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3 therapists available in Toms River
My own experiences with trauma allow me to offer deeper empathy and understanding, and because I know the courage it takes to seek...
About
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.
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.
After a critical health scare, after which I had to learn how to walk again, I knew that helping people, especially those who stru...
After a critical health scare, after which I had to learn how to walk again, I knew that helping people, especially those who struggle with weight, body image, disordered eating, trauma, depression, and anxiety, was what I wanted to do.
I’m Sharon Ryan, a Licensed Professional Counselor with 8 years of experience supporting children, teens, and adults through a wide range of challenges. I specialize in eating disorders, anxiety, depression, self-worth, trauma, and body image. My background includes certification as a personal trainer and bariatric counselor, and expertise in weight and body neutrality. I believe that understanding the connection between mind and body is key to lasting healing and growth.
I earned my Master’s in Professional Counseling from William Paterson University. I draw on evidence-based modalities including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, cognitive behavioral therapy, grief counseling, play therapy, and holistic approaches. My therapeutic style is client-centered, trauma-informed, and rooted in whole-person health.
I welcome clients ready to take the next step toward healing with compassion and support. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, body image, depression, trauma, or relationships, I provide a safe and nonjudgmental space to explore challenges and build resilience. Together, we’ll work toward uncovering your strengths and finding peace in daily life.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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Eating disorder therapy is a specialized approach aimed at assisting those who are grappling with a range of eating disorders. These disorders are significant mental health conditions characterized by irregular or unhealthy eating patterns and an intense focus on body weight and shape. Common conditions addressed in Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).
At Thriveworks, Eating disorders begins with a thorough assessment and personalized treatment plan. Central to eating disorder therapy is psychotherapy, often employing cognitive behavioral therapy and other specialized techniques to target negative thought patterns.
The signs of an eating disorder can include:
CBT’s remission rate, according to some research, is generally between 50-30% for those seeking assistance for eating disorder symptoms.
The recovery rate for those seeking assistance with eating disorders depends entirely on the individual’s involvement in sessions, the severity of their symptoms, and their willingness to change their eating habits and relationship with food.
Eating disorder therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
The length of Eating disorders will vary from one person to the next, dependent on their specific needs. Your therapist can help to determine what might be most beneficial for you.
Our eating disorder therapists want to make it abundantly clear: struggling with an eating disorder is never a result of being weak, confused, or obsessed. An eating disorder is not a reflection of who you are or what your future will be. It’s a mixture of societal pressures, coping mechanisms, and unhealthy thinking patterns. Counseling with Toms River can help you cope with the first one and change the second two.
You might be fighting an eating disorder, but it is still only one part of you. You are not your eating disorder. Thriveworks in Toms River, NJ wants to help strengthen the parts of you that you love so together we can take your life back from eating disorders. For more information or to schedule an appointment today, give us a call at 732-852-4977.
Eating disorders are a nuanced and multifaceted mental health problem that will look differently for everyone. They exist on a spectrum- there is no such thing as being “bad enough” to reach out to a counselor for an eating disorder. It’s easy to think “well someone else has it worse!” This a lie eating disorders will tell you that will stop you from getting the help you deserve!
If you are struggling with eating habits, food, weight, calories, body image, or emotional eating, it’s always worth reaching out. It could help save you a lot of pain and heartache further down the road. Thriveworks Counseling in Toms River, NJ will meet you where you’re at, no judgement.
Bulimia is comprised of two parts:
Some signs of bulimia include:
If you think you or a loved one is struggling with binge eating disorder, look for these symptoms:
The isolation, confusion, and health problems that come with eating disorders is something no one deserves to go through. Health and healing are possible. The strength it has just to read this and think about reaching out is incredible. To get more information or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at 732-852-4977. We offer benefits for your utmost convenience including evening and weekend sessions, and accepting most major insurances.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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