Manahawkin

Tara is a Licensed professional ( LPC )and National Certified Counselor (NCC). Tara graduated from Stockton University with her Bachelors Degree in Forensic Psychology and her Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Kean University.

Tara has over 10 years experience in the field working in many settings including psychiatric emergency services in the hospital, outpatient dual diagnosis, domestic violence shelters, private practices, clinics, and college counseling centers. Tara specializes with couples, family, relationship trauma, divorce, addiction, codependency, gambling and spiritual based counseling. Tara believes that “everyone has a story and although we cannot change the pages of the past we have the choices to turn the pages, create new chapters and rewrite a future that is free from the bandage of our trials and tribulations “.

Tara’s focus is mostly adult therapy but has experience working with all ages with extensive experience with high risk clients and Borderline Personality Disorder. Tara’s approach is very humanistic and person centered focusing on creating solutions while understanding the problem. Tara mainly uses Cognitive behavioral therapy , 12 step principles, love languages by Dr. GARY CHAPMAN, strengths based counseling, Assertive communication training, and staying in the “here and now.” Tara believes that healing comes In all forms and finding purpose from your pain is extremely important to personal growth and significance. 

Brittany is a licensed Social Worker in the state of New Jersey.  She completed her Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Social Work at Stockton University graduating with Magna Cum Laude honors. She graduated with her Master’s degree in Social Work in 2022 from Stockton University as a part of their advanced standing program. She has experience in hospitals, schools, and therapeutic settings with adolescence. In these settings, she has experience with crisis diversion, Depression, Anxiety, trauma responses, emotional regulation, self-harm, anger management, and mood disorders.

The approach Brittany uses in therapy varies for each client as she uses empathy in every session and finds value in all emotions experienced by the client while assessing their individual needs. She uses modalities from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Crisis Intervention techniques. She believes finding strengths within each client is the key to their mental health success as well as finding the right coping strategies to manage stress. 

While not in the therapeutic setting, Brittany enjoys spending time with her many animals at home, reading a good book, going to the beach, or being surrounded by family.

Brittany is currently under the supervision of Melissa Schwaner, LCSW. 

Gina is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) by the state of New Jersey. Gina graduated from Montclair State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice, as well as a certification in Child Advocacy & Policy. Gina earned her Master of Social Work degree from Capella University. Gina has a decade of experience providing mental health services in settings such as private practice, community, residential, and inpatient environments. 

Gina is passionate about serving diverse populations, using integrity and open-minded collaboration to propel clients forward. Gina tailors her approach to best meet each client’s needs and practices with evidence-based modalities such as mindfulness-based stress reduction, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioral therapy, and trauma-informed care. She has experience working with adults, children & adolescents, couples, families, and a multitude of psychiatric conditions. 

Gina views the therapeutic relationship as an instrumental tool for individuals to overcome personal challenges and to achieve confidence, peace, and authenticity in the lives they wish to lead. Gina believes that people are inherently resilient, and values the privilege of partnering with clients in their pursuit to connect with their own strengths and abilities.

Gina is focusing on furthering her clinical career to advance the accessibility of mental health services to New Jersey residents. Gina enjoys spending her free time with family and friends, relaxing with pets, traveling, being in nature, and trying new foods!

*Gina is under supervision of Wendy Kelly, LCSW

Sydney Marconi is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC). Sydney graduated from Monmouth University with her Masters of Science in Counseling. Sydney believes the best way to predict one’s future is to create it. Sydney focuses on providing compassionate and effective therapy services that fit an individual’s unique goals and needs. 

Sydney works with clients of all ages starting as young as 4 years old to those in their later stages of life. Sydney’s prior experiences range in a variety of mental health settings such as: healthcare facilities, schools, and privately as an in-home therapist.

Sydney’s passion lies in supporting and empowering the whole individual. Sydney’s approach emphasizes the use of unconditional positive regard and empathy in every session. Sydney finds value in an eclectic approach which utilizes a variety of techniques to best fit an individuals needs, goals, and expectations. Sydney specializes in mindfulness, play therapy, autism, anxiety, depression, trauma, coping and adjustment difficulties, behavioral concerns, relationships, social skills, and solution- focused therapy. 

Sydney’s goal is to help to her clients facilitate positive and lifelong behavioral and emotional changes by providing a safe and fostering environment, where her clients can grow in their own unique way.  

When Sydney is not in the office she enjoys hot yoga, hiking, concerts, reading, and spending time with her fiance and their two dogs Hutch and Dutch. 

Sydney is currently under the supervision of Margaret Baker, LPC.

Darra completed her Master’s Degree in Social Work at Stockton University of New Jersey. She has over 25 years of clinical experience across a variety of settings including schools, hospitals, geriatric retirement community, large non-profit, and in-home. She has provided clinical supervision to social work students, interns, and professionals.  She has a broad range of clinical experience working with individuals, families, and groups during her professional career in the following areas: Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Behavioral and Discipline Challenges, Self-Harm Behavior, Complicated Grief Reactions, Medical Case Management, Anger and Stress Management, Trauma and Abuse, Family and Relationship Issues, Suicide Assessment and Risk Reduction, Self-image and Self-Esteem Issues.

Darra’s approach emphasizes a strength-based approach and the mutual development of goals for therapy. Darra is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Solution Focused Therapy, and Crisis Intervention. She continues to seek ongoing updates to her skills and knowledge base. Darra is invested in an approach emphasizing a more integrative, dynamic, and holistic approach to mental health. She is particularly concerned with providing tools for positive outcomes and growth.