Welcome Licensed Associate Counselor Intern, Kaitlyn Gilmartin, to Portrait Health Centers in Eatontown, NJ!

Specialties: Include, however not limited to: anxiety, depression, grief, stress and anger management, ADHD, bullying, peer relationships, trauma, substance abuse, PTSD, crisis intervention, coping skills, self-care and wellness, career counseling, adjustment disorder, family conflict, sexual abuse, trust issues, men’s/women’s issues, relationship issues, self-esteem, school issues, self-harming, autism spectrum disorder, developmental/learning disabilities, behavioral issues, LGBT, personality disorders, dual diagnosis/co-occurring diagnosis, children, teens, young adults, adults

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Education: I received my Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from CACREP-accredited Georgian Court University, Lakewood, NJ. Prior to obtaining my masters degree, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychological Science and Applied Behavior Analysis from Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ. I am now a Licensed Associate Counselor as well as National Certified Counselor. 
 
Counseling Experience: During my undergraduate career, I took many related courses such as cognitive psychology, psychology of personality, research methods, and I integrated an internship for hands-on experience. At this internship, I assisted a licensed counselor with running different groups, recording group data, maintaining client files and confidentiality, and engaging clients during one-on-one sessions. For my graduate career, along with taking courses like advanced psychopathology and diagnosis, counseling theories, crisis intervention, and behavioral assessment and measurement, I also completed my graduate internship requirements at a similar site as my undergraduate internship. However at my graduate internship site I facilitated group discussions regarding psychoeducation, coping skills, development of self, and processing, to name a few. I also developed treatment plans and worked with my own caseload, meeting the needs of my clients and helping them navigate their life paths by equipping them with the mental and emotional tools necessary to succeed. In addition, for the past few years, I have been an in-home behavior therapist to children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, utilizing my education in applied behavior analysis. 
 
Philosophy: My personal philosophy is simple: just be happy. However, what does happiness look like? How do we define happiness and how do we get there? Life isn’t easy and sometimes we need help understanding circumstances and how we can grow from them (and that’s OKAY!) I utilize many therapeutic orientations with my clients, meaning I do not believe one approach is the best fit across the board. I often practice from a cognitive behavioral scope, while integrating other approaches such as person-centered, unconditional positive regard, solution-focused, and Gestalt therapies. I also incorporate my above mentioned applied behavior analysis experience when necessary, if behavior modification were to be discussed/addressed. I will use different outlets such as worksheets so my clients can visually see and track their progress and reference what we have worked on together in the future — better equipping themselves with knowledge and the tools they may need. I view myself as a crutch when a client is unable to use both their legs, always there for support and to provide stability.  However when the client works and processes through their presenting problem, they no longer rely on me for support. They have developed their own strength and can now walk, even run, on their own - understanding and believing in themselves, however knowing I, the crutch, is always there should the client need me again. 
 
Hobbies: I enjoy photography, spending time with my dog, family and friends, anything to do with nature, dancing, singing (even if I’m not great at it!), exercising, cooking/baking, Netflix, and collecting healing stones/crystals.