Therapists serving clients in Cliffside Park, NJ

Hi there. My name is Darci Shinn, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of New Jersey. Below is some background information about my education, professional experiences, and therapeutic approaches. It is my hope that you see how I've incorporated my understanding of science and therapy in to one clinical practice. In 2006, I completed my undergraduate degree in Biology at William Patterson University. There I built my foundation for understanding how both internal and external events/stimuli impact a person's functioning. Following graduation, I worked for 2 years in Assisted Reproductive Technology. I was able to use my love of science to help folks create the families they desired. I moved on from there to work in pharmaceuticals as a compound technician. In this setting I gained deeper insight into how chemicals interact with bodies and minds. Although I had great satisfaction using my scientific strategies and knowledge, the lab setting left me feeling disconnected from my emotions and rigid in my thinking. I had known since about age 18 that I wanted to be a sex therapist. I did not have the courage to pursue until 2010 when I found the dual master's degrees in Social Work and Human Sexuality at Widener University. Through both programs I gained a wealth of clinical skills, learned theory, engaged in self-reflection, became a flexible thinker, and grew my understanding of how structure impacts function. Since graduation, I have worked in both school and agency settings. The majority of my experience has been with adults presenting with a wide variety of issues they have wanted to address. To that extent, I am a person-centered and solution-focused therapist. I am there to support individuals as they work to build their own insights and embrace solutions that fit their needs. Moment by moment, thought by thought, they do the work, and we examine together the missteps and the progress. Recognizing that small changes over time are what is necessary and knowing that it is okay to make mistakes are fundamental aspects of the work. I often like to harken back to my days in biology. I think about how structure relates to function, which translates to everyday thoughts, behaviors, decisions and habits. By structure, I mean your brain and body, and your daily routine. When we take care of the structure- give it the time, attention, and resources it needs, we influence the function. The function includes, but is not limited to, the ability to think, make decisions, process information and experiences, influence interpretations and have awareness. This way of thinking falls in line with Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). That is to say, what we think, dictates our behavior. Our behavior in-turn impacts the structures of the brain and body. By purposefully altering thoughts and reactions, by exposure to new meaningful stimuli, by manipulating our environment and building awareness to everyday habits, the physical neurobiology of the brain can change. We can build the option to choose which thoughts are embraced and which are simply acknowledged, and effectively change the way we experience life. One of my favorite ways to use CBT is to address self-talk and work to make it more helpful and less harmful. Self-talk and thoughts are pretty similar, and while the science is still out on where exactly thoughts come from, it does seem clear they can often be detrimental. The pre-historic parts of our brain seem to be responsible for focusing on the negative aspects of experiences. CBT strategies can work against this innate thought manufacturing and allow for the more modern and sophisticated parts of the brain to have control. As I said before, taking care of the structure is an important part of functioning. I am a huge fan of incorporating movement and exercise into my CBT approach. The science does not waver when it comes to the physical and mental health benefits that simply moving the body provides. The advantages of improved mood, sleep, blood flow, energy, digestion and prevention of myriad diseases, to name some, are all fantastic ways to care for those all-important structures. When it comes to human sexuality, I am a sex-positive professional who advocates for healthy communication in relationships in order to achieve mutual satisfaction. I strive to help others understand the nature and scope of sexual behaviors in a non-judgmental atmosphere. I have engaged in extensive self-reflection which has helped me to develop neutrality, flexibility and compassion for many presenting problems. Through my training, I have been exposed to the broad spectrum of human behavior and thoughts related to sex. I have a thorough understanding of consent, power and control, social norms and outliers, stigma, gender, orientation, and identity. In adhering to my understanding of sexuality, Existential Therapy is one approach I use to assist individuals in creating meaning and understanding around their physical and mental sexual experiences. The brain/mind and body are integrated structures and as such, are subject to many given experiences in which they coordinate a response. Exploration and acceptance of those responses is facilitated to create purpose, satisfaction, and balance in sexual well-being. Just as many folks are, I am a work in progress. To be clear, I am working towards becoming certified with the American Association of Sexual Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). My over-arching goal to be a bona fide sex-therapist is on its way!

Hello and thank you for reaching out, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Virginia who received my Bachelors and Master’s degree in Social Work from Norfolk State University (NSU) School of Social Work. I am a retired Chief Petty Officer with 20 years of active duty service, grew up in the Washington D. C. area who recognizes and embraces difference and ethnic diversity. I am well known for being an extremely knowledgeable, compassionate, and caring mental health professional who has worked with clients including active duty military and Veterans with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. My clinical experience includes the use of Solution Focus, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, and other evidence-based theoretical models and perspective. My counseling style is warm, interactive but, straight forward. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. My goal is to provide World Class Service, collaborate, and empower you, the client, and build upon what is working for the client by using various therapeutic models and perspectives tailored to meet the clients individual and specific needs. I am here to support and assist you as you work towards reaching your desired goals. I look forward to working with you!

I am licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in New Jersey with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Florida with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in AL and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in FL with 20 years of experience as a therapist and counselor in a variety of settings. I have helped people with a wide range of challenges including depression, anxiety, stress, career concerns, family and couples issues and military issues. I also have experience working with trauma and abuse survivors. My therapy style is warm, inviting and open. I believe in treating people with respect, sensitivity and compassion, avoiding labels and other stigma. My background is in cognitive behavioral therapy and client-centered counseling. My goal is to work with you to develop treatment plans that fit you and your specific needs and concerns. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and the first steps it takes towards change. If you feel you are ready to take those steps, I am here to support and encourage you. I look forward to working with you!

*NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS ON BETTERHELP.* I am a doctoral level licensed clinical professional counselor, with twenty years of experience as a counselor. The most transformative aspect of counseling is feeling safe and supported by a knowledgeable therapist who will listen empathetically and without judgment, and I will help nurture and draw out your best self. I believe that your answers lie within you; my job is to help you discover your inner wisdom and identify and overcome the obstacles to self-actualization - whether they are internal (for example: low self-esteem, critical inner voice, shame, childhood traumas) or external (for example: illness, loss of a loved one, partner betrayal, family issues, financial troubles). My counseling approach is therefore client-centered, strengths based, and solution-focused. My education background includes a Bachelor of Science in Human Development, a Master of Science in Professional Counseling, and a Doctorate of Psychology in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have provided counseling online for seven years, helping people navigate life, its hardships, and its challenges. I've worked in private practice, specialty clinics, community mental health centers, and hospitals. My clients come from varying ethnic, racial, socioeconomic, and religious backgrounds. Some of my specialties include chilldhood issues, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. I have also a great deal of experience working with those who have endured trauma and abuse, including dissociative disorders. I also have extensive experience with VIP clients and high profile cases. My counseling style is warm and interactive, but with positive accountability to encourage healthy changes. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion - no matter what emotional processing is being worked through or expressed. Having been originally trained in Jungian and narrative therapies in classic psychoanalysis, your story matters to me and matters in its telling. Your treatment plan will be tailored to meet your unique and specific needs. I am also able to do EMDR if needed. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Life is too short to let the everyday burdens we face create turmoil, and gain control over our emotions. Our feelings can control us or we can learn to control them. A situation, person, place, or thing only has the power to control our feelings...if we let it. It is our responsibility (and only ours) to control our feelings and behavior. Thus, we can find true contentment and serenity. Rational Emotive and Cognitive Behavioral therapies are my practice methodologies. I believe a blend of validation and empathetic, compassionate confrontation is the key to helping an individual reach their fullest potential. I believe we all have the ability to change and to cope with change. Believing in my patients and encouraging this behavior has helped me succeed by becoming the agent for this change. I am dually licensed and double board certified in New Jersey with 35years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, PTSD & anger management. Individual, Couples, Marital & Family Counseling have been my venues for the change experience I have described. Best wishes to you in your journey of growth & progress!

I am licensed in New Jersey with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia and Alabama with over 9 years of experience as a counselor. My training and experience allow me to work with diverse cultures and back grounds. My goal is to help my clients improve their overall life by helping them learn how to take control, refocus and start again. Every minute is a chance to begin again. My approach to therapy is eclectic. Therapy is not a one size fits all. I will utilize different modalities based off my client's needs. I like for therapy to feel personalized to each individual I work with. I do tend to utilize a lot of CBT, Solution focused therapy, Client centered and Rational emotive therapy.