Psychodynamic Therapists in Sea Girt, NJ

Life is full of transitions: Marriages, divorces, change of career, retirement, mid life crisis, illness. At times we feel overwhelmed. But no matter how hopeless things may appear at a time, I believe that there is a wholeness and healthiness within. I help men and women to get in touch with the part of them that is well, to heal the part that is hurting.Happiness in life comes through knowing what to hold onto, what to let go of and what to change and how. Things we perceive as negative gain a new meaning when viewed from a place of power, when new skills are learned. See what my patients say about me in Yelp, under Mena Urban

I help people transform their lives from the inside out with psychodynamic therapy. Most of my patients experience significant breakthroughs. My first aim will be to help you solve the immediate problems you're facing and start feeling better. As we go forward my aim is to foster self-actualization. I've helped many people profoundly improve their lives and I'll be honored to help you too.

You live in a quiet state of desperation. On paper your life looks really good. Others see you and think you have everything going for you. They want to be like you and think their life would be easier if they were. You are outgoing and wear a smile. But they don’t understand what they can’t see. They don’t see you. They don’t see the pain that you feel. You know that other people won’t understand. You learned a long time ago to hide it. Everyday you wake up and put on a mask. You push yourself harder to accomplish more. Yet you know that none of it will work.

I've worked in clinical social work for nearly 30 years. I have a perspective that understands anxiety issues, especially during life transitions. However, I recognize the resilience that allows each of us to survive and thrive. I believe that effective therapy bridges the gap between anxiety and that resilience.My experiences in domestic violence, in hospitals with seriously ill patients, with adolescents and their families in drug and alcohol treatment centers, and ten years as a school social worker in an affluent suburb have afforded me the opportunity to assist clients through challenges we face.

Within each of us lies the answers but so often we don't listen, or can't hear, that voice. Therapy can help to quiet the mind and allow that voice to speak and be heard. When we follow its words we find exactly where we need to be. My goal in therapy is to help clients to find that voice and listen to it because it holds the answers we seek-It holds the map for the journey we are on.

Therapy is a great opportunity for individuals to improve their overall quality of life. As a therapist I provide unconditional support and listening in a relaxed and comfortable therapeutic environment. I work with a large variety of age groups and offer individual, couples and family therapy sessions. I specialize in treating patients with anxiety and depression and help others with developing healthy coping skills to alleviate everyday stress. I also teach individuals how to use effective strategies to help improve communication skills as well as their relationships with others.

Do you have a nagging voice inside that is wondering when you will make YOU a priority? Engaging in therapy can bring clarity, growth, understanding, and change. Starting the process though is nerve wracking & overwhelming. I work with clients to create a nurturing, non-judgmental environment where you can express your "unedited" self, learn new skills, and build better relationships(with yourself too!). While this learning can occur independently with the use of self-help tools, working collaboratively with a therapist can make the journey toward change faster, less isolating, and even sometimes a bit fun.

Often we experience situations that can cause us to feel overwhelmed and sometimes powerless. Maybe we can't stop thinking about situations in the past or we can't get negative possibilities out of our head. Maybe we are having difficulty feeling heard or find it hard to find a neutral person who listens and understands. Maybe we just need some tools and skills to help manage whatever difficult situation we may be in. Maybe we have tried everything, and it is not working. My approach focuses on how to empower you to create the change you would like to see in your life.

With over 25 years working in the mental health field, I have found that a compassionate, empathetic approach is a necessity when providing therapy. Seeking therapy can be very challenging; one has usually endured a great amount of hardship or discomfort before even making the decision to seek help. A significant aspect to therapy is that to be truly effective, a person must feel comfortable with their therapist and build considerable trust to help facilitate their healing. My goal is to find the best approach that will work for you, maximizing the benefit you will receive in therapy.

Are you feeling like you'll never feel better? Anxiety and stress can be vicious self-feeding cycles that can build very rapidly unless we know ways to work with them. With over 20 years experience, I've helped many people feel less anxious & overwhelmed so they can sleep better, work more confidently, & live from a more joyful place. And, I truly believe that asking for help isn’t a weakness at all, it’s actually a sign of strength. I offer an integrative approach to my counseling sessions for those who are looking for a more holistic, encompassing approach where I can blend in energy techniques & spirituality, if desired.

Lindsay Dunnells is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCSW, LCADC) who has worked in the behavioral health field with a focus on substance use disorders, anger and stress management, anxiety and depression, and healthy relationships since graduating from Columbia University School of Social Work in 2007.

Are you wrestling with the lasting impact of psychological or childhood traumas; anxiety, depression, or struggling with a loss of identity? Do you feel hindered in your ability to connect with others or navigate daily life? Struggle to trust yourself or feel overwhelmed or exhausted? Wonder if there is a way out? While it’s normal to be uncertain about addressing past traumas, I believe life doesn’t have to be a perpetual struggle and individuals can thrive. I specialize in trauma informed therapy. I offer free 20 minute phone consults to help understand what your needs are and for you to see if I am the right therapist for you.