I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 5 years of experience working in the substance abuse/addiction field and in private practice. Currently I am the Clinical Director of a substance abuse facility, and operate a small private practice. I have helped clients with a variety of issues including substance abuse, trauma, process/cross addictions, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, OCD, relationship and family issues, stress, phase of life issues, low self-esteem, and personality disorders. I have also had a lot of experience working with many different cultures and pride myself on being highly culturally sensitive and knowledgeable. My approach to therapy is warm yet direct. I enjoy encouraging and empowering my clients to make positive changes in their lives. I provide a non-bias, non-judgmental atmosphere, and supportive atmosphere. I utilize a variety of different theories and techniques including CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, Rapid Trauma Resolution, solution-focused therapy, positive psychology, family and couples counseling, and more. I maintain several certifications and have been trained in specific therapies including: Mastered Certified Addiction Professional; Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor; Advanced Certified Relapse Prevention Specialist; Rapid Trauma Resolution w/Clinical Hypnosis; Gottman Couples Therapy, Level 1 Certified; DBT skills, and EMDR. I commend anyone who is looking to better themselves. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Many years of working as an in-home, multicultural, inner-city therapist and in a Residential Treatment Program for Emotionally Disturbed Children before transitioning to Adults with Developmental Disabilities have provided me with a strong foundation to address a wide variety of clinical issues. My theoretical methods is founded first and foremost in developmental psychology utilizing many other theoretical approaches such as CBT, DBT, Performance psychology, solution focused etc. My passion for psychology began as a professional athlete and then in undergraduate school at the University of Maine at Farmington as an Alpine ski coach and through my years as a professional ski coach. My passion for psychology and therapy continues to focus on supporting individuals the fulfill their potential.

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.

Hi, if you are reading this ,it means you are seeking assistance in taking better control of your life to feel good about yourself and develop the skills necessary to solve what you view as problems. Today, many people are now seeking and receiving help to better control their lives. So, you are not alone. My goal will be to help you focus on the things that you see as impediments to your progress with expectation of assisting you in reordering your thoughts, and how and why your current thought process has led to where you feel you are emotionally today. I believe this approach can aid you in learning new ways to handle feelings and new ways of viewing the world around you. In other words, place a focus on your understanding affective stance and assist you in acquiring additional skills that possess the potential to help you be happy, healthy and have a good life. I formerly worked for twenty years at Rutgers University as a therapist serving clients who were working on successfully reintegrating into society. As such I had regular on-going collaborative relationships with State and Federal Authorities. I am a New Jersey based Licensed Based Counselor (LPC) with 26 years’ experience as a Mental Health Therapist. While I started at Better Help in 2021, I had to limit my involvement until 2025. My experience includes behavioral health centers, correctional institutions, schools, and in-home situations. My therapeutic approach focuses on assisting clients through focusing on evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused Counseling.

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.

As a licensed therapist, I bring over 25 years of compassionate counseling experience supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My practice centers on creating a welcoming, safe, affirming space for diverse clients, with specialized expertise in stress management, LGBTQ+ support, relationship dynamics, and trauma recovery. I am deeply committed to helping clients navigate personal growth, addressing issues like social anxiety, life transitions, communication challenges, and emotional healing. My approach is holistic and person-centered, focusing on building self-love, understanding personal patterns, and developing meaningful coping strategies. My therapeutic work spans a wide range of experiences, from supporting individuals dealing with workplace stress and relationship complexities to helping clients process deeper emotional wounds. I offer a non-judgmental, supportive environment where clients can explore their unique journeys, challenge limiting beliefs, and cultivate greater emotional resilience. I believe in empowering clients to discover their inner strengths, embrace vulnerability, and create transformative personal change. Whether you're facing life transitions, seeking deeper self-understanding, or working through complex emotional landscapes, I'm here to support your path toward healing and growth.

I earned my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Houston with a specialty in clinical psychology and a subspecialty in the psychosocial aspects of physical disorders. I began my clinical private practice after having acquired a firm foundation from my internship at the University of Chicago Hospitals and Clinics. In addition to my 20 years in private practice i was also consultant to various psychotherapy clinics and long term physical rehabilitation facilities. While my private practice was general (parent (child issues, marital discord, separation and aging), I also maintained a focus on the psychological effects of chronic autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, as well as other chronic disorders. I feel that a cognitive behavioral therapy approach , within a framework of client-centered and emotionally supportive interactions, is the most conducive to helping my clients to deal with their life's conflicts and hurdles.

My therapy style is open, genuine, accepting and non-judgmental. I believe in treating everyone with dignity, respect and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, motivational interviewing and mindfulness-based approaches. Through a warm, empathetic and supportive environment we can begin to work together to provide relief and to help work through any challenges or obstacles you may be experiencing. I graduated from Rutgers University with a Master Degree in Social Work and I'm a licensed clinical therapist in both New Jersey and New York. I am also a credentialed alcohol and substance abuse counselor in the state of New York. My path started in college when i decided to switch majors and decided that I wanted to go into the helping field and to be able to help others. Therapy takes commitment and courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to be able to work towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you.

I am licensed in New Jersey with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients coping with substance use disorders, as well as relationship issues. 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. 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 York with 7 years of professional work experience working with both acute and non acute populations. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, substance abuse, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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 proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in New Jersey with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting 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 a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey with over 12 years of experience supporting adults through anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, self-esteem issues, and life transitions. Many of the people I work with are high-functioning on the outside but feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected internally. My approach is warm, collaborative, and straightforward. I focus on helping clients understand patterns, build emotional regulation skills, and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. Therapy is a supportive space where you can be honest, reflect, and work toward meaningful, lasting change. Reaching out for help takes courage. Whether you’re navigating stress, self-doubt, or wanting to break long-standing cycles, I’m here to support you as you move toward greater clarity, confidence, and balance.

I am a professional counselor in New Jersey with over 24 years of experience in the field of counseling, but I have been a therapist for a little over five years. I don't have any particular group that I prefer to work with. I work with children as well as adults. I believe therapy is a combination of techniques that focus on positive interventions, such as Mindfulness therapy and expressive arts therapy, as well as serious and in-depth processing of trauma. For the trauma, I like to use Cognitive processing therapy. For anxiety and depression, cognitive behavioral interventions are used as well. With children, I use play therapy and encourage drawing and other creative methods of expression to help them with difficult emotions. With the help of parents, interventions that also educate them could be suggested. Homework could be assigned to help them to form creative habits, such as drawing and/or coloring, to learn positive copings skills. Everything I do, I do with passion. I am very interested in finding out how I might be able to help you using the toolbox of interventions that make sense to me! I am creative, open-minded and like to integrate interventions that not only teach you what I am doing but help you to cope with the problematic emotions.

As a licensed therapist with over two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My professional journey has been dedicated to helping clients address challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and self-esteem issues. I understand that each person's path to healing is unique, and I approach therapy with deep compassion and personalized care. My therapeutic approach is rooted in creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their experiences and develop meaningful strategies for personal growth. I draw from evidence-based practices to help individuals build resilience, understand their emotional patterns, and cultivate stronger, healthier relationships with themselves and others. Whether you're struggling with stress, processing past experiences, or seeking to enhance your overall emotional well-being, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy, expertise, and genuine care. Together, we can work towards understanding your strengths and creating positive, sustainable changes in your life.