Male Therapists in Toms River, NJ
With a background in engineering, I am trained to conceptualize what makes things run smoothly and efficiently, and how to identify what ‘parts’ are not working. As a therapist, I use an empathetic, client-centered, systemic lens to guide couples, families, and individuals to identify what is not serving them and change their patterns to promote long-term sustainability and contentment. My work centers around neurodiversity struggles, parenting issues, conflict resolution, infidelity recovery, life transition stress, pre-marital counseling, developmental stages transitions, and anxiety issues.
With a background in engineering, I am trained to conceptualize what makes things run smoothly and efficiently, and how to identify what ‘parts’ are not working. As a therapist, I use an empathetic, client-centered, systemic lens to guide couples, families, and individuals to identify what is not serving them and change their patterns to promote long-term sustainability and contentment. My work centers around neurodiversity struggles, parenting issues, conflict resolution, infidelity recovery, life transition stress, pre-marital counseling, developmental stages transitions, and anxiety issues.
Some people continually struggle with different issues in life, such as searching for their authentic selves, life transitions, mental and emotional wellness and a plethora of other areas of concern.
Some people continually struggle with different issues in life, such as searching for their authentic selves, life transitions, mental and emotional wellness and a plethora of other areas of concern.
Perhaps you're down or anxious - maybe you're unsure about the future of a relationship, or just feel that you aren't living the life you were meant to lead. Whatever your needs may be, I am here to offer support. Therapy is a process of growth and self-discovery, and in my sessions I promote behavioral transformation by encouraging a positive outlook and the adoption of new attitudes and reactions. I have the tools and professional experience to help you get back on track.
Perhaps you're down or anxious - maybe you're unsure about the future of a relationship, or just feel that you aren't living the life you were meant to lead. Whatever your needs may be, I am here to offer support. Therapy is a process of growth and self-discovery, and in my sessions I promote behavioral transformation by encouraging a positive outlook and the adoption of new attitudes and reactions. I have the tools and professional experience to help you get back on track.
Life is too short to let the everyday burdens we face create turmoil, and gain control over our emotions. Our feelings can control us or we can learn to control them. A situation, person, place, or thing only has the power to control our feelings...if we let it. It is our responsibility (and only ours) to control our feelings and behavior. Thus, we can find true contentment and serenity.
Life is too short to let the everyday burdens we face create turmoil, and gain control over our emotions. Our feelings can control us or we can learn to control them. A situation, person, place, or thing only has the power to control our feelings...if we let it. It is our responsibility (and only ours) to control our feelings and behavior. Thus, we can find true contentment and serenity.
Eliezer Defranca LCSW, LCADC, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCADC, NCRC-1
4 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of the complexities associated with addiction and its impact on individuals and their families. Recognizing that addiction often intersects with underlying mental health issues such as trauma, depression, and anxiety, I have dedicated my career to working with adults, adolescents, and their families to address these challenges and facilitate a path to healing. My approach is grounded in treating individuals within the context of their broader environment. I believe it is essential to consider the influence of family, school,
With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of the complexities associated with addiction and its impact on individuals and their families. Recognizing that addiction often intersects with underlying mental health issues such as trauma, depression, and anxiety, I have dedicated my career to working with adults, adolescents, and their families to address these challenges and facilitate a path to healing. My approach is grounded in treating individuals within the context of their broader environment. I believe it is essential to consider the influence of family, school,
Life can be hard sometimes. As people, we are complex, experiencing a wide range of thoughts, emotions, and challenges throughout our lives. While this is human, in our fast-paced world it’s easy to feel stressed, overwhelmed, and out of sync. These moments can leave us unmotivated, anxious, and unlike our true selves. But imagine a world where you not only understand why you feel the way you do, but also have the skills to face those challenges, regain balance, and reconnect with the best version of yourself.
Life can be hard sometimes. As people, we are complex, experiencing a wide range of thoughts, emotions, and challenges throughout our lives. While this is human, in our fast-paced world it’s easy to feel stressed, overwhelmed, and out of sync. These moments can leave us unmotivated, anxious, and unlike our true selves. But imagine a world where you not only understand why you feel the way you do, but also have the skills to face those challenges, regain balance, and reconnect with the best version of yourself.
I am Leslie Small, a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience. I’ve had the privilege of working with adults, teens, couples, and various other populations, helping them navigate a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and many other concerns. My experience spans both community mental health and private practice settings, giving me a broad background that allows me to assist people from all walks of life in addressing their unique challenges.
I am Leslie Small, a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience. I’ve had the privilege of working with adults, teens, couples, and various other populations, helping them navigate a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and many other concerns. My experience spans both community mental health and private practice settings, giving me a broad background that allows me to assist people from all walks of life in addressing their unique challenges.
I am Jose Desiderio, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in New Jersey and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York, with over 5 years of experience in the mental health field. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, stress, anger management, interpersonal relationship issues, life transitions, and men's issues. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of helping adolescents, adults, and couples navigate their challenges in a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive space. I hold a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the College of Staten Island, and I take an integrative approach.
I am Jose Desiderio, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in New Jersey and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York, with over 5 years of experience in the mental health field. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, stress, anger management, interpersonal relationship issues, life transitions, and men's issues. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of helping adolescents, adults, and couples navigate their challenges in a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive space. I hold a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the College of Staten Island, and I take an integrative approach.
Hi! I’m Hal—licensed as Harold E. Benz, Jr.—a clinical social worker with 22+ years of experience helping individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges. I’ve worked in various outpatient settings supporting those facing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, major transitions, chronic illness, and grief. I use a range of behavioral and cognitive approaches to tailor strategies to each client’s goals. For the past decade, I’ve also worked as a performance coach for small business owners and entrepreneurs, helping hundreds tap into their strengths, overcome obstacles, and build thriving businesses and fulfilling lives.
Hi! I’m Hal—licensed as Harold E. Benz, Jr.—a clinical social worker with 22+ years of experience helping individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges. I’ve worked in various outpatient settings supporting those facing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, major transitions, chronic illness, and grief. I use a range of behavioral and cognitive approaches to tailor strategies to each client’s goals. For the past decade, I’ve also worked as a performance coach for small business owners and entrepreneurs, helping hundreds tap into their strengths, overcome obstacles, and build thriving businesses and fulfilling lives.
Have you been struggling with your self esteem? Do you feel like you lack control in your life and have been just "going through the motions"? Perhaps you feel like you're unable to handle life transitions or difficult conversations with people? This can be very frustrating and make us feel stuck in a never ending cycle. Many people accept this as the way it will always be and cannot see a way out.
Have you been struggling with your self esteem? Do you feel like you lack control in your life and have been just "going through the motions"? Perhaps you feel like you're unable to handle life transitions or difficult conversations with people? This can be very frustrating and make us feel stuck in a never ending cycle. Many people accept this as the way it will always be and cannot see a way out.
The pressures and stress of being alive and the burden of modern life are enough to negatively influence anyone. Couple this with additional stressors - relationship issues, financial concerns, mental illness, addiction, grief, loss - and navigating daily life can seem overwhelming and unbearable. It's entirely understandable why you are seeking professional help, and I applaud you for taking the first step toward addressing your needs. Through authenticity and urgency, we will create a space where your concerns can be explored earnestly without fear of judgment nor stigma.
The pressures and stress of being alive and the burden of modern life are enough to negatively influence anyone. Couple this with additional stressors - relationship issues, financial concerns, mental illness, addiction, grief, loss - and navigating daily life can seem overwhelming and unbearable. It's entirely understandable why you are seeking professional help, and I applaud you for taking the first step toward addressing your needs. Through authenticity and urgency, we will create a space where your concerns can be explored earnestly without fear of judgment nor stigma.
Feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? You deserve a safe space to be heard and valued. I’m Kayden Sarria, a licensed clinical social worker with experience supporting survivors and those facing anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more. Together, we’ll build healthy ways to manage stress and regain control of your journey. Let’s work toward healing and empowerment—I'm here to support you every step of the way.
Feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? You deserve a safe space to be heard and valued. I’m Kayden Sarria, a licensed clinical social worker with experience supporting survivors and those facing anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more. Together, we’ll build healthy ways to manage stress and regain control of your journey. Let’s work toward healing and empowerment—I'm here to support you every step of the way.
I specialize in working with anxiety and ADHD across all ages — children, teens, and adults. Whether it’s constant worry, difficulty focusing, or feeling overwhelmed, I help clients better understand what’s going on beneath the surface and develop tools that feel practical and manageable.
I value a strong therapeutic relationship and believe that feeling understood and supported is the foundation for real change. At the same time, I work in a goal-oriented way so our sessions feel focused and meaningful. I also work with a wide range of relational issues across the board, as well as OCD and other emotional or behavioral challenges.
I specialize in working with anxiety and ADHD across all ages — children, teens, and adults. Whether it’s constant worry, difficulty focusing, or feeling overwhelmed, I help clients better understand what’s going on beneath the surface and develop tools that feel practical and manageable.
I value a strong therapeutic relationship and believe that feeling understood and supported is the foundation for real change. At the same time, I work in a goal-oriented way so our sessions feel focused and meaningful. I also work with a wide range of relational issues across the board, as well as OCD and other emotional or behavioral challenges.
After making the courageous decision to pursue therapy, the next step is to find a counselor that you connect with. I view empathy, trust, and being non-judgemental as the cornerstones of therapy and seek to provide a safe and welcoming space. My approach is collaborative and integrative, utilizing evidence-based practices such as mindfulness, CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing among others, anchored in humanistic theory. I'm also an EMDRIA approved EMDR therapist.
After making the courageous decision to pursue therapy, the next step is to find a counselor that you connect with. I view empathy, trust, and being non-judgemental as the cornerstones of therapy and seek to provide a safe and welcoming space. My approach is collaborative and integrative, utilizing evidence-based practices such as mindfulness, CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing among others, anchored in humanistic theory. I'm also an EMDRIA approved EMDR therapist.
In our work together, it is my hope to help each client reach their goal in whatever that may be. Clients working with me are seeking guidance in ways to better themselves and identify solutions to challenges they are faced with. My clients typically struggle with depression, anxiety, social/interpersonal challenges, anger, as well as effective communication.
In our work together, it is my hope to help each client reach their goal in whatever that may be. Clients working with me are seeking guidance in ways to better themselves and identify solutions to challenges they are faced with. My clients typically struggle with depression, anxiety, social/interpersonal challenges, anger, as well as effective communication.
I am a Licensed Psychologist with 25 years of experience in a broad range of mental health settings. I specialize in treating concerns such as mental stress, behavioral issues, life transitions, ADHD, depression, anxiety, grief, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma and PTSD, relationship issues, and bipolar disorder. I offer individual counseling to clients aged 14 and up.
I am a Licensed Psychologist with 25 years of experience in a broad range of mental health settings. I specialize in treating concerns such as mental stress, behavioral issues, life transitions, ADHD, depression, anxiety, grief, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma and PTSD, relationship issues, and bipolar disorder. I offer individual counseling to clients aged 14 and up.
I want to help you work through the part of life that has you looking for a therapist on an online directory. I believe in strong communication, vulnerability, and modeling conversations that you need to have in your everyday life.
I enjoy working with people in transitional periods of life and the secret of that is we are always in some kind of transitional period, I want to help you understand why you are here and how we can move forward out of it.
I tend to work with an older adult demographic but will work with any adult in need.
I do not work with kids or teens, I can coach them in sports but I work better with adults.
I want to help you work through the part of life that has you looking for a therapist on an online directory. I believe in strong communication, vulnerability, and modeling conversations that you need to have in your everyday life.
I enjoy working with people in transitional periods of life and the secret of that is we are always in some kind of transitional period, I want to help you understand why you are here and how we can move forward out of it.
I tend to work with an older adult demographic but will work with any adult in need.
I do not work with kids or teens, I can coach them in sports but I work better with adults.
When anxiety tightens your chest and low self-esteem tells you you are not enough, it is understandable to feel stuck. That inner critic can spin fear into shame, making connection, work, and even small joys feel out of reach. Change is possible, and therapy can help you feel safer, clearer, and more like yourself. I help people work through anxiety, low self-esteem, and the fallout of bouts of depression so they can rebuild trust in themselves and their relationships. Together we will learn practical ways to quiet the critic, manage worry, and open space for more confidence and freedom.
When anxiety tightens your chest and low self-esteem tells you you are not enough, it is understandable to feel stuck. That inner critic can spin fear into shame, making connection, work, and even small joys feel out of reach. Change is possible, and therapy can help you feel safer, clearer, and more like yourself. I help people work through anxiety, low self-esteem, and the fallout of bouts of depression so they can rebuild trust in themselves and their relationships. Together we will learn practical ways to quiet the critic, manage worry, and open space for more confidence and freedom.
You’ve been holding it together with duct tape and hope, maybe it’s time for something sturdier. Therapy is a safe place to rebuild, reflect, and heal. I’ll meet you where you are. Brian has experience working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, OCD, relationship challenges, faith-related concerns, low self-esteem, and the often complex transition into adulthood. He is passionate about working with adults of all ages, couples, and groups. When desired, Brian thoughtfully integrates faith into the counseling process from a Christian perspective.
You’ve been holding it together with duct tape and hope, maybe it’s time for something sturdier. Therapy is a safe place to rebuild, reflect, and heal. I’ll meet you where you are. Brian has experience working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, OCD, relationship challenges, faith-related concerns, low self-esteem, and the often complex transition into adulthood. He is passionate about working with adults of all ages, couples, and groups. When desired, Brian thoughtfully integrates faith into the counseling process from a Christian perspective.
My approach to therapy is grounded in creating a safe, supportive space where you can express yourself freely without fear of judgment. I believe that every person’s journey is unique, shaped by personal experiences, culture, and values. My role is to walk alongside you with empathy, curiosity, and compassion as we explore what’s holding you back and work toward the growth and healing you're seeking.
I work with individuals navigating a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and PTSD.
My approach to therapy is grounded in creating a safe, supportive space where you can express yourself freely without fear of judgment. I believe that every person’s journey is unique, shaped by personal experiences, culture, and values. My role is to walk alongside you with empathy, curiosity, and compassion as we explore what’s holding you back and work toward the growth and healing you're seeking.
I work with individuals navigating a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and PTSD.
See more therapy options for Toms River
Nearby Male Therapists Searches for Toms River
- Bayville
- Beachwood
- Brick
- Brielle
- Forked River
- Howell
- Jackson
- Lakewood
- Manasquan
- Point Pleasant
- Point Pleasant Beach
- Spring Lake
FAQ - Therapist Gender
As a man, why might I want to see a male therapist?
There are many reasons a man might wish to work with a male therapist, including a degree of shared identity, which may help client and therapist connect to each other and allow for a more free-flowing discussion of issues that can be deeply personal. Some men may feel more comfortable talking to a male therapist about relationship concerns, the pressures they feel around the roles society and family place on men, career or job challenges, self-esteem, or anger problems. For some men who have not had a male role models in their lives, a good male therapist may be especially helpful.
How can I find out about a therapist’s experience treating men?
Individuals looking for treatment should feel comfortable directly asking a therapist about their history treating men overall and the issues that arise in therapy with men. A good therapist will be happy to discuss such matters as well as their educational background, approach to treatment, and how they think they can aid a prospective client.
Can clients benefit from having a therapist of the same gender?
Therapy is not gender-specific, but some men as well as women feel more comfortable opening up about their experiences and history with therapists of a specific gender. An individual may feel that they have to explain less background information and be on the same page more quickly, particularly when discussing gender-specific challenges. That said, a good clinician can transcend most if not all gender concerns. Ultimately, the most important factor in therapy is the connection and trust the client is able to build with the practitioner.
Would a male therapist have specific training in treating men?
Generally, no. There are no certifications for treating men specifically, but there are continuing education classes that therapists may take that focus on treating men as a group. There are many therapists who focus on men and male issues in their treatment and therefore have experience and expertise in this domain.