Therapists in Bergen County, NJ
Thank you for your interest in my practice. I work primarily with older adolescents and adults who seek help in dealing with stress, challenging relationships and life transitions, including loss. I work collaboratively with my clients toward reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. I believe that within the context of a supportive therapy relationship individuals can develop insight into the roots of their struggles and effective strategies for change. In addition, I specialize in the use of a harm reduction approach in the treatment of young adults who struggle with alcohol or other drugs. See WWW.THE-DRINKING-GAME.COM
Thank you for your interest in my practice. I work primarily with older adolescents and adults who seek help in dealing with stress, challenging relationships and life transitions, including loss. I work collaboratively with my clients toward reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. I believe that within the context of a supportive therapy relationship individuals can develop insight into the roots of their struggles and effective strategies for change. In addition, I specialize in the use of a harm reduction approach in the treatment of young adults who struggle with alcohol or other drugs. See WWW.THE-DRINKING-GAME.COM
Ejlh Counseling Services LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MDiv, MEd
Verified Verified
Teaneck, NJ 07666 (Online Only)
I am effective with anxiety, grief and loss issues, family dynamics and student child interpersonal skills.
I counsel from a strengths-based compassionate view point. All ages are of interest to me as I believe in relationships and how clients are able to operate within the relationships they find themselves. With 29 yrs of work in education, students and young adults are of particular interest. I have worked as an in-school clinician in a K-8 school with children who have emotional, behavioral and interpersonal issues. As a former spiritual hospice counselor, I have gained extensive background in grief and loss therapy and end-of-life issues that are often manifested through family dynamics.
I am effective with anxiety, grief and loss issues, family dynamics and student child interpersonal skills.
I counsel from a strengths-based compassionate view point. All ages are of interest to me as I believe in relationships and how clients are able to operate within the relationships they find themselves. With 29 yrs of work in education, students and young adults are of particular interest. I have worked as an in-school clinician in a K-8 school with children who have emotional, behavioral and interpersonal issues. As a former spiritual hospice counselor, I have gained extensive background in grief and loss therapy and end-of-life issues that are often manifested through family dynamics.
Susan Esserman Msw Lcsw
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Allendale, NJ 07401
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (MSW and LCSW), Susan has worked with women and their families around issues of pregnancy, birth and parenting since 1987. Susan counsels individuals and couples on many issues. She has in-depth experience in the areas of women and children's health including pregnancy, birth, postpartum and parenting issues as well as pediatric health concerns -- illness, palliative and hospice care. She has led parenting groups that focus on new motherhood as well as bereavement groups for parents.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (MSW and LCSW), Susan has worked with women and their families around issues of pregnancy, birth and parenting since 1987. Susan counsels individuals and couples on many issues. She has in-depth experience in the areas of women and children's health including pregnancy, birth, postpartum and parenting issues as well as pediatric health concerns -- illness, palliative and hospice care. She has led parenting groups that focus on new motherhood as well as bereavement groups for parents.
My ideal client is a young adult facing overwhelming life challenges. They might feel lost amid trauma, loss, or big changes, even though they seem okay to others. They struggle with emotions like sadness and stress and need a safe place to talk, heal, and learn healthy ways to cope. They want to find peace and purpose, and they seek support to understand themselves better, grow, and face life with confidence. They're ready to explore, heal, and become the best version of themselves, knowing they don't have to do it alone.
My ideal client is a young adult facing overwhelming life challenges. They might feel lost amid trauma, loss, or big changes, even though they seem okay to others. They struggle with emotions like sadness and stress and need a safe place to talk, heal, and learn healthy ways to cope. They want to find peace and purpose, and they seek support to understand themselves better, grow, and face life with confidence. They're ready to explore, heal, and become the best version of themselves, knowing they don't have to do it alone.
trauma, life transitions, and grief and loss.
It can feel lonely and overwhelming when we are dealing with emotional pain. Perhaps you are struggling with a life transition, a stressful relationship or trying to find greater personal fulfillment and meaning in your life. I strive to create an emotionally nurturing and non-judgmental environment in which you will feel heard and understood. Together, we will explore your feelings and perceptions and develop insight into some of the obstacles that may be getting in the way of you living the life you desire. I am a passionate believer in the value of the therapeutic relationship in the healing process and in meeting my
trauma, life transitions, and grief and loss.
It can feel lonely and overwhelming when we are dealing with emotional pain. Perhaps you are struggling with a life transition, a stressful relationship or trying to find greater personal fulfillment and meaning in your life. I strive to create an emotionally nurturing and non-judgmental environment in which you will feel heard and understood. Together, we will explore your feelings and perceptions and develop insight into some of the obstacles that may be getting in the way of you living the life you desire. I am a passionate believer in the value of the therapeutic relationship in the healing process and in meeting my
Elizabeth J Greenlee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Waitlist for new clients
I offer a healing environment in which to explore the difficult challenges presented by traumatic experiences; such as childhood abuse and neglect, domestic violence, divorce, sexual assault and grief and loss.
I help people access their potential. By empowering and supporting you, you will find freedom from the pain of old wounds, recovery from trauma and gain new ways of coping and relating. Central to this work will be the relationship between therapist and client, which evolves within a safe and compassionate space, within which you will find the courage to explore your concerns without feeling pushed or pathologized.
I offer a healing environment in which to explore the difficult challenges presented by traumatic experiences; such as childhood abuse and neglect, domestic violence, divorce, sexual assault and grief and loss.
I help people access their potential. By empowering and supporting you, you will find freedom from the pain of old wounds, recovery from trauma and gain new ways of coping and relating. Central to this work will be the relationship between therapist and client, which evolves within a safe and compassionate space, within which you will find the courage to explore your concerns without feeling pushed or pathologized.
Thank you for your interest in mental health services offered by Ridgewood House. As founder of Ridgewood House, I am a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in reproductive mental health, adolescent wellbeing, bereavement, and life transitions (parenting, relationships, health issues, professional changes, etc.). My services are centered on providing customized care that authentically celebrates your individuality while promoting growth and healing at any stage in life. The Ridgewood House team also includes Matt Nicholas LSW, Jisin Lee LSW and Nikki Rigoli LSW.
Thank you for your interest in mental health services offered by Ridgewood House. As founder of Ridgewood House, I am a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in reproductive mental health, adolescent wellbeing, bereavement, and life transitions (parenting, relationships, health issues, professional changes, etc.). My services are centered on providing customized care that authentically celebrates your individuality while promoting growth and healing at any stage in life. The Ridgewood House team also includes Matt Nicholas LSW, Jisin Lee LSW and Nikki Rigoli LSW.
In addition, I have extensive experience working with adults experiencing grief/ loss.
Do you experience anxiety, depression, grief/ loss, stress? Together we will identify and explore the issues that cause distress in your life. This deeper understanding often provides opportunities for change.
I will help you develop healthy coping skills to better manage emotions, reduce stress and improve your relationships.
In addition, I have extensive experience working with adults experiencing grief/ loss.
Do you experience anxiety, depression, grief/ loss, stress? Together we will identify and explore the issues that cause distress in your life. This deeper understanding often provides opportunities for change.
I will help you develop healthy coping skills to better manage emotions, reduce stress and improve your relationships.
Felice Toonkel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMHC, SEP, NCPsyA
Verified Verified
Tenafly, NJ 07670
I am a licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and have been in private practice for over 30 years. The eclectic nature of my training and practice allows me to tailor therapy to your unique treatment needs. As we think about the nature of experiences such as trauma (both old and new), grief, loss, depression, and anxiety, it is clear they affect us through the mind, emotions, and the physical sensations. The mind-body connection treats the whole person in the service of health and well-being.
I am a licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and have been in private practice for over 30 years. The eclectic nature of my training and practice allows me to tailor therapy to your unique treatment needs. As we think about the nature of experiences such as trauma (both old and new), grief, loss, depression, and anxiety, it is clear they affect us through the mind, emotions, and the physical sensations. The mind-body connection treats the whole person in the service of health and well-being.
Michelle Marx Gardiner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Midland Park, NJ 07432 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in helping clients deal with grief and bereavement and loss of all kinds, as well as anxiety, depression, relationship issues and chronic pain and stress.
Hello... my aim is to help you overcome obstacles blocking you from living a full and emotionally healthy life. My approach is eclectic and tailored to the needs of each client; I work with everyone as a collaborator, since YOU are the expert in what you need. Our work together will help uncover the innate wisdom and self-compassion you possess and cultivate skills to help you live the full life you deserve. We can learn much about ourselves through both the laughter and the tears; with acceptance and non-judgment we will get curious about your obstacles and challenges.
I specialize in helping clients deal with grief and bereavement and loss of all kinds, as well as anxiety, depression, relationship issues and chronic pain and stress.
Hello... my aim is to help you overcome obstacles blocking you from living a full and emotionally healthy life. My approach is eclectic and tailored to the needs of each client; I work with everyone as a collaborator, since YOU are the expert in what you need. Our work together will help uncover the innate wisdom and self-compassion you possess and cultivate skills to help you live the full life you deserve. We can learn much about ourselves through both the laughter and the tears; with acceptance and non-judgment we will get curious about your obstacles and challenges.
My approach to therapy, including grief work is existential and attachment based.
“We bereaved are not alone. We belong to the largest company in all the world — the company of those who have known suffering.” — Helen Keller. Although grief is most often associated with emotions in response to a death, my clinical training and experience has made it evident to me that we can experience grief due to loss of a person, pet, ideals, culture, disappointment in life’s trajectory, a non death related end of a relationship, chronic illness, and so many more common but painful experiences in life. Grief, loss, emotional pain in relationships is ubiquitous with living and it by no means has to be linear.
My approach to therapy, including grief work is existential and attachment based.
“We bereaved are not alone. We belong to the largest company in all the world — the company of those who have known suffering.” — Helen Keller. Although grief is most often associated with emotions in response to a death, my clinical training and experience has made it evident to me that we can experience grief due to loss of a person, pet, ideals, culture, disappointment in life’s trajectory, a non death related end of a relationship, chronic illness, and so many more common but painful experiences in life. Grief, loss, emotional pain in relationships is ubiquitous with living and it by no means has to be linear.
15 Second Videos
Ejlh Counseling Services LLC
Alla Rachel Shapiro
Beth Fecko Mahler
Sheila Berard
Jianny Adamo
Vanessa Reiser Narcissistic Abuse/Cult Expert
Izzy Nappa: Adults, Couples, Teens
Jamie Coyne
Abrah Sprung, PhD: EMDR Therapy & Intensives
Rachel Frank
Ahylzabeth Giannantonio
Deborah Vargas
Melanie Palmietto Somatic Therapist
Dodi L Lamm
Hanna Verhoeven
Kahlen Kim
Angela W Yeung
Dr. Alisa Rosenberg, Psy.D
Kristy Centrelli Fernand
Christy Hudak
Alexis J Sturnick
Rachel Luckman
Jennifer Lamaj
Alexis J Sturnick
Kaitlin Vanderhoff
Sarah Trengove
Stephanie Omens, Psychotherapist
LCAT, LMHC, LPC, RDT-BCT, CCLS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tenafly, NJ 07670
I work with individuals dealing with life challenges. Issues related to grief, illness, divorce, and its impact on the family system. In addition, concurrent anxieties, and doubts and challenges coping with family loss and trauma. At times of stress, we will work to support your daily interactions and your inner thoughts to become easier. I have worked with people of all ages, helping them to find greater understanding and alleviate burdens in daily life. My goal is to support the issues you share with me and help you get back to regular life, outside of therapy.
I work with individuals dealing with life challenges. Issues related to grief, illness, divorce, and its impact on the family system. In addition, concurrent anxieties, and doubts and challenges coping with family loss and trauma. At times of stress, we will work to support your daily interactions and your inner thoughts to become easier. I have worked with people of all ages, helping them to find greater understanding and alleviate burdens in daily life. My goal is to support the issues you share with me and help you get back to regular life, outside of therapy.
Caitlin Scanlon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waldwick, NJ 07463 (Online Only)
I specialize in grief and loss, coping with serious/ chronic illness, life transitions, anxiety, perinatal mental health, and caregiver distress/burnout.
I believe that it takes courage to ask for help, and I am here to accompany you on this path. Everything you need is already within you, and together we will develop tools to assist you in harnessing your inner strength in an effort to live your most fulfilling and authentic life. I believe that by working together, we can identify and enhance your strengths while exploring strategies that allow you to address the root causes of your identified challenges and build meaningful social connections.
I specialize in grief and loss, coping with serious/ chronic illness, life transitions, anxiety, perinatal mental health, and caregiver distress/burnout.
I believe that it takes courage to ask for help, and I am here to accompany you on this path. Everything you need is already within you, and together we will develop tools to assist you in harnessing your inner strength in an effort to live your most fulfilling and authentic life. I believe that by working together, we can identify and enhance your strengths while exploring strategies that allow you to address the root causes of your identified challenges and build meaningful social connections.
Jacqueline Finch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LLC
Verified Verified
Hackensack, NJ 07601
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my focus is to help those who struggle with life changes, grief, various forms of trauma, and difficult situations that you or your family may be experiencing.
I believe that therapy's primary goal is to help a person reach their best and most balanced self. While therapy can be emotional work, it can also be one of the best gifts we can provide ourselves.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my focus is to help those who struggle with life changes, grief, various forms of trauma, and difficult situations that you or your family may be experiencing.
I believe that therapy's primary goal is to help a person reach their best and most balanced self. While therapy can be emotional work, it can also be one of the best gifts we can provide ourselves.
Jackie Tassiello
Art Therapist, MPS, ATR-BC, LCAT, ATCS, LPAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mahwah, NJ 07430
I specialize in utilizing art therapy with individuals of all ages who are struggling with anxiety. When you are experiencing stress, overwhelm, grief, or times of change, it often affects every aspect of life. Art therapy is an engaging, collaborative form of therapy that combines traditional talk therapy approaches with the creative process. My adult clients often want to uncover new insights and explore themselves deeply to grow and heal, and my child and teenage clients are excited to use therapeutic art, writing, and play to process their experiences and learn new coping strategies.
I specialize in utilizing art therapy with individuals of all ages who are struggling with anxiety. When you are experiencing stress, overwhelm, grief, or times of change, it often affects every aspect of life. Art therapy is an engaging, collaborative form of therapy that combines traditional talk therapy approaches with the creative process. My adult clients often want to uncover new insights and explore themselves deeply to grow and heal, and my child and teenage clients are excited to use therapeutic art, writing, and play to process their experiences and learn new coping strategies.
Rachel Pollack
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, SIFI
Verified Verified
Bergenfield, NJ 07621
As a certified advanced grief counselor, I’ve worked with individuals struggling with bereavement, end-of-life concerns.
Each person, with their life circumstances, is completely unique. I believe that change happens in an atmosphere of acceptance, compassion and care, and that hinges on the relationship between therapist and client. My own inner work impacts my life and the lives of my clients. I bring a sense of humility and perceptiveness to this relationship. When working with clients who are overwhelmed with fear and anxiety, I strive to draw my clients out through building a vessel which can contain the intensity of their emotions. Then they can hold their feelings, rather than drowning in them.
As a certified advanced grief counselor, I’ve worked with individuals struggling with bereavement, end-of-life concerns.
Each person, with their life circumstances, is completely unique. I believe that change happens in an atmosphere of acceptance, compassion and care, and that hinges on the relationship between therapist and client. My own inner work impacts my life and the lives of my clients. I bring a sense of humility and perceptiveness to this relationship. When working with clients who are overwhelmed with fear and anxiety, I strive to draw my clients out through building a vessel which can contain the intensity of their emotions. Then they can hold their feelings, rather than drowning in them.
Alla Rachel Shapiro
Counselor, LMHC, LPC, CCPT-I
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ridgewood, NJ 07450 (Online Only)
Are you struggling with debilitating anxiety because of chronic family and relationship stress, and perfectionism? Are you trying to work through grief and loss of someone, or even an opportunity you waited so long for? You have come to the right place. I can give you a space in which you can process your emotions and find clarity again. Your experiences shape how you treat yourself and how you have relationships. I wonder if you understand why you are repeating relationship patterns in your life. Therapy can help you understand and also greatly improve the quality of your life.
Are you struggling with debilitating anxiety because of chronic family and relationship stress, and perfectionism? Are you trying to work through grief and loss of someone, or even an opportunity you waited so long for? You have come to the right place. I can give you a space in which you can process your emotions and find clarity again. Your experiences shape how you treat yourself and how you have relationships. I wonder if you understand why you are repeating relationship patterns in your life. Therapy can help you understand and also greatly improve the quality of your life.
Primarily practicing is through a relational, attachment-based, and psychodynamic lens, specializing in working with adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma and complex grief.
I’m an Brooklyn native, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and an active member of the American Counseling Association .I received my graduate degree from Fordham University and have a combined clinical studies and direct practice/ counseling for over 10 years. My experience supporting diverse cultures, from teenagers to elder adults has become my passion. It was through my own adversity, a time marked with loss, grief, healing and emotional growth; I found my inspiration & began the journey of helping others. Taima M. Elliott Counseling Service, PLLC emerged as a solace for all those in need.
Primarily practicing is through a relational, attachment-based, and psychodynamic lens, specializing in working with adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma and complex grief.
I’m an Brooklyn native, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and an active member of the American Counseling Association .I received my graduate degree from Fordham University and have a combined clinical studies and direct practice/ counseling for over 10 years. My experience supporting diverse cultures, from teenagers to elder adults has become my passion. It was through my own adversity, a time marked with loss, grief, healing and emotional growth; I found my inspiration & began the journey of helping others. Taima M. Elliott Counseling Service, PLLC emerged as a solace for all those in need.
Trustworthy, competent and consistent therapeutic services offered with an eclectic approach of treatment modalities that will offer support, inquiry, and exploratory relevance to your ongoing mental health needs to process and heal through life transitions, trauma, and grief. A strengths-based approach to developing resiliency, healing, and growth opportunities.
Trustworthy, competent and consistent therapeutic services offered with an eclectic approach of treatment modalities that will offer support, inquiry, and exploratory relevance to your ongoing mental health needs to process and heal through life transitions, trauma, and grief. A strengths-based approach to developing resiliency, healing, and growth opportunities.
Jodi L Brodsky
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
My goal is to provide a compassionate, respectful and safe environment for you to share and manage through your grief.
Hope, Resilience and Renewal. The belief in the power of these is the basis of my work with you. Are you feeling alone, sad and in pain from grief and loss? Maybe it was the death of a loved one or the ending of a relationship. Maybe it was a recent move, a change in life status; marriage, divorce, empty nesting or retirement. Maybe it was the loss of plans, hopes and dreams. Maybe it was the loss of a job, your health, or the feeling of safety and trust due to world events from the pandemic, war and injustice. I know it may be tempting to avoid dealing with our grief, but you can’t heal what you don’t face and address.
My goal is to provide a compassionate, respectful and safe environment for you to share and manage through your grief.
Hope, Resilience and Renewal. The belief in the power of these is the basis of my work with you. Are you feeling alone, sad and in pain from grief and loss? Maybe it was the death of a loved one or the ending of a relationship. Maybe it was a recent move, a change in life status; marriage, divorce, empty nesting or retirement. Maybe it was the loss of plans, hopes and dreams. Maybe it was the loss of a job, your health, or the feeling of safety and trust due to world events from the pandemic, war and injustice. I know it may be tempting to avoid dealing with our grief, but you can’t heal what you don’t face and address.
See more therapy options for Bergen County
Grief Therapists
How long does therapy take for grief?
There is no exact timeline for grief counseling. Some people may start to feel better after just a few sessions, while others may take months or longer to feel relief. Some specific approaches, including some types of CBT, may involve a set number of sessions, or therapy may be open-ended until the patient determines they are ready to wrap up. Just as there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there is no right or wrong way to seek therapy for grief.
When should you seek therapy for grief?
Many people mistakenly believe that their grief needs to be debilitating or all-encompassing to warrant therapy. This is not the case. While people who experience severe, prolonged grief—particularly those who are considering self-harm or engaging in unhealthy substance use—are especially likely to benefit from therapy, so too are people whose grief is less intense but still interfering with well-being or daily functioning. In practice, almost anyone struggling to process a loss could benefit from grief counseling.
Can grief be managed without therapy?
Oftentimes, yes. Grief is a near-universal part of being human, and many find that their grief, while profound, does not stop them from participating in day-to-day life and steadily eases over time without outside help. For others, however, the harsh pain of early grief persists for months or years or leaves them unable to function. This group is especially likely to benefit from seeing a therapist, who can guide them through their grief and help them reconnect with the world.
What happens if grief is left untreated?
Because grief does not in itself necessitate therapy, untreated grief will often resolve on its own. However, for some people—particularly those who would qualify for a diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder—untreated grief can be a source of seemingly endless pain or lead them to withdraw from the world. In such cases, treatment can be indispensable, as it can help an individual adapt to the loss and start living again.