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72 licensed therapists & providers in New Jersey—6 in Toms River. Available as soon as today, in person and online
Our providers work with individuals, couples, families, & teens for anxiety, depression, grief, & more
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94% of clients feel truly understood by their provider. 3 out of 4 see improvement in depression & anxiety symptoms within 3 months
Discover how starting dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
As one who has experienced personal trauma and loss, I have an authentic understanding of how we are impacted by painful life circ...
About
As one who has experienced personal trauma and loss, I have an authentic understanding of how we are impacted by painful life circumstances and building new life skills can empower us once again.
I strive to provide a warm and relaxed atmosphere that fosters trust in order to facilitate meaningful discussion of the issues that may be eroding one's well-being and optimism. In this calm and trusting environment, individuals, couples, and families can work toward understanding the root causes of trauma, negativity, depression, anxiety, and conflict. Together we will work to build coping and mindfulness skills, flexibility, resiliency, acceptance, and a positive communication style vital for healthy relationships and a more meaningful, fulfilled life.
I use CBT, TFCBT, DBT, Nurtured Heart, Nurturing Parenting, Mindfulness, Seeking Safety, and HRT with CBIT to treat: PTSD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, ODD, Tourette syndrome, Asperger's syndrome, autism, grief, family conflict, divorce, self-harming, sexual/physical/emotional abuse, life transitions, parenting, and women's issues.
I hope to find a trusting and safe space and relationship to support you in moving forward in your life in the best possible way by providing you tools to do so. I encourage you to take the next step in scheduling an appointment with me to see if we would be a good match in working towards your emotional goals.
Education and training
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Rooted in both lived and clinical experience, I am grateful to preach what I practice and support clients in discovering the power...
Rooted in both lived and clinical experience, I am grateful to preach what I practice and support clients in discovering the power of healing.
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.
My own experiences with trauma allow me to offer deeper empathy and understanding, and because I know the courage it takes to seek...
My own experiences with trauma allow me to offer deeper empathy and understanding, and because I know the courage it takes to seek help, I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where every client feels heard, valued, and appreciated.
I am an LCSW, LCADC, CCS, and SAP with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a minor in Substance Abuse Counseling from Ramapo College of NJ (2012), and a Master's degree in Social Work with a concentration in Substance Abuse Counseling from Rutgers University. I have extensive experience across inpatient, IOP, and PHP levels of care, working with individuals ages 10 through adulthood, and progressed from therapist to Clinical Director. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, mood disorders, and personality disorders, and am committed to providing compassionate, client-centered care.
I utilize a range of evidence-based modalities, primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing. Through compassion, empathy, and collaborative effort, I support individuals in their healing process and am honored to walk alongside them on their journey toward lasting wellness.
Taking the first step toward support can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. I strive to create a warm, safe, and supportive space where you feel heard and valued. Healing is possible, and together we can work toward meaningful growth and lasting change at a pace that feels right for you.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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My go-to approach for helping people in dialectical behavior therapy is educating them on the many different coping skills and how they can be used with so many different diagnoses. There are basic skills such as relaxation techniques and distraction techniques; however, TIPs, STOP, and learning to use pros and cons are useful. Learning how to incorporate mindfulness into one's daily regimen is very helpful. When working with someone who experiences depression, teaching about opposite reaction, fortune telling, catastrophizing, and practicing self-validation are all helpful. I usually provide a link to a specific DBT Workbook that includes handouts to cover during sessions and then worksheets for the client to use as homework.
I teach the following tools in dialectical behavior therapy:
I know a client is making meaningful progress in dialectical behavior therapy when they are able to recognize which coping skills to use and the skills become second nature. The client will also be able to identify and use mindfulness skills to evaluate themselves and their behaviors.
Clients can supplement their time in dialectical behavior therapy by working on the homework presented to them, which helps them to better understand the process. The client will use journaling and “The Ultimate List of Emotions” to help them identify their genuine emotions, feelings, and thoughts.
To prepare for their first dialectical behavior therapy session, an individual can practice being open-minded and nonjudgmental. I prefer that my clients stay far away from Google when learning about new techniques. The client should understand the importance of dedicating themselves to therapy, making sure they are present for the sessions, and doing the homework that is assigned to them.
At Thriveworks, Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) primarily concentrates on assisting individuals in emotion regulation, enhancing interpersonal relationships, and acquiring effective coping strategies for managing stress and emotional difficulties.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) targets your personal challenges. You may work with your DBT therapist to maintain diary cards to monitor progress, emphasizing validation and support in the therapeutic relationship. DBT follows a stage-based approach, prioritizing crisis reduction initially and life satisfaction.
DBT was initially developed to address the needs of individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, its versatile approach has enabled its application to a wide range of mental health conditions, including but not limited to, anxiety, depression, stress, and anger issues.
The 4 pillars of DBT are mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) have distinct purposes and aren’t inherently superior or inferior to one another. DBT is most effective for managing emotional regulation, personality disorders, and interpersonal challenges, while EMDR is specifically tailored for individuals with trauma-related conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) with therapists at Thriveworks in Toms River, NJ is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
The duration of a standard DBT program is typically around 24 weeks, which is roughly six months. The actual number of sessions will vary depending on the issues you wish to address.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Toms River is located near Allen Street and Main Street, off Route 37. It is near the Ocean County Courthouse and Huddy Park.
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72 therapists available in New Jersey, including 6 in Toms River
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