Multicultural Therapists in Madison, NJ

The decision to go to therapy is not an easy one, but it is a courageous step for someone who is having difficulty in some area of their life or in their relationships. I am a caring, culturally competent therapist who works with individuals, couples, and families around many issues, including: marital problems, sexual issues, raising adolescents, depression, anxiety, and how all mental health issues impact our lives and relationships. I have specialized training in couple and family therapy which I obtained through the Ackerman Institute for the Family In New York City. I am also currently pursuing certification in sex therapy.

At TCTCS, we are all about providing relief and recovery to our clients. Throughout our life spans, we will experience a variety of transitions and traumas. Everyone experiences these adjustments in different ways. Examples of our traumas include but are not limited to: post partum depression, divorce, bullying, cyber stalking, relationship adjustments and separations, loss, medical illnesses, mental health challenges, domestic and/or sexual violence, betrayals and surviving child abuse etc. We have a team of trauma informed therapists who presently have availability. We speak Hebrew and French and English.

Ashley Lai is a Licensed Social Worker in the state of New Jersey. She received her Master of Social Work degree from Rutgers University. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from The College of New Jersey, double majoring in Psychology and Music with a minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Ashley has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and elders in educational, in-community, nursing home, non-profit, and outpatient settings providing both individual and group therapy. She specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), art therapy, and play therapy and incorporates mindfulness and somatic

Family Healing Center is a leading provider in wellness and recovery care. We help our clients identify their challenges, create a plan to help them heal, become whole and live functional productive lives. Please visit our website www.familyhealingcenternj.com. At Family Healing Center We CARE (Compassion, Appreciation, Relationships and Respect, Empathy and Expertise) about you!

Having worked in numerous and diverse mental health facilities with people of all ages, including group home, long-term inpatient, adult/partial hospital outpatient, I use a modern psychoanalytic approach in my practice for treating symptoms pertaining to today's mental health challenges. Following the contact while working with a person’s transference and resistances, helps to develop a treatment alliance while fostering a strong therapeutic relationship.

I have experience treating a variety of clients from young children, teens, parents, and grandparents. I have assisted them through traditional treatment as well as custody evaluations, bonding evaluations, reunification therapy, and learning assessments. In treatment, I have used EMDR skills to treat high levels of anxiety. My experience with depression and other mood disorders has spanned almost 20 years of practice in psychology. I work collaboratively with my clients. There is no question or experience too big or small for us to examine and unlock together.

My Name is Dr. Meredith Carleton, and I am a Licensed Psychologist and Registered Creative Arts Therapist. I offer my clients a warm and welcoming environment that promotes connection and growth. My treatment style is very eclectic, integrating psychodynamic and family systems fundamentals with creative techniques and cognitive behavioral (CBT) interventions. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression and other mood issues, as well as trauma, ADHD, and behavioral concerns. I serve clients across the lifespan, with additional expertise in issues relevant to children, adolescents, emerging adults (age 18-25) and LGBTQ individuals.

My professional experience over the last three decades consists of working in a variety of settings including College Counseling & Psychological Service, Emergency Room Crisis Intervention Counselor, Partial Care Programs, Community Mental Health Center, and Counseling Center for Pregnant Teens. For the past 23 years, I have counseled a diverse population of college students who have struggled with PTSD, Social and General Anxiety, Relationships, Depression, Trauma, Grief/loss, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders and Life Transitions providing a collaborative relationship in a safe, open and nonjudgmental atmosphere. ​

When worry and self-doubt feel like a constant companion it may be difficult to focus on work, family, relationships. When you find yourself avoiding things such as conversations, that tennis practice or game, or that outing with friends, that feeling of uneasiness increases. You now fear the impact on your relationships, with colleagues, friends and loved ones as well as on your future goals. Now imagine learning and utilizing skills that allow you to overcome the stressors in your life while developing and nurturing your relationships.

When life becomes too overwhelming to process alone, I feel privileged to be a compassionate guide and partner for clients as they learn effective coping skills to embrace, process, and manage their emotions. I pride myself on creating a strong therapeutic rapport with clients and being an ally for those from diverse backgrounds. As individuals we grow through our relationships to others so I am dedicated to fostering an environment of non-judgment, support, respect, empowerment, and trust. I hope to help clients achieve a balance in examining the past, living in the present, and looking towards the future in treatment.