Our therapists offer PTSD & trauma therapy in Dumont, NJ

Lauren Nickerson is a Licensed Social Worker in the state of New Jersey with over 3 years of experience in mental health care. She is passionate about providing therapeutic care for adolescents and adults who are seeking coping skills and support to manage life’s difficulties. Lauren specializes in anxiety, depression, stress management, life transitions, women’s issues, and more. At Rutgers University, Lauren earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) following the completion of her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

Lauren utilizes a variety of evidence-based therapies based on the client’s needs, including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic, and internal family systems. Lauren’s approach to treatment is person-centered and culturally sensitive, as her goal is to ensure that each client feels understood, validated, and respected.

Starting therapy is a vulnerable experience, but it does not have to be intimidating. Lauren strives to offer a welcoming, collaborative environment where you begin to realize your strengths, inherent value, and worth as you find your most authentic self. When the time feels right, Lauren is ready and eager to meet you!

Dr. Jacqueline Nelson, M.A., Ph.D, LPC-S, is a caring and passionate Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor with over 10 years of experience working with teens, adults, and seniors who are struggling to cope with anxiety, depression, anger, dysfunctional relationships, ADHD, coping skills, divorce, family conflict, low self-esteem, sexual abuse, stress, trauma, PTSD, women’s issues, grief, infidelity, difficult life transitions, OCD, parenting, racial identity, and more. 

Jacqueline graduated from Liberty University with her Master’s degree in Professional Christian Counseling and has her Ph.D. in Professional Counseling, Education, and Supervision from Walden University. Jacqueline also has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Houston—Central Campus. Jacqueline has worked in several roles as a Therapist, Crisis Psychotherapist, and Assistant Professor, which has allowed Jacqueline to harvest a plethora of knowledge and expertise in issues and concerns that affect everyday people in everyday life. Jacqueline has experience in supervising counseling students which has enhanced her capabilities in mentoring and coaching counseling professionals. Jacqueline also recently wrote a book: If It's In Your Head, It's In Your House: How to Process and Heal from Reoccurring Thoughts and Memories of Tragedy and Trauma by: Jacqueline Nelson LPC-S, M.A. B.A., PhD

Jacqueline is a cognitive behavioral (CBT) therapist who also utilizes the strategies, tools, and principles of solutions-focused, person-centered, existential, positive psychology, Gestalt, and Psychodynamic therapeutic approaches. Her experience working with individuals and families has promoted a dedication to try to understand, assist, and evolve the emotional, mental, and physical well-being of human development at all stages in life. Jacqueline's approach to therapy is eclectic and individualized because each client is unique and may require a unique and different approach to their healing and wellbeing.

I am a Licensed Associate Counselor with 2 years of experience providing evidence-based mental health care to diverse populations. I specialize in anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, family conflict, and couples. My ideal client is someone who may be facing life transitions, stress, or self-doubt, and is ready to seek support and make positive changes. They may need help developing coping strategies, building confidence, or finding new perspectives to navigate challenges. Their goals often include improving emotional well-being, strengthening relationships, and achieving greater self-understanding and resilience.

I earned a Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. I use diverse therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness therapy, and emotional freedom techniques. I take pride in tailoring various methods to best support clients' needs. 

I know how important it is to feel heard, supported, and respected, especially during challenging times. With genuine empathy, I strive to create an environment where we can work toward meaningful change. If you are seeking support and a fresh perspective, consider reaching out—your journey toward growth and healing can start here.

Gabriella Tavarez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) of Puerto Rican descent and is a strong supporter of marginalized populations, such as people of color and those within the LGBTQ+ community. She enjoys working with adolescents and adults to help them navigate through different life circumstances in a way where they feel understood and empowered. Gabriella specializes in anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, women’s issues, and self-esteem issues.

Gabriella completed her Bachelor's degree in Sociology at Rider University and her Master's degree in Social Work at Rutgers University. She utilizes an evidence-based approach in order to tailor her practice to best match your individual needs, resulting in an effective and client-centered treatment process. Gabriella involves different treatment modalities within her treatment, including mindfulness-based approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and trauma-informed (TIF) practices.

Gabriella’s form of treatment is founded on a strong therapeutic relationship, and ensuring that clients feel safe whenever in her care. As a therapist, it is her goal to help people become the best versions of themselves whatever that may look like. She looks forward to helping others achieve their therapeutic goals and live prosperous lives.

Betty Rivera is a bi-lingual (English/Spanish-speaking) Licensed Professional Counselor and certified rehabilitation counselor. She is comfortable working one-on-one with people of all ages and varying levels of ability. She applies a non-judgmental approach to identifying and analyzing mental health needs as well as exploring and recommending academic accommodations as needed for individuals with learning disabilities attending college.

Betty has a doctorate in clinical psychology, a Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, and a bachelor's in communication disorders from Marymount Manhattan College. Betty uses psychoeducation as well as cognitive processing therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and person-centered therapy.

Betty's experience working and studying at the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico gave her the unique opportunity to see disability from both sides of the table—both as a student observing the struggles and challenges that students with varied disabilities face in school and as a clinical psychologist intern and licensed rehabilitation counselor.