Therapists serving clients in Fairview, NJ

Hello and thank you for visiting my profile. I am a New Jersey Licensed Professional Counselor with 20 years of experience. I work with individuals and couples who are dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stage of life issues, trauma, loss, stress, and eating disorders. I enjoy working with clients experiencing recent issues as well as those who may have longer standing struggles. My counseling style is empathic and nonjudgmental. I believe a strong therapeutic relationship is essential to effective work. I strive to create a safe environment in which clients feel free to express their thoughts and feelings, go at their own pace and together develop new insights and ways of leading a fulfilling life. I draw upon various theoretical approaches such as interpersonal, psychodynamic, family systems, experiential, and cognitive behavioral therapy. I'm glad you reached out for help and I hope to meet you!

Hi there. My name is Darci Shinn, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of New Jersey. Below is some background information about my education, professional experiences, and therapeutic approaches. It is my hope that you see how I've incorporated my understanding of science and therapy in to one clinical practice. In 2006, I completed my undergraduate degree in Biology at William Patterson University. There I built my foundation for understanding how both internal and external events/stimuli impact a person's functioning. Following graduation, I worked for 2 years in Assisted Reproductive Technology. I was able to use my love of science to help folks create the families they desired. I moved on from there to work in pharmaceuticals as a compound technician. In this setting I gained deeper insight into how chemicals interact with bodies and minds. Although I had great satisfaction using my scientific strategies and knowledge, the lab setting left me feeling disconnected from my emotions and rigid in my thinking. I had known since about age 18 that I wanted to be a sex therapist. I did not have the courage to pursue until 2010 when I found the dual master's degrees in Social Work and Human Sexuality at Widener University. Through both programs I gained a wealth of clinical skills, learned theory, engaged in self-reflection, became a flexible thinker, and grew my understanding of how structure impacts function. Since graduation, I have worked in both school and agency settings. The majority of my experience has been with adults presenting with a wide variety of issues they have wanted to address. To that extent, I am a person-centered and solution-focused therapist. I am there to support individuals as they work to build their own insights and embrace solutions that fit their needs. Moment by moment, thought by thought, they do the work, and we examine together the missteps and the progress. Recognizing that small changes over time are what is necessary and knowing that it is okay to make mistakes are fundamental aspects of the work. I often like to harken back to my days in biology. I think about how structure relates to function, which translates to everyday thoughts, behaviors, decisions and habits. By structure, I mean your brain and body, and your daily routine. When we take care of the structure- give it the time, attention, and resources it needs, we influence the function. The function includes, but is not limited to, the ability to think, make decisions, process information and experiences, influence interpretations and have awareness. This way of thinking falls in line with Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). That is to say, what we think, dictates our behavior. Our behavior in-turn impacts the structures of the brain and body. By purposefully altering thoughts and reactions, by exposure to new meaningful stimuli, by manipulating our environment and building awareness to everyday habits, the physical neurobiology of the brain can change. We can build the option to choose which thoughts are embraced and which are simply acknowledged, and effectively change the way we experience life. One of my favorite ways to use CBT is to address self-talk and work to make it more helpful and less harmful. Self-talk and thoughts are pretty similar, and while the science is still out on where exactly thoughts come from, it does seem clear they can often be detrimental. The pre-historic parts of our brain seem to be responsible for focusing on the negative aspects of experiences. CBT strategies can work against this innate thought manufacturing and allow for the more modern and sophisticated parts of the brain to have control. As I said before, taking care of the structure is an important part of functioning. I am a huge fan of incorporating movement and exercise into my CBT approach. The science does not waver when it comes to the physical and mental health benefits that simply moving the body provides. The advantages of improved mood, sleep, blood flow, energy, digestion and prevention of myriad diseases, to name some, are all fantastic ways to care for those all-important structures. When it comes to human sexuality, I am a sex-positive professional who advocates for healthy communication in relationships in order to achieve mutual satisfaction. I strive to help others understand the nature and scope of sexual behaviors in a non-judgmental atmosphere. I have engaged in extensive self-reflection which has helped me to develop neutrality, flexibility and compassion for many presenting problems. Through my training, I have been exposed to the broad spectrum of human behavior and thoughts related to sex. I have a thorough understanding of consent, power and control, social norms and outliers, stigma, gender, orientation, and identity. In adhering to my understanding of sexuality, Existential Therapy is one approach I use to assist individuals in creating meaning and understanding around their physical and mental sexual experiences. The brain/mind and body are integrated structures and as such, are subject to many given experiences in which they coordinate a response. Exploration and acceptance of those responses is facilitated to create purpose, satisfaction, and balance in sexual well-being. Just as many folks are, I am a work in progress. To be clear, I am working towards becoming certified with the American Association of Sexual Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). My over-arching goal to be a bona fide sex-therapist is on its way!

Are you looking for a male therapist who has experience working with children, adolescents and adults? Are you looking for someone who can help you achieve your goals in a fun and non judgmental environment? Then I am your man. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who started his mental health career in 2013. I have many years experience working with individual adults, families, and couples. I enjoy helping individuals discover their hidden strengths as they work towards personal growth. When working with couples I focus a great deal on communication and really hearing what your partner is saying. When working with children and teens I work hard to find the individual talents, strengths and interests of each of my youth, to make individual plans and sessions tailored for their unique goals. I am also understanding that the youth I work with do not operate in isolation, and incorporate caregivers in all treatment plans, while also assisting them with the tools necessary for sustained progress.

I hold a PhD in School Psychology from Fordham University. Additionally, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of New Jersey. I have worked in several different capacities in both California and New Jersey. I have worked in both private and public schools as well as in private practices. I have also taught undergraduate courses at Monmouth University. The therapies I engage in include, but are not limited to: social skills training, strategies for dealing with anxiety, and the topic of divorce.

If you're reading this, then there is a good chance that you may be struggling or hurting (or trying to help someone who is). I'm sorry that you are in that space and I will do my absolute best to support you (and walk beside you) in your journey. I am a firm believer in being open and forth coming. If something doesn't work for you - tell me and we can work to solve it. I appreciate a therapeutic relationship built on trust and honesty. If either one of us is lost, confused or concerned, then we discuss it and figure it out. A little bit about me (just so folks know that I'm both a genuine person and that I have the experience and knowledge to do this work): I graduated from Temple University with my Master's Degree in Social work. I studied cognitive behavioral therapy, addiction counseling, rational emotive behavioral therapy, EMDR, motivational interviewing, and most importantly I studied Gestalt Therapy at the Gestalt Institute of Philadelphia for three years. (I'm also happy to give you a somewhat concise description of Gestalt Therapy because it is a bit ambiguous.) I teach part time at both Rutgers University and Camden County College. I have extensive experience providing trauma counseling (both individual and group) to survivors of sexual assault from multiple backgrounds. I value my family and the awesome relationships I have with my friends and support people in my life. I have done a significant amount of work on my healing from trauma, and I use my experience not a measure of comparison but rather as a source of internal strength. I am proud of my well-earned accomplishments, and I work hard to learn from the things that I have screwed up (there’s plenty of them). I live in New Jersey, enjoy the outdoors, running, cycling, pina coladas and getting caught in the rain (I also tend to have a sarcastic sense of humor). One caveat is that as a social worker and a therapist: I fall very far to the side that I believe that our society has oppressed and harmed many groups of individuals. I believe that it is our responsibility not just as individuals but also as therapists to actively support those who have been harmed by racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, Islamophobia, ableism and anti-Semitism. So while I believe that providing culturally responsive care is essential, I go beyond that to see part of my responsibility is to work to undo that harm that has been done. Finally, I encourage you to contact me to find out more about me before you make your decision. I am happy to answer questions you may have and give you an opportunity to find out more about me to make sure I am the right person for you. Brian Colangelo (He/Him/His)

I am licensed in New Jersey with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and utilize a humanistic and strengths based approach in building a strong therapeutic alliance with the client. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in New Jersey with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, eating disorders, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Mental health care is as important as medical care. We don't go to podiatrist for eye issues or cardiologist for dental issues. Therapy is a lot of work and can be overwhelming at times. Sometimes the therapeutic process can be a steady pace, and other times it can feel like a slow crawl. Laughter, cries, and even anger can be a part of this process as well. Commitment starts with showing up, as we partner to take the next step and/or inch forward towards improvement, showing up becomes less difficult and commitment becomes stronger. I can help you identify and reach your goals. I have significantly helped persons struggling to manage mental health symptoms including but not limited, Depression, Bi-polar, Borderline, PTSD, and anxiety. I am a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS), Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW), and Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS). My therapeutic approach is one where the client is the expert on themselves and I am the skilled clinician working with them towards their goals. I utilize many interventions, specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). When working with those who have Intellectual Disability, I incorporate visual aides and activities. Finding the right therapist to help heal the mind is an important choice. I may be that one for you!

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey. I have over 13 years of experience working in the mental health field. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am so happy you are getting started!

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida, Colorado, Nevada, New Jersey and New Mexico: with over 20 years' experience working with a diverse population. This includes working with individuals experiencing complex issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and within you are the answers. It takes courage to seek out assistance and determination to see it through. Taking the first steps toward change. I am here to support and empower you in your journey.