Toms River

Congratulations on taking the courageous step to seek support and explore growth—you’ve made it to my profile! I consider being a therapist a privilege and deeply admire the vulnerability it takes for clients to share their experiences in order to heal and move toward meaningful change.

I have been working in the field of mental health for over eight years, and it continues to bring purpose and fulfillment to my life. As a licensed clinical social worker, I have gained insight into the many challenges people face. Both my professional experience and personal life have shaped the therapist I am today, allowing me to relate to clients on a deeper and authentic level. I take pride in creating a safe, accepting, and validating space where clients can feel heard, supported, and empowered. I enjoy exploring patterns in thoughts, behaviors, and relationships to foster self-awareness and facilitate growth. I also have a particular interest in attachment dynamics and how they influence our connections with others.

I provide individual therapy for adolescents and adults, as well as couples, family therapy, and co-parenting support. I am experienced and enjoy working with a wide range of challenges—including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, OCD, self-harming behaviors, life transitions, family addiction, and grief—and beyond. My approach is tailored to each client’s needs, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strength-Based and Person-Centered approaches, Internal Family Systems, and Exposure Therapy. I am trained in Sandplay Therapy and Play Therapy, and I plan to continue expanding my skills, including pursuing EMDR training, to provide the highest level of care for all my clients.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and pups. I love both the outdoors and cozy indoor moments, binge-watching favorite shows, music, reading, and cooking. I also find it important for clients to see that I am a person like them too, and the relationship between therapist and client is very important to me—it truly makes all the difference.

Rachel is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), 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.

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 individual's needs, goals, and expectations. Sydney specializes in sand tray therapy, mindfulness, play therapy, autism, anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, coping and adjustment difficulties, behavioral concerns, relationships, social skills, and solution- focused therapy.

Sydney’s goal is to help 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 spouse and their two dogs Hutch and Dutch.

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

Amanah Qureshi, MSW, LSW, earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work from Monmouth University and is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW). She has experience working with children, adolescents, and families across school, community-based, and early childhood settings.

Amanah’s professional background includes school social work, intensive family intervention, and early childhood development, which has allowed her to develop strong skills in assessment, intervention planning, crisis response, and family-centered care.Her experience also includes supporting middle school students through observation, individualized intervention planning, and collaboration with teachers, administrators, and caregivers to address social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Additionally, Amanah has worked extensively with young children as a Teacher’s Assistant in an early childhood setting, where she supported developmental routines, classroom management, and social-emotional growth.

Amanah utilizes evidence-based interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing, while consistently applying a strength-based perspective to support clients and families. Her approach is trauma-informed and culturally responsive, emphasizing collaboration, empowerment, and the development of individualized, achievable treatment goals. She values caregiver involvement and works to create safe, supportive environments that promote emotional safety, resilience, and long-term growth. Amanah brings a calm, patient, and compassionate presence to her work, while remaining attentive to the unique cultural, familial, and systemic factors that shape each client’s experience.

Outside of the office, Amanah enjoys being active in her church community, spending time withfriends and family, and enjoying the beach year-round.

*Amanah is under the supervision of Melissa Schwaner, MSW, LCSW*