Christian Counseling Therapists in Westfield, NJ

My ideal client would most likely be a female teenager working through peer relationships, self-esteem, and social anxiety. With this client, I believe some of her needs would be to explore core beliefs of who she is in comparison to what others may say/think of her, cognitively challenging and reframing intrusive/negative thought patterns, and slowly expose the client to social scenarios in which she can use her coping skills to effectively navigate new situations.

Hello! My name is Dr. Chelece-Atavia Brown, a Pre-Licensed Social Worker (LSW) for New Jersey and a certified facilitator in Teen Mental Health First Aid by the National Council of Well-Being. I have experience in providing therapeutic services for children, teens, adults, couples, and groups. I assist high-achieving Black women and men with navigating life stressors. I'm passionate about bridging the gap between faith and mental health to increase an individual's quality of life.

As a newly licensed associate counselor and lay Christian counselor, I have honed my expertise in women's issues, trauma-informed care, emotional disturbance, and family conflict. I am passionate about educating and instilling a deep understanding of mental health disorders, trauma, and the importance of nurturing a healthy relationship with oneself.

Families are important to me, and learning to communicate in a world where technology and careers can disconnect the family—building bonds and relationships, learning to encourage and recognize the positive in others, and rebuilding relationships. To find the importance, look at past trauma individually, explore the impact trauma has on current situations, and heal the trauma to inspire the future and achieve success.

My ideal client would be a middle-aged woman struggling with depression and anxiety and grieving the loss of a child, husband, or a close family member. I would start by assessing her needs and using the Beck depression inventory scale and the Beck depression anxiety inventory scale. I would use grounding techniques and CBT, such as scheduling activities, positive affirmations, and psycho-education on depression and anxiety. I would also encourage journaling, writing five things for which they are thankful daily, and writing letters to the deceased person.

My ideal clients are people who have been unable to find someone they can pull back the veil covering their heart because of past betrayals, lack of trust, cultural roadblocks, or some other barrier that keeps the true source of their burden hidden. You are looking for a space where you can be honest, not with me, but with yourself. You're looking for someone who can listen without judgment and accompany you on your healing journey. You are seeking someone to either walk with you through your journey and hold you accountable for the goals you set for yourself or for someone who can simply listen with an open mind.

Christ says: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Mt. 11: 28). Are you struggling with burdens in your life, and feel lost, hopeless or unloved by God? Do you need clarity on how to proceed in dark or muddled situation? You are not alone! God has given us the answers we need in His Word, by His Spirit and through His Body, the Church. Together, we will navigate the turbulent waters before you, and with His help, find peace and healing.

Common feelings like "I don’t feel heard” or “I can’t seem to do anything right” are expressed by the couples I work with. Individual clients feel overwhelmed and stressed, “My life is changing dramatically and I’m not sure what to do next.”

"I'm so overwhelmed." "I'm not coping well." "I am so alone." "I'm really scared." "I feel I have no control." "I'm so angry." "I'm trying really hard to stay positive, (or sober/clean), but I don't know how much longer I can". Do any of these resonate with you? If you are finding it hard to feel grounded or connected, please know you are in no way alone. If managing daily uncertainty & unknowns have affected you emotionally and physically, mind and body both need your special attention. Navigating life transitions is challenging. However, our toughest challenges present opportunities for extraordinary growth.

My clients are individuals / couples struggling with: personal relationships, family issues, career management, addictions / substance abuse, personality disorders, depression / anxiety / debilitating disorders. I assist clients in spiritual development / enhancement of life-style, using cognitive behavioral / eclectic counseling. I have counseling / managerial experience in the social services field plus 20 years business management experience in the private/public sectors. In addition to my MA from Seton Hall University in Counselor Education, I have graduate credits in Alternative Dispute Resolution from Rutgers University. I am a NJ State Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and NBCC Board certified as a National Certified Counselor (NCC).

People struggling with fears, depression, relational problems, especially people who have somehow "lost" themselves tend to experience me as deeply compassionate yet able to target the primary cause(s) of their pain and identify what they may be doing to contribute to the ongoing problems in their lives. A sometimes surprising part of my therapeutic manner is that I am interactive in sessions while maintaining great respect for a person's capacity to direct their own lives and utilize their current pain toward growth of their real self and, hence, an enlivened life.

I love helping others assess and overcome their challenges while embracing their strengths; physical, emotional, social and spiritual. You deserve to grow and embrace a full and abundant life. My diversified vocational ( nursing, business, writing, counseling and pastoral) background allows me to work and walk with my clients as they heal from their past and move forward to maximize their strengths and accomplish their goals.) If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, a broken marriage, family dysfunction, career challenges or so many other things that hold us back from a life of joy, hope and peace...please call me.

As an ordained Minister, Pastoral Counselor, Certified Temperament Counselor, Wellness, and Career Life Coach; My style of counseling is calm, filled and with empath for my clients. I have years of experience with young people, and families working in the public school system serving as an Occupational Therapist in my first career. I believe in providing a safe place for people to share their feelings, hopes and dreams. As a counselor, I rely on wisdom from God to help clients by using tools to overcome co- dependency, rejection, marital conflict, increase communication skills as well as make wellness and career changes.

All therapists are not the same. Your choice is important! For over 20 years I have successfully helped individuals and couples resolve problems, break destructive habits, repair relationships and regain hope in times of grief and tragedy. My approach uniquely combines the best practices of both clinical counseling and professional coaching to offer a plan of action tailored to the specific needs of each individual or couple.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS IN SEPTEMBER. At Illuminate Behavioral HealthCare, we understand that life is full of many challenging moments and difficult experiences. Often times, processing these events in a supportive and healthy manner can allow you to grow as an individual and successfully pass through these challenges only to emerge a better you. We would love to join you on your journey to a better you. We look forward to hearing from you.

I have experience working with individuals, couples and families on issues related to addiction, infidelity and trust, self esteem, depression, anxiety, life changes, divorce, identifying goals, grief and loss as well as caregiver stress and elder adult issues and transitions. I have also worked with clients that are struggling with their identity, motivation and setting goals. I have experience with exposure response therapy to assist those with OCD. I also use trauma informed care to work with those who have experienced traumatic events from abuse to loss.

Sometime we need guidance to help navigate through life and make healthy decisions in our relationships with others. It is possible to make adjustments, and live a more fulfilling and rewarding life. Counseling is provided to individuals and families. My clients learn to develop healthy coping skills, thriving interpersonal relationships & build emotional resiliency through mental health, skill acquisition and psychoeducation. I’m here for you.

Currently accepting clients in NJ & FL virtually and in-person in NJ. I have a heart to meet people where they are currently at and help them achieve their goals to grow in the ways they desire. I hope that each of my clients find peace that guards their hearts and minds as well as become empowered to make choices and changes necessary for the life they yearn for.

Great Joy Counseling & Consulting Services, led by Dr. La’Tesha Sampson, a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience, is a group practice with a dedicated team of LCSWs, LSWs, LPCs, LACs, LMFTs, LAMFTs, RNs, and APNs. We are committed to delivering specialized services through various treatment modalities. Clients often praise our team's keen insight, non-judgmental approach, and extensive experience as what sets us apart in the field.