Find a Therapist in Metuchen, NJ

Aaron Gubi, PhD, is a licensed psychologist dedicated to assisting individuals facing challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and related issues. His approach is rooted in understanding and a nonjudgmental perspective, fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all clients. Drawing on his extensive experience in psychiatric, medical, outpatient, and school settings, Aaron utilizes evidence-based treatments to empower clients to develop healthier coping strategies, enabling them to thrive and reach their full potential. With a blend of second and third wave cognitive-behavioral therapies, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed practices, he supports individuals across various age groups, including preteens, teens, and adults, in leading more fulfilling and meaningful lives. Aaron is committed to providing an inclusive, supportive space for clients to explore their thoughts and emotions, inspiring positive changes and encouraging overall well-being.

John Urgola is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master's degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University, dedicated to helping teens and adults navigate life's emotional challenges. He understands that feelings of sadness, anxiety, loneliness, or anger can sometimes dominate our lives, making it feel as if we are losing control. John’s primary goal is to guide his clients back to a path of fulfilling existence, rooted in values that matter to them. Trained in evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), his approach emphasizes collaboration and building a trusting therapeutic relationship. Recognizing that comfort is paramount for effective treatment, John prioritizes a compassionate and supportive environment where clients can explore their needs and aspirations. Together, they identify treatment goals and work towards achieving a life that aligns with the client's values. John is experienced in a wide array of therapeutic modalities and issues, including mindfulness-based interventions, trauma-focused therapy, and relationship counseling. He balances a scientific perspective with a deep sense of humanity, encouraging those he works with to feel heard and understood. Through his commitment to individual growth and healing, John Urgola helps clients envision a brighter future and takes compassionate steps to reach it.

Dr. Lynda Ackerman is a dedicated psychologist with a PsyD, specializing in the developmental needs of clients from preteens to adults. She employs a comprehensive treatment approach for children facing challenges such as autism, ADHD, anxiety, learning disorders, and behavioral difficulties, skillfully integrating cognitive-behavioral methods and play therapy into her sessions. As a former school psychologist and special education teacher, Dr. Ackerman combines her extensive experience with a relational focus, establishing a trusting and non-judgmental environment where clients can feel safe to express their concerns. She actively involves parents in the therapeutic process, aiming to enhance overall family functioning and facilitate collaboration with school personnel when necessary. For adolescents and adults seeking transformative changes, Dr. Ackerman helps clients gain insight into barriers that may impede their progress. Her warm and engaging approach ensures that each individual feels supported on their journey towards successful treatment.

Michael Adam Kowalczyk is a compassionate therapist and clinical social worker who believes that everyone deserves a source of support to navigate life's challenges and foster personal growth. With a focus on examining current life circumstances, he guides individuals in discovering not only how to cope with their situations but also how to transform them into opportunities for growth. Committed to a solution-focused framework, he collaborates with clients to identify effective strategies that empower them to thrive long after their sessions together. Michael's diverse experience spans across all age groups, including couples and families, making him adept at addressing a wide array of issues. He understands that depression and anxiety affect many individuals at various points in their lives, and through thoughtful processing of these feelings, clients often find relief. Additionally, he possesses considerable expertise in pre- and post-bariatric surgery concerns. While the topics discussed in therapy are treated with the utmost respect and seriousness, Michael maintains a down-to-earth approach, incorporating appropriate humor to lighten the journey toward healing.

Gale Alwill is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and therapist with over thirty years of experience helping individuals, including teenagers and adults, navigate life's challenges. She understands that clients may feel blocked, lacking motivation, or struggling with anxiety, which can hinder their ability to live life to the fullest. Gale utilizes a variety of person-centered and dynamic therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychoanalytic, and Strength-Based methods. She believes that finding the right therapeutic relationship is essential for growth and healing. With a warm and inviting demeanor, Gale offers compassionate support, making the process of reaching out feel less daunting. Her expertise in overcoming top issues such as depression, addiction, and anxiety allows clients to find their own voices and uncover their answers through therapy.

Belinda Amatekpor is a compassionate and non-judgmental Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC, ACS) who specializes in providing support to individuals navigating life stressors, trauma, and mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. With a strong dedication to fostering health and well-being, she utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, client-centered approaches, and psychoeducational modalities to assist families, including preteens, children, adolescents, and adults. Belinda is especially passionate about guiding her clients through the complexities of managing symptoms, processing trauma, and building meaningful relationships. Her blend of cultural sensitivity and genuine compassion creates a safe space where clients can engage in their personal growth journey, empowering them to improve their lives and strengthen their connections with others.

Dr. Sharon Artz, a dedicated psychologist, specializes in supporting parents who are raising children with disabilities, particularly those navigating the complexities of planning for their child's future. These parents often face the overwhelming task of special needs parenting, and Dr. Artz understands the unique challenges they encounter. She helps them manage intense emotions, fostering greater clarity of thought, confidence, and hope as they prepare for adulthood. With expertise in SSI, Medicaid, and New Jersey's Adult Services (DDD), she guides parents through the application processes essential for securing necessary supports that maximize their child's potential. Dr. Artz provides a safe, nonjudgmental space where parents can express the myriad feelings that arise throughout their journey, addressing both the highs and the lows of raising a child with disabilities. She offers step-by-step assistance with transition planning, ensuring parents are adequately prepared for life after school. Recognizing that parenting a child with a disability can lead to feelings of exhaustion, depression, and anxiety, Dr. Artz is committed to providing essential support as parents strategize day-to-day while contemplating the future.

Dr. Thomas Hollenbach is a highly respected licensed clinical psychologist and the founder and Director of the Integrative Therapy Institute of New Jersey. He holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University and completed undergraduate studies at Brown University. With over twenty years of experience, Dr. Hollenbach specializes in individual therapy for both adults and adolescents, as well as couples therapy. He is known for his relaxed and friendly approach, ensuring that every session feels like a genuine conversation with a caring individual, fostering a supportive and respectful environment. While he provides emotional support, particularly during challenging times, he also encourages clients to enact positive changes in their lives. His effective therapeutic methods have gained recognition, leading him to establish an Institute dedicated to imparting his approach to fellow therapists. More details about his therapeutic practices and the team at the Institute can be discovered on their website.

Dr. Kristin Briggs is a dedicated psychologist with an EdD, who has been transforming lives since her graduation from Rutgers University in 2000. With a profound commitment to helping individuals across all ages—from children aged 6 to 10, to teens and adults—she specializes in addressing core issues such as trauma and PTSD, relationship challenges, and parenting dynamics. Dr. Briggs employs an eclectic approach to therapy, incorporating methods such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Trauma Focused therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Psychodynamic techniques. Her warm demeanor and tailored therapeutic modalities create a safe space for individuals to explore their experiences and achieve personal growth.

Dr. Cristina Shaheen is a dedicated psychologist with extensive training in clinical psychology, specializing in neuropsychological assessment and treatment for adolescents, adults, and older adults. In her neuropsychology practice, she meticulously evaluates, diagnoses, and treats conditions stemming from neurological, neurodevelopmental, or neurodegenerative origins. Her assessments yield a comprehensive understanding of each patient’s abilities, allowing her to craft personalized treatment plans that highlight strengths while addressing weaknesses. Dr. Shaheen values collaboration and works closely with other healthcare providers, educational institutions, and family members, adopting a systemic approach to each assessment. In her psychotherapy practice, she adeptly manages a variety of disorders, including anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, and interpersonal challenges. By utilizing an integrative approach, she seeks to identify and treat both the presenting symptoms and the underlying conflicts that exacerbate them. Dr. Shaheen is committed to helping individuals develop essential skills that extend beyond therapy, understanding that each treatment must be tailored to the unique needs of her patients. She believes profoundly in offering a safe and supportive environment, where individuals can feel truly heard and gain insight into their core needs, fostering genuine transformation in their lives.

Marc Duncan is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in trauma and PTSD, relationship issues, and life transitions. He understands that when individuals seek therapy, it's often because they are facing significant life challenges that feel overwhelming and complex. His clients might grapple with troubled relationships, stress from daily life, or the lingering impact of past traumas resulting in feelings of worry, sadness, frustration, or low self-esteem. Marc firmly believes that change is possible through careful and attentive therapy, which can alleviate negative emotions, enhance relationships, and foster a sense of hope for the future. Bringing extensive experience in trauma and a commitment to working with diverse backgrounds, Marc employs an eclectic, client-centered therapeutic approach. This approach creates a safe emotional space for clients to explore their challenges, untangle their thoughts and feelings, and identify paths toward healing and resolution. Engaging in therapy is indeed a courageous step, and Marc understands the significance of finding the right therapeutic fit for successful outcomes. For those contemplating a transformative change in their lives, he welcomes the opportunity to connect and explore how he can best support them in addressing their concerns and embarking on a new journey.

Gisella Diaz, a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist with a Master's degree and LMFT credentials, understands that selecting the right therapist can be a daunting yet essential step toward enhancing well-being. She creates a safe, positive, and non-judgmental space where clients can collaboratively explore change and achieve a fulfilling life balance. Gisella's approach focuses on empowering individuals and couples, drawing on their inherent strengths to navigate life's challenges. With expertise in addressing anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem, trauma, and communication difficulties, she employs a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy. Gisella believes in the uniqueness of each person and their capacity for healing, guided by her Humanistic and person-centered philosophy. In an era where connection is more critical than ever, she offers both in-person and online video sessions, welcoming clients throughout New Jersey to experience the comfort of being heard and valued.

Meet Ellis Eisner, a passionate Art Therapist with a Master's degree and credentials as an ATR-BC and LCAT. Ellis specializes in helping individuals across various age groups, including seniors, adults, adolescents, children, and even preteens, to improve their mood and lead more fulfilling lives through the transformative power of art therapy. With a compassionate approach, Ellis addresses pressing issues such as anxiety, autism, eating disorders, and relationship difficulties. Their expertise in expressive arts, culturally sensitive methods, and motivational interviewing enhances their ability to connect with clients and tailor sessions to individual needs. Whether working with individuals, families, or groups, Ellis creates a safe environment for exploring emotions and fostering growth. Their work extends to assisting children with behavioral challenges and those on the autism spectrum, providing valuable support during these formative years. Since the onset of COVID-19, Ellis has successfully transitioned to virtual sessions, ensuring that clients can continue their therapeutic journey while reducing feelings of loneliness and depression. Ellis encourages creativity and exploration in every session, welcoming all levels of artistic experience to join the fun with art materials at home or with loved ones.