Therapists in Pennington, NJ

Counseling is available for individuals faced with the challenges of depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, and difficulties regulating emotions. I am a New Jersey and Pennsylvania licensed counselor with almost a decade of experience in the mental health community. I began my career as a high school history teacher, after graduating from Kutztown University, with a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education. I then earned my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health from Rider University, with a concentration in adolescent and young adult mental health.

The needs of my perfect client varies. Sometimes we need help navigating relationships. Others struggle with anxiety, depression or a need to change behaviors. The perfect client would be ready for change but I am here to meet you where you are in your journey to self awareness.

One of the most difficult aspects of being a parent is seeing your child in pain and feeling like there is nothing that you can do to help. Have you become increasingly concerned about your child's behavior at home or school? Do you worry that your child is struggling with day to day functioning? Are their behaviors difficult to understand and manage? Does the smallest thing seem to trigger your child? Is your teen withdrawing and not engaging in activities that once brought them joy? Is your teen engaging in harmful behaviors?

You can do hard things... that’s what led you here! Welcome. I hope you feel proud of ‘showing up’ today. We all want and deserve to feel seen; yet it is often uncomfortable for us to invite in vulnerability and allow others to see us, genuinely and authentically as we are. Sometimes, it’s even hard for us to see and accept ourselves. I believe strong therapeutic alliances and environments foster safe and brave space to explore existential questions, sit with thoughts and feelings, challenge internalized messages, societal norms, expectations and systems that cause us to feel boxed in.

Greetings ! If you would like to learn about my background and services, I encourage you to read on. Possessing over 20 years of clinical experience in the prevention, diagnosing, and treatment of behavioral health conditions for a broad range of presenting issues, I now focus care on two specific client populations: 1. high achieving and motivated late adolescents/young adults (age 16 through 25); and, 2. business professionals.

Immediate openings! The relationship between a client and their therapist is one of the most important factors in achieving therapeutic success. I place an emphasis on empathy, compassion, and humor to build our rapport. Before work can begin, a client must be comfortable with and trust their therapist. I pride myself on being able to achieve a strong, trusting, safe connection with my clients.

Finding a therapist can be hard and intimidating; even starting a search can involve marshaling real courage. However, in searching for a therapist, I believe reaching out for help is also an act of hope, an acknowledgment that change is possible. What would therapy be like with me? I take a compassionate, holistic, and empathetic approach to counseling. When the time is right, I integrate humor as a way of finding levity even in life’s hardest moments.

I believe in meeting clients where they are at! Every person is resilient. I intend our collaboration to remind you of your strengths, provide you tools to weather the storms of life, and a safe space to gain insight into your truest self. I come to social work from a social justice background and recognize that trauma and oppression are often intertwined. Acknowledging systemic issues is a vital part of my practice, particularly for youth and families directly impacted by it. Teaching you to advocate successfully on your own behalf, whether it be in your relationships or larger systems, is also essential.

My clients learn to skillfully and creatively solve their relational problems of loveless ness, toxicity, and co-dependency to gain the peace and love they need in their lives. I teach clients to be resourceful and open their perspective about the difficulties in their lives to acceptance. This opens our work to the possibility of new channels of personal empathy and self-compassion. Clients learn to deal with challenging, ingrained anxieties and stubborn habitual patterns of behavior, emotion, and beliefs about themselves and others. We build new maps of meaning that enable clients to experience confidence and freedom.

Worried moms & frazzled dads, look no further! Maybe your child is anxious, sad, angry, or acting out. You've tried empathy, rewards, punishments, extra attention, special privileges. You've read books, consulted parenting blogs, & asked other parents for advice. Whatever you try, it may even work for a few days but then all the old problems come right back. Maybe your boy wants to dress like a girl and it's freaking you out. Maybe your teen declares "I'm queer"--what does that even mean? Let's add the stress of the pandemic and you're exhausted, frustrated, and worried about your child's future.

Growing up isn't easy. In my practice, I focus on teenagers and young adults who need support as they navigate life's stressors. I provide coping skills for young people struggling with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, mood swings, major life changes, disruptive behavior, grief, and many other issues. In therapy, you will feel heard, understood, and important.

Are you or a loved one struggling with the balance of daily life stressors of family, work and/or school? Does the smallest thing seem to trigger you or a loved one? Have you become increasingly concerned about your loved one’s behavior at home or school? Is your loved one not engaging in activities that once brought them joy? Are you or a loved one experiencing a lack of energy? Are you or a loved one burnt out at work, school and/or at home? Are you or a loved one abusing substances of any kind to self medicate? If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, I am here to help!

Do you feel like you're just surviving instead of thriving? Do you often feel lost or insecure? Perhaps you've noticed that anxiety has taken over your life. If these questions resonate, you may seek someone to help you establish a genuine sense of self and a reliable foundation. I work with athletes & high-achieving young adults to develop essential mental skills like goal-setting, emotional management, and motivation. As someone who works with individuals aged 17 to 30, I understand that this is a crucial time for personal growth, where people establish the discipline, habits, and vision that will lead them to success.

Marcia treats individuals of all ages, with a special focus on teens and young adults who are adjusting to life transitions and experiencing heightened anxiety, depression and elevated mood symptoms. Marcia has a master's degree in theology and social work, which lends to her therapeutic approach of treating clients from an emotional and spiritual perspective. Her counseling approach is supportive, as clients explore their needs without judgement or advice. “In Solidarity” implies being with clients during their time of need.

At some point in everyone's life, most people will experience a sense of overwhelming feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress. Each person deserves a safe, and non judgmental place to share these experiences, learn how to cope with them, and feel empowered and supported enough to make a change. I pride myself on creating a nurturing and welcoming environment for all of my clients to feel supported in their efforts.

Major life transitions can result in anxiety, depression, loneliness, and coping problems. Whether it's a breakup, divorce, death, job change, becoming a parent, retirement, going to college, or a new empty nest - change is constant. That's where I can help, as symptoms can be debilitating, making the day-to-day feel impossible. As Therapist and Founder of The Nine Therapy Studio, I offer a different approach to therapy. My unique skillset in marriage, parenting, and work qualify me to help you learn practical tools, whether it's therapy for individuals, families, infidelity, career change, sexuality issues, or marital discord.

Whether you are familiar with the process of finding the right therapist, or if this is your first time seeking the help of a professional, I'm glad you have come to my page. As a clinician, I believe that people possess the inner strength to overcome obstacles. Compassion and empathy are fundamental in my therapeutic approach in order to help the individual build the courage and the stability needed to handle life's challenges. I have a broad range of experience working with populations of all ages.

Reaching out to a therapist is not easy. Regardless of the reason, calling a stranger to ask for help for you or your child can feel intimidating. I would like to take a moment to reassure you that this first step is often the hardest, but it does get easier. I'm here to support you on this journey. I offer a warm, empathic, and client-centered approach focused on making you feel heard, seen, and supported. I believe the client-therapist relationship is the most essential part of therapy and will work to build your trust. I focus on making sessions a safe space to share your feelings, learn new skills, and begin to make changes.

As the parent, you know your child best. Do you believe that your child's behavioral and/or emotional needs are impacting his/her ability to function at home or at school? If so, getting support from a professional can make a huge difference. Each child has strengths & needs, and I use a compassionate strengths-based approach to reach & support all children.