real. You’re in a bad spot and the last thing I want to do is bore you with optimistic clichés full of toxic positivity and lofty promises of healing and wellness. If you are having a difficult time adapting to everything going on around you and these “unprecedented times”, or if you are frustrated with the collective vibe to just accept crappy circumstances, you have come to the right place.

I offer therapy and assessment to people of all ages, 6 and up, who might be struggling with inattention, mood or anxiety, executive functioning, learning differences, family problems, or social difficulties. Therapy can help to develop self-knowledge and acceptance , confidence, and empowerment to make meaningful change. The goal of assessment is to identify a person’s unique neurodivergent strengths, challenges and needs. When I work with families, we look for solutions that respect the autonomy of all family members and addresses the emotional needs of kids - and their parents - who may be struggling with meeting expectations.

I have 30 years of experience in a range of settings with people of many different backgrounds. My professional experience in concert with my personal journey enable me to focus on the person in the room and strive to understand their unique needs, goals and how psychotherapy can help in this process. I believe that the psychotherapy relationship provides an ideal forum for helping people move towards optimal functioning framed by their values and goals. I provide a safe place to address issues of mood, thinking, behavior, transition, adjustment, interpersonal conflict, anxiety, trauma and any other life challenge.

The Center for Emotional Health of Greater Philadelphia (CEH) is the region’s premier outpatient behavioral healthcare provider specialized in the evaluation and evidence-based treatment of anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders. With a large staff of highly trained clinical specialists and office locations in Cherry Hill & Princeton, NJ, CEH stands ready to provide the highest standard of psychological care to the greater Philadelphia community. In addition to our on-site office locations in NJ, we are licensed to provide telehealth services in NJ, PA, and VA.

The importance of therapy is to have a safe space to really explore your thoughts and identify your behaviors. My aim is to provide a safe, supportive non- judgemental space so that you can unpack and explore various areas of your life. I believe people are capable of reaching their own potential in a non-judgemental,compassionate environment.

Practices that include modalities with Eclectic theoretical orientation. Counseling everyone regardless of background purely on presenting health issues. Using integrative approach to whole person restoration of functioning. Mindfulness, Cognitive,Logotherapy, Motivational Interviewing. Transfigurative Hypnotherapy is strictly for pain management, sleep disorder, anxiety and relaxation. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT ). We proudly embrace the ethical values of the APA, AACC, ACA and NBCC (National Board for Certified Counselors) that respectively advice counselor to practice within their competencies (training).

My approach to therapy begins with meeting the individual where they are in their lives and creating a safe, non-judgmental space to work on identifying strengths and challenges. I have worked with a diverse group of individuals with a variety of concerns, such as anxiety, depression, relationship and family struggles, stress management, substance abuse, and issues relating to the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. As a former Division I & professional athlete, I have a special interest in working with competitive athletes. I incorporate strengths-based, solution-focused, motivational interviewing, CBT, & ACT therapeutic models within my practice.

Village Counseling Services offers the longest running comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) program in central New Jersey. To uphold the integrity of the DBT treatment model, we feature a structured and selective intake process and all members of our DBT Consultation Team have been intensively trained. We provide our clients with intensive, individualized treatment by maintaining a small therapist-to-client ratio and by offering DBT skills training in small groups. Our DBT program offers several DBT skills groups per week providing services to children ages 9 to 13, adolescents ages 14 to 18, adults and family members.

I am passionate about helping people heal from their past, and grow into the best version of themselves. In our work together, I will help you learn the concrete coping skills needed in order to build a life that feels worth living. I specialize in treating eating disorders, complex trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic shame, women's issues, and general life transitions. I use mindfulness based therapy and solution focused interventions that will help you to gain more control over your mind, emotions, relationships, and life in order to live presently, in a way that is meaningful and purposeful.

I provide an empathetic, supportive and caring atmosphere to assist my clients in developing trust to work collaboratively on finding realistic solutions to their problems using evidence based treatment. My treatment approaches include CBT, ACT and ERP for individuals suffering from various disorders and psychological distress. In addition, to psychotherapy, I conduct psychological evaluations/testing, psychoeducational testing, ADHD evaluations, independent medical evaluations and biofeedback. Moreover, I have a background with PIP and workman's comprehension clients as well as with parent coordination.

When working with immediate areas of concern for clients, I use techniques from CBT and ACT to help clients develop problem-solving skills, identify who they want to become and reduce stress and anxiety. If you're experiencing unresolved difficult past experiences, I use Attachment Theory. I have a particular interest in helping adolescents develop insights and skills to create a personally meaningful life. I have experience working with clients with anxiety, depression, academic stress, and relationship difficulties. I currently work as a therapist at both Princeton University and Inner Balance Psychology.

Larissa received a master's degree from Rutgers University & is currently a licensed clinical social worker with experience working with various populations in NJ & MD. She has experience working with children, teens, and various stages of adults. Although Larissa has worked with many different ages and mental health needs, her work has focused on addictions and eating disorders in young adults. Larissa completed the ACT certificate program at Rutgers University and is currently awaiting approval for LCADC licensure.Larissa has experience in DBT, trauma-informed approach, SELF, CBT, mindfulness, grief, and Motivational Interviewing.

My inclusive work focuses on: Helping people to feel safe, and to feel seen and valued for who they are, wherever they are; those struggling with trauma, chronic pain, grief and loss, PTSD, depression and anxiety; phobias, racing thoughts, crossroads and upheaval; as well as Body Image, with a specific focus on Body Neutrality and Health At Every Size (HAES) – all with mindfulness, compassion, and acceptance .