About Us
Our experiences and relationships hardwire us to view ourselves and the world in a certain way, sometimes causing us to repeat - over and over - the same patterns and behaviors that don’t work. But therapy is an opportunity to undo harm from the past while discovering new ways of relating to the world and ourselves. Through therapy, we can write ourselves a new story.
When looking for mental health services, you want the most up-to-date care. That’s why all of our therapists have been handpicked for their dedication to their craft and are skilled in a variety of traditional and modern neuroscientific approaches. Every therapist on our team is intelligent, well-trained, and deeply invested in your needs and treatment, ensuring the best possible care.
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We don’t see things as they are. We see things as we are. - Rabbi Shemuel ben Nachmani
I’ve been your therapist next door for over 25 years. Through word-of-mouth referrals, I've built successful practices in Monmouth and Atlantic Counties.
You’ll often hear me say that it’s just as important to laugh in therapy as it is to feel every other emotion. So when I work with clients, we might spend the first five minutes joking about our crazy Italian families or what it’s like to be a parent. But even though we’re having a conversation, it is grounded in therapeutic approaches that work. And I’ve built my practice with other therapists like me who strive to be up-to-date while staying down-to-earth.
As early as elementary school, I remember being curious about people, always asking questions about their lives and experiences. My fascination with people eventually led to my obtaining a doctorate in clinical social work from the University of Pennsylvania.
I draw on modern attachment and intersubjective theories and utilize narrative, relational, and cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) in my work with clients. I’m also trained in EMDR, specializing in trauma and complex trauma.
I grew up in South Jersey and enjoy owning a practice in the heart of a community so dear to me. I love Freud, hate therapist mumbo-jumbo, and I’m a therapist for other therapists (yes, that’s a thing). I’m also a college professor, guest lecturer, clinical consultant, and the married mother of two beautiful children.
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Adults, Teens, Couples, Families
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Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Relational Conflict,
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Somers Point, NJ
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Doctorate in Clinical Social Work from University of Pennsylvania, Master’s in Social Work from Rutgers University,
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CBT, EMDR, Narrative and Relational Therapies
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Individual Therapy (60 min) $250
Initial Evaluation $325
Senior Clinicians
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We’re Human Beings, Not Human Doings - Kurt Vonnegut
As we move through our lives, there are transitions and changes and phases that we struggle to make sense of. Many of the teenagers and young adults I see are asking themselves, “what am I doing with my life?” They are often overachievers with really high expectations of themselves that they struggle to meet.
You may have a linear plan for your life that seems to be going off course. You may be struggling to get a sense of yourself. You may be struggling with chronic medical conditions, anxiety, or other trauma. But those things don’t have to define you for life. I specialize in helping you to reimagine different ways of being and more dynamic ways of seeing your world.
When I studied ballet and Pilates, I saw how emotions come up when people move their bodies. This combination of mind and body is uniquely powerful and led me to get a Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University. Because they both deserve to be addressed, I combine analytical therapy with movement-based therapies, including somatic approaches and EMDR. As a therapist, I’m always learning, because approaches in therapy are constantly evolving.
I’ve lived in NYC, Massachusetts, and Maryland, and I love visiting Italy. However, I’m just as comfortable in South Jersey, and love living here with my dogs, Bruno and Carmella.
Most people are pretty interesting, and there’s often more to us than what meets the eye. I look forward to helping you discover the strengths and abilities within yourself that help you move forward in the world.
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Teens, Young Adults, and Adults
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Anxiety, Chronic medical conditions, Life transitions, OCD, Stress, Trauma
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Somers Point & Cherry Hill, NJ
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Master's in Social Work from Fordham University, Bachelor's in History from the University of Maryland
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EMDR, Somatic approaches
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Individual Therapy (50 min) $225
Initial Evaluation $250
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“The paradox of trauma is that it has both the power to destroy and the power to transform and resurrect.” Peter A. Levine
You may have been thinking about reaching out for a long time, anxious about the stigma of seeking help or hesitant after a bad experience with a therapist. But our work together won’t be traditional “on the couch” therapy. It’s crucial to meet people where they’re at - all the certifications in the world don’t matter without it. One of the greatest gifts as a therapist is when clients trust enough to open themselves up in a therapeutic space, especially BIPOC individuals who are seeking treatment.
My specialty is treating anxiety. And as a first-generation immigrant and former athlete who comes from a family of high-level athletes, I know what it’s like to deal with high expectations. When you work with me, my goal is always to ensure you feel heard and never judged, knowing that your feelings are valid.
Our work together will include helping you to heal and regulate your nervous system so that your anxiety doesn’t control you. I am very relationally focused - which means that I believe in the power of attunement in relationships, whether it’s your relationship with the therapist, family, or friends.
Before making my way to private practice, I worked in inpatient residential treatment facilities with adolescents, on acute psychiatric units, and in community mental health. In addition to having a doctorate in social work, I’m trained in cognitive-behavioral and somatic modalities of treatment that are designed to help people regulate their emotions - such as exposure therapy and brainspotting. And as a bilingual Spanish speaker, I'm also able to provide services in Spanish.
It’s an honor to help my clients find their strengths through our work together.
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Children, Adolescents, Young Adults, Adults, and Couples
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Anxiety, Perfectionists/High-Achievers, Emotion Regulation, OCD
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Frisco, TX | Virtual Sessions
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Doctorate in Clinical Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania, Masters in Social Work from Norfolk State University, BA in Psychology from Old Dominion
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Certified Brain Spotting Therapist. Certified Exposure Relapse Prevention therapist (Ex/RP) for the treatment of OCD
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Individual Therapy (50 min) $185
Initial Evaluation $225
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Human dignity is more precious than prestige. - Claudia McKayson
I see adults who struggle with a variety of issues, such as anxiety, depression, or relationship problems. I also specialize in trauma and grief.
We often believe we are stuck or that there is something abnormal about how long it’s taking us to feel “normal” again. Whether dealing with the loss of a family member, friend, or beloved pet, or facing divorce, a cancer diagnosis, unresolved trauma, or an empty nest, the intense feelings can leave us feeling isolated from others, as if no one else can understand.
Growing up, my parents cared for my uncle, who had Down syndrome. That experience taught me the importance of empathy and advocating for others. I also learned early that kindness can be life-changing for someone feeling isolated.
Later, I pursued a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in social work. Working in sub-acute rehab and oncology, I discovered a deep connection to the art of helping people work through grief and trauma.
Clients have said that they feel seen, heard, and understood when they work with me. As a therapist, I want to help you increase your awareness of your feelings and needs and become comfortable with your authentic self. I am trained in EMDR and draw on relational and attachment theories to support clients.
Outside of practice, I’m married with two children and a golden retriever, who is like a third child to us. And as a lifelong athlete who played college volleyball, I still love athletics – even if it is only in the backyard with my family.
My clients energize me. Being able to walk with someone through their pain is a privilege. I’m looking forward to guiding you toward the best version of yourself.
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Adults ages 18+, Couples
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Anxiety, Depression, Geriatrics, Grief, Trauma
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Somers Point, NJ
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Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University, Bachelor’s in Social Work from Millersville University
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EMDR, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
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Individual Therapy (50 min) $200
Initial Evaluation $225
Associate Clinicians
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“The body is our gauge of truth, our inner oracle - and when we’re disconnected from it, we’re disconnected from our innate intuitive strengths and our primal gut instincts” Alethelia Luna
Your body has been working hard to protect you from everything you have been through. It knows and remembers every part of your life’s journey.
During years of experience working as a massage therapist and healing my own trauma, I became aware of how important the body is in healing emotional pain. Previous traumatic experiences can show up in our bodies and trigger us. Somatic therapy helps you gain a sense of safety in your body so you can go deeper and work through unconscious core beliefs that rarely surface when we are in our “thinking” brain.
When clients first come to me, many say that they feel like they’re stuck. They’re often not that familiar with somatic therapy, and are understandably nervous about trying something new. But my goal is always to create a safe and judgment-free environment where you can be heard.
Since graduating with a Master’s degree in Social Work I have had additional training in several somatic modalities, including Somatic Experiencing, Hakomi, EMDR, Trauma-Focused CBT, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Neuro-Affective Touch, Internal Family Systems and Neural Desensitization and Integration Training.
I have experience working with victims of human trafficking, sexual abuse survivors involved in the Boy Scouts sex abuse case, and end-of-life care in hospice. All of these experiences deeply inform my integrative approach towards clients.
When I’m not in session, I’m a mom, animal lover, and artist who’s usually creating a piece of art or dancing to music in my living room. I’m truly honored to support you on your path toward healing and growth.
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Children, Pre-Teens, Teenagers, Adults
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Complex Trauma, Depression, Sexual Abuse
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Somers Point and Absecon NJ, Virtual sessions also available
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Master’s degree in Social Work from Stockton University
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EMDR, Hakomi, Sensorimotor psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing
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Individual Therapy (50 min) $185
Initial Evaluation $225
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“No one owes you anything. You are the leader of your own life. Work for what you want. That makes you the most powerful person you can be.” - Najwa Zebian
Most of my clients are young adults diagnosed with anxiety and depression. And, I always take the time to really get to know you and establish trust. Then, we’ll go deeper into your background to learn about what made you the person you are today. We’ll establish what’s not working, what you want to change, and how you want to feel.
I strongly believe in the power of empathy in the relationship between a therapist and a client. Clients have said that they feel listened to and heard in our sessions and feel a strong sense of connection with me. I can deliver truths in a way you’ll be able to hear - and learn from.
For six years I worked with adults diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, then went back to school to get a master’s in social work from Rutgers. Since graduating I’ve pursued additional training in evidence-based treatment practices such as trauma-focused CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing. In addition to private practice, I work as an in-home therapist for children ages 3-21 in the state of NJ who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and significant behavioral problems.
When I’m not in session, I love spending time in Ocean City at the beach with my husband and our two young children.
I look forward to meeting you and helping you find effective ways to find harmony in your everyday life.
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Children, Pre-Teens, Teenagers, Young Adults, Adults
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Anxiety, Conduct Disorders, Depression, Eating Disorders
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Somers Point, NJ and Virtual
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Master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers, Bachelor’s in Psychology from Penn State
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CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Relational Therapy
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Individual Therapy (50 min) $185
Initial Evaluation $200
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Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. — Mahatma Gandhi
Clients often say to me, “You've said things to me that I've always thought in my head, but have never heard anybody else say out loud.” I’m willing to hear and talk about the hard things without judgment. If you are struggling, there’s a chance you may have had early experiences that are impacting you now. But with the right tools, you don't have to struggle anymore.
I specialize in the treatment of trauma and complex trauma. I am trained in EMDR and foundationally trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I’m a strong believer in the DBT approach, incorporating and using those skills in my own life.
After 22 years of experience in the social services field, I pursued a master’s degree in social work. Besides my private practice, I continue to work for the Atlantic County Government with kids who are involved in the juvenile justice system. I’ve volunteered my time to run an adult survivor of childhood abuse group, and have worked with people living with a range of complications such as family conflicts, anxiety, making/keeping relationships, human trafficking, and more.
Even as a child, I knew that my life’s work would be to help people communicate what they’re going through. I help people to find the strength that they have within them to discover a life truly worth living. And it always helps to have a sense of humor - even in tough times and tough spaces.
I’m a waterfall chaser who loves hiking and being near trees. My wife and I have an adult daughter and rescue dogs we love to brag about.
Ask me about DBT and wise mind - and how it can help you achieve balance!
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Children 8+, Pre-Teens, Teenagers, Adults
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LGBTQIA+, DBT, Complex Trauma, Emotional Regulation
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Somers Point, NJ
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Master’s in Social Work from Rutgers University, Bachelor’s in Psychology and Gender Studies from Elmira College
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Foundationally trained in DBT, DBT Group Specialist, EMDR
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Individual Therapy (50 min) $150
Initial Evaluation $185
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"There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in." ― Leonard Cohen
My experience includes inpatient substance abuse with adults, as well as art therapy with children and teens. I have a Master’s degree in Art Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, and am also trained in a number of other effective tools we can use to address deeper issues if they arise, including sand tray therapy, EMDR, DBT, and yoga. When working with children and teens, the family is an essential part of the treatment team and therapeutic process, and each parent is involved every step of the way.
As an athlete and competitive dancer who has struggled with disordered eating and compulsive exercise, I feel a strong connection with others who struggle with these issues. Clients appreciate my sense of humor and keen intuitive sense in our work together.
As a therapist, I’m here to ask the right questions and validate your feelings and experiences. Whether it’s through expressive modalities like art therapy or more traditional talk therapy approaches, I want to understand what’s going on with you and help you create your own path toward healing.
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Children 6+, Preteens, Teens, Adults
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Eating Disorders, Emotional Regulation, Impulsivity
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Somers Point, NJ
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Masters in Art Therapy and Mental Health Counseling from George Washington University
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Addiction Counseling, Board-Certified Art Therapist, C-DBT, EMDR trained, Disordered Eating & Shame, Motivational Interviewing, Certified Power and Yin Yoga Teacher
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Individual Therapy (50 min) $185
Initial Evaluation $225
Administrative
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As the Office and Billing Administrator. I’m the person you speak to when you contact our practice. I’m here to answer any questions you might have.
I genuinely love people. It can be hard to ask for help, so I want clients to feel comfortable and taken care of. Every client is important to me, and I’m here to make sure your experience goes as smoothly as possible.
I’ve been with Gina for over ten years. My background is mostly from the school of life and includes working for banking, construction, and trucking companies doing payroll and administrative work. I’ve learned on the job in every role I’ve had, and am known as a hard worker who is dedicated to service.
Let me tell you a secret - when I first started working for Gina, I didn’t believe in therapy myself. But after seeing the results that Gina’s practice gets with our clients, I became a believer.
As someone with five children living under my roof, I spend most of my time outside of the office with my family - my grandkids are the highlight of my life.
Please know that you’re in good hands when you call us. I look forward to speaking with you soon to answer any questions you may have about how we can help.