I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey with over 19 years of experience working as a clinical counselor. I believe that when individuals seek counseling it is because they want to make changes in their lives. They may want to improve a life situation, solve a particular problem, make a decision, or achieve a greater understanding of life or personal circumstances. I utilize a variety of counseling techniques from an eclectic collection of theoretical orientation, based on the needs and strengths of the individual client. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including low self-esteem/self-confidence, social anxiety, anxiety, parenting problems, career challenges , and everyday stress that we experience. I enjoy working with college students, as well as individuals trying to work through transitions in their lives. I do not work with marriage counseling, relationship counseling,, or serious mental illness online. I am also interested in working with individuals who are contemplating weight loss surgery or are post weight loss surgery patients and are looking for a counselor experienced in this area. I also like working with clients who need assistance with medical advocacy. This is when a client is having health issues and is not sure how to maneuver the medical field, brainstorm questions to ask medical providers, and to cope with the overall issues of dealing with a medical situation. I have been involved in medical field through personal experience since I was a teenager and have learned some helpful tips along the way that I would like to share with others. Counseling is a joint effort, which can not be successful without your hard work, energy, and courage. I do not use a cookie cutter approach to treatment. Meaning treatment techniques are chosen based on your needs, strengths, and weaknesses. Not every approach works for everyone and I believe in being flexible so that my clients have the opportunity to get the most out of their time in counseling. I look forward to be able to support and empower you in your therapeutic goals. I look forward to working with you! A note on my availability: I want to let you know about my general availability for counseling. I think it is important to let my clients know when I’m available so they can know when to expect a reply to a message. I am available Monday-Thursday. I will usually return messages within 24 hours.

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.

I am an LCSW licensed in the state of New Jersey with over 20 years of experience working as a therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma, emotional abuse, and parenting struggles. I have worked with adults, families, children and teenagers. When I engage a client in counseling, my approach is client centered. I will work with you to determine what the underlying cause is of your struggles and develop goals with you to lessen and manage those struggles. I work with sensitivity and sensitivity and compassion. I work as a partner with my client, focusing on their strengths and moving them forward to healing. My approach combines cognitive behavioral and solution focused therapy. We will develop a treatment plan together to meet your specific needs, and when we identify a barrier that gets in the way of your specific needs, we will work on a plan to remove that barrier. It takes courage and humility to admit that you need help, and to seek counseling for that help, but taking that first step toward a change will lead to insight about why you are struggling and new skills to manage your struggle and heal from your pain. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support you and empower you in your journey of healing through your pain. My goal is for your healing, and to walk with you in the process. I truly 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.

Carmen Altopiedi L.C.S.W. Therapy Works During Difficult times in life, we may experience feelings of loneliness, isolation and sadness; these are very normal reactions to situations and traumas we encounter. I would like to assist in coping with some of these feelings. Part of my experience as a seasoned therapist is to assist and listen, and together we can tackle life’s challenges, leading to a healthier outlook on life. I worked in the mental health field for over 10 years, I believe in meeting the client were you are and together developing a therapeutic plan that is tailored to meet you needs. I’ve worked with a vast population with a wide range of concerns, LGBTQ+ senior population, isolation, loneliness, depression, and anxiety to name a few. I look forward to working together.

I am licensed in Florida with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & anger management. 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 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.

I am licensed in New Jersey with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy related issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 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 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I also specialize in Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

I am licensed in New York with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I believe that you are the narrator of your story and that your body, mind and soul have the ability to shift, change and heal trauma. Our work together will help you learn how to use your body and mind's energy system to better manage your life. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy does take courage. I am here to guide you towards a direction of clarity and hope as we start this process together.

I am licensed in New Jersey with 30 years of professional work experience. I have the most experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety. I also specialize in coping with grief and loss, and with caregiving challenges. For the past 15 years, I have specialized in working with older people and their caregivers dealing with the challenges of aging and lifestyle changes. I have clients who have been with me through their ups and downs and still remain connected professionally. My personal professional strengths are listening, empathy, problem solving, and helping people change thinking patterns that no longer work for them.

I am licensed in New Jersey with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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!

As a licensed therapist in New Jersey, I bring over 15 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My clinical expertise centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and life transitions. I specialize in working with diverse populations, including young adults, women, and individuals experiencing midlife shifts. My therapeutic approach is holistic and compassionate, focusing on empowering clients to cultivate self-love, discover life purpose, and heal from challenging experiences like divorce or addiction. I understand that each person's journey is unique, and I strive to create a supportive, affirming environment where individuals can explore their emotions, develop resilience, and create meaningful personal growth. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I help clients develop practical strategies for managing mood disorders, overcoming isolation, and building healthier relationships with themselves and others. My commitment is to walk alongside you with genuine understanding and professional guidance as you navigate your path toward emotional wellness.

I am licensed in New Jersey and New York with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with despression. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.