Find a Therapist in Toms River, NJ

Nancy Abramson, a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master's degree from Antioch University, graduated in 1998 and is dedicated to guiding individuals, couples, and families through their therapeutic journeys. She believes that therapy can be a powerful catalyst for change and personal growth. In her warm and relaxed atmosphere, clients engage in meaningful discussions about the barriers that hinder their well-being, such as infidelity, marital challenges, and relationship issues. Through this collaborative process, they explore the root causes of negativity, depression, anxiety, and conflict, working together to eliminate these obstacles. With Nancy's guidance, clients build resilience, adaptability, acceptance, and effective communication skills, essential for nurturing healthy relationships and leading fulfilling lives.

Jane Calabrese is a dedicated therapist with extensive expertise in addiction counseling and mental health disorders. With a belief in meeting clients where they are, she empowers individuals to cultivate awareness and instigate meaningful change. Understanding that treatment is not a one-size-fits-all process, Jane utilizes a diverse range of techniques tailored to the unique needs of each person she works with. Her approach encompasses various methods, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). With over 15 years of experience in settings such as hospital programs, outpatient facilities, day programs, and the criminal justice system, she delivers a supportive and educational environment essential for successful treatment outcomes. Jane’s focus extends beyond traditional therapy, extending into dual diagnosis, anxiety, and mindful engagement, making her a compassionate ally on the journey to recovery.

Samantha Campanella, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, is an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker who offers compassionate support to individuals navigating mood disorders, anxiety, and significant life transitions. With a strong belief that no one is alone in their struggles, she is dedicated to guiding her clients through their mental health journeys, whether they involve overcoming feelings of anxiety and depression or dealing with the impact of trauma and chronic illness. Samantha's enriching approach combines various evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy, allowing her to tailor each session to the unique needs of her clients. Her expertise extends to navigating grief and major life changes, helping individuals reclaim their self-esteem and improve their relationships. With a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University, Samantha aims to instill a profound sense of empowerment and serenity in those she works with. Her enthusiastic commitment to healing ensures that together with her clients, they can track their progress and work collaboratively toward achieving their personal goals.

Kristina Chocolate, a Licensed Professional Counselor with credentials including MS, LPC, LCADC, and NCC, understands that the decision to seek therapy is a courageous one, driven by the desire to find hope, healing, and purpose amidst life's challenges. She is dedicated to fostering a trusting relationship built on empathy, safety, and warmth. Kristina's approach is deeply collaborative; she sees therapy as a partnership where both therapist and client work together to explore solutions and achieve clarity. Her holistic perspective emphasizes the importance of nurturing the mind, body, and spirit. With extensive training in addressing a range of issues such as addiction, anxiety, and depression, Kristina is well-equipped to support clients through various challenges, including self-esteem struggles, family conflict, mood disorders, career transitions, and stress management. She is committed to providing a non-judgmental environment that encourages growth and insight, looking forward to being a vital part of her clients' journeys.

Family Circle Counseling, led by a dedicated clinical social worker with an MSW and LCSW, creates a nurturing environment for individuals to express their innermost thoughts and emotions freely. In this safe space, clients are embraced and understood, allowing them to discover the courage and insight needed to make transformative choices that enhance their relationships and lives. With years of experience working with children and families, this therapist focuses on helping those who face challenges in understanding themselves and their unique situations. Specializing in family therapy, they are committed to improving communication and fostering understanding among family members to empower them in resolving conflicts. Moreover, their expertise extends to the reunification of broken families and addressing addictions that can fracture these essential connections. Family Circle Counseling has successfully guided numerous families in overcoming a variety of issues, including communication barriers and conflict resolution skills, thereby promoting healthy and resilient family dynamics.

Stacey Clayton is a dedicated clinical social worker and therapist with nearly 20 years of experience working with children, teens, and families. She understands the significant worry that can arise when a child's anxiety manifests as acting out or other behavioral issues. Stacey recognizes that many young people struggle daily with symptoms that may impact their school performance, peer relationships, and family dynamics. In her practice, she helps families gain insight into the underlying issues affecting their child's well-being, providing tailored strategies for coping with stressors. Stacey specializes in treating anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, self-esteem issues, and grief while fostering a safe and nurturing environment. Additionally, she is trained in play therapy and sand therapy, allowing children to express their emotions and resolve conflicts creatively. By assessing the unseen challenges children face, Stacey helps parents navigate the complexities of parenting and empowers children to develop essential coping skills and problem-solving abilities.

Giovanna Coppola, LCSW, is dedicated to guiding individuals on their journey from merely surviving to truly thriving. She understands the overwhelming sensation many experience when disconnected from their emotions, trapped in an auto-pilot mode, or rushing through life. In a society rife with unrealistic expectations, the pressure to simply 'hustle through' can lead to burnout, depression, and disconnection from one's authentic self. Giovanna works collaboratively with her clients to break this cycle, fostering a more embodied, connected, and genuine way of being. Her approach combines traditional talk therapy with somatic interventions such as movement, yoga, and stretching, offering effective tools to release stagnant energy and encourage healing and growth. As a certified trauma professional, she possesses specialized skills to facilitate meaningful change for those navigating grief and trauma. For anyone seeking deeper connection, balance, or support, partnering with Giovanna may be the transformative choice they need.

Elie De Franca is a dedicated clinical social worker and therapist with over 15 years of experience in the field of addictions. He understands the complex challenges faced by individuals suffering from addiction and their families, recognizing that underlying mental health issues such as trauma, depression, and anxiety often coexist. Throughout his career, Elie has worked with adults, adolescents, and families, tirelessly addressing these issues and guiding them towards a path of healing. His philosophy revolves around treating individuals within their environments, recognizing the influence of family, school, work, and community, while focusing on their strengths and embracing their challenges. As a licensed addiction professional and licensed clinical social worker, Elie has honed his skills in various therapeutic approaches, including EMDR and Psychodrama techniques. He is also a devoted student of Gabor Mate's Compassionate Inquiry, providing one-on-one intensive mentoring and coaching. Elie is passionate about joining individuals on their healing journeys, offering a compassionate and safe environment filled with skill and experience.

Cristina Defuria, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and AAMFT Approved Supervisor, has dedicated over 10 years to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate their complex emotional landscapes. Her expertise spans a wide range of challenges including infidelity, marital and premarital counseling, and family conflict. Cristina provides individual counseling focusing on issues like self-esteem, relationships, life transitions, academic and career choices, as well as addressing symptoms of depression and anxiety. In her dynamic couple and family counseling sessions, she addresses crucial topics such as pre-marital coaching, family planning, parental burnout, parenting challenges, in-law dynamics, intimacy concerns, and the recovery from emotional or physical infidelity. Cristina’s approach is deeply rooted in understanding the unique stories of each partnership as they work towards healing and recovery during difficult life transitions. She emphasizes collaboration to help her clients gain insight into the stressors they face, while her training in Brainspotting equips her to effectively address a variety of emotional and somatic conditions often related to trauma.

Angela Del Russo is a compassionate Counselor with an MA, LPC, and CCTP credentials, dedicated to helping adults navigate through the complexities of life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of grief, relationship issues, and depression, she employs an eclectic set of therapeutic modalities tailored to each individual's unique needs. Angela specializes in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Positive Psychology, along with Trauma-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Her warm and empathetic approach fosters a safe space for individuals to heal and grow, empowering them to find balance and fulfillment in their lives.

Gerri Dierking, MSW, LCSW, is a dedicated clinical social worker and therapist who is passionate about guiding teens, college students, and adults toward more fulfilling, productive, and peaceful lives. Known for her compassion and empathetic listening skills, Gerri creates a nurturing environment where clients feel safe and empowered to explore their emotions, grow personally, and effect positive life changes. She employs a range of therapy techniques, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Compassion Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), providing insightful feedback and teaching valuable skills. Gerri specializes in helping individuals facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, adjustment disorders, and relationship issues. She particularly enjoys working with lost or overwhelmed college students, high-achieving teens, and adolescents grappling with anger. Additionally, she supports anxious adults struggling with work-life balance and those dealing with life transitions. Gerri's commitment to her clients ensures they receive tailored guidance on their journey to emotional well-being.

Colleen Diveny is a compassionate Clinical Social Worker and Therapist, dedicated to guiding individuals of all ages—including children (6 to 10), teens, and adults—through challenging life transitions, behavioral issues, and emotional struggles such as depression and anxiety. With a unique ability to assess and provide support during crisis situations, she effectively utilizes therapeutic modalities including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help her clients visualize their strengths and work through stressors. In addition to her clinical work, Colleen serves as a full-time professor at Georgian Court University, making an impactful contribution to the Social Work BSW program. Her previous role as Director of Student Success further allowed her to equip students with essential goal-setting and problem-solving skills, aiding them in both academic and personal achievements. Colleen is committed to creating a supportive environment for individuals and families, and she focuses on strength-based approaches to foster resilience and positive outcomes.

Lindsay Dunnells is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCSW, LCADC) who has been actively engaged in the behavioral health field for over a decade. Graduating from Columbia University School of Social Work in 2007, she specializes in addressing substance use disorders, stress, anxiety, depression, and the cultivation of healthy relationships. Lindsay employs an eclectic and solution-focused approach, tailoring her methods to meet the unique needs of individuals. Her expertise encompasses a range of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive, dialectical, and rational emotive behavior therapies, as well as acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness-based techniques, and motivational enhancement therapy. With a strong commitment to fostering a supportive environment, Lindsay aims to ensure that her clients feel seen and heard, encouraging them to share openly, build self-awareness, and enhance self-efficacy as they work towards achieving their personal goals.