Couples & marriage counseling in Jersey City, NJ

Manuel Lima is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 10 years of experience treating adult clients who are struggling with relationship difficulties, anxiety disorders, OCD, obsessive thoughts, stress, depression, and ruminations. He loves to help his clients build the confidence and self-efficacy to overcome whatever obstacles they may be facing, whether the struggle is internal, or external.

Manuel received his Master's degree in Community Mental Health Counseling from Montclair State University. As a counselor, he is strongly versed in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and existential therapy (ET) to help clients learn to be in the moment, challenge negative automatic thoughts, and change behaviors to better cope with emotions. Manuel believes in giving his clients the necessary tools for improving their self-awareness, emotional regulation, constructive/rational thinking, and stress management outside of sessions.

Manuel respects and acknowledges each client’s individuality and tailors treatment to meet their needs. Manuel wants clients to feel safe and to improve their self-compassion and self-care. Manuel is dedicated to helping clients feel empowered to pursue what they desire personally and/or professionally. Clients will learn the skills necessary to navigate through life’s challenges and create an improved quality of life—reach out to schedule with Manuel today.

For the past 4 years, Manuel has been recognized as 3 Best Marriage Counselors in Newark, NJ per Three Based Rated!

I am a Licensed Associate Counselor with 2 years of experience. My counseling approach is person-centered and tailored to meet each individual’s biopsychosocial needs. I specialize in working with adolescents through older adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma, mood and personality disorders, substance use, self-harm, and emotional dysregulation. My professional background includes experience across outpatient programs, detox units, inpatient hospitals, and university counseling centers.

I earned my Master’s in Counseling from Stockton University. I integrate evidence-based practices, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, and mindfulness.

I believe healing requires consistency, patience, and courage. My goal is to create a safe, inclusive, and affirming space where clients can explore their emotions and develop greater self-awareness. I am honored to walk alongside each client, offering empathy, encouragement, and tools to support lifelong well-being.

Patricia Ruggiero is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. She has managed community programs, led clinical teams, and provided psychotherapy in agency and private settings. She works best with individuals seeking guidance, structure, and a supportive space to grow. Her ideal client is someone ready to explore meaningful change, improve emotional resilience, build greater independence in their life, and thrive.

Pat earned a Master’s in Social Work from Kean University. She uses a solution-focused, person-centered approach rooted in cognitive behavior therapy to help clients identify strengths and set goals with clarity. Her crisis intervention and advocacy experience allow her to support complex needs with compassion and structure for real-life progress.

Pat understands how overwhelming life can feel when you’re trying to navigate challenges alone. Therapy is a space where you don’t have to have it all figured out. She offers a calm, supportive environment where you will work at your pace. She would be honored to walk with you toward greater peace and confidence.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 6 years of experience in the mental health field with a certification as an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) and specialize in providing counseling services for ADHD and anxiety, but also work with depression, grief and life transitions while using a CBT, person-centered, solution-focused, mindfulness-based lens.

My clients usually do not have the proper support or systems they need such as time management or accountability and may feel overwhelmed with a new life circumstance. I like to highlight how a different perspective can make a difference in better understanding a situation, whether it's challenging negative thoughts, using a system or resource tool differently, or even improving boundaries.

We all have barriers preventing us from getting where we want to be in life. I'm able to help identify what is standing in the way and develop tools so we can get where we want to be, without subtracting from your life experiences. If you're ready to do the work, I'm here for it!

I received my BA in English from Rutgers University, and my MA in Professional Clinical Counseling from La Salle University. I started my counseling career in community mental health and also led IOP groups for substance abuse treatment after being in the teaching world for 5 years between NJ and PA school systems. 

Clare Malchiodi is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Approved Clinical Supervisor with over 22 years of experience. She has supported individuals and families in outpatient, in-home, and community-based services. She has worked with adults with autism, children’s case management, and adults living with severe and persistent mental illness, helping them transition from psychiatric hospitals to long-term housing and community integration.

Clare earned her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Chestnut Hill College. Her approach is client-centered and collaborative, drawing on years of experience in individual, group, and family therapy. She tailors her care to support clients navigating complex mental health needs and life transitions.

Clare meets each person with openness and empathy, aiming to truly understand their unique experience. She believes in creating a safe space where clients feel heard and supported. Clare partners with clients to build a game plan that helps them move forward with clarity, resilience, and renewed hope.