Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Paramus, NJ

"In an ever-changing world, I understand the challenges of trying to prioritize your mental health and staying resilient while there are many circumstances beyond our control."

Lara Carter is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of New Jersey. Lara’s goal for her clients is to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment for every individual. She aims to help clients learn how to manage their mental health effectively and work towards their personal goals while prioritizing their mental and emotional well-being. She has experience working with adolescents, adults, and families with a variety of presenting issues. These areas include depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, anger management, life transitions, LGBTQIA+ issues, and substance use disorders.

Lara received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Seton Hall University and her Master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers University. Through her educational background and professional experience, she understands the many circumstances that contribute to making us unique — culturally, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. Lara aims to help clients through their unique mental health journey by providing them with the individualized support that they need to grow. Some of the therapeutic approaches she uses to navigate these areas include cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and motivational interviewing.

There are times when we all need extra support to make it through the challenges we are facing. Lara helps empower clients to recognize their abilities to create positive changes in their lives and believe that they can take back control, even though life can be stressful. It takes incredible courage to reach out for help, and she is here to help when you are ready to start your mental health journey!

Erica Pena is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of New Jersey serving children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families from diverse and multicultural backgrounds. 

Erica completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Lock Haven University and received her Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling and Psychology from William Paterson. She utilizes various evidence-based approaches, such as relational, collaborative, strength-based, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based, solution-focused, and emotionally-focused approaches to assist clients along the change process. 

Erica seeks to establish a therapeutic environment that embodies creativity, flexibility, and awareness to meet the needs of every unique individual and couple. She sees therapy as a collaborative effort with clients in identifying goals and potential solutions to alleviate emotional distress, improve communication skills, strengthen self-care strategies, and promote renewed sense of purpose.

"In a world full of challenges, I help empower clients through empathy, communication, compassion, and trust."

Anna Baldassari is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of New Jersey certified in trauma work with women and children. She has over 4 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families to overcome symptoms of many different mental health issues. These include trauma, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, impulse control disorders, and issues in self esteem.

Anna received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Ramapo College and her Master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers University. She utilizes a variety of evidence-based therapies, individualized based on a client's needs. These approaches include psychoanalysis, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused therapy (TFT), mindfulness, and play therapy and sand play for children. Anna also uses a strength-based, client-centered approach to build trust and rapport with clients, leading to an effective therapeutic alliance.

Starting therapy, and the vulnerability it entails, can be frightening. You do not have to struggle alone. Anna believes that every person has the ability to take their lives and their recovery into their own hands. Schedule an initial session today if you're ready to begin working with Anna.

"I believe that connecting with my clients is better done through shared lived experiences rather than solely education and training."

Bill DeFilippo is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 20 years of experience providing mental health services to adults, children, families, and couples. He is an advocate for strengthening one's ability to understand and improve oneself in an often complex world. He prides himself on the ability to quickly develop rapport with clients as they journey together toward achieving greater life balance. Bill's specialties include—but are not limited to—life stress, anxiety, depression, grief, family discord, and relationship dysfunction.

Bill completed his master's in counseling at Montclair State University in 2000. Bill uses many treatment modalities (family systems theory, structural family therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis, behavior modification) but lands on the one that is uniquely suited for you during your presentation.

Life can be tough, and the decision to enter counseling can be even tougher. But whatever brings you to Bill, understand that he will be committed to your journey toward improved well-being and help provide you with the tools you need to get back at it independently. His services are just a click away!

"As a Hispanic male, I am open to collaborating with a client on their therapeutic journey toward growth and development."

Daniel Sosa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 13 years of experience in the mental health field. He is motivated to help adults at varying stages of their life and recovery, as well as guide couples through obstacles that create challenges for their relationship. Daniel specializes in depression, anxiety, addiction management, trauma, relationship issues, and major life transitions. Daniel received his Masters in Social Work (MSW) through Fordham University in NYC and has history working with adults struggling with addiction and unmanageable mental health struggles.

Daniel utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), harm-reduction approach, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy.

Daniel provides guidance and development through empathy, support, and understanding of the struggles that hinder progress on one's journey. By meeting the client wherever they are in their development, Daniel's experience helps him nurture new insight and perspectives. Once you're ready to take this journey, please feel free to make an appointment today.

"As a man of color, I understand the struggles and needing to be resilient and overcoming barriers while normalizing the stigma of mental health."

Elijawon is a Licensed Associate Counselor pursuing his LPC as he continues to gain experience. He has over nine years of experience in the mental health field. He has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, families, couples, and individuals with developmental disabilities. Elijawon is passionate about helping others navigate unique challenges to improve their quality of life and achieve their goals and dreams. Elijawon is an eclectic counselor that does not believe in being a "One-Trick Pony," as each approach applies to the individual's different needs.

Elijawon (Eli) completed his Masters of Arts in Counseling at Kean University. He has clinical counseling, case management, and school counseling experience working with many individuals. Elijawon utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness.

Everyone faces challenges and situations that they try to overcome. Elijawon is adamant about guiding individuals to their goals, is an empathetic and active listener, and provides the resources to educate and empower others. If you are ready to take that leap of faith and gain new strategies to cope and conquer, please reach out and schedule an appointment!

"I invite you to take the initial step forward and schedule therapy in order to see a brighter, more peaceful, and happier you. "

Jackie Konrad is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 25 years of experience helping people to become the best version of themselves. She specializes in working with children, teens, adults, parents, individuals, couples, and families to manage the effects of anxiety, depression, career-related issues, poor coping skills, life transitions, stress, OCD, parenting problems, relationship issues, and women's issues.

Jackie completed her Master's degree in Social Work at Fordham University. She is a warm, down-to-earth therapist with whom comfort and trust are paramount to creating a good therapeutic relationship. Jackie implements a range of therapeutic techniques in her sessions, some of which include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoanalytic therapy (PT), humanistic and Rogerian methods, cognitive reprocessing therapy (CPT), compassion-focused therapy(CFT), and much more.

Jackie has had many return clients over the years and has a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you achieve your desired therapeutic outcome. Jackie is confident that she will be able to support you on your journey, helping you gain insight, perspective, techniques, and strategies, all while building self-worth and hope for a brighter future. She invites you to work together with her as a team to address the issues that matter most to you.

"I know taking the first step can be difficult — I am here to walk beside you as you take the next steps in working through your challenges and building upon your resilience."

Elizabeth Enoksen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 13 years of experience in the social work field. She has experience working with parents, families, children, adolescents and adults. Elizabeth works on building strong relationships with her clients based on trust and a desire to help clients move forward from their current issues. She specializes in depression, anxiety, developing coping skills, managing stress, relationship issues and self-esteem. Elizabeth completed her Masters in Social Work (MSW) at Rutgers University and her Bachelors in Social Work (BSW) at Sacred Heart University.

Elizabeth has worked in the children's system of care, residential settings, hospital settings, and school settings. This has allowed Elizabeth to help individuals in all walks of life. Elizabeth utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy.

Life can be tough! Managing work stress, relationship stress, family stress, financial stress, and social pressures can be overwhelming. Elizabeth knows that she could be in your corner to help you manage and work through challenges. If you are ready to do the hard work and have someone to walk alongside you schedule an appointment today!

"My extensive background in the field guides my eclectic approach to meet my clients where they are and to guide them in attaining the life they envision."

Jessica Warren Frazier is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has 22 years of experience providing therapeutic services to adolescents, adults, and couples seeking help with depression, anxiety, trauma, and phase of life transitions. 

Jessica completed her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology at Evergreen State College and her Master of Arts (MA) in Mental Health Counseling at Antioch University Seattle. She believes client-centered collaboration is the most effective tool to guide her clients towards their wellness goals. Jessica utilizes strength-based, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness, and solution-focused approaches to therapy with a foundation of creativity and flexibility to best meet the unique needs of each client.

Jessica prioritizes strong therapeutic rapport and compassion as the ultimate foundation to the therapeutic relationship. From there, she will guide you towards the meaningful life you envision.

"Hi, I look forward to working together to improve your mental health."

Rosario Cruz is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of New Jersey with more than 8 years of experience serving children, adolescents, and adults from multicultural backgrounds. Rosario has experience working with clients with depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, behavioral management, and relationship issues.

Rosario Cruz received her Master of Education in trauma studies from Cambridge College. Rosario utilizes various evidence-based approaches to best meet the needs of every unique individual.

We all have struggles throughout life. Rosario seeks to establish a warm therapeutic relationship with you to assist in building on your strengths and collaborate with you to meet your goals. She is confident she can help you in your journey. Let her know how she can help you—schedule an appointment today!

Cory Birch is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) with 10 years of experience in the mental health field. Cory is passionate about working with adolescents and adults to address their own unique challenges. He specializes in anxiety, depression, men's issues, work-related stressors, and life transitions. Cory has a diverse background in the counseling profession, working with severe and persistent mental illness, autism spectrum disorders, general anxiety, depressions, trauma, and much more. 

Cory completed his Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling Psychology at Centenary University. He utilizes a mix of treatment approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and client-centered, to best work with each client's unique needs. 

We all have our unique challenges in life. Cory is confident he can support you and help you achieve your goals in treatment.