Empire BlueCross BlueShield Therapists in Princeton, NJ

My ideal client is one who is hopeful that they can achieve, overcome, or get through their concern. I know that each client is unique in their issues, needs, and goals and I don't judge those areas. Instead, I respect the client's focus and seek to understand what those are. Ideally, the client has goals that are not only in the here and now, but can be sustaining and are realistic. In addition, the needs of the client are reasonable and obtainable needs such as improving one's mood because they're sad, alleviating symptoms of anxiety that's been ongoing for weeks, or having a better relationship with a family member.

I am a licensed professional counselor with over 12 years’ experience working in the psychiatric field. I have experience working with adults, children and families in a variety of outpatient and inpatient settings. Although I specialize in CBT and DBT, and other various modalities, it is a priority for me to continue to recognize that each client’s case and background is different from one another. Clients know themselves best and a collaborative approach may be beneficial to discover the best route to progress. A team-like approach is a priority in treatment.

Richard is licensed by the State of New Jersey as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and is a National Board Certified Counselor (NBCC). Richard has over eight years of experience working with a wide range of adults and families in the mental health field settings at the Outpatient, Intensive Outpatient, Residential, Intensive In-Community Settings. Richard has experience with various issues, including Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Grief, Stress, Substance Abuse, Peer Relationships, Anger Management, Men ’s Issues, and Domestic Violence.

My ideal patient is one who is eager to communicate. A patient who believes that change is possible and wants to make mistakes. My patient is one who believes that mistakes create success. My patient's goals are manageable, sustainable, and focused. I like a patient who recognizes therapy as a process that takes time. Change takes patience, consistency, and experience. I believe that their exploration can be of themselves, as well as the things outside themselves they want to work on. The phrase "Know thyself" is an important component of my work. As the patient learns to make changes, they also learn to master themselves.

As a licensed psychotherapist, I address a variety of issues and challenges that impact individuals including children, adolescents, adults. I also do extensive work with couples, families and business professionals. I have demonstrated successful results working with those individuals who struggle with anger management, anxiety, ADHD, Aspergers, bipolar disorder, conduct disorder, depression, dysthymia, schizophrenia, gambling addiction, sex addiction and substance abuse. I also have significant experience with career counseling for business professionals.

Therapy is a deeply personal and individual experience requiring care and understanding. The therapeutic journey requires trust and understanding to create the foundation for exploring sensitive topics and challenging the self for long term change. Michael provides clients with a safe space to be heard with no judgment, bias, or fear of recourse. Michael approaches therapy with the perspective that we are forming a relationship to tackle your struggles collaboratively, while keeping in mind your feelings, concerns and goals.

An ideal client would feel that it is okay to be vulnerable and become comfortable opening up to others. I recognize that this is no easy task, and an individual’s history can cause someone to build up their walls even further. Based on my strengths as a therapist of being someone who is empathic, respective of boundaries, providing unconditional positive support, I am confident that I can make an impact on my client.

The ideal client to me is anyone who has been suffering from mental health problems on their own and is ready to seek help.

Clients, as well as therapists, come in all shapes and sizes. When it comes to finding a good fit in a therapist, clients should feel safe and comfortable to be able to open up over time. Personality plays a huge role in compatibility. Down to earth, approachable, and relaxed are three qualities that describe my persona. I strive to provide clients with a safe space to feel respected, heard, and understood. I support clients in building effective communication skills, fostering meaningful relationships, practicing appropriate social skills, utilizing healthy coping strategies, and to establish and maintain healthy boundaries.

Engaging in therapy is a courageous decision. Therapy can be a brief process, or it may require a more intensive focus. whatever your needs, I strive to create a safe environment where you can restore inner balance. All our life experiences shape who we are and how we see ourselves and others in the world. I believe everyone has the answers they need to heal. By creating a therapeutic relationship built on trust, I can be a guide to help that healing process. I have experience helping individuals with life cycle or transition issues. I have also helped individuals heal from more intensive trauma, grief, and mood disorders.

I subscribe to Irving Yalom's "fellow travelers" philosophy of psychotherapy that seeks to eradicate the old hierarchy of "therapist" and "patient." I consider it a sacred honor to be walking alongside my clients on the road toward more healthy, passionate, fulfilling lives and, as such, find myself just as inspired through the process of therapy as they are.

I enjoy working alongside those who need assistance with anxiety and related disorders. These issues can make you feel like your whole body is affected - it can leave you feeling isolated, scared, angry, or stuck. We all go through challenging times and are faced with difficult uncertainties. If you desire a relief from the often times debilitating "what-ifs", I would like to help. It's my goal to provide a non-judgmental, safe, and supportive space where we can begin to understand the root of what triggers your fears and thoughts. We may explore how the past impacts you today and how you view the world and those around you.

My ideal client is a talkative and self-directed person who can clearly articulate what they want from therapy and how they hope to change their lives. The ideal client volunteers to come to therapy and wants to have open discussions that are focused on the process/journey, and not always end results.

My supportive and thoughtful approach to psychotherapy involves helping clients to take a look at themselves and their choices to determine whether their personal styles are working for them. In this way, clients become more aware of how they relate to others and how to make healthy choices to reduce and better manage stress, improve mood, and enhance relationships. Identifying maladaptive patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving, and making changes in those patterns, helps people to live more rewarding and satisfying lives. Therapy is a process in which people learn to live more adaptively and with more personal fulfillment.