Welcome! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of New Jersey. I have a doctorate degree in Psychology and Behavioral Health with a specialization in Education and Counseling Psychology. The primary focus of my practice is to help my clients to reach their potentials. I have been privileged to work in the helping profession for the past fifteen years. I believe that the entire process begins by identifying those stumbling blocks in the lives of the individuals that prevented them from achieving their desired goals. I maintain a high level of openness with my clients having realized over the year that what matters most in therapy is the client /therapist relationship. I truly believe that it is the relationship that heals. My practice incorporates the client-centered, non-directive approach, the cognitive behavior approach and the eclectic approach. This is important to me because every individual is unique and should be treated as an individual by entering into each clients own world. The use of compassion, empathy and unconditional positive regard are the core elements of treatment in my practice. I specialize in psychotherapy with individuals of all ages with various mental health diagnoses and behavioral issues. I have extensive experience working with families and children and I also have a great interest in community development. Additionally, I run Anger management courses, Parenting courses and Coping skills courses for interested individuals and also for those who are mandated by the legal system to do so. I look forward to working with you.

Welcome to BetterHelp, if you are reaching out for help it shows your are interested in recovering your life and starting to work toward solutions to challenges. My name is Michelle Defino, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 12 years experience. I graduated from Binghamton University in 2008 and have worked primarily worked with substance abuse/co-occurring clients. I have worked with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, bi-polar and other more severe mental illness. I have worked with a Federal Re-entry Substance Abuse Program for the last 3 years. I use many forms of therapy to meet the needs of my clients including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and solution focused. I use these modalities to help to change thinking and behaviors that lead to many of the issues in daily life. Another modality I use is mindfulness to increase focus and concentration. I realize how difficult it can be to ask for assistance and how important it is for you and I am looking forward to working with you and helping you to gain the life you are hoping for. I will consider different ways to work with you, however prefer video, since we will be able to see and get to know each other easier. I am looking forward to meeting and working with you.

Pastoral Counselor with more than 30 years of experience. I have worked with survivors of disasters or crises, people who have experienced a humanitarian crisis, or who are survivors of migration-related trauma. I have also worked with disaster workers experiencing compassion fatigue and/or veterans experiencing adjustment issues. I consider it important to walk with people who seek accompaniment and a compassionate ear after a traumatic experience, as well as those people who because of their age feel overwhelmed and without desire to move forward, as well as those who have suffered loss and hope. Consejera Pastoral con más de 30 años de experiencia. He trabajado con sobrevivientes de desastres o crisis, personas que han experimentado una crisis humanitaria o que son sobrevivientes de traumas relacionados con la migración. También he trabajado con trabajadores de desastres que experimentan fatiga por compasión y / o veteranos que experimentan problemas de adaptación. Considero importante caminar con personas que buscan acompañamiento y un oído compasivo después de una experiencia traumática, así como con aquellas personas que por su edad se sienten abrumadas y sin ganas de seguir adelante, así como con aquellas que han sufrido pérdida y esperanza.

I am a licensed clinical social worker in New Jersey with over 10 years experience. I have worked with individuals and families coping with medical issues, including childhood cancer. I also worked for several years in the eating disorder field and in private practice. I have a particular passion for working with young parents in adjusting to parenthood. This includes coping with post-partum anxiety and depression, fertility issues and pregnancy and infant loss. My style is collaborative and interactive. I work to create a warm and positive atmosphere where I work with clients on mutually agreed upon goals. While my approach is informed by past experiences, I like to work toward real time solutions to difficulties and building internal and external supports. Reaching out for support is an important step, and I look forward to working with you!

As a licensed therapist in New Jersey, I bring 25 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My practice specializes in helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal transitions. I focus on empowering individuals to develop stronger communication skills, overcome social anxiety, and rediscover their sense of purpose. My therapeutic approach centers on addressing a wide range of concerns, including addiction recovery, family dynamics, workplace challenges, and women's/men's mental health. I'm particularly passionate about helping clients build self-love, work through codependency, and develop healthy coping strategies during significant life changes. I believe in creating a compassionate, collaborative space where individuals can explore their experiences, heal from past wounds, and cultivate meaningful personal growth. My goal is to support you in developing resilience, understanding, and authentic connections—both with yourself and others.

I am a LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) with an Anxiety Treatment Professional with Children and Adolescents Certification and a Certified School Social Worker. I am currently a School Social Worker working in a High School. I have about 20 years of experience working with youth in settings ranging from youth residential facilities, hospitals, and both alternative and public school settings. I also hold an Educational Supervisor Certification. I would like to note that at this time, I am only seeing clients via Chat Therapy. I take the time to really get to know my clients so that a treatment plan that works for them can be utilized. My approach is warm and caring and I think it is extremely important to actually take the time to get to know who I am working with. I enjoy getting to know my clients so that they can feel comfortable participating in therapy. I believe the most important thing in a therapeutic relationship is to build that relationship and trust and to remember to have a conversation with your client; to treat them with respect and compassion. Making them feel validated for their feelings and that there is someone that is ready and willing to listen, is something that I feel is one of my strengths. I am here and willing to support you in your courageous step towards a more positive future.

I am licensed in Florida and New Jersey with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, related issues, & relationship issues. 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.

As a licensed therapist in New Jersey and Florida, I bring 25 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex life transitions and emotional challenges. My practice specializes in working with older adults, families, and individuals navigating significant life changes such as divorce, caregiving, and relationship dynamics. I have developed deep expertise in addressing relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, and compassion fatigue. My therapeutic approach is diverse to include emotional challenges of aging and end-of-life experiences. My clinical focus encompasses a wide range of sensitive areas, including domestic violence, narcissistic relationship patterns, autism spectrum experiences, and supporting individuals and families through critical health journeys like cancer and HIV/AIDS. I approach each client's experience with empathy, professional insight, and a commitment to understanding their individual needs. My goal is to create a supportive, understanding environment where clients can explore their emotions, develop resilience, and find meaningful pathways to healing and personal growth.

I am licensed in New Jersey with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in New Jersey with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, anger management, & 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. 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.

As a licensed therapist in New Jersey, I specialize in supporting individuals through life's complex transitions and emotional challenges. My professional approach centers on compassionate, holistic care for adults navigating diverse experiences—from young adulthood through midlife and beyond. I have extensive expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, stress, parenting issues and grief. My practice focuses on helping clients work through communication difficulties, feelings of isolation, and challenges related to life purpose. I'm particularly skilled in supporting women's issues, family dynamics, relationship transitions like divorce, and caregiver stress. My therapeutic work spans a wide range of sensitive experiences, including fertility challenges, pregnancy, aging, family of origin concerns, and end-of-life support. I approach each client's journey with deep empathy, creating a supportive environment where individuals can explore their emotions, develop resilience, and rediscover personal strength. Through collaborative, personalized counseling, I aim to help clients understand themselves more deeply and develop meaningful strategies for emotional well-being and personal growth.

I am licensed in New Jersey with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, sexual impulsivity, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

As a licensed therapist in New Jersey with two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex life transitions and emotional challenges. My professional focus centers on helping adults, particularly women and older adults, work through significant life changes, mood disorders, and relationship dynamics. My expertise encompasses supporting individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, grief, and addiction-related challenges. I have deep experience working with caregivers, those experiencing divorce or separation, and individuals managing codependency issues. My approach is compassionate and tailored, recognizing the unique journey of each person who enters my practice. I am committed to creating a supportive, understanding environment where clients can explore their emotional landscape, develop resilient coping strategies, and move toward healing and personal growth. My therapeutic style emphasizes empowerment, validation, and collaborative problem-solving, helping clients rediscover their inner strength and navigate life's complexities with greater ease and confidence.

I am licensed in Florida and New Jersey with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!