Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Trauma / PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Self Esteem

Individual Counseling, Couples/Marriage Counseling

Online in New Jersey

9 years in practice

Ages served: 18-64

Accepted insurance & self-pay

Phyllis accepts 15 insurers

Aetna

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Optum Serve

United Healthcare | Optum

United Healthcare | Optum - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

First Health Network

Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey | BCBS - HMO

Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey | BCBS - PPO

Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

JP Farley Corporation

Multi Plan PHCS

Oscar Health

Oxford Health Plans

UMR

United Healthcare | Optum Medicare Advantage

Uprise EAP

SELF-PAY COSTS

Out-of-pocket session costs for clients who don’t have insurance or aren’t covered by their insurance for mental health services.

$200

first session

$170

subsequent sessions

About Phyllis

Hi there, my name is Phyllis Darkwa, and I have been a clinician since 2017. I have helped many clients, each with their own stories and experiences, overcome much of what life throws at them. Clients who have experienced childhood trauma, painful heartaches, anxiety, depression, stress, and just by existing in this vast world of ours. I have worked with some over the past six years and seen a tremendous amount of growth from the day they started, and all the way up to now.

I start by getting to know you and what is happening uniquely to you. Although therapists are all trained to understand how the mind and body work and how we are all interconnected — which is nice to know, as it means we are not all alone — I like to tailor my treatment approach to each unique story.

I am looking forward to meeting you and getting to know you. I encourage you to be as open as you possibly can and let's work together to help you help yourself.

"As one who has experienced personal anxiety, trauma, and loss, I have an understanding of how painful life circumstances impact one and how building new life skills can empower us once again."

Get to know Phyllis

Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?

This field picked me in my adolescence in my guidance counselor's office. I remember getting that care and warmth from her and promising myself to give the same to others. However, it didn't become clear until I completed my Bachelor's Degree and saw my love for the field of psychology.

What types of clients do you work best with?

I work well with individuals who are highfunctioning and struggling because of the many issues that life throws at them.

What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process?

Therapy takes time, patience, and a lot of consistency from you to work.

What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy?

Clients can expect the early stage of therapy to be about them and learning how they work. I will be asking many questions to understand the psyche behind your issues. This will help us set goals tailored to your needs.

What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider?

That we are all hurting inside and behind all of our troubles, we want to be seen and validated in order to be motivated.

How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs?

By getting to know each one of them and how their internal systems work. I have the degree and training, but clients are the masters of their lives, and at times, they need reminders of how to move on when knocked down.

Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesStress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Trauma / PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Self Esteem, Racial Identity, Parenting, Family Conflict, Anger Management, Step-Family / Blended Family Issues, Social Anxiety, Peer Relationships, Panic Attack, Impulse Control Disorders, Emotional Disturbance, Codependency, Relationships, Coping Skills

ApproachesPsychodynamic, Culturally Sensitive, Trauma-Focused, Interpersonal, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Person-Centered Therapy, Gottman Method, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), Psychotherapy, Behavioral Therapy, Narrative