Therapists in Summit, NJ

Are you concerned about yourself or a loved one’s feelings, mood, work or school performance and have been unsuccessful in assisting despite your best efforts? Not able to find the correct method or words to successfully help make positive and permanent changes? Has there been a major change in your or the family's life and feel powerless in your ability to help? Having marital disputes or disruptions that are very concerning? You are not alone. Real help is available. Many people have sought counseling assistance and made permanent and satisfying changes in their, or a family member’s life.

Have you found yourself wondering if therapy is right for you? Are you hesitant wondering if this can really work? Feeling like all the pressure is weighing you down? If this is you, I want you to start by taking a nice deep breath. You are not alone. We are here to support you on your journey to healing. Our professionals have been helping people navigate the intricacies of life for 15+ years. We are trained Marriage and Family Therapist’s, LCSW and LPC who work with individuals, families, and couples. We specialize in relationship issues, parenting, stress, anxiety, grief, depression, trauma, and women's issues.

Life is an unpredictable journey. Individuals are confronted with difficult challenges, decisions and obstacles; a pandemic, a divorce, a terminal illness, racial inequality or gender bias. Other events, which may be welcomed, may also be challenging: a promotion, a marriage, a baby. With change comes transitions and new roles; parent, caregiver, victim, divorcee. Covid clarified that illness, loss and grief may cause psychological pain or trauma. Trauma is when the unbelievable occurs. It leaves victims in a world which simultaneously looks familiar and unfamiliar. Individuals may feel paralyzed, anxious or exhausted.

We specialize in Marriage and Family Therapy and treat couples and individuals. Marriage therapy focuses on the conflicts and disagreements between two people. All families experience some type of disagreement. Some families function in unhealthy patterns and therefore conflict exists. Families are affected when one member of the family is chronically ill, suffers from substance abuse, divorce and separation, single parenting, financial issues, etc, as well as a lack of communicating effectively. Family therapy may be the only setting where you will have the opportunity to hear how other family members are feeling.

The decision to go to therapy is not an easy one, but it is a courageous step for someone who is having difficulty in some area of their life or in their relationships. I am a caring, culturally competent therapist who works with individuals, couples, and families around many issues, including: marital problems, sexual issues, raising adolescents, depression, anxiety, and how all mental health issues impact our lives and relationships. I have specialized training in couple and family therapy which I obtained through the Ackerman Institute for the Family In New York City. I am also currently pursuing certification in sex therapy.

I am a sensitive, patient and intuitive therapist. Creating a non-judgemental and safe environment is essential to my work with clients. As a Marriage and Family therapist I specialize in couples as well as individuals and families. I help couples who feel that their emotional bond is suffering, as well as those considering marriage and wanting to make a responsible decision. I work with adolescents and adults struggling on a broad range of issues including low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ challenges, communication, and anger management. I am also helpful to families challenged by divorce or blending children from different households.

As John Lennon wrote "Life is what happens when we're busy making other plans". Our lives have been changed significantly since March 2020. We may be still social distancing and feeling somewhat disconnected from family and friends. Many people continue to experience anxiety, depression and relationship issues as a result. Most of my clients had initial reservations about trying telehealth but, much like everything else lately, we’re resilient and go with the flow. The benefits of telehealth are that you don’t have to travel, scheduling is much easier and you can be seen wherever you have internet (must be in NJ during session).

With 20+ years in the field, I have helped individuals and couples find healing and understanding in desperate situations. I bring a lifetime of mindfulness practices to bear on my capacity to be fully present in my work. My professional training as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker allows me to combine modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Techniques (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Coaching, and Somatic tools to support my clients to overcome long held obstacles in order to reach their true potential.

Life is complicated, demanding, full of uncertainty - it can be overwhelming. It can be difficult to feel fulfilled, to focus on daily tasks, to have a sense of purpose or meaning, to feel motivated or to have hope. Therapy can help you reduce uncertainty, manage stress, address demands, overcome obstacles, and recognize your strengths. Therapy can also help you learn how to use different aspects of your life as resources. We will work together to help you feel empowered and confident. You will gain focus and serenity as you learn how to manage life's challenges, move toward self-acceptance and gain a sense of purpose and meaning.

At times we find ourselves at a difficult crossroad, uncertain how to grow and change in the face of our distress. With 35 years in private practice, my goal is to help individuals and couples find a path to unknot conflicts and develop more resilient and expansive modes of living. Many of the people I work with are embroiled in addictive behaviors such as alcohol and substance misuse, gambling, sex addiction and pornography. Others struggle with painful traumatic personal histories, chronic and acute illnesses, grief and loss. And still others are mired in destructive relationship patterns that undermine the quality of their lives.

People who are motivated to secure change in their lives are my ideal clients. We all get stuck but if we stay focused on the problem we will stay stuck. My goal is to move from problem to solution. Whether struggling with depression, anxiety, family issues or just trying to be our best selves in this extremely challenging environment we can all use support and help. Sometimes just verbalizing the issues to a non-judgmental professional allows the client to recognize that they are stuck and motivates them to make changes with the support and guidance that I as a therapist can provide.

I am able to provide culturally competent care for adults and adolescents who are searching for ways to heal and recover. I find empathy, respect and a connected experience for each individual I work with. My approach is to remain honest and direct as I help everyone I work with to the more nuanced discussions. I will work with you to actualize goals, set direction and challenge to create a solid path and help you settle into a new mindset that helps heal vs. cause further anxiety

Dr. Mary Mastria has been in private practice for over 25 years. She works with adults and couples. Her practice areas include relationship issues, mood disorders, trauma, chronic pain & body image/eating issues. She has advanced training and a doctorate in clinical social work. She is also certified in Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) and holds a NJ-state certification in child sexual abuse treatment. She has published research in the area of eating disorders . She serves as an adjunct professor at NYU & developed graduate curriculum in the areas of Anxiety, Practice, Trauma & Eating Disorders Treatment.

I take an individual approach to each client, tailoring my methods to a persons needs and issues. I use cognitive behavioral techniques to help my clients manage their issues (i.e. anxieties, relationships etc.) by changing counterproductive thought patterns. There are times in all of our lives when we could use some extra support. Feeling hurt, misunderstood, angry, and confused are things each of us may feel.I am available to meet with children, adolescents, and adults on an individual basis as well as family/couples counseling. Feel free to contact me with any questions, or to see if I am the right fit

Like all therapists, I'm not for everyone. I don't fit the stereotypical image, walk to the beat of a different drum, maybe like yourself. I try to offer a balance of strength and compassion. I don't want to be solely soft and safe, nor exclusively forceful and aggressive. The art is in finding that balance and offering you that unique mix. You'll probably be divulging some pieces of yourself that are raw and weighty and maybe even a bit scary. This can be difficult, I know, I was a client before I was ever a therapist.

There are times in our lives where our struggles become especially difficult and we decide to seek out a therapist to walk a part of the journey with us. Therapy involves a very special kind of listening within the safety of a unique relationship. This special kind of listening is what is essential to my work. The development and transformation of each relationship between me and my client(s) is the creative, healing aspects of our work together.

The best psychotherapy builds upon a solid relationship between a client and therapist, allowing the client to take risks in examining themselves, acknowledge their strengths and weaknesses, process painful memories and use their strengths to create change. In my therapeutic work I focus on nurturing that relationship to facilitate my client's change and self-acceptance. I am well trained in psychoanalysis, psychoanalytic therapy and family/couples therapy as well as cognitive-behavioral and short term therapy techniques and use what my clients and I believe will best facilitate their goals in treatment.

You or someone you care about may be going through a difficult time. I will create a safe and nurturing environment where we can process thoughts and feelings about life stressors and challenges, gain new insights and work towards new possibilities. Together we will work to develop compassionate curiosity while balancing change with self-acceptance.

I appreciate the uniqueness of every individual and situation and can adapt my approach to what will be most effective in treating the underlying issue causing distress. I am passionate and enthusiastic about helping clients to move out of what isn't working for them and empower them to reach their goals. I love watching clients learn skills to help them move out of depression and anxiety to higher levels of functioning. I especially enjoy working with couples in distress and help them get to a place where their relationship is a source of comfort rather than stress.