Therapists serving clients in South Toms River, NJ

My name is Gina Peccia, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of New Jersey. With over 15 years of experience, I have developed a sound and well-received reputation of being a very compassionate and effective therapist in my area. I am a graduate of Seton Hall University, and achieved high honors upon completion of my Master's degree in Counseling and my Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. After experience in a variety of community mental health settings, I started a private practice in 2011. I treat adolescents and adults with a variety of clinical issues (mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, etc.), as well as supporting and coaching clients through difficult life circumstances. I am a proponent of a 'person-centered' therapy approach, which means I will always meet the client where they are in their journey. It seems that life is so complicated these days, that there is no time for YOU. As a therapist with 15+ years of experience, I am here to help you identify those areas of your life that require change, and set reasonable goals. If you are suffering with clinical symptoms that are affecting your life, I can assist you in working to overcome them. I will always convey a sense of concern and trust essential to any therapeutic relationship. It is my priority to engage you in a calm and welcoming manner, so that you can finally just breathe and relax in order to attain your goals. I believe in the value of mindfulness in our daily lives. I will guide you slowly to focus on the present moment, rather than get stuck in the past or worry about a future that is unknown. This simple concept has a powerful effect on change, allowing a sense of well-being that will positively impact your life.

I believe the human connection is one of life's most powerful gifts. Meaningful relationships can propel people to do great things and be the best version of themselves, which is why I approach every counseling relationship with the utmost respect and a humble heart knowing how brave people are to allow me into their innermost thoughts and feelings. My twelve years of diverse experience in the counseling field has taught me that establishing trust, non-judgment, and open dialogue is essential to best outcomes when working in the counseling relationship. My graduate work was completed at The College of New Jersey, a CACREP accredited counseling program, with a focus in school counseling and substance use prevention, education, intervention, and referrals. My twelve years of field and professional experience include working with children and families in the school counseling setting in areas of concern such as academic, social, emotional counseling, and crisis intervention. Common counseling topics that surface for youth and families are emotional health concerns (i.e., anxiety, depression, anger management, etc.), loss and grief, self-esteem and self-image, relationship and dating issues, family conflict, substance use and abuse, college and career planning, time management and organization, post traumatic stress, and perfectionism, to name a few. My educational background, national and state certifications (National Board Certified Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, Student Assistance Coordinator, and Masters in School Counseling), and professional experience have allowed me the opportunity to also work with clients of diverse backgrounds in a private practice setting and through contracted work within my state's Children's System of Care. I intentionally work within a client-centered philosophy that encourages a variety of theoretical and practical therapeutic approaches to counseling as I genuinely believe there is "no one way" to approach every client, situation, or session. Theoretical practices that frequently guide my work with clients include Positive Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Humanistic and Systems Theory. I have also found that displaying genuine concern and regard for the well being of those whom I work with is the most effective way to ensure positive outcomes. I would love to work with clients whose commitment toward emotional growth and health compliment my dedication and enthusiasm to support and encourage them during their personal journey.

Hi! My name is Karen McDougal, I am a LPC (licensed professional counselor) with 14 years of experience. My scope of practice includes general mental health issues (anxiety, depression, etc.) life adjustments/transitions, trauma informed therapy, familial conflicts, crisis intervention, career exploration and planning, and self esteem. I have conducted crisis assessments, provided crisis interventions, created, and implemented treatment plans, and discharge plans; in a hospital setting, outpatient services, and in home agencies. As well as provided education: on parenting behavioral issues and healthy relationships. I have facilitated and co-facilitated social skills groups, a psycho-educational group on anger management, and healthy teen/pre-teen dating relationships. I have assisted in observations for functional behavioral analysis reports, data collection, and treatment recommendations for children with behavioral disturbances. Also worked with children, teens, and adults on career exploration and planning. Clinical approaches: My orientation to counseling is person- centered therapy, mindfulness, trauma informed with a focus on helping clients find and reach their desired goals to achieve happier and fuller lives. Experiences include: Stress, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, trauma, anger management, healthy dating, self-esteem, domestic violence, career exploration and planning, parenting issues, crisis, self harm, healthy relationship education, and communication issues

With over 25 years of extensive mental health experience, I hold a Ph.D. (APA accredited) in Clinical, Health, Forensic, & Neuropsychology. I am also a Certified Nutritionist, a Board-Certified TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH); a Board-Certified Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas, Illinois, and New Jersey; a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Kentucky; a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP) in Nebraska; a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Montana and Illinois; a Licensed Sex Offender Treatment Provider (LSOTP) and Licensed Sex Offender Evaluator (LSOE) in Illinois and Montana; , Telehealth Provider #TPMC864 (Florida) Licensed Professional Counselor #37PC00852500 (New Jersey) Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor #LCPC03319 (Kansas) Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor #CP5260-R (Nevada) and a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in The Bahamas. I have three master’s degrees (Professional Counseling, Clinical Psychology, and Christian Counseling). I have been inducted into the Psi Chi international honor society in psychology and the Pi Lambda Theta honor society in education. I have worked successfully with individuals, couples, groups, and families with a broad range of concerns, including but not limited to parenting problems, addiction, career challenges, depression, divorce, domestic abuse, and eating disorders. I have also worked with persons coping with illness, grief, loss, family conflict, pre-marital concerns, anxiety, infidelity, OCD, men’s issues, sexual abuse, spirituality, suicidal ideation, PTSD, weight loss, women’s issues, relationships issues, panic attacks, etc. I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma and, or emotional abuse. Throughout the years, I have developed a comprehensive multidisciplinary background that has allowed me to recognize, diagnose, and successfully help and treat hundreds of individuals of all ages and ethnicities. My treatment style is warm, interactive, and solution-based. My psychotherapy approach is integrative and eclectic, combining cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, motivational, rational emotive counseling, smart recovery, positive psychology, and other proven techniques. I show empathy and honestly believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I do not believe in stigmatizing labels, so I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I will do my best to assist you in achieving your desired results. It is commendable and takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and take the first steps toward change and enhancement. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to assist you in achieving your purpose and goals for being here, in addition to encouraging, supporting, and empowering you. I look forward to working with you!

I am licensed in New Jersey with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I work with individuals and families between the ages of 5-75 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.

I am licensed in New Jersey with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & intimacy related 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 a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas, New Jersey, and Virginia (Texas LPC: 78816; Virginia LPC: 0701010791; New Jersey LPC: 37PC00934800) with four years of counseling experience. I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling. I further specialized in Addictions Counseling at UNC Charlotte and Trauma and Disaster Counseling at East Carolina University. Currently, I am pursuing a Doctor of Education in Counselor Education and Supervision from National Louis University. I have worked with clients struggling with substance use, depression, and anxiety. I have worked in varied settings including correctional facilities, homeless shelters, psychiatric hospitals, and outpatient clinics. I am a Certified Clinical Telemental Health Provider through Evergreen Certifications. I utilize a Client Centered Approach to counseling; this means that we work together hand in hand to help you accomplish goals. I view my clients as experts on themselves, what does that mean? That means that I will not tell you what to do, but work with you to find solutions that are unique to you! I meet my clients wherever they are on their journey and considering it a privilege that you allow me to accompany you on your journey. As well as utilizing Client Center Approaches, I also use Cognitive Behavioral Techniques and Mindfulness techniques. Reaching out for help is an act of bravery. We all need additional support from time to time. Seeking a qualified counselor can be the first step towards living the authentic life that you want to live. I look forward to hearing from you!

Hello and welcome to BetterHelp! I’d like to acknowledge the important first step you have made in seeking a more fulfilling, balanced, and happier life. Finding the right therapist for yourself is the next important step; therefore, I’d like to provide you with information about myself so you can decide if my experience and style are the right fit for you. I received a Masters in Social Work degree in 1999 from Louisiana State University and I have been a licensed clinical social worker for more than 20 years. My therapy style is warm and interactive, and my approach is centered on helping individuals work through their difficulties to learn more about themselves and the way they interact with others. We can work together in whatever way is most comfortable for you. I am available via video sessions, phone, and/or text. I am mostly available in the late afternoon/evenings, but I check messages at least twice during each weekday. Deciding to engage in therapy and finding a counselor you feel a connection with can be overwhelming; but if you are ready to take that step, I would be happy to work with you at your own pace and tailor your time to your specific needs.

I am licensed in Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, New Jersey, South Carolina and Tennessee with 27 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, & trauma and abuse. 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 professional counselor in Pennsylvania with 3 years of experience working as a therapist. I am LGBTQ+ affirmative. I have worked with clients with a wide range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, loss of a loved one, trauma, and physical and sexual abuse. My counseling style is warm, reflective and interactive. My clients are the experts' of their life experiences, so I work hard to listen to their needs and meet them just where they are. Together we work to overcome their challenges. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and psychodynamic counseling. It takes courage to ask for help so I applaud you for taking this first step. Please know that I am here to support and empower you and move you towards a more fulfilling and happier life. I look forward to hearing from you and working with you!