Find a Therapist in Upper Montclair, NJ

Grace Baumgarten is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and therapist who has devoted over 42 years to helping individuals, couples, and families achieve greater happiness and fulfillment in their lives. Throughout her extensive career, she has worked with a diverse clientele, including teens, adults, and elders, addressing common challenges such as depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. She understands that many struggle with low self-esteem, work-related conflicts, and navigating the complexities of interpersonal relationships, especially within family dynamics. Grace’s approach is deeply personalized; she treats each client as a unique individual with their own story, carefully assessing their everyday functioning and emotional needs. Her goal is to empower clients by strengthening their ability to self-reflect and identify unproductive patterns in their behavior. By enhancing self-control and improving self-image, clients can foster healthier relationships. In her practice, Grace employs a variety of therapeutic modalities including Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychoanalytic, and Attachment-based approaches, tailoring her methods to the specific needs of each client. Her psychoanalytically informed assessments ensure that her interventions are both relevant and effective in facilitating growth and positive change. With a warm and empathetic demeanor, Grace Baumgarten is committed to guiding her clients towards setting and achieving meaningful goals in their personal and professional lives.

Gail Azar is a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor with over 30 years of experience specializing in trauma and PTSD, anxiety, and parenting issues. She graduated from Nova Southeastern University in 1990 and has built a practice that prioritizes the fundamental human need to be truly heard. Gail creates a nurturing atmosphere of trust where clients feel free to share their most personal experiences without fear of judgment. Her extensive background includes working with individuals in crisis, survivors of abuse and trauma, and parents navigating challenges related to their children, divorce, separation, grief, and everyday life. As a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, she guides her clients to listen to their bodies and develop resources to effectively resolve trauma. Her experience as a registered play therapist informs her approach when addressing parental concerns, ensuring a comprehensive view of each client’s unique needs. Gail’s practice is characterized by a client-centered approach, viewing each person as an individual deserving of understanding and respect.

Dayna Bandman, LCSW, MA, believes that therapy is an empowering and affirming experience. She engages in an individualized and collaborative approach that utilizes a variety of techniques tailored to address her clients' unique concerns and situations. Creating an atmosphere of safety is paramount for Dayna, allowing for the exploration of difficult thoughts and feelings. Her active and empathetic engagement fosters a strong collaboration between therapist and client, which is essential for eliciting growth and change. With years of experience in clinical social work, she has witnessed how therapy can lead to profound growth, improved quality of life, and overall well-being. Through her work, Dayna supports individuals in becoming the fullest versions of themselves and pursuing the lives they desire. She focuses on helping those grappling with relationship issues, whether they involve romantic partners, parenting dynamics, or friendships. Dayna strongly believes that the way people relate to one another significantly impacts their self-esteem and overall emotional health. Therapy, for her, is centered on enhancing the meaningful relationships in our lives. Establishing a trusting therapeutic relationship is a crucial component of her process. Through collaborative insight, clients experience transformative change, ultimately leading to a more enriched and fulfilling life.

Lauren Block is a dedicated psychotherapist specializing in supporting adult individuals and couples as they work towards enhancing their relationships, achieving personal contentment, building self-confidence, and cultivating acceptance. With experience in both teletherapy and in-person settings, Lauren guides her clients in identifying the underlying issues they face, fostering improved coping mechanisms. Her areas of expertise include couples counseling, grief resolution, anxiety management, dealing with depression, and navigating the complexities of adoption. With a robust background in psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis, Lauren has undergone extensive training focused on marital and couples issues, grief and bereavement, and trauma-related concerns. Together, she collaborates with clients to formulate personalized treatment plans that align with their specific challenges, aspirations, and timelines. Lauren's empathic and interactive approach is underpinned by psychodynamic principles while also integrating effective strategies from cognitive behavioral therapy, somatic experiencing, and mindfulness. The therapeutic process empowers individuals to uncover and break free from harmful patterns in their relationships and work life, guiding them towards more fulfilling and enriching experiences.

Mario Dartayet-Rodriguez, a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and Therapist, holds multiple credentials including MSW, LCSW, CSAT, and CPTT. He specializes in supporting teenagers and adults struggling with issues such as addiction, mood disorders, and sexual addiction. With a commitment to culturally sensitive and trauma-focused therapy, Mario employs an eclectic approach tailored to the individual needs of his clients. His expertise spans various modalities, including couples, individual, and group therapy, utilizing techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and the Patrick Carnes Task Based Model. By creating a safe and inclusive environment, Mario invites his clients to embark on a journey toward healing and self-discovery, ensuring that they are heard and understood every step of the way.

Karyn Debalfo-Ambrosio is a dedicated clinical social worker and therapist with over 16 years of experience in treating families, couples, and individuals facing a wide range of cultural, age-related, and relational challenges. She excels in applying a systemic approach, viewing each individual in the context of their environment and the relationships that shape them. Utilizing a strength-based approach, Karyn employs psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral principles, ensuring that her clients experience a safe and empathetic space for exploration. Her expertise spans various life transitions, including school, career, marriage, parenting, illness, loss, divorce, and retirement. With a dual degree in clinical social work and business, Karyn possesses a unique skill set tailored for individuals navigating career-related questions and changes. Her specialty training in children, couples, and family therapy enhances her capability to address complex relationship issues. Karyn is committed to guiding her clients in identifying, managing, and processing the connections between their feelings and life choices, facilitating the development of new skills and a positive narrative that leads them toward their desired goals.

Elizabeth Ellen Groisser is a dedicated psychologist with a JD and a PsyD, providing guidance and support to individuals of all ages, from preteens and children to teens and adults. Recognizing that life can become overwhelming, she creates a comforting and accepting environment where clients can explore their feelings and experiences. Specializing in working with children and adolescents facing various social and emotional challenges, Elizabeth also offers her expertise to adults and teens navigating mood disorders, family conflict, and LGBTQ+ concerns. With a flexible approach to therapy, she utilizes modalities such as Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Play Therapy, Trauma-Focused therapy, and psychodynamic techniques. Elizabeth collaborates with her clients to develop personalized treatment plans that address their unique needs and enhance their overall well-being.

Linda Friedricks is a highly respected Clinical Social Worker and Therapist with over 30 years of experience, dedicated to guiding adults and elders through their journeys of self-discovery and empowerment. She creates a safe and supportive environment where individuals and couples can explore the roots of their difficulties and break free from self-defeating behaviors that impact their work and intimate relationships. Passionate about her profession, Linda learns from the courageous individuals she works with as they navigate change in their lives. Her therapeutic approach incorporates psychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, with a specific expertise in addiction issues and their effects on individuals and their loved ones. Linda is a strong advocate for 12-step programs and often integrates their principles into her therapy sessions. She addresses a range of clinical concerns, including depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, grief, bipolar disorder, and trauma. Additionally, Linda has completed post-graduate training in analytic psychotherapy at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy in New York City, as well as EMDR training, a specialized trauma-focused therapy. With tools such as mindfulness meditation and visualization techniques, she helps her clients find effective stress reduction strategies for their daily lives.

Renata Hadis, MSW, LCSW, is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and Therapist with over 30 years of experience in the field. She specializes in assisting couples and individual adults who are struggling with relationship issues, anxiety, and depression in a safe and growth-oriented environment. Based in Montclair, NJ, Renata has a profound understanding of diverse populations, offering therapy services in both English and Spanish. Her clients benefit from her extensive knowledge of various therapy types, including the Gottman Method, Imago therapy, and culturally sensitive approaches. Renata's therapeutic process helps individuals and couples negotiate effectively, reduce confrontational communication, and enhance their self-esteem. She customizes each treatment plan to address the specific age, challenges, and needs of her clients. Throughout her career, she has remained current with the latest developments in psychotherapy, ensuring that her practice is aligned with the most effective therapeutic interventions available. Clients often express how Renata's appreciation for different cultural perspectives enriches their therapy experience and leads to high levels of satisfaction with their progress.

Robert Piersanti is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and therapist with extensive experience in the behavioral health counseling field, spanning over 20 years. His unique background combines an Executive MBA and a Master's in Clinical Social Work from New York University, bringing a multifaceted perspective to his practice. Robert understands that many individuals face significant challenges in their lives, whether related to mood disorders, behavioral issues, or relationship dynamics. Acknowledging that much may be at stake—such as marriages, careers, and family well-being—he empowers his clients to take decisive steps towards change. With a dynamic and multidisciplinary approach, he collaborates closely with each individual and couple, setting attainable goals to shift thoughts and behaviors for more favorable outcomes. Robert’s expertise spans various therapy types, including family/marital, relational, and psychoanalytic therapies, as well as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). He is devoted to helping adults and elders navigate their challenges with compassion and insight, fostering resilience and growth in their lives.

Rob Jaskiewicz is a compassionate Clinical Social Worker and Therapist, holding an MSW and LCSW. With a focus on supporting adults, he excels in guiding clients through challenges such as anxiety, relationship issues, and developing coping skills. His therapeutic approach integrates various modalities, including Attachment-based therapy, EMDR, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), ensuring each client receives personalized care. Rob's expertise extends to coaching and positive psychology, making him particularly well-suited for individuals, couples, and families seeking deeper emotional connections and healthier relationships. His dedication to fostering resilience and well-being shines through in every session.

Aimee Braca Deo is a dedicated and compassionate clinical social worker and therapist who holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). With a strong commitment to helping individuals navigate life's challenges, Aimee creates a welcoming and supportive environment for her clients. Her holistic approach focuses on understanding the unique needs of each individual, empowering them to foster growth and healing. Through her extensive experience and genuine care, Aimee has earned a reputation for making a meaningful impact in the lives of those she serves, guiding them towards achieving their personal goals and enhancing their overall well-being.

Jennifer Jackson is a dedicated clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience in guiding individuals toward improved mental well-being. Her practice encompasses a wide range of clients, including children, adolescents, adults, and elders, all facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. Jennifer holds advanced degrees, including a Master of Education from Harvard University and a PhD from Columbia University, showcasing her extensive and diverse training. She embraces a creative and multifaceted approach, ensuring that her therapeutic methods are tailored to the unique needs of each client. Specializing in various modalities, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Attachment-based therapies, she is well-equipped to address the complexities of mood and anxiety-related difficulties in children and adolescents, as well as offering parenting support. With adults and couples, Jennifer focuses on enhancing communication, navigating life transitions, and resolving ongoing conflicts. Her primary mission is to collaboratively identify and overcome the obstacles that hinder personal growth and positive change, helping clients develop actionable plans for their journeys ahead.