Our counselors offer counseling for teens in Toms River, NJ

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.

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.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 8 years of experience providing therapeutic support to adolescents, adults, couples, and families. My clinical experience includes working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, grief, bipolar disorder, addiction and recovery, stress management, adjustment disorder, and perinatal and postpartum mood disorders. I strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment where clients feel at ease and the process of beginning therapy is as smooth as possible.

I earned my Master of Social Work from Monmouth University. My approach is collaborative and non-judgmental, drawing on evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, client-centered therapy, strengths-based perspectives, and motivational interviewing to best support my clients.

My goal is to help clients build resilience and create a personalized path to healing that reflects their unique needs and life experiences. I am dedicated to walking alongside clients as they navigate challenges, discover new insights, and work toward meaningful and lasting change.

Jose Desiderio is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of New Jersey and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of New York. Jose has over 8 years of experience in the mental health field focused on treating anxiety, depression, stress, anger management, interpersonal relationship issues, life transitions, and men's issues. Throughout his career, Jose has been passionate about helping adolescents, adults, and couples address their concerns in a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive space.

Jose completed his Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the College of Staten Island. He utilizes an integrative approach in therapy consisting of multiple treatment modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic theory, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), solution focused techniques, and mindfulness exercises. Jose believes that the foundation to therapy is building a connection through highlighting individuality, embracing humor, and sharing belief that it will get better.

Life is filled with challenges and stressors that often stand in our way. Jose is confident that he will be able to support you through these difficult times as you gain healthier perspectives and learn useful coping skills that will aid you on your path. Jose looks forward to doing his best to help you manage your mental health concerns and achieve your goals.

Elizabeth Woods is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who brings over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. Elizabeth's experience as a clinical social worker and psychotherapist spans over 7 years and includes work with adolescents and adults with a range of symptoms and challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, difficulty with relationships, behavioral issues, personality disorders, life transitions and loss.

She recognizes that all clients are unique and require a tailored plan of care that incorporates different therapeutic approaches including but not limited mindfulness, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing, and solutions-focused therapy (SFT) to achieve their goals. Prior to pursuing a career as a social worker, she worked in the corporate sector in the heart of New York City. In 2012, Elizabeth obtained her degree in Social Work from New York University after making a career change.

Her style is engaging and supportive, and she considers the role of the therapist to be a collaborative one. There are times when we need a little help along the way to find the road back to our own selves and live a full life. Therapy can help us make new meanings of old stories, explore our choices with intention and integrity, and experience our lives and those around us with greater compassion. Work with Elizabeth if you are ready to enact positive change and growth in your life.