Our Counselors

Brian Nguyen, LCSW

Philosophy of Care

Brian Nguyen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of New Jersey with experience  working with all walks of life. Brian has successfully treated adults with trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship, and addiction. He completed his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Stockton University and received his Master of Arts in Social Work from Rutgers University  

Brian has training in EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, solution focused therapy, and many others. He will tailor your treatment with approaches you feel most comfortable and empowered with. Everyone is unique, so finding the rich combination of modalities is vital to growth.

Brian’s goal is to allow you to take control of your life the best way you can. He has a laid back approach and will always assure you that you are in control. As you improve in therapy, Brian will make sure that the improvements stay and become integrated in your life.

Education

Rutgers University
Master's in Social Work

Specialties

• Trauma
• Depression/Anxiety
• Stress Management
• LGBTQIA Issues
• Racial Identity
• Anger Management
• Men’s Issues
• Relationship Issues
• Behavioral Addictions

Doreen Cook, LCSW

Philosophy of Care

Doreen Cook is a licensed clinical social worker with experience serving persons with diverse needs including those with depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, grief, loss, issues of aging to individuals with OCD, intellectual disabilities and chronic mental illness. Doreen also has experience working with teens/adolescents. 

Doreen’s counseling style is warm and sensitive to the unique experiences that have shaped the person you are today without being judgmental.  Together, you will focus on your growth by developing conscious awareness and insight, setting attainable goals and achieving incremental successes and identifying the root causes of obstacles and barriers. Doreen believes in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion.

If you are here, considering if you are ready to make a change in your life, then let's take that step together and explore how Doreen can support and empower you to reach your goals.

Education and Licensure

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, State of New Jersey

Masters of Social Work, Kean University, 2000

Bachelor of Social Work, Kean University, 1998

Specialties

• Depression
  • Self esteem
  • Grief, loss and bereavement
  • Suicidal ideation
  • Self harm
  • Parasuicidal behaviors

• Anxiety
  • Panic attacks, panic disorder and phobias
  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Social anxiety
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder and treatment refractory OCD
  • Hoarding

• Chronic Illness
  • Breast cancer
  • Cancer
  • Lupus
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Gastroparesis
  • Diabetes

• Chronic Pain
  • Disability
  • Injury
  • Pain secondary to chronic illness

• Intellectual Disability
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Behavior management
  • Social skills
  • Intellectual Disability with comorbid mental illness
  • Down’s Syndrome
  • Prader Willi Syndrome
• Chronic mental illness
• • Bipolar disorder
  • Schizoaffective disorder
  • Schizophrenia

• Family
  • Teen Issues
  • Relationship Conflict
  • Strengthening Healthy Relationships
  • Parenting Issues
  • Adolescents / Behavioral Issues

• Life Transitions

Elizabeth McHugh, Psychologist

Philosophy of Care

Dr. Elizabeth McHugh is a NJ Licensed Psychologist and School Psychologist who specializes in psychological and neuropsychological testing. Dr. McHugh has 8 years of experience working with children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), intellectual disabilities, learning differences, and emotional/behavioral regulation difficulties. Dr. McHugh specializes in working with families to help identify concerns and diagnostic answers for their children and adolescents and to help connect them with evidence based treatments for their areas of concern. Additionally, Dr. McHugh is a trained School Psychologist and has extensive experience in providing families with guidance on how to navigate the special education system and providing school districts with recommendations for a child’s individual needs. Dr. McHugh completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at The College of New Jersey and received her Master of Arts in Human Development and Doctorate of Philosophy in School Psychology from Lehigh University. After graduating, Dr. McHugh completed a neuropsychology assessment fellowship. 

At an intake session, Dr. McHugh begins with learning about the child and the presenting concerns. Afterward, Dr. McHugh uses gold-standard assessments to assess the child to better understand their individual strengths and areas of concern. With the information gathered, Dr. McHugh will provide the family with a report of the findings of the assessments as well as an individualized treatment plan using evidence based practices that have been found to be effective for your child’s specific needs. Dr. McHugh specializes in using a child’s strengths in order to assist them with their areas of difficulty. 

Education

Lehigh University
Doctorate of Philosophy in School Psychology

Specialties

• ADHD
• Learning disabilities (dyslexia, Specific Learning Disabilities, etc.)
• Intellectual Disabilities
• Giftedness 
• Social Skills
• Adaptive Skills
• Behavioral difficulties (Oppositional, emotion regulation, etc.)
• Anxiety Disorders in children/adolescents
• Depression in children/adolescents
• Executive Functioning

Erica Pena, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Erica Pena is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of New Jersey serving children, adolescents, adults, couples and families from diverse and multicultural backgrounds. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Lock Haven University and received her Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling & Psychology from William Paterson.

Erica utilizes various evidence-based approaches, such as relational, collaborative, strength based, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness based, solution focused and emotionally focused approaches to assist clients along the change process. Erica seeks to establish a therapeutic environment that embodies creativity, flexibility and awareness to meet the needs of every unique individual and couple.

Erica sees therapy as a collaborative effort with clients in identifying goals and potential solutions to alleviate emotional distress, improve communication skills, strengthen self-care strategies and promote renewed sense of purpose.

Education

William Paterson
Master's in Clinical Counseling & Psychology

Specialties

• Mood Disorders
• Relationship Issues
• Self-Esteem
• Behavioral Issues
• Grief & Loss
• Stress Management
• Life Transitions
• Anger Management

James Seymore, LCSW

Philosophy of Care

Over the years, I have been blessed to have had a rich and diverse work experience. I love helping people. 

I have worked as a School Social Worker in the Middlesex Public Schools at all levels from preschool to high school.  During my tenure there, I incorporated a parent group that provided advisory services along with monthly seminars to educate parents about special education law, rules, and regulations.  I brought in expert speakers to address parental concerns and questions.  In effect, this became a proactive platform to prevent small problems throughout the district.  I contributed to the launch of a preschool program that served as a pilot program to train local educators in preschool assessments.  One of the achievements that I am most proud of was being the key person to handle conflict resolution when issues arose relative to classification, placement, or program.  

Over the years, I have earned recognition as a result of developing seminars and/or conferences dealing with issues in special education and related areas, included, but not limited to, a conference in Somerset, NJ on special education law/problems.  One of the other well-attended conferences I developed, also in Somerset, was titled ‘Breaking the Chains of Domestic Violence’ and drew over 200 attendees. 

I have a passion for helping students to succeed.  Furthermore, I strongly believe that all students need bright, compassionate male role models who will work every day to help make a difference in their lives.  Having served as a Field Work Instructor for Rutgers University, providing quality internship experiences for Master’s level Social Work candidates, I was fortunate to have realized what a difference one professional can make in the lives of every student.  I am committed to helping every student realize his or her full potential.  

I was recognized by Saint Peter’s University Hospital as one of their best medical social workers while working to mitigate issues around domestic violence, trauma induced hospitalizations, suicidality and a host of behavioral health problems like Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Psychotic and polysubstance Disorder to name a few

Most importantly, I have a deep and abiding respect for each and every individual who entrust me with their care.  My mantra is to treat every individual who seeks help as if he or she is a member of my family.     

Education

Rutgers University
Master of Social Work

Specialties

• Relationships
• Phobia's
• ADHD/ADD
• Depression
• Mood Disorders
• Bipolar Disorder
• Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders
• Self-Harm

Jerome Scaturro, LPC, LCADC

Philosophy of Care

Jerome Scaturro is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Alcohol & Drug Counselor in the state of New Jersey who has 8 year’s experience with adults, couples, teenagers (15 to 19) seeking help with addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, men’s and women’s issues as well as relationship issues.  He completed his Master's in Professional Counseling from Liberty University and currently working towards his Doctorate in Professional Counseling.

Jerome utilizes identifiable, collaborative, compassion and empathy based, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness based, solution focused approaches to therapy continually searching and seeking for the individual awareness of the issues to best address the needs for each individual and couple to grow and ultimately heal.

Jerome’s main goal is to establish a trusting, respectful and authentic relationship with you in or order to allow you to share your vulnerabilities, feelings and thoughts that will be the freedom towards healing and growing and living the most meaningful and best life you value and wish for.

Education 

Liberty University
Master's in Professional Counseling

Specialties

• Trauma
• Depression & Anxiety
• Addiction
• Men’s & Women’s issues
• Life transitions
• Self-esteem & worth
• Personality Disorders
• Relationship issues
• Marriage & Couples counseling
• Teenage (15 to 19)

Kimberly Kirchofer, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Kimberly Kirchofer is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of New Jersey with 10 years of experience working with adults, couples, and families seeking help with anxiety, trauma, anger management, self esteem, depression, life transitions, family counseling, and relationship issues. Kimberly graduated with a Master of Arts in Counseling from Kean University.  

Kimberly utilizes a collaborative approach tapping into relational, strength based, solution focused, cognitive behavioral, emotional,  holistic therapies always catering to each individual’s needs.  Kimberly is also certified in Brainspotting, which helps the brain utilize its own ability to heal itself from trauma stored inside the body.  Additional certifications in trauma based practices include Prolonged Exposure therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy. 

Kimberly’s goal is to offer a warm and trusting, down to earth approach to counseling.  Kimberly uses authenticity, empathy, and sometimes humor to create a comfortable and approachable therapeutic relationship for the client to begin a journey towards becoming the best version of you.

Education

Kean University
Master's in Counseling

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Couples Counseling
• Divorce 
• Family Therapy
• Life Transitions
• Self Esteem
• Trauma
• Relationship Issues
• Grief & Loss
• Stress Issues
• Anger Management

Lanette Rozier, LCSW

Philosophy of Care

In over twenty years of practice,I have determined that when relationships fail, all other  successes in life become hollow victories. My goal is to help individuals achieve a better quality  of life and avoid needless suffering by enhancing their relationships. Many times a change in  perception can cause a dramatic reduction in symptoms. 

My work with people experiencing challenges in their relationships has given me the  opportunity to incorporate a spiritual component which has helped them to achieve serenity. My  multi-cultural background enables me to offer special insight into the unique problems faced by  racial and ethnic groups. 

The ability to determine which method will work best for each person and the flexibility and  competence to provide the most suitable treatment are essential. I believe that the answers to our  problems are within us. My job is to assist in the uncovering of the knowledge within. 

Therapy is a very intimate relationship that requires courage and hard work on the part of the  person seeking counseling, and caring and dedication on the part of the therapist. It is a  cooperative effort that results in the growth of both patient and therapist. I invite you to begin  that journey.

Education

Rutgers University
Masters of Social Work

Specialties

• Relationships
• Marriage
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Christian Counseling

Mark Stella, LPC, NCC

Philosophy of Care

Choosing to see a therapist is not easy so I applaud you for taking that step. I would encourage you to be selective and find the "right fit" between you and a potential therapist.

Living in the world today is not easy. There are difficult life challenges we all face. Many of us need help navigating this terrain. Being in therapy is probably the healthiest thing you can do for yourself.

I follow a Humanistic approach which emphasizes the importance of being your true self in order to lead the most fulfilling life. My guiding philosophy is to help individuals improve their relationship with themselves first. As progress is made in this way, relationships with others as well as the various aspects of the client's life are likely to improve.

It is my belief that true therapeutic change can be accelerated through a focus on the client's day to day life rather than treating a specific diagnosis.  My Solution-Focused (SFBT) treatment approach provides clients with a toolbox by which they can leave therapy knowing how to help themselves. I also use Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) which helps to identify self­ defeating thoughts and feelings, while challenging the rationality of those feelings, and replacing them with healthier and more productive beliefs.

Maybe you are just looking to grow, face something difficult, feel down, worried, overwhelmed, not getting what you want in your relationships, confused about who you are, or don't feel confident in yourself. Either way, I welcome you.

Education

Walden University
Master's in Mental Health Counseling

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Stress
• ADHD
• Depression
• Mood Disorders
• Bipolar Disorder
• Anger Management

Marya Slater, LMFT, RN

Philosophy of Care

Marya Slater is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Professional Registered Nurse. Marya obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from New York University and her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. Her diverse educational background has enabled Marya to explore therapeutic issues through a broad lens. She maintained a private therapy practice in Manhattan for over 10 years. Marya is experienced working with individuals and couples.

Marya works from a psychodynamic perspective believing that underlying patterns of behavior can be addressed utilizing the therapeutic relationship as a vehicle for change. Rather than endorsing a singular methodology, Marya also utilizes techniques from other therapeutic perspectives such as cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-­‐focused approaches to help clients achieve short-­‐term goals while working to address deeper issues in order to live more satisfying, fulfilling lives.

Subscribing to the philosophy that all people bring unique perspectives and strengths to the therapeutic process, Marya strives to help clients recognize their own strengths and build on those assets within the framework of a supportive and nurturing therapeutic relationship.

Specialties

• Couples counseling
• Infertility issues
• LGBTQ issues
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress management
• Grief/Loss
• Chronic/terminal illness
• Relationship issueNavigating life transitions

Nancy Lang, LCSW,

Philosophy of Care

Nancy Lang is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who partners with individuals and couples to help them navigate life’s challenges and find inner peace and fulfillment. She joins with individuals who wish to rediscover themselves and seek help with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, healing from trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, grief and loss. Nancy completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Social Work at Rutgers University and has received a professional certificate in Violence Against Women and Children.

Nancy utilizes a holistic, strength-based, trauma-informed approach that values the unique experiences of every individual and couple that she serves. With a deep understanding for the mind-body-spirit connection, she applies a variety of modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, DBT-informed, relational, and expressive arts approaches that are culturally sensitive and gender-affirming.

Nancy is known for creating safe, accepting spaces that will support you in being your true, authentic self. She will establish a warm and caring relationship with you that is centered around your strengths and dreams and empowers you to find balance, feel valued, and live a life that is meaningful and exciting. Nancy is compassionate, professional, and relatable and will join you on your journey to healing and happiness.

Education

Rutgers University
Master's in Social Work
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma and PTSD
• Self-Esteem
• Women’s Issues
• Life Transitions
• Relationship Issues
• Domestic Violence
• Spirituality
• Stress Management
• Grief & Loss

Nicole Peniston, Psychologist

Philosophy of Care

Nicole C. Peniston, Psy.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist from the state of New Jersey who has five years experience working with adults and children to assess and treat a variety of psychological and developmental disorders that affect functioning in home, at school or work, and in the community. She completed a Bachelor and Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology at John Jay College, part of the City University of New York in 2003, and obtained a Master of Arts and a Doctorate of Psychology from Widener University's Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology in 2015.

Dr. Peniston utilizes a collaborative strengths-based approach, and uses an eclectic toolbox including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, emotion-focused, and systems-based approaches to offer creative, flexible, honest, and empathic treatment to meet individual needs and gain a better understanding of self, others, and the world around us.

Dr. Peniston focuses on psychological, cognitive, and therapeutic assessment to help identify and clarify intellectual, social, or individual difficulties and offer recommendations for treatment. She also provides therapy to assist clients in tackling life stressors and interpersonal problems, meet personal goals, and enhance coping skills.

Education

Widener University's Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology
Doctorate of Psychology

Specialties

• Psychological and Personality Assessment
• Cognitive Assessment
• Stress Management
• Self Esteem
• Identity Issues