First Responders Therapists in West Caldwell, NJ

EMDR and Trauma Therapy with Stephanie Lee
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, EMDR-T, CSAC, CCTS-I
West Caldwell, NJ 07006
I specialize in working with survivors of abuse, first responders, military personnel, and individuals struggling with complex PTSD.
Welcome! I’m a licensed therapist specializing in EMDR therapy and trauma-focused therapy. My passion is helping individuals heal from past wounds, overcome anxiety, and reclaim their lives with confidence and clarity. With over 10 years of experience in trauma recovery, PTSD treatment, narcissistic abuse recovery, and anxiety therapy, I provide a safe and supportive space where you can process painful experiences and move forward with resilience.
I specialize in working with survivors of abuse, first responders, military personnel, and individuals struggling with complex PTSD.
Welcome! I’m a licensed therapist specializing in EMDR therapy and trauma-focused therapy. My passion is helping individuals heal from past wounds, overcome anxiety, and reclaim their lives with confidence and clarity. With over 10 years of experience in trauma recovery, PTSD treatment, narcissistic abuse recovery, and anxiety therapy, I provide a safe and supportive space where you can process painful experiences and move forward with resilience.

Life has many ups and downs, and sometimes, navigating them alone can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re struggling to put yourself first, break free from unhelpful patterns, cope with loss or the end of a relationship, or manage anxiety and stress, you don’t have to do it alone. Seeking support is a powerful step toward healing, growth, and finding balance. Together, we can work toward clarity, resilience, and a path forward that feels right for you.
Life has many ups and downs, and sometimes, navigating them alone can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re struggling to put yourself first, break free from unhelpful patterns, cope with loss or the end of a relationship, or manage anxiety and stress, you don’t have to do it alone. Seeking support is a powerful step toward healing, growth, and finding balance. Together, we can work toward clarity, resilience, and a path forward that feels right for you.
More Therapists Nearby

As a retired police officer (25 years of service), I am familiar with and empathetic to the overwhelming pressures law enforcement officers endure.
I can help improve your overall mental and emotional health by helping build a tool box of techniques utilized in managing the exposure to traumatic events, stress, anxiety, and anger often associated with our profession. My treatment approach is focused in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).
As a retired police officer (25 years of service), I am familiar with and empathetic to the overwhelming pressures law enforcement officers endure.
I can help improve your overall mental and emotional health by helping build a tool box of techniques utilized in managing the exposure to traumatic events, stress, anxiety, and anger often associated with our profession. My treatment approach is focused in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).

I have over 14 years of experience working with adults, teens, and first responders.
You feel stuck, and alone. You do not understand your reactions or tendency to withdraw from people. You struggle with feeling safe within relationships. There is so much anxiety, so much fear, so much isolation. You do not even know what life would look like to feel secure in your relationships and be able to sustain long term friendships. I am Jillian Esposito, LCSW, and owner of Roque Mental Health Counseling, and I was you. I feel passionately about helping others heal their traumas (big and small), and help them to be able to feel secure around their chosen and given relationships.
I have over 14 years of experience working with adults, teens, and first responders.
You feel stuck, and alone. You do not understand your reactions or tendency to withdraw from people. You struggle with feeling safe within relationships. There is so much anxiety, so much fear, so much isolation. You do not even know what life would look like to feel secure in your relationships and be able to sustain long term friendships. I am Jillian Esposito, LCSW, and owner of Roque Mental Health Counseling, and I was you. I feel passionately about helping others heal their traumas (big and small), and help them to be able to feel secure around their chosen and given relationships.

Sophie Hansen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, PMH-C
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in treating complex family dynamics, first responders, health care workers and parents.
Grounded in emotional-focused therapy (EFT), we will discuss attachment styles and how it influences our interactions with ourselves and others. Common symptoms that I work with are anger, anxiety, and depression. I use standardized measures to track our progress. Most see a reduction in symptoms by the fourth-fifth session.
I specialize in treating complex family dynamics, first responders, health care workers and parents.
Grounded in emotional-focused therapy (EFT), we will discuss attachment styles and how it influences our interactions with ourselves and others. Common symptoms that I work with are anger, anxiety, and depression. I use standardized measures to track our progress. Most see a reduction in symptoms by the fourth-fifth session.

I specialize in working with Veterans and First Responders with a focus on PTSD and trauma.
I have always been passionate about supporting others through challenging times, particularly those dealing with anxiety, depression, and trauma. I believe that healing is a deeply personal journey, and I am honored to walk alongside those as they discover their own inner strength. My goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals feel heard, validated, and empowered. I am driven by the belief that no one should face their struggles alone. Through collaboration, trust, and understanding, I help those develop the tools they need to manage their emotions and overcome the obstacles that stand in their way.
I specialize in working with Veterans and First Responders with a focus on PTSD and trauma.
I have always been passionate about supporting others through challenging times, particularly those dealing with anxiety, depression, and trauma. I believe that healing is a deeply personal journey, and I am honored to walk alongside those as they discover their own inner strength. My goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals feel heard, validated, and empowered. I am driven by the belief that no one should face their struggles alone. Through collaboration, trust, and understanding, I help those develop the tools they need to manage their emotions and overcome the obstacles that stand in their way.

I specialize in helping individuals with depression, life transitions, family conflict, and first responders' unique needs.
Hi I'm Hailey! I'm a therapist with a commitment to supporting you and your mental and emotional well-being. I’m here to help you navigate challenges such as depression, anxiety, and significant life transitions. I recognize that political and social events can deeply affect mental health. I bring a commitment to human rights and dignity into my work to provide a safe space to find empowerment in challenging times. I provide guidance to manage stress, adapt, and embrace new opportunities for growth and assist in building clarity, self-confidence, and a sense of direction during uncertain times.
I specialize in helping individuals with depression, life transitions, family conflict, and first responders' unique needs.
Hi I'm Hailey! I'm a therapist with a commitment to supporting you and your mental and emotional well-being. I’m here to help you navigate challenges such as depression, anxiety, and significant life transitions. I recognize that political and social events can deeply affect mental health. I bring a commitment to human rights and dignity into my work to provide a safe space to find empowerment in challenging times. I provide guidance to manage stress, adapt, and embrace new opportunities for growth and assist in building clarity, self-confidence, and a sense of direction during uncertain times.

I have experience working with veterans, first responders, and medical personnel.
I'm part of the team at Resolution Counseling's Jersey City office and we want to make it easy to start therapy. We are in-network with Aetna, Meritain, Continental, Cigna, Horizon, BCBS, Anthem, Empire, Medicare, and 1199 plans. You can call us, email us, or visit us online - click my website button to get started.
I have experience working with veterans, first responders, and medical personnel.
I'm part of the team at Resolution Counseling's Jersey City office and we want to make it easy to start therapy. We are in-network with Aetna, Meritain, Continental, Cigna, Horizon, BCBS, Anthem, Empire, Medicare, and 1199 plans. You can call us, email us, or visit us online - click my website button to get started.

I also have extensive experience working with First Responders in government and hospital settings.
When people who are new to therapy ask me what it’s like, I say that while it’s not always comfortable, it is often an incredibly rich and powerful experience—even after only one session. You will move toward a more grounded place, strengthen your coping skills and hopefully learn to give yourself more compassion. Therapy can serve as an anchor as you move through the stickiness that life can bring. We often underestimate how much relief we can experience simply having the space to feel heard by someone.
I also have extensive experience working with First Responders in government and hospital settings.
When people who are new to therapy ask me what it’s like, I say that while it’s not always comfortable, it is often an incredibly rich and powerful experience—even after only one session. You will move toward a more grounded place, strengthen your coping skills and hopefully learn to give yourself more compassion. Therapy can serve as an anchor as you move through the stickiness that life can bring. We often underestimate how much relief we can experience simply having the space to feel heard by someone.

I am a board-certified mental health professional, leader, and prior military officer with over 25 years of experience providing what you need for a better way forward!
I place a strong emphasis on helping clients identify and accomplish their goals by providing evidence-based techniques, skills, and strategies in a straightforward no-nonsense manner that can be implemented in real-world situations. I specialize in the provision of evidence-based treatment protocols for trauma/PTSD, depression/anxiety, insomnia and more.
I am a board-certified mental health professional, leader, and prior military officer with over 25 years of experience providing what you need for a better way forward!
I place a strong emphasis on helping clients identify and accomplish their goals by providing evidence-based techniques, skills, and strategies in a straightforward no-nonsense manner that can be implemented in real-world situations. I specialize in the provision of evidence-based treatment protocols for trauma/PTSD, depression/anxiety, insomnia and more.

I am deeply committed to upholding the highest standards of confidentiality, especially for first responders, recognizing the unique challenges they face and the importance of protecting their privacy.
I specialize in assisting individuals grappling with complex issues that greatly affect their psychological well-being. I employ a diverse set of treatment modalities in my approach such as EMDR, CBT, and DBT to empower individuals by equipping them with coping skills to navigate life's challenges effectively. I offer in office as well as virtual sessions.
I am deeply committed to upholding the highest standards of confidentiality, especially for first responders, recognizing the unique challenges they face and the importance of protecting their privacy.
I specialize in assisting individuals grappling with complex issues that greatly affect their psychological well-being. I employ a diverse set of treatment modalities in my approach such as EMDR, CBT, and DBT to empower individuals by equipping them with coping skills to navigate life's challenges effectively. I offer in office as well as virtual sessions.

Jenice Acosta | Trauma & Grief EMDR Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP-II
1 Endorsed
Jersey City, NJ 07302
I specialize in helping adults and first responders to stop the cycles of shame, people pleasing and anxiety, so they can heal from painful experiences, move through grief and find self-compassion and connection.
Are you ready to live a more fulfilling life but past experiences, grief and anxiety are keeping you stuck in a cycle? I’m Jenice, a trauma & grief EMDR therapist, and founder of Sunlight Psychotherapy. With over 10 years of experience, I support adults who are looking to break the cycles of shame, people pleasing and anxiety so they can heal from painful pasts, move through grief, and have more fulfilling relationships and lives. You’re used to putting everyone else’s needs before your own, and it felt fulfilling for a while, but it’s no longer suiting you. Schedule your free consultation today and illuminate your path forward.
I specialize in helping adults and first responders to stop the cycles of shame, people pleasing and anxiety, so they can heal from painful experiences, move through grief and find self-compassion and connection.
Are you ready to live a more fulfilling life but past experiences, grief and anxiety are keeping you stuck in a cycle? I’m Jenice, a trauma & grief EMDR therapist, and founder of Sunlight Psychotherapy. With over 10 years of experience, I support adults who are looking to break the cycles of shame, people pleasing and anxiety so they can heal from painful pasts, move through grief, and have more fulfilling relationships and lives. You’re used to putting everyone else’s needs before your own, and it felt fulfilling for a while, but it’s no longer suiting you. Schedule your free consultation today and illuminate your path forward.

Jenice Acosta | Trauma & Grief EMDR Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP-II
Jersey City, NJ 07302
I specialize in helping adults and first responders to stop the cycles of shame, people pleasing and anxiety, so they can heal from painful experiences, move through grief and find self-compassion and connection.
Are you ready to live a more fulfilling life but past experiences, grief and anxiety are keeping you stuck in a cycle? I’m Jenice, a trauma & grief EMDR therapist, and founder of Sunlight Psychotherapy. With over 10 years of experience, I support adults who are looking to break the cycles of shame, people pleasing and anxiety so they can heal from painful pasts, move through grief, and have more fulfilling relationships and lives. You’re used to putting everyone else’s needs before your own, and it felt fulfilling for a while, but it’s no longer suiting you. Schedule your free consultation today and illuminate your path forward.
I specialize in helping adults and first responders to stop the cycles of shame, people pleasing and anxiety, so they can heal from painful experiences, move through grief and find self-compassion and connection.
Are you ready to live a more fulfilling life but past experiences, grief and anxiety are keeping you stuck in a cycle? I’m Jenice, a trauma & grief EMDR therapist, and founder of Sunlight Psychotherapy. With over 10 years of experience, I support adults who are looking to break the cycles of shame, people pleasing and anxiety so they can heal from painful pasts, move through grief, and have more fulfilling relationships and lives. You’re used to putting everyone else’s needs before your own, and it felt fulfilling for a while, but it’s no longer suiting you. Schedule your free consultation today and illuminate your path forward.

I specialize in helping individuals heal from trauma and post-traumatic stress injuries, with a particular focus on supporting first responders.
These reactions are not signs of weakness, they're survival responses. Together, we can begin to process these experiences and move toward healing. As a Certified EMDR Therapist, I use evidence-based methods to support your recovery. We’ll start by building a strong therapeutic relationship and co-create a plan tailored to your your unique needs and goals.
I specialize in helping individuals heal from trauma and post-traumatic stress injuries, with a particular focus on supporting first responders.
These reactions are not signs of weakness, they're survival responses. Together, we can begin to process these experiences and move toward healing. As a Certified EMDR Therapist, I use evidence-based methods to support your recovery. We’ll start by building a strong therapeutic relationship and co-create a plan tailored to your your unique needs and goals.

My experience working closely with children, adolescents, and adults has allowed me to develop expertise in supporting individuals through various life stressors and transitions, such as anxiety & depression, developing effective coping skills, relationships & social skills, divorce, first responder & military issues, and women's issues.
Life often presents challenging paths. If you or your child are feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, sadness, fear, or anger, navigating these emotions can feel isolating. However, even the most difficult roads can lead to beautiful destinations, especially with the right support.
I offer a genuinely warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where we can travel that road together. My approach is collaborative and tailored specifically to you. We'll draw from a range of effective strategies to help you understand your feelings, develop coping skills, and build resilience. I bring positive energy & a belief in your capacity for growth.
My experience working closely with children, adolescents, and adults has allowed me to develop expertise in supporting individuals through various life stressors and transitions, such as anxiety & depression, developing effective coping skills, relationships & social skills, divorce, first responder & military issues, and women's issues.
Life often presents challenging paths. If you or your child are feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, sadness, fear, or anger, navigating these emotions can feel isolating. However, even the most difficult roads can lead to beautiful destinations, especially with the right support.
I offer a genuinely warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where we can travel that road together. My approach is collaborative and tailored specifically to you. We'll draw from a range of effective strategies to help you understand your feelings, develop coping skills, and build resilience. I bring positive energy & a belief in your capacity for growth.

I’m also a certified first responder counselor and have experience working with first responders.
As a certified neuropsychotherapist I integrate evidence-based practices like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), EMDR, ACT and mindfulness techniques to tailor treatment to your unique needs. My goal is to empower you with tools to manage overwhelming feelings, break free from negative thought patterns, improve your relationships and find lasting relief.
I’m also a certified first responder counselor and have experience working with first responders.
As a certified neuropsychotherapist I integrate evidence-based practices like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), EMDR, ACT and mindfulness techniques to tailor treatment to your unique needs. My goal is to empower you with tools to manage overwhelming feelings, break free from negative thought patterns, improve your relationships and find lasting relief.

I have a strong background in prehospital emergency medicine and working with first responders.
I am certified in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), board-certified as a telemental health provider, am a grief-informed professional, and am working towards board certification in bariatric counseling.
I have a strong background in prehospital emergency medicine and working with first responders.
I am certified in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), board-certified as a telemental health provider, am a grief-informed professional, and am working towards board certification in bariatric counseling.

I enjoy working with first responders who have had traumatic exposures but are unsure how to process this.
Do you find yourself struggling with difficult memories of the past? Are you having a hard time feeling like your old self? Does your life feel out of control - like you're at your wit's end? Maybe you feel nobody understands what you're going through or what you've been through. When life feels confusing and repetitive, it's difficult to know where to turn. Through a relaxed and compassionate environment, we can work together to address any life challenges or difficult experiences you are going through to help you become the best version of yourself
I enjoy working with first responders who have had traumatic exposures but are unsure how to process this.
Do you find yourself struggling with difficult memories of the past? Are you having a hard time feeling like your old self? Does your life feel out of control - like you're at your wit's end? Maybe you feel nobody understands what you're going through or what you've been through. When life feels confusing and repetitive, it's difficult to know where to turn. Through a relaxed and compassionate environment, we can work together to address any life challenges or difficult experiences you are going through to help you become the best version of yourself

Life isn’t always what we expected it would be. We may struggle to make sense of what has happened - or is happening – to and around us. I have never believed it my place to tell you what to do in your life nor will I claim to have all the answers. I am however exceptionally confident, as those who have come before you have taught me, that you have the answers you seek. It is my responsibility to help you find them and begin living fully again or perhaps even for the first time.
Life isn’t always what we expected it would be. We may struggle to make sense of what has happened - or is happening – to and around us. I have never believed it my place to tell you what to do in your life nor will I claim to have all the answers. I am however exceptionally confident, as those who have come before you have taught me, that you have the answers you seek. It is my responsibility to help you find them and begin living fully again or perhaps even for the first time.

Jamie Santopietro: Vets/Responders, Women, LGBTQ
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW , LSW
Jersey City, NJ 07306
As a veteran, a mom, and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I bring valuable lived experience to my work, particularly in supporting veterans and first responders in trauma recovery and providing affirming therapy for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
I'm part of the team at Resolution Counseling Center's Jersey City office and we want to make it easy to start therapy. We are in-network with Aetna, Meritain, Continental, Cigna, Horizon, BCBS, Anthem, Empire, Medicare, and 1199 plans. You can call us, email us, or visit us online
As a veteran, a mom, and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I bring valuable lived experience to my work, particularly in supporting veterans and first responders in trauma recovery and providing affirming therapy for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
I'm part of the team at Resolution Counseling Center's Jersey City office and we want to make it easy to start therapy. We are in-network with Aetna, Meritain, Continental, Cigna, Horizon, BCBS, Anthem, Empire, Medicare, and 1199 plans. You can call us, email us, or visit us online
See more therapy options for West Caldwell
Nearby First Responders Therapists Searches for West Caldwell
- Bloomfield
- Cedar Grove
- Clifton
- Livingston
- Montclair
- Newark
- Parsippany
- Passaic
- Paterson
- Rutherford
- Wayne
- West Orange
First Responders Therapists
Why is mental health important for first responders?
As part of their work, first responders are often exposed to high levels of stress, trauma, and physical injury that can put them at a greater risk for serious mental health conditions than the general population. Conditions like PTSD, anxiety, substance use, and depression are more common in first responders, which can greatly reduce quality of life and lead to burnout, sleep disruption, and even suicidal thoughts. Therapy can offer an opportunity for first responders to process difficult on-the-job experiences and develop coping skills to better manage any mental health symptoms they may experience.
How can first responders get access to mental health support?
Many first responders can access therapy for free or at a very low cost through their employer, such as through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Workplaces may also offer or have referral recommendations for support groups, where first responders can meet with others in their profession to receive support. Individuals who would like to access mental health services outside of their employer may use their insurance benefits to see a therapist, which they can find by searching for therapists online or asking for recommendations from their primary care physician.
What type of therapy is best for first responders?
The best therapy approach depends on the mental health concerns of the client. Since many first responders struggle with trauma or PTSD, they may benefit from trauma-specific therapeutic approaches, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Exposure Therapy, or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Individuals with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress may alternatively benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches, which can help clients develop coping skills to manage distressing thoughts.
Can therapy for first responders help with trauma and PTSD?
Therapy can be highly effective in both treating and preventing trauma and PTSD in first responders. Typically, therapy for trauma and PTSD focuses on developing stress management skills and managing intrusive or unwanted thoughts. Therapists working with first responders often help clients strengthen their relationships and reduce harmful coping mechanisms, such as excessive substance use. Additionally, therapists assist first responders in establishing daily habits that support overall mental and physical health and enhance resilience to future stress, such as regular physical exercise, mindfulness practices, and improved eating habits.