LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Bergenfield, NJ

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with native language skills in both English and Spanish. Much of my experience includes working within the LGBTQ community which has allowed me to work with diverse client populations who present with equally diverse experiences as it relates to race, ethnicity, age, gender, and sexuality. I rely on a person-centered therapeutic approach as I seek to help you gain insight on your social and behavioral patterns, develop skills to increase feelings of empowerment, and reduce feelings of shame, anxiety, and self-doubt.

Often times just when things seem difficult, hopeless, or challenging we tend to retreat inward and isolate, when in truth, this is the precise moment that we need to reach out and form human connection. Therapy is a gift, it is the first step in your self care journey, so congrats on getting this far! I offer a warm, non-judgmental, and safe space so that clients can feel comfortable sharing even the most uncomfortable life circumstances. I start where the client is at, and together we explore objectives and set goals.

Therapy is a journey we take together. As partners we will focus on you--your needs, your desires, your history, your goals. I believe we are all capable of growth and change. Therapy is hard work sometimes, but almost always rewarding and you actively choose a better life for yourself.

Therapy can open the door to so many positive changes in our lives. Working together we can discover new ways to create a healthy mind, body and spirit, and move forward on our personal pathway to growth. My services include psychotherapy for children, adolescents and young adults, as well as working with families, couples and individuals. My goal with each client is to develop a collaborative and trusting relationship. Through therapeutic techniques we can ease stress, depression and anxiety, work to resolve conflict, build self-esteem, and address other concerns that are interfering with day-to-day life.

Life, as we know it, can throw us off-kilter and unbalanced. The path to change can sometimes be obscure. Seeking support takes courage. And I am so glad you are here!

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 clinical social worker skilled and experienced in providing individual, family and group therapy to adults, adolescents and children. My style is non judgmental and I am sensitive to the needs of each individual. I use techniques that are eclectic, drawing on cognitive, behavioral, dialectical, narrative, psychodynamic, positive and humanistic psychology. I utilize evidence-based practices to help you achieve lasting growth by tailoring an individual treatment approach. I also use Motivational Interviewing techniques to help you to achieve desired goals.

Nearly thirty years ago I was began my family therapy training with one of the most highly-regarded figures in the field, Dr. Salvador Minuchin. Since then, I have worked with couples reeling from affairs, or on the verge of divorce, people suffering from anxiety or depression, and children with "acting out" behavior or identified as having ADHD. My long experience as a family therapist has only deepened my appreciation for the trials and triumphs of the human condition. I work relatively briefly, and often successfully, with those who have tried other therapies, without improvement.

We are a private practice made up of psychotherapists who work with children, adolescents, and adults of all ages. Lisa D'Acierno and her staff work to provide a safe nurturing, non-judgmental atmosphere focusing on the individual client's needs. She has been practicing for over 25 years. Our staff is experienced on children and adolescents with PTSD, ADHD, Asperger's/Autism Spectrum, Depression,Teen Issues, Anxiety Disorders, OCD, Family Struggles, and Trauma. We are a wonderful team of compassionate and caring professionals who share the same passion for helping others. We offer in-person and teletherapy sessions.

I have been working with adolescents and young adults for over 15 years. My practice provides a nurturing and supportive environment to help my clients work on their daily struggles and create a better and happier life for themselves. When working with teenagers, often family therapy is needed to ensure that everyone is working together for there to be positive changes. I will assist parents in how to better manage some of the behaviors that they are seeing with their child.

During 51 years of practice, I have treated cases ranging from toilet training, school phobias, heart-break, good marriages and bad marriages, depressed adults, homocidal and suicidal persons, and every behavior disorder common to daily living. For the past several years my work has been largely related to family, marital, child development issues, and sadly many family court related cases. My practice is behavioral, and problem oriented. I have always attempted to avoid the, "purchase of friendship" consequences of long term therapy. I may not "cure" many persons, but I am certain that I have helped thousands.

We sometimes feel isolated or alone when dealing with life's challenges. Whether feeling overwhelmed, frustrated by certain relationships in our lives, or trying to cope with a particularly challenging situation, I will help to create a safe, nurturing and non-judgmental environment to discuss these issues. Together we will explore your feelings, attitudes and perceptions towards these challenges and work to empower you to overcome these obstacles and live an emotionally healthy life.

I believe authentic relationships are the key to authentic healing. We all have experienced pain, struggles, or difficult transitions in our lives, but we have not always had the opportunity to reflect, heal, and learn from these moments within the context of a close and safe environment. I believe that a collaborative and therapeutic relationship can be a life-changing experience as it helps you process current and past pains, become more self-aware, develop more meaningful relationships, and experience thriving in your life.

When you're struggling to "keep your head above water", it can be difficult to make progress toward those big life goals you have for yourself. I get it, I've been there (sometimes I'm still there). If you haven't been feeling like yourself lately, and don't even know where to start, you're in the right place. Together we can discuss what you want your life to look like, identify where you're at now, and figure out how to bridge the gap between the two. Whether this is your first time seeking therapy, or you're looking for a fresh start, I'm happy to lend a hand.

The initial step in finding a therapist can feel overwhelming and daunting. Therapy is one important step in creating a path towards healing and/or self-love and acceptance. I recognize how challenging this first step can be and aim to help you receive the best and appropriate care based on your specific needs and presenting concerns. I am a bilingual/bicultural Latina therapist that uses a grief, trauma, and culturally informed approach in working with individuals and families.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the pressure you put on yourself and by the expectations of others? We're told we need to do well in school, make friends, excel at activities, make other people happy, contribute to society...and all of that can start to weigh you down. Using my vast experience working with children, adolescents and adults in community mental health clinics, schools, non-profits, and group practice, I’ve helped people work through anxiety, depression, self-doubt, identity exploration, social difficulty and trauma.