Jennifer C. Spears, LPC

Credentials: MA in Psychological Counseling from Monmouth University and Post Master’s Certification in Professional Counseling from Monmouth University

Specialties: Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective, Trauma, Co-occurring Mental Health and Addiction, Relationship, and Adjustment Issues

Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strength-Based, Person-Centered, and Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Informed

Clinical Focus: Adolescents and Adults

Years of Experience: 12+

Therapy is a reflective and integrative journey that is individualized and nonlinear. Having the courage to make the first step in taking the journey is a process in itself. Within a safe, nonjudgmental space, we can look through the lens of our own thoughts and feelings and be our own catalyst to change. I truly believe that individuals have the power to build on their own internal strengths while receiving the support to gain the skills and resources necessary to change and heal. The therapeutic alliance is essential for the therapy process. Each person has a narrative to share and I invite you to take the first step towards your recovery. I have experience working with individuals with both mental health and co-occurring mental health and addiction needs. I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings with knowledge and practice in trauma-informed care and evidence-based interventions.

Professional Service Provider for Bridge to Balance Inc.

Tara Maher, LCSW

Credentials: MSW from Rutgers University

Specialties: Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Trauma, Domestic Violence

Approaches: CBT, Interpersonal, Strengths-Based, & Solution-Focused

Clinical Focus: Adults 18+

Years of Experience: 7+

To recognize when you need support and be able to ask for it is brave and a sign of strength. The therapy room is a safe space where you can expect to receive empathic and compassionate support as you share about, explore, and work through your experiences and struggles. Therapy is a process that can help you grow, heal, access your inner strength, learn and embrace healthier patterns of acting and thinking, and regain a sense of control.

Haley Ostrow, LCSW

Credentials: MSW from Rutgers University

Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Stress, Self-Esteem, Relationship Struggles

Approaches: CBT, TF-CBT, Strength-Based, Person-Centered, Mindfulness, Psychodynamic

Clinical Focus: Teens & Young Adults

Years of Experience: 5+

Anxieties and stressors can make you feel trapped and become a barrier to living a happier and fulfilling life that you envisioned for yourself. Therapy can be a valuable opportunity to truly focus on yourself and tune in to your needs, explore difficult feelings, and discover the tools and insight to heal and transform into the person you are meant to be. My goal is to provide a safe, caring and supportive environment for you while working together as a team so that we can better understand patterns of thoughts and behaviors and learn new, healthier ways to approach situations and relationships.

Monica Natarajan, LPC

Credentials:M.S. from Touro College

Specialties: Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Adjustment Disorders and Relationship Difficulties.

Approaches: CBT, Trauma Focused CBT ,Person-Centered Approach, Solution Focused Therapy

Clinical Focus:Adults

Years of Experience: 10+

Monica Natarajan, M.S., LPC, LMHC, is a bilingual psychotherapist with over 10 years of experience in mental health counseling. She graduated from Touro College in New York with a Master's of Science Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has been providing mental health treatment in several settings, including outpatient community clinics, inpatient hospitalization, and supportive housing facilities. She is experienced in working with clients suffering from Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, relationship difficulties,and Adjustment Disorders. She utilizes a person-centered approach and will adopt her therapeutic approach to tailor her client’s needs. She has been formally trained in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Trauma Focused Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. She is culturally sensitive, open-minded, and a good listener. She is non-judgmental and believes in creating a safe space for you to express your concerns and will work in partnership with you in achieving your goals. She is eager to work in collaboration with you and being a part of your journey.

Professional Service Provider for Bridge to Balance Inc.

Brie Meade, LCSW

Credentials:MSW from Fordham University

Specialties: Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Substance Use Disorders

Approaches:DBT, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed

Clinical Focus: Ages 12+

Years of Experience: 5 years

We all experience struggles, barriers, and obstacles. A brave few rise to the surface to seek the help and support they need to overcome the challenges in their way. Therapy provides the opportunity to find the strength and resilience individuals have had all along to make it through some of the darkest moments in their lives. Using a strength-based approach, I work alongside you as you allow yourself to take your power back and be the author of your own story.

Gerilyn A. Suschke, LPC

Credentials: MA in Counseling and Personnel Services from The College of New Jersey

Specialties: Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Family-Child Relationships, Adjustment to Change, Childhood Trauma

Approaches: CBT, Solution Focused, DBT, ACT, Parent Child interactive Training

Clinical Focus: Children, Adolescents, and Adults

Years of Experience: 20+

Each of us are unique individuals and experience life through our own particular perspective. In my approach, therapy is an individualized process working from evidence-based practices. I believe that therapy is a journey we take together, as partners. Your therapy should be tailored to your needs and experiences without judgment or criticism, focused on healing and moving forward toward a healthy life.

Amanda Salierno, LAC, MT-BC

Credentials: MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Montclair State University BA in Music Therapy from Montclair State University

Specialties: Depression, Anxiety, Autism, Developmental Disabilities, Early Childhood Mental Health, Parent Support, & Self-Regulation

Approaches: Play Therapy, Music Therapy, Person-Centered, Strength-Based, Holistic Approaches, & Developmentally Minded

Clinical Focus: Children, Adolescents, and Families

Years of Experience: 3+

Therapy is a collaboration between the therapist and the client. In order to help the client, I use the client’s strengths to meet them where they are, to help them achieve their goals and to reach their full potential. When working with a client of any age, I work to create a warm, nonjudgmental safe space. I strive to help clients to identify and understand their levels of stress, what is specifically draining their energy, and work with the client to identify and practice positive coping skills. During sessions, talk, play, music, and other creative modalities are used to help the client achieve their goals.

Professional Service Provider for Bridge to Balance Inc.

Jessica Perlaza, LCSW

Credentials: MSW from Rutgers UniversitySpecialties: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Adjustment disorders, Emotional Regulation, Self Esteem

Approaches: CBT, TF- CBT, Mindfulness, Solution- Focused, Strength Based.

Clinical Focus: Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults

Years of Experience: 5+ years

Therapy is for everyone at any stage, whether it be in childhood, adolescence or adulthood. We are more than just physical beings and our thoughts and emotions greatly impact us every single day. Therapy can be a way to learn more about yourself, gain awareness of your needs and feelings, and can also be a pathway for growth, healing, and learning. Our therapeutic relationship is a partnership that provides you with a safe and non- judgmental space that can help you to better manage difficult emotions, build yourself esteem, overcome fears, change and establish healthier patterns of behavior and thinking, and navigate different relationships. It is an investment in yourself that takes time, dedication, energy, and work and provides an opportunity to gain clarity and create tools to conquer life's challenges.