Our licensed counselors provide individual therapy in New Jersey

Kathryn Ashley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, LICSW) who has over 35 years of experience providing clinical assessments and therapeutic care for adults with a diverse range of clinical needs, including addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions.

Kathryn completed her Bachelor's degree in Social Work at Niagara University, Niagara Falls NY, and received her Master's degree in Social Work from Yeshiva University-New York. Kathryn utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), strengths-based therapy (SBT), solutions-focused therapy (SFT), and mindfulness approaches.

Kathryn's success lies within her ability to put clients at ease, ensuring their well-being is her focus. She has cultivated relationships with her clients empowering them with greater strength, sensitivity, and perseverance in pursuit of their mental health goals. Kathryn hopes to work with you to accomplish whatever you set your mind to—go online or give our office a call today.

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!

Jose Desiderio is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of New Jersey and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of New York. Jose has over 8 years of experience in the mental health field focused on treating anxiety, depression, stress, anger management, interpersonal relationship issues, life transitions, and men's issues. Throughout his career, Jose has been passionate about helping adolescents, adults, and couples address their concerns in a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive space.

Jose completed his Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the College of Staten Island. He utilizes an integrative approach in therapy consisting of multiple treatment modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic theory, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), solution focused techniques, and mindfulness exercises. Jose believes that the foundation to therapy is building a connection through highlighting individuality, embracing humor, and sharing belief that it will get better.

Life is filled with challenges and stressors that often stand in our way. Jose is confident that he will be able to support you through these difficult times as you gain healthier perspectives and learn useful coping skills that will aid you on your path. Jose looks forward to doing his best to help you manage your mental health concerns and achieve your goals.

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!

Alexander "Alex" Arici is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 4 years of experience, who specializes in the treatment of individuals experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, depression, personality disorders, and more. He is passionate about serving the needs of youth and young adults, as well as any who are navigating the struggles of managing life transitions throughout middle and late adulthood.

Alex was able to complete a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Montclair State University. He is a former foster care youth with personal experiences of navigating "the system" with all of its ups and downs. His eclectic approach draws from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy (PCT), mindfulness, and motivational interviewing (MI).

Life is complicated and hard enough as it is with all its joys and hardships. Therapy can be a place for you to be and express yourself without having to worry about what anyone else thinks about you. It's a place for you to safely self-reflect and build the life you desire. Alex cares about your growth and well-being. Go online or give the office a call to start working with him: You'll learn the tools, techniques, and strategies that you'll need to navigate this thing we call life.