Therapists in Toms River, NJ

Even when we have tremendous anxiety and pain, the strength and resilience we desire already reside within us. During times of stress, grief or uncertainty, it is common to forget this and to adopt maladaptive styles of coping and communicating that tend to deepen our distress. Sometimes we fall back into negative thinking based on faulty core beliefs about ourselves and the world. I will hold space for you with empathy and non-judgment. You will be seen, you will be heard, and you will be supported in your growth.

I work with families and children to empower them to handle and adjust to life changes such as divorce, relationship issues, grief and loss, and trauma in a positive, healthy manner. I utilize cognitive behavioral, trauma informed care and mindfulness techniques to work with children experiencing depression, anxiety, school related issues, peer issues and family issues.

Hello, I'm Allison Santero, LCSW. With over 20 years as a Clinical Therapist, I've worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families. My background in healthcare/hospital settings enhances my skill set, enabling me to address how physical health impacts emotional well-being. I specialize in supporting individuals and families navigating challenging transitions like divorce, trauma, or academic difficulties, as well as addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, bullying, and associated diagnoses. Additionally, I have experience working with and supporting the LGBTQ community.

I'm a strengths based play therapist who believes that EVERYONE has GREATNESS inside of them! My goal when working with children and families is to focus on their strengths to build positive self esteem and to help restore peace and balance to the family unit. I specifically work with children who are trying to process change, divorce/separation, bullying, social rejection, grief, and school anxiety, just to name a few. I help children to recognize their own greatness, develop coping and problem solving skills, process trauma, and provide parents with the tools to help manage behaviors and emotionally support their kids at home.

Most of the work I do is with people struggling with the impact of trauma, including destructive behaviors and conflicted relationships. As a trauma survivor, I know how difficult it can be to rebuild your life and to learn to trust yourself and others. I am committed to helping my clients identify the sources of their pain, learn to tolerate those emotions, and develop new ways to cope and to live.

Kat Schaffer

We're here to help you reach your therapy goals at Lifebulb! We’ll connect you with the best possible therapist for your unique goals, someone who genuinely cares about helping you. We’re all about making therapy enjoyable for both therapists and clients. Whether you prefer in-person sessions at our locations or online through telehealth, we've got you covered. Our team consists of highly trained and licensed clinicians who are passionate about the therapy process. Let's work together to achieve your goals!

You feel stressed and overwhelmed. You struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, or relationships. You are looking for change (even if you are not sure exactly what that would look like). I can help you explore, learn, grow, and achieve emotional wellbeing.

I am a licensed professional counselor with over 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents, individuals and families . I am very passionate about helping others. I provide a warm, empathetic, non-judgmental environment where a trusting relationship is built so we can begin to do the work to help bring about positive change in your life. I use a multi-modal approach, taking each client's individual needs into consideration.

We live in a face-paced world, often forgetting to take care of ourselves. We can become overwhelmed, anxious, disconnected in relationships, depressed, experience trauma, and so much more. Counseling allows us to process our emotional pain and use skills that will help us move forward, in a safe and nurturing environment.

I'm James, an LPC with over a decade of experience. Yet, in our sessions, you're the expert because you've lived your life, experiencing what works and what doesn't. Life's complexity means there's no one-size-fits-all approach. The connection between you and your therapist is crucial for therapy's success. I adopt a Client-Centered Approach, offering a non-judgmental, safe, warm, and accepting space. By understanding your challenges and their significance to you, we'll collaboratively develop the tools you require to achieve your goals.

Life is a beautiful journey that can be unpredictable, stressful, and overwhelming at times. Sometimes these stressors are difficult to cope with on our own. My work is dedicated to helping individuals cope with life challenges, live healthy, happy, productive lives, and find healing for optimum mental health and wellness. Embarking on a healing journey is exciting, but I also know this can be an anxiety provoking decision. You are not alone in this journey! The therapeutic relationship is an integral part of the healing process. Everyone deserves a safe, confidential space that leads to healing change.

Hi there! I'm Carol Benevy, an LCSW with over 6 years of experience as a therapist across various settings including outpatient, community, school, and telehealth. My mission is to assist individuals who feel stagnant in finding pathways to progress, those who feel disconnected in rediscovering connection, and those who feel adrift in redefining their direction. Beyond my role as a therapist, I've also contributed to healthcare, community mental health initiatives, domestic violence shelters, community drug and alcohol abuse prevention efforts, and disaster response for events such as Hurricane Sandy and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Paul Santasieri is a Licensed Professional Counselor certified in individual and marriage and family therapy, with over 25 years experience in the field. Paul graduated from The College of NJ with a Masters in Counseling. Prior to coming to Pathways, Paul was a full time Lecturer in Psychology at Ocean County College. Prior to that, Paul was the Supervisor of Student Personnel Services at Colts Neck High School. Paul specializes in all facets of therapy including, individual, marriage and family and an emphasis on adolescents.

Hello, I'm Samantha Powell, a licensed clinical social worker. My professional journey includes diverse experiences spanning developmental disabilities, child and adolescent psychology, as well as adult and geriatric clinical settings. I've worked in various environments, from inpatient psychiatric treatment homes to women's shelters, school-based therapy, and individual counseling. My expertise encompasses addressing anxious behaviors, grief, depression, self-harm, relationship issues, trauma, and a range of other challenges that may hinder individuals and families from realizing their fullest potential.

Therapy can be a wonderful process to examine self, reflect, and grow toward the direction of hope and healing. I offer a safe, supportive and private environment where you may explore and work through life challenges. If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, grief and loss,`the aftermath of trauma, or panic attacks therapy can be an viable source of comfort and healing. At times life gives us more than we can handle and the challenges seem to go beyond our ability to cope. It is at these times when therapy can be most beneficial.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor holding a Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology and boasting over 19 years of experience in mental health, I am committed to holistic care encompassing both mind and body. I employ a diverse range of therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to address an array of emotional and psychological issues. These may include anxiety and mood disorders, ADHD, life stressors, trauma, PTSD, behavioral concerns, parenting strategies, coping skills development, emotional regulation training, social skills training, anger management, and various other therapeutic concerns.

If you find yourself looking through these profiles, you may be struggling with life in some way, perhaps you just want to better yourself, maybe you just need someone to vent and unload on, or maybe you want therapy because you live with someone with a clinical diagnosis. For over 20 years, I have enjoyed working with all populations ages twelve and older. You don’t need to have a clinical diagnosis to benefit from therapy. Therapy is different for everyone and not every therapist is the right one for you. Clinical expertise is not the only important criteria for an effective therapist.

Immediate availability! I focus on treating anxiety; depression; trauma; alcohol and substance abuse; gambling and other addictions; aging; gender identity; and relationship issues. Navigating life’s challenges can leave us feeling unsure of how to move forward, or that we are not our best selves, or that we are not living in a way we want to be living. Each of our paths through life are different, and each of our challenges are different. Some of us have challenges at work or at home that we aren't handling well. For some, past experiences can complicate how we live our current lives.