Relationship Issues Therapists in Highlands, NJ

As a counselor, my goal is to inspire actualized change. A large part of that process is forming a strong working relationship to determine where you find fulfillment, derive meaning, and how you exist in the here and now. I'm a firm believer that the worldview we hold and the narratives we perpetuate dictate how we navigate life's nuances so, we often start there. Once we strip the old stories and ego, what are we left with? On the other side of anger, self-doubt, anxiety, self-criticism, depression, grief, addiction, or whatever your concerns may be—Who are you? I'm excited to embark on the journey to that state of being with you.

Relationships are difficult. Life can be overwhelming at times. But if you want to feel better about your life and/or relationship, there is hope. With over 20 years of experience, my work is characterized by compassion, optimism and collaboration. Clients describe me as warm and approachable, and I have a casual and relaxed style. I specialize in helping people improve the most important relationships in their lives, including their relationship with themselves. I offer a practical, solution-focused approach, and participate actively in the process of achieving your goals.

My practice is suited to clients who are adjusting to challenges in their personal and professional lives. I see a variety of clients who are dealing with feelings of anxiety and depression due to identity issues, relationship troubles, occupational stress and parenting difficulties. Many of my clients find themselves at a 'crossroad' where they choose to resolve past and current conflicts in order to move into a happier and more secure future. Often, I see clients who feel frustrated or defeated in their own attempts to solve problems and seek a safe place to work through their thoughts and feelings.

If you’re feeling burned out, overwhelmed with parenting challenges, dealing with grief or loss, or seeking healing from longer term trauma, we’ll work together on your path to wellbeing. My practice is grounded in a traditional talk therapy approach that provides you the space, guidance and support to explore areas of your life that promote introspection and healing. I pride myself on helping my clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their thoughts and behaviors. I’m trained in Psychodynamic psychotherapy, Structural Family Therapy, TF-CBT and am a Psychoanalytic post-graduate candidate.

DO YOU LONG FOR CLOSENESS AND CONNECTION but end up stuck in the same old conflicts? Do you want to improve communication and rekindle love and affection? Have you been harmed by an affair? As a specialist in marriage counseling and couples therapy, I help couples of all ages improve communication, end feelings of loneliness, and create intimacy, trust and true connection. I specialize in healing from affairs and infidelity. I am the first therapist in Monmouth County to be fully certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy, widely regarded as the most effective form of couples therapy available today.

I am a certified EMDR therapist and consultant through EMDRIA. I offer specialized care in the treatment of trauma/ PTSD, anxiety, and complex relationship issues. Relationships are hard and are often the foundation of a lot of our pain. Some of the issues I often work with are: healing from narcissistic abuse, navigating co- dependency/ people pleasing, infidelity, present day triggers to childhood trauma ( i.e. through parenting, our partners, bosses, strangers on the road, it comes out in a host of unsuspecting ways) poor self- worth, eating and body imagine issues.

A first therapy session is a little like a blind date; if the interpersonal chemistry isn't right, there shouldn't be a second date. At the end of our first session together, if you feel safe, secure, understood and supported, then, and only then, do we go forward. Otherwise I'll refer you elsewhere. If it feels to you like we can work well together, you can probably get beyond your struggles with depression, anxiety and/or relationship issues more quickly than you think. I look forward to meeting you

Feeling overwhelmed and blindsided by pregnancy and parenthood? Struggling to adjust to sudden life changes, expected or unexpected? Is anxiety getting in the way of your daily functioning? Whether you are navigating a particular life event, like becoming a parent or starting college, or seeking support for ongoing challenges, together we can work towards building the skills and insights needed to weather the changes. I aim to create a warm, empathetic, and collaborative therapeutic relationship where you feel heard, valued, and supported. Feeling bad does not have to be your normal.

You feel like something is holding you back...whether it's at work, in your relationship, as a parent, or just in where you thought your life would be by now. For the most part your life, career, or marriage is ok;but you envision better. You want to feel the depth and intimacy you once felt with your partner and stop the ongoing arguments. You want to stop holding back at work; or feeling inadequate as a parent because you just don't know what to do next about your child's behavior. You are stressed and overwhelmed, feeling like no one truly gets it. Your relationships are well enough, but you are missing depth, connection and meaning. Perhaps you are waiting for motivation to strike you? As you wait, the days, months, and years fly by and you remain stuck, vowing that next week...month...year...or time, things will be different. Why wait? You deserve NOW. You want to thrive in your life and change the way things feel at this moment. You want to stop repeating the same patterns, arguments, and situations that keep you unhappy. Perhaps you can do it alone, but what if nothing changes? There is a better solution. Seeking outside support is a sign of strength and readiness for change

My practice specializes in helping people deal with life's increasingly complex challenges with special focus on the psychological demands of finding joy and happiness in one's life. Treatment includes finding one's inner authentic self which gets lost in the face of life's problems. My focus includes helping people cope with emotional isolation and loneliness as well as developing and maintaining one's personal life to find happiness, fulfillment and intimacy in primary relationships. My practice also includes helping women find pleasure and satisfaction in dealing with the impossible balance of work, home and relationship life.

Are you and your partner having trouble turning toward each other when you are upset, afraid or hurt? Perhaps your talks often trigger intense emotions, leading to anger, aggression or avoidance. Does it feel like no matter how many times your try to explain how you feel you aren’t heard? Do you feel like you’ve already done everything you can to make your relationship better and now feel it’s hopeless? If any of this reminds you of yourself, your partner or your relationship then maybe it’s time to consider couples therapy.

Are you experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, or feeling held back by past experiences? Do you feel like something is missing in your life or that you need to make important connections or breakthroughs to live your life more fully? Do you feel stuck in the past, afraid to live your life, or lack of motivation? Do you feel like low self esteem or insecurity are holding you back? Are there unresolved issues in your relationships with your parents or your partner? We can focus on what you need to break the patterns and move forward. Featured in Newsweek, HuffPost, FOX News, and Men’s Health.

Hi and welcome to the first step of the therapeutic process. For your safety during COVID-19, Michele offers online video or phone sessions that are highly effective. Michele also offers face to face individual, couples, and family therapy sessions. Michele specializes in couples therapy as it relates to pre-marital counseling, communication styles, intimacy, trust, relationship dysfunction, divorce recovery, parenting, co-parenting, conflict resolution, and how to navigate daily stressors effectively.

I use a variety of therapeutic treatments that I have learned and developed in the 30 years of working in the behavioral health field. The art of healing, providing holistic care in a safe, confidential, therapeutic environment. Psychotherapy is based on support, learning new skills, teaching about feelings and behavior. Promoting positive changes for a healthier lifestyle. I hold a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from the Eisner Institute, a Master of Counseling Psychology from Monmouth University and a Master of the Arts in Art Therapy from New York University. Spirit, Mind and Body approach.

Let’s talk! You deserve a helping hand to guide you on your self-exploration journey. It is common to experience a mix of emotions before beginning therapy. You may be feeling nervous about opening up, discussing past experiences, and are unsure of what to expect from the process. You may be hopeful that therapy will provide relief from personal struggles. You may also feel excited at the prospect of gaining new insights and coping strategies to navigate these difficulties. I want to help you take the first step towards a brighter tomorrow by investing in your well-being and cultivating a deeper understanding of yourself and others.