Therapists in 07042

At The Sexuality, Attachment, and Trauma Project, we provide identity-affirming care for all communities. Our patients are people, not problems, and we work with each person differently. We treat a range of issues related to sexuality and gender. These include out-of-control sexual behavior, sometimes labeled sex addiction (although we’re not fans of labels). Patients also come to us for intimacy anxiety, sexual compulsivity, gender and orientation confusion, LGBTQ+ issues, and family trauma.

Hi, and welcome! My name is Michelle Bivas, MSW, LSW and I'm so happy to have you here! I have a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in social work, both from Rutgers University. My educational areas of concentration include women's and gender studies, sexuality studies, trauma, mental health, and behavioral health. I have direct experience helping clients with a wide range of issues including trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship and work issues, self-esteem, identity work, and much more. I work with clients in a dynamic manner that allows for life's little moments to hold as much importance as the big ones.

I work with clients who are navigating depression, anxiety, trauma and recovery, and relationship difficulties.Whether you are in a moment of profound crisis, experiencing a major life transition, struggling with your relationships, or simply interested in better understanding who you are and how you work, therapy can provide a space in which to make meaningful changes.

You have tried everything you could to feel better, but you’ve reached the point where you need some extra help. The anxiety, depression, and/or trauma that are weighing on you daily has started to impact your job or school performance and relationships. You are feeling burnt out. Therapy may be new to you and it’s common to feel nervous about starting the process. We can work together and create a plan to help you manage and decrease stress. I will teach you healthy skills to use for coping, communication, reframing thoughts, and changing behaviors. I can help you feel empowered so that you are more in control of your life.

In addition to being a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and Certified Yoga Instructor. I am passionate about employing mindfulness and bodyfulness techniques to help you regain the equilibrium that trauma steals and restore your sense of control in this chaotic world. Along the way, you’ll learn to read your body’s messages instead of fearing them and pushing them away.

If you are seeking compassionate, effective treatment for your disturbing emotional symptoms, if you are tired of suffering, I first want to commend you for seeking help. I have worked with people with disabling emotional dysregulation and trauma survivors for 30 years. I work extensively with survivors of trauma, domestic violence, addiction, gender identity issues. I offer: EMDR, DBT and couples treatment.. I want to express my respect for your willingness to seek help and end the suffering.

We are collectively experiencing trauma due to events like the pandemic, climate change, violence in our communities, and political strife. Trauma therapy techniques can help us explore how direct or indirect challenges are impacting our lives. Together, with kindness and compassion, we will gain a deep understanding of your life experience and identify, augment, and employ your strengths to the fullest. Individual growth and stability are possible when we are willing to look at all aspects of ourselves and apply that learning and understanding when navigating our lives in the chaotic world we live in.

Clients come to me for relief of symptoms of anxiety and depression, and to learn to process how trauma or complex trauma may be impacting their lives today and how to move forward from it. They also seek to gain insight into why they do what they do, to improve their agency or control over their own lives, to learn how to recognize and deal with feelings, to build their self-esteem and to find more pleasure and serenity in their lives. As we work towards the goals clients become ready and willing to make the real behavioral changes that will make a positive difference in their lives.

My work is dedicated to helping you embrace who you are in order to live a fulfilling and balanced life. I focus on developing your ability to understand the powerful connection between your mind and body. This insight facilitates a path toward healing from current and past challenges. During the course of our work, I will help you develop your "Emotional Intelligence" (understanding of what motivates feelings and actions) and acquire the tools needed to overcome barriers blocking growth and change. Once you gain these coping skills, you will find yourself open to loving relationships, living in the present and creating a more fulfilling life.

In these turbulent times", people are experiencing a lack of meaning in their lives. Sometimes feeling adrift is a mask for anxiety/depression. How would it be if you could negotiate your relationships, work problems, and overall life issues free of these burdensome symptoms that often impede happiness and success, and have a devastating effect on physical health? As a trained clinical psychologist, I can be instrumental in helping you to rid your life of these obstacles.

I have over 20 years of experience helping individuals cope with stress, loss, fear, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and adjustment to life changes. I work collaboratively with clients to establish a trusting and supportive relationship, set goals for therapy, build upon strengths to increase confidence and self-esteem, and work toward resolving issues.

I will assist you in identifying your strengths, and to help you flourish. I appreciate people's complexities, and will help you formulate the best way to move toward your goals. I have experience supporting clients with anxieties, panic, trauma, depression, isolation, divorce, relationship and career issues, and the grief associated with illness or loss. I am an avid LGBTQ supporter and have a deep commitment to human rights and exploring the gender spectrum as part of a healthy journey in life. I also help parents understand, support and accept children who are in the process of questioning their gender.

Creating change in your life can be difficult, but tremendously rewarding. As a licensed psychotherapist with a holistic perspective, I work with adults and couples to address problems with troubling issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma and grief. Concerns with sexuality, sexual identity, and relationships are areas where I am experienced. I have a particular interest in resolving inhibitions and insecurities that are barriers to creative expression and successful relationships. Artists, writers, performers, and others for whom creativity is an important aspect of their life, if not their career, are welcome.

Recovery is not a solitary journey; it is about connection with self and others. As we enter into the process of therapy you will have the opportunity to experience inner connection and awareness leading to Self expansion and outer growth. I believe strongly that our primary task is to continue your journey of self exploration; to seek the wealth of potential, strength, compassion, understanding, and openness that lies within. It is your ability to connect with these that will serve as your greatest asset in obtaining whatever goals you have coming into therapy.

I strongly feel that healing can take place only in the context of a relationship in which someone experiences safety, compassion and understanding. It is through this process that people can awaken in themselves the possibilities for growth and transformation, often hidden by the negative effects of trauma, depression, anxiety, anger and loss. In my treatment approach, I communicate to my patients that they are not alone in their suffering, that they have the strength to tolerate the uncertainties of life, and they do have choices even if they feel stuck and alone.

Anxiety, depression, trauma and addiction can be enormously challenging. They are often intertwined with physical issues and can disrupt lives, including the lives of the people around them. As a therapist with over 30 years of experience I can share the good news that healing is possible when given the right care. My expertise is helping people with complex issues get strong and move beyond the their past. I offer a deeply compassionate, non-judgmental presence, so clients can feel safe, hopeful and heal. My experience as clinical director, clinician and supervisor allow me to bring you the highest level of evidenced based care.

When talking is not enough! It is my belief that the creative process has great transformative healing powers. No art experience needed. Offering a non-judgmental, client centered, safe environment; I facilitate individuals and groups in a journey of creativity and self-discovery to gain personal insights and new coping skills.

You have already invested in personal growth, learned mindfulness, meditate, focus on your wellness... and yet... you still feel stuck. You find yourself apologizing to the waitress when you ask for more salad dressing. You have trouble speaking up to your partner for fear of being called dramatic, too much or over-sensitive. You hate when people post your picture without showing you first. You hear whispers of the old you who wanted big things and know that it is your intuition calling. You want to stop feeling small. You want to make peace with old wounds. ​ You are ready to take up space without apology.

I am here to support your goals and help you during this time in your life. Therapy is a way to acknowledge one's inner strength, find healing and to tap into the empowerment you possess to face the challenges that may arise.