Toms River

As someone who understands the strength and self awareness it takes to ask for help, I congratulate you for making it to my profile! I consider being a therapist a privilege and admire my clients who vulnerably open up and share their experiences in order to grow and heal.  I have been working in the field of mental health for over six years and it has continued to bring purpose into my life. As a licensed clinical social worker I have gained insight into many obstacles and struggles people endure. Not only has my experience in the field and academics molded the therapist I am, my personal experiences within my own life have made it easy to relate to others on a deeper level. I take pride in my ability in making my client's feel safe, accepted, comfortable and validated when working together.  A non-judgmental atmosphere is one of the most important parts of therapy and the therapeutic relationship.  I assure you, you will always be met with just that! 

All of that being said, I offer individual psychotherapy for children, adolescents and adults. I also provide couples and family therapy. I specialize in treating the following: adolescent and adult issues, suicide ideation, self-harming behaviors, depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship and narcassistic abuse, OCD, women’s issues,  life transitions, navigating and coping with family addiction, loss and grief. My approaches vary given my client needs, however, I typically use Cognitive behavioral therapy, strength based, person centered, internal family systems and exposure therapy.  

When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, my friends and of course my pups! I love the outdoors as well as the indoors, binging my favorite shows and eating my favorite snacks! I love music, reading and cooking as well!

Rachel is a licensed social worker (LSW), who believes in the natural human experience of psychological change and provides individuals with therapeutic guidance in achieving overall wellness through the recognition of resiliency and individualized strengths. Rachel received her Master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers University in 2021. Rachel first entered the mental health field in 2017; she has always utilized an approach that is strengths based, and compassionate, in order to ensure that individuals are always met with an unconditional positive regard.

Rachel makes it her mission to provide all individuals with a safe therapeutic space to overcome diverse issues. Rachel specializes in treating children, adults, adolescents, and couples in whom struggle with the following problem areas: depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, bipolar disorder, anger management related issues, barriers related to autism spectrum disorder, pathological demand avoidance (PDA) behaviors, and family dysfunction. Rachel’s preferred modality to utilize is Sand Tray therapy, in which assists individuals in becoming more aware and connected to their subconscious mind in order to promote healing from previous traumatic experiences. Rachel also utilizes Sand Tray as a non verbal intervention to promote inclusivity of neurodivergent clients. Other modalities in which Rachel specializes in include the following: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), family systems approach, and client centered approach. 

Rachel’s experience consists of working within partial hospitalization programs, children’s crisis intervention services, and intensive outpatient settings. Rachel also has experience in working with a variety of other populations which includes adolescents and adults with severe mental illness, and substance abuse disorders.
When not working, Rachel enjoys traveling, beach days, gardening, and spending time with her significant other and two cats.

Rachel is currently under the supervision of Wendy Kelly, LCSW. 

Stephanie is a licensed social worker (LSW). She speaks Spanish as her second language. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in social work from Rutgers University in 2017 and her Master’s Degree in social work from Fordham University in 2022. She is a therapist motivated by a heart inclined to help people reach their personal wellness goals. From working in the school setting to the medical field, her eclectic social work background and education equip her to serve a variety of client needs.

Stephanie is especially passionate about treating clients who are experiencing grief and loss, anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and difficulties with self-esteem. Stephanie will personalize the therapy modality based on the client needs and preferences. Her specialties include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, grief counseling, and creative art therapy techniques. Her therapist-client relationships are fostered with a welcoming, safe, and judgment free basis where clients can be themselves. She is also trained in sand play therapy.

Outside of the office, Stephanie enjoys doing volunteer activity, making art, practicing dance and physical fitness, and spending time with family.

*Stephanie is currently under the supervision of Melissa Schwaner, MSW LCSW

Emma is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in the state of New Jersey. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from Rutgers University in 2024, graduating as part of the advanced standing program with a concentration in clinical social work. Emma also holds a certificate in child and adolescent well-being.

Emma has experience working in an elementary school, addressing social-emotional challenges among children, and in an inpatient psychiatric unit, supporting both children and adults. Her specialization includes treating behavioral and social issues, ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety, and anger management.

Emma employs a strengths-based, client-centered approach, utilizing therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, art therapy, and play therapy. She is committed to creating a supportive and empathetic environment, collaborating with families to foster effective strategies for personal and developmental growth.

Outside of her professional life, Emma enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, and going to the beach.

*Emma is currently under the supervision of Melissa Schwaner, MSW, LCSW.