Self Esteem, Anxiety, Depression, Social Anxiety, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Grief
Accepted insurance & self-pay
About Judy
My name is Judith Pantalino, and I've gone by Judy since childhood. I earned my MS in Community Counseling from Wilmington University in May 2013 and am licensed as a Mental Health Therapist in Delaware. I work with clients experiencing anxiety and depressive symptoms due to grief and loss—most often through the death of a loved one. My bereavement clients are often navigating loneliness for the first time in their lives, whether they've lost a spouse of many decades or a child at any age. This type of healing tends to be a long-term emotional recuperation with weekly therapy sessions.
I begin the therapeutic process using person-centered therapy. I like to add onto this process with CBT. It is a collaborative process between the client and therapist together and is helpful in identifying and changing negative thoughts and behaviors. These thoughts and behaviors can be the cause of your anxiety, stress and/or depressive thoughts.
I believe in you as you make your first step towards a more peaceful life. Each step matters as you progress in your well-being. My goal is to walk alongside you as you gain confidence and move toward this peaceful life. I hope you'll take the next step and schedule a session where we can work together as you heal and grow.
"I have experienced significant personal losses throughout most of my adult lifespan, which has influenced me as an empathetic and understanding therapist while helping others who are looking to understand their own emotional pain, whether the loss is recent or from their past "
Get to know Judy
Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?
I became interested in helping potential clients later in my career. The largest component was the loss of my son at 21-years to an automobile accident and the ensuing trauma and grief that I experienced. I had already begun to take psychology and sociology classes prior to this event, which took me to a higher realm of being a helper and wanting to help others who were struggling with their own grief.
What types of clients do you work best with?
I believe I work well with clients of adult ages. I have had successful interactions and believe the best ages for my client base is 25 and older.
What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process?
I wish all clients knew that a very important first step in this process is the beginning of the relationship between clinician and client. The development of this process begins on day one and continues to develop using trust and support of the client. The client will in turn be able to completely trust the relationship and will know that he or she is in a safe space during the therapy sessions.
What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy?
On the first session, I will introduce myself to the client and welcome her/him to my office or to the session if by Telehealth. Prior to the beginning of the information gathering, I will go over the various forms that are required and have him/her state their understanding and once that has been understood and completed will go into the assessment and the reason for this appointment. During the early stages of therapy, I will use person-centered therapy and then revert to other forms of therapy such as DBT or other theory backed therapies. At the end of each session, the next session date and time will be confirmed. I will then walk the client out to the common area.
What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider?
My personal experiences working with a licensed therapist, where honesty, caring of my situation and personal issues I was going through at the time, taught me so much in the counseling process. This process was of immense help throughout my grieving process of my deceased son.
How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs?
The therapy used for each client's needs are individual. In most scenarios in my experience, it depends on what their needs are in their story and experiences. They could be straight to the point of why they are here, or they may need more time, and I will tailor their unique needs to their unique situations, emotions and thoughts.
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 14 years
- Graduating institute
- Wilmington University
- Graduating degree
- Master in Science in Community Counseling
Additional details
Practice information
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