Meet Our Team of
Health Care Specialists
At Portrait Health Centers, we have created an environment where the staff is warm and friendly, the doctors are accessible, and all patients are treated with care and respect
Bernardsville, NJ
Portrait Health Centers
150 Morristown Road Suite 108 Bernardsville, New Jersey 07924 P: (732) 982-2888 F: (847) 859-5885 Map |
Ask a Patient Coordinator
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Anthony Girod, MA/EdS, LAC
Licensed Associate Counselor
_____________________________________________
Education: Seton Hall University
Phone: (732) 982-2888
Email Me
Office Location: Parsippany, NJ & Bernardsville, NJ
Schedule Appointment Online (Bernardsville Office)
Specialties: Including, but not limited to: Academic Underachievement, Anger Management, Anxiety, Asperger's Syndrome, Bipolar Disorder, Career Counseling, Child or Adolescent, Codependency, Coping Skills, Depression, Dissociative Disorders, Dual-Diagnosis, Family Conflict, Gambling, Grief and Loss, Infidelity, Internet Addiction, LGBTQQA, Life Coaching, Life Transitions, Marital and Premarital, Men's Issues, Mood Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Parenting, Peer Relationships, Psychosis, Relationship Issues, School Issues, Self-Esteem, Self-Harming, Sex Therapy, Personality Disorders, Sleep or Insomnia, Spirituality, Stress, Suicidal Ideation, Teen Violence, Transgender, and Video Game Addiction
Educational Background: I received my Master's degree in Counseling and Education Specialist degree in Professional Counseling from Seton Hall University. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice, with a minor in Criminology, from Rutgers University. During my graduate internships, I had the privilege of working with clients from a variety of different age groups and mental illnesses. My experience in an intensive outpatient setting revealed the importance of group therapy and combining various treatment methods to promote a better treatment outcome. Completing my internship at an outpatient facility was an integral step in exploring the world outside of an intensive outpatient facility and provided me with experience in how to continue care at a less intense level.
Therapeutic Approach: Working with younger clients has been a great joy of mine and I am delighted to see the upcoming leaders of our world come into their own. By providing an understanding, judgment-free environment and utilizing compassion, empathy, and humor, I am able to develop a supportive counseling relationship to ensure success and an overall better sense of well-being for all of my clients. I typically engage with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-based (MBCT) practices, but I think it is also important to pull from a variety of other approaches.
In my spare time, I enjoy creative writing, golfing, hiking, and woodworking. I'm also a lover of art with film being my favorite type of art. I consider it a good week if I've had the chance to go to a movie theater.
In my spare time, I enjoy creative writing, golfing, playing guitar, and woodworking. I'm a lover of art, especially film, and I consider it a good day if I'm able to visit a museum or go to a movie theater.
Phone: (732) 982-2888
Email Me
Office Location: Parsippany, NJ & Bernardsville, NJ
Schedule Appointment Online (Bernardsville Office)
Specialties: Including, but not limited to: Academic Underachievement, Anger Management, Anxiety, Asperger's Syndrome, Bipolar Disorder, Career Counseling, Child or Adolescent, Codependency, Coping Skills, Depression, Dissociative Disorders, Dual-Diagnosis, Family Conflict, Gambling, Grief and Loss, Infidelity, Internet Addiction, LGBTQQA, Life Coaching, Life Transitions, Marital and Premarital, Men's Issues, Mood Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Parenting, Peer Relationships, Psychosis, Relationship Issues, School Issues, Self-Esteem, Self-Harming, Sex Therapy, Personality Disorders, Sleep or Insomnia, Spirituality, Stress, Suicidal Ideation, Teen Violence, Transgender, and Video Game Addiction
Educational Background: I received my Master's degree in Counseling and Education Specialist degree in Professional Counseling from Seton Hall University. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice, with a minor in Criminology, from Rutgers University. During my graduate internships, I had the privilege of working with clients from a variety of different age groups and mental illnesses. My experience in an intensive outpatient setting revealed the importance of group therapy and combining various treatment methods to promote a better treatment outcome. Completing my internship at an outpatient facility was an integral step in exploring the world outside of an intensive outpatient facility and provided me with experience in how to continue care at a less intense level.
Therapeutic Approach: Working with younger clients has been a great joy of mine and I am delighted to see the upcoming leaders of our world come into their own. By providing an understanding, judgment-free environment and utilizing compassion, empathy, and humor, I am able to develop a supportive counseling relationship to ensure success and an overall better sense of well-being for all of my clients. I typically engage with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-based (MBCT) practices, but I think it is also important to pull from a variety of other approaches.
In my spare time, I enjoy creative writing, golfing, hiking, and woodworking. I'm also a lover of art with film being my favorite type of art. I consider it a good week if I've had the chance to go to a movie theater.
In my spare time, I enjoy creative writing, golfing, playing guitar, and woodworking. I'm a lover of art, especially film, and I consider it a good day if I'm able to visit a museum or go to a movie theater.
Ashley Karaman LAC
Licensed Associate Counselor
____________________________________________
Education: Walden University
Phone: (732) 982-2888
Email Me
Office Location: Clark, NJ & Bernardsville, NJ
Schedule Appointment Online (Bernardsville Office)
Specialties: Addiction, ADHD, Adoption, Alcohol Abuse, Alzheimer's, Anger Management, Antisocial Personality, Anxiety, Asperger's Syndrome, Autism, Behavioral Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality, Child or Adolescent, Chronic Illness, Chronic Relapse, Codependency, Coping Skills, Depression, Developmental Disorders, Divorce, Domestic Abuse, Domestic Violence, Drug Abuse, Dual Diagnosis, Eating Disorders, Emotional Disturbance, Family Conflict, Grief, Infertility, Intellectual Disability, Learning Disabilities, Life Transitions, Narcissistic Personality, Obesity, Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD), Peer Relationships, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, Relationship Issues, School Issues, Self Esteem, Self-Harming, Stress, Substance Abuse, Suicidal Ideation, Teen Violence, Trauma and PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, Women's Issues
Experience and Education: I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Kean University. From there, I went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. I completed my internship requirements, passed the National Counselor Exam, and now I am a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC). I have experience working with adolescents and adults who struggle from substance abuse or co-occurring disorders.
My approach to counseling varies from client to client. I do not believe that there is a “one size fits all”, cookie cutter approach to counseling. Each and every client has different needs, strengths, and backgrounds. Therefore, it is important to tailor counseling approaches to each client. I tend to focus on client strengths and abilities as much as possible. Empowering my clients is something I can incorporate into all counseling styles! I also use a person-centered approach as much as possible in order to enhance empowerment and allow my clients to take an active role in creating and achieving their goals. I meet all clients where they are, in terms of treatment acceptance and goals in order to build strong rapport.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I like reading and I always challenge myself to continue learning. I enjoy spending time outside and enjoying all that nature has to offer!
Phone: (732) 982-2888
Email Me
Office Location: Clark, NJ & Bernardsville, NJ
Schedule Appointment Online (Bernardsville Office)
Specialties: Addiction, ADHD, Adoption, Alcohol Abuse, Alzheimer's, Anger Management, Antisocial Personality, Anxiety, Asperger's Syndrome, Autism, Behavioral Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality, Child or Adolescent, Chronic Illness, Chronic Relapse, Codependency, Coping Skills, Depression, Developmental Disorders, Divorce, Domestic Abuse, Domestic Violence, Drug Abuse, Dual Diagnosis, Eating Disorders, Emotional Disturbance, Family Conflict, Grief, Infertility, Intellectual Disability, Learning Disabilities, Life Transitions, Narcissistic Personality, Obesity, Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD), Peer Relationships, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, Relationship Issues, School Issues, Self Esteem, Self-Harming, Stress, Substance Abuse, Suicidal Ideation, Teen Violence, Trauma and PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, Women's Issues
Experience and Education: I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Kean University. From there, I went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. I completed my internship requirements, passed the National Counselor Exam, and now I am a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC). I have experience working with adolescents and adults who struggle from substance abuse or co-occurring disorders.
My approach to counseling varies from client to client. I do not believe that there is a “one size fits all”, cookie cutter approach to counseling. Each and every client has different needs, strengths, and backgrounds. Therefore, it is important to tailor counseling approaches to each client. I tend to focus on client strengths and abilities as much as possible. Empowering my clients is something I can incorporate into all counseling styles! I also use a person-centered approach as much as possible in order to enhance empowerment and allow my clients to take an active role in creating and achieving their goals. I meet all clients where they are, in terms of treatment acceptance and goals in order to build strong rapport.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I like reading and I always challenge myself to continue learning. I enjoy spending time outside and enjoying all that nature has to offer!
Ashley M Sibiga, M.A., LAC
Licensed Associate Counselor
_____________________________________________
Education: Centenary University
Phone: (732) 982-2888
Email Me
Office Location: Bernardsville, NJ
Schedule Appointment Online (Bernardsville Office)
Specialties: ADHD, Academic underachievement, Anger management, Antisocial personality, Anxiety, Behavioral issues, Career counseling, Child or adolescent, Codependency, Coping skills,Couples and Family, Depression, Divorce, Dual diagnosis, Eating disorders, Family conflict, Grief, Infidelity, Life coaching, Marital and premarital, Medication Management, Obesity, OCD, Parenting, Peer relationships, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, Relationship issues, Self esteem, Self harming, Sleep and Insomnia, Spirituality, Stress Management, Suicidal Ideation, Weight loss, Women’s issues, ICD, Mood disorders, Personality disorders, Bisexual issues, Gay issues, Lesbian issues, Panic Disorder, Life Transitions, School Issues
Children (12 & up), Preteen/Teens, Adults, Individuals, Couples, Family
I received my Masters of the Arts in Counseling Psychology from Centenary University. Prior to that I received my Bachelors of the Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with minors in both Early Childhood Education and Psychology from Lock Haven University. I also obtained my Cosmetology license while I was in high school. I have experience working in a private outpatient facility with adolescents and adults. I took the last 3 years off to raise my daughter and work part time from home for Amazon.
My goal is to encourage and guide all of my patients to achieve their goals no matter how big or how small they might be. Based on my own personal experiences, I am passionate about guiding my patients to become a healthier version of themselves inside and out, as well as to encourage them to believe in themselves. I like to engage my patients in their own treatment process because it’s easy for someone else to tell you what to do, but when you do it on your own or with guidance, you become more aware and accountable. I believe that there is no “one size fits all” approach to therapy as everyone has their own unique stories. The therapeutic approaches that I gravitate towards include cognitive behavioral, client centered, interpersonal, and exposure therapy. “To change your life you have to change yourself. To change yourself you have to change your mindset.” -Wilson Kanadi
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, baking/cooking and fitness/yoga. I am also a big lover of coffee and "me" time because both are a must!
Phone: (732) 982-2888
Email Me
Office Location: Bernardsville, NJ
Schedule Appointment Online (Bernardsville Office)
Specialties: ADHD, Academic underachievement, Anger management, Antisocial personality, Anxiety, Behavioral issues, Career counseling, Child or adolescent, Codependency, Coping skills,Couples and Family, Depression, Divorce, Dual diagnosis, Eating disorders, Family conflict, Grief, Infidelity, Life coaching, Marital and premarital, Medication Management, Obesity, OCD, Parenting, Peer relationships, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, Relationship issues, Self esteem, Self harming, Sleep and Insomnia, Spirituality, Stress Management, Suicidal Ideation, Weight loss, Women’s issues, ICD, Mood disorders, Personality disorders, Bisexual issues, Gay issues, Lesbian issues, Panic Disorder, Life Transitions, School Issues
Children (12 & up), Preteen/Teens, Adults, Individuals, Couples, Family
I received my Masters of the Arts in Counseling Psychology from Centenary University. Prior to that I received my Bachelors of the Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with minors in both Early Childhood Education and Psychology from Lock Haven University. I also obtained my Cosmetology license while I was in high school. I have experience working in a private outpatient facility with adolescents and adults. I took the last 3 years off to raise my daughter and work part time from home for Amazon.
My goal is to encourage and guide all of my patients to achieve their goals no matter how big or how small they might be. Based on my own personal experiences, I am passionate about guiding my patients to become a healthier version of themselves inside and out, as well as to encourage them to believe in themselves. I like to engage my patients in their own treatment process because it’s easy for someone else to tell you what to do, but when you do it on your own or with guidance, you become more aware and accountable. I believe that there is no “one size fits all” approach to therapy as everyone has their own unique stories. The therapeutic approaches that I gravitate towards include cognitive behavioral, client centered, interpersonal, and exposure therapy. “To change your life you have to change yourself. To change yourself you have to change your mindset.” -Wilson Kanadi
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, baking/cooking and fitness/yoga. I am also a big lover of coffee and "me" time because both are a must!
Christina Hoffman, MA, LAC
Licensed Associate Counselor
____________________________________________
Education: Fairleigh Dickinson University
Phone: (732) 982-2888
Email Me
Office Location: Bernardsville, NJ
Schedule Appointment Online (Bernardsville Office)
Specialties: Including, but not limited to: Academic Underachievement, Addiction, ADD/ADHD, Alcohol Abuse, Anger Management, Antisocial Personality, Anxiety, Behavioral Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality, Child or Adolescent, Codependency, Coping Skills, Chronic Illness, Chronic Relapse, Depression, Developmental Disorders, Dissociative Disorders, Divorce, Domestic Abuse, Domestic Violence, Drug Abuse, Dual-diagnosis, Eating Disorders, Emotional Disturbance, Family Conflict, Grief and Loss, HIV/AIDS, Homelessness, Infidelity, Life Coaching, Life Transitions, LGBT, Marital and Premarital, Medication Management, Mood Disorders, Multicultural, Obesity, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Parenting, Peer Relationships, Personality Disorders, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, Psychosis, PTSD, Relationship Issues, School Issues, Self-esteem, Self-harming, Sex Therapy, Stress Management, Substance Abuse, Suicidal Ideation, Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, Weight Loss, Women’s Issues
Experience and Educational Background: I received my Masters of the Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Prior to that, I received my Bachelors of the Arts in both Psychology and Sociology from Drew University. I am a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) in the state of New Jersey. During my graduate internship, I worked for New Jersey AIDS Services in Morristown, New Jersey counseling clients who were HIV positive and homeless, while also suffering from substance abuse and mental health issues. In this inpatient care setting, I provided both individual and group counseling to my clients. This was an extremely rewarding experience as I had the privilege of serving so many people from different walks of life.
Therapeutic Approach: It is crucial that my clients feel they are in a safe environment during sessions which is why I take a positive and empathetic approach while counseling my clients. I try to empower my clients to believe in themselves to work toward their goals while providing them with a non-judgmental, listening ear to any and all issues that may arise. I use various techniques based on the individual client’s needs and tailor them as such. There is not one specific therapeutic approach I use for all clients for this reason.
More about me: I like to spend the majority of my free time with my family. We partake in all types of activities together where we are continuously developing and nurturing a cohesive and strong bond between the many personalities that exist amongst us. I enjoy nature and the outdoors. I am an avid hiker and try to spend as much of my remaining free time in the woods. I have found that just the smallest amount of alone time listening to music in nature is beneficial to us as people. I have an affinity for writing, specifically poetry and journaling. Sometimes, all of us, just need to get our thoughts out in our own way. The art of written expression has helped me to overcome some of my own obstacles I have experienced in life. I continue to develop myself every day both professionally and personally. I believe that our own growth is the only way to become the best versions of ourselves that we can be.
Phone: (732) 982-2888
Email Me
Office Location: Bernardsville, NJ
Schedule Appointment Online (Bernardsville Office)
Specialties: Including, but not limited to: Academic Underachievement, Addiction, ADD/ADHD, Alcohol Abuse, Anger Management, Antisocial Personality, Anxiety, Behavioral Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality, Child or Adolescent, Codependency, Coping Skills, Chronic Illness, Chronic Relapse, Depression, Developmental Disorders, Dissociative Disorders, Divorce, Domestic Abuse, Domestic Violence, Drug Abuse, Dual-diagnosis, Eating Disorders, Emotional Disturbance, Family Conflict, Grief and Loss, HIV/AIDS, Homelessness, Infidelity, Life Coaching, Life Transitions, LGBT, Marital and Premarital, Medication Management, Mood Disorders, Multicultural, Obesity, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Parenting, Peer Relationships, Personality Disorders, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, Psychosis, PTSD, Relationship Issues, School Issues, Self-esteem, Self-harming, Sex Therapy, Stress Management, Substance Abuse, Suicidal Ideation, Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, Weight Loss, Women’s Issues
Experience and Educational Background: I received my Masters of the Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Prior to that, I received my Bachelors of the Arts in both Psychology and Sociology from Drew University. I am a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) in the state of New Jersey. During my graduate internship, I worked for New Jersey AIDS Services in Morristown, New Jersey counseling clients who were HIV positive and homeless, while also suffering from substance abuse and mental health issues. In this inpatient care setting, I provided both individual and group counseling to my clients. This was an extremely rewarding experience as I had the privilege of serving so many people from different walks of life.
Therapeutic Approach: It is crucial that my clients feel they are in a safe environment during sessions which is why I take a positive and empathetic approach while counseling my clients. I try to empower my clients to believe in themselves to work toward their goals while providing them with a non-judgmental, listening ear to any and all issues that may arise. I use various techniques based on the individual client’s needs and tailor them as such. There is not one specific therapeutic approach I use for all clients for this reason.
More about me: I like to spend the majority of my free time with my family. We partake in all types of activities together where we are continuously developing and nurturing a cohesive and strong bond between the many personalities that exist amongst us. I enjoy nature and the outdoors. I am an avid hiker and try to spend as much of my remaining free time in the woods. I have found that just the smallest amount of alone time listening to music in nature is beneficial to us as people. I have an affinity for writing, specifically poetry and journaling. Sometimes, all of us, just need to get our thoughts out in our own way. The art of written expression has helped me to overcome some of my own obstacles I have experienced in life. I continue to develop myself every day both professionally and personally. I believe that our own growth is the only way to become the best versions of ourselves that we can be.
Deborah L Ambrose MA, MAT, LAC
Licensed Associate Counselor
____________________________________________
Education: Centenary University
Phone: (732) 982-2888
Email Me
Office Location: Parsippany, NJ & Bernardsville, NJ
Schedule Appointment Online (Bernardsville Office)
Specialties: Including, but not limited to: Addiction, ADHD, Adoption, Alcohol Abuse, Alzheimer's, Anger Management, Antisocial Personality, Anxiety, Asperger's Syndrome, Autism, Behavioral Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Body Image Issues, Career Counseling, Child or Adolescent, Chronic Illness, Chronic Impulsivity, Chronic Pain, Chronic Relapse, Codependency, Coping Skills, Depression, Developmental Disabilities, Diet and Nutrition, Divorce, Domestic Abuse, Drug Abuse, Dual-Diagnosis, Eating Disorders, Emotional Disturbance, Family Conflict, Gambling, Grief and Loss, Hoarding, Identity Development, Infertility, Infidelity, Intellectual Disability, Internet Addiction, Learning Disabilities, LGBTQQA, Life Transitions, Medical Detox, Medication Management, Men's Issues, Mood Disorders, Relational Issues, Narcissistic Personality, Obesity, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Oppositional Defiance, Parenting, Peer Relationships, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, Racial Identity, Relationship Issues, School Issues, Self-Esteem, Self-Harming, Sex Therapy, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Addiction, Sleep or Insomnia, Spirituality, Sports Performance, Stress, Substance Abuse, Suicidal Ideation, Teen Violence, Transgender, Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, Video Game Addiction, Weight Loss, and Women's Issues
Educational Background: I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Centenary University and my Master’s degree in Teaching Special Education from New Jersey City University and my Bachelor’s degree from Gettysburg College.
Therapeutic Approach: I utilize a variety of techniques and theories based on the needs of my clients. Some of the therapeutic approaches that I utilize include Solution-focused Brief Therapy Interventions, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Mindfulness-based (MBCT), Motivational Interviewing, Multicultural, Relational, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Person-Centered Therapy.
As a Licensed Associate Counselor, I have extensive experience working with a wide range of diverse clientele from varied socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. I have worked in clinical outpatient settings, intensive outpatient programs, and partial care substance abuse rehab care and eating disorder care, providing individual therapy, group therapy, and psycho-educational facilitation. I have also been a teacher for many years and have experience navigating the educational system. I utilize an eclectic approach with clients with the understanding that each client’s needs are unique to them and change throughout the therapeutic process. I enjoy working with a wide variety of people. I believe in providing a safe space through compassion, validation, empathy, patience, and support.
During my free time, I enjoy time with family and pets. I have three adult children, two dogs and a cat. I practice yoga daily and like to work with the mind body connection. I also love to travel and experience new things.
Phone: (732) 982-2888
Email Me
Office Location: Parsippany, NJ & Bernardsville, NJ
Schedule Appointment Online (Bernardsville Office)
Specialties: Including, but not limited to: Addiction, ADHD, Adoption, Alcohol Abuse, Alzheimer's, Anger Management, Antisocial Personality, Anxiety, Asperger's Syndrome, Autism, Behavioral Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Body Image Issues, Career Counseling, Child or Adolescent, Chronic Illness, Chronic Impulsivity, Chronic Pain, Chronic Relapse, Codependency, Coping Skills, Depression, Developmental Disabilities, Diet and Nutrition, Divorce, Domestic Abuse, Drug Abuse, Dual-Diagnosis, Eating Disorders, Emotional Disturbance, Family Conflict, Gambling, Grief and Loss, Hoarding, Identity Development, Infertility, Infidelity, Intellectual Disability, Internet Addiction, Learning Disabilities, LGBTQQA, Life Transitions, Medical Detox, Medication Management, Men's Issues, Mood Disorders, Relational Issues, Narcissistic Personality, Obesity, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Oppositional Defiance, Parenting, Peer Relationships, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, Racial Identity, Relationship Issues, School Issues, Self-Esteem, Self-Harming, Sex Therapy, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Addiction, Sleep or Insomnia, Spirituality, Sports Performance, Stress, Substance Abuse, Suicidal Ideation, Teen Violence, Transgender, Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, Video Game Addiction, Weight Loss, and Women's Issues
Educational Background: I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Centenary University and my Master’s degree in Teaching Special Education from New Jersey City University and my Bachelor’s degree from Gettysburg College.
Therapeutic Approach: I utilize a variety of techniques and theories based on the needs of my clients. Some of the therapeutic approaches that I utilize include Solution-focused Brief Therapy Interventions, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Mindfulness-based (MBCT), Motivational Interviewing, Multicultural, Relational, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Person-Centered Therapy.
As a Licensed Associate Counselor, I have extensive experience working with a wide range of diverse clientele from varied socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. I have worked in clinical outpatient settings, intensive outpatient programs, and partial care substance abuse rehab care and eating disorder care, providing individual therapy, group therapy, and psycho-educational facilitation. I have also been a teacher for many years and have experience navigating the educational system. I utilize an eclectic approach with clients with the understanding that each client’s needs are unique to them and change throughout the therapeutic process. I enjoy working with a wide variety of people. I believe in providing a safe space through compassion, validation, empathy, patience, and support.
During my free time, I enjoy time with family and pets. I have three adult children, two dogs and a cat. I practice yoga daily and like to work with the mind body connection. I also love to travel and experience new things.
Erika B. Pilato, MA, NCC, LAC
Licensed Associate Counselor
National Certified Counselor
NJ State Certified School Counselor
_____________________________________________
Education: Kean University
Phone: (732) 982-2888
Email Me
Office Location: Parsippany, NJ & Bernardsville, NJ
Schedule Appointment Online (Bernardsville Office)
Specialties: Including but not limited to Anxiety, Depression, Child and Adolescent Concerns, Parenting Skills, Family Conflict, Stress Management and Coping Skills, Marital and Relationship Matters, Divorce, Interpersonal and Relational Conflicts, ADHD, Attachment Issues, Self-Esteem and Self-Worth, PTSD and Trauma, Anger Management, Grief, Life Coaching, Oppositional Defiance, Obsessive-Compulsive, Video-Game Addiction, Peer Relationships, School Avoidance, School Anxiety, Social Skills, Separation Anxiety, Academic Underachievement, Behavioral Issues, Impulse Control Disorders, Career Counseling, Emotional Disturbance, Internet Addiction, Life Transitions
Education and Experience
I earned by Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from The City University of New York and my Master’s Degree in Counseling from Rider University. I received my Post Master’s Licensed Associate Counselor Certification from Kean University. I am a NJ State Certified School Counselor, a Licensed Associate Counselor, as well as a National Certified Counselor. In addition, I am a Certified Positive Discipline Parent and Classroom Educator. For the last 15 years, I have worked as a school counselor. Prior to becoming a school counselor, I worked in the financial services industry. I have always felt that I was destined to work in the helping field so it is no surprise that I made a career change and am now working in a career that I am passionate about.
Therapeutic Philosophy
My counseling philosophy is rooted in the concept of establishing a safe space that is non-judgmental, where clients can heal and grow at their own pace. My approach to therapy is multimodal. I am confident in the thought that utilizing different types of therapy can be more beneficial for therapeutic growth and change. I do lean towards the humanistic approach to counseling, which believes that people are basically good, and have an innate need to make themselves and the world better. I work with each client to build a strong therapeutic alliance utilizing empathetic dialogue, to develop a unique therapeutic plan that is shaped by each client’s own personal needs and goals. I try to see the world as my clients see it, as such I listen empathically and without judgment. My goal is to help people to find their personal worth and to help them understand that they have the ability to overcome hardship, pain and despair. Within this framework and within an environment of compassion and tolerance, I make sure that my clients feel heard and respected, and that we act as joint participants in their therapeutic journey.
About Me
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my two children. My favorite hobby is cycling. I enjoy mountain biking, road riding and downhill biking. I enjoy being outdoors as much as possible, whether it be camping, biking with my dog or taking her to the dog park for some social time. I am always looking forward to my next adventure with my children and my mini-goldendoodle Charlie!
Phone: (732) 982-2888
Email Me
Office Location: Parsippany, NJ & Bernardsville, NJ
Schedule Appointment Online (Bernardsville Office)
Specialties: Including but not limited to Anxiety, Depression, Child and Adolescent Concerns, Parenting Skills, Family Conflict, Stress Management and Coping Skills, Marital and Relationship Matters, Divorce, Interpersonal and Relational Conflicts, ADHD, Attachment Issues, Self-Esteem and Self-Worth, PTSD and Trauma, Anger Management, Grief, Life Coaching, Oppositional Defiance, Obsessive-Compulsive, Video-Game Addiction, Peer Relationships, School Avoidance, School Anxiety, Social Skills, Separation Anxiety, Academic Underachievement, Behavioral Issues, Impulse Control Disorders, Career Counseling, Emotional Disturbance, Internet Addiction, Life Transitions
Education and Experience
I earned by Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from The City University of New York and my Master’s Degree in Counseling from Rider University. I received my Post Master’s Licensed Associate Counselor Certification from Kean University. I am a NJ State Certified School Counselor, a Licensed Associate Counselor, as well as a National Certified Counselor. In addition, I am a Certified Positive Discipline Parent and Classroom Educator. For the last 15 years, I have worked as a school counselor. Prior to becoming a school counselor, I worked in the financial services industry. I have always felt that I was destined to work in the helping field so it is no surprise that I made a career change and am now working in a career that I am passionate about.
Therapeutic Philosophy
My counseling philosophy is rooted in the concept of establishing a safe space that is non-judgmental, where clients can heal and grow at their own pace. My approach to therapy is multimodal. I am confident in the thought that utilizing different types of therapy can be more beneficial for therapeutic growth and change. I do lean towards the humanistic approach to counseling, which believes that people are basically good, and have an innate need to make themselves and the world better. I work with each client to build a strong therapeutic alliance utilizing empathetic dialogue, to develop a unique therapeutic plan that is shaped by each client’s own personal needs and goals. I try to see the world as my clients see it, as such I listen empathically and without judgment. My goal is to help people to find their personal worth and to help them understand that they have the ability to overcome hardship, pain and despair. Within this framework and within an environment of compassion and tolerance, I make sure that my clients feel heard and respected, and that we act as joint participants in their therapeutic journey.
About Me
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my two children. My favorite hobby is cycling. I enjoy mountain biking, road riding and downhill biking. I enjoy being outdoors as much as possible, whether it be camping, biking with my dog or taking her to the dog park for some social time. I am always looking forward to my next adventure with my children and my mini-goldendoodle Charlie!
Portrait Health Patient Coordinators
_____________________________________________
Phone: (847) 868-3435
Email Me
*Available at all Portrait Health Centers Locations
As the title implies, a Patient Coordinator is the guide who literally takes your hand and leads you through the initial evaluation and serves as your advocate when the team of specialists design personalized treatment plans. Nobody should ever have to walk alone when learning about the treatment options and deciphering between myths and facts in healthcare. A Portrait Health Patient Coordinator will educate you and your family on the latest treatment options and will work to ensure that the focus remains on identifying the cause, and not merely treating the outward symptoms the patient is experiencing. Each Portrait Health Patient Coordinator is experienced in pediatric, adolescent, adult and senior care, and becomes your guide and advocate at Portrait Health Centers. Contact us to speak with a Patient Coordinator.
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*Available at all Portrait Health Centers Locations
As the title implies, a Patient Coordinator is the guide who literally takes your hand and leads you through the initial evaluation and serves as your advocate when the team of specialists design personalized treatment plans. Nobody should ever have to walk alone when learning about the treatment options and deciphering between myths and facts in healthcare. A Portrait Health Patient Coordinator will educate you and your family on the latest treatment options and will work to ensure that the focus remains on identifying the cause, and not merely treating the outward symptoms the patient is experiencing. Each Portrait Health Patient Coordinator is experienced in pediatric, adolescent, adult and senior care, and becomes your guide and advocate at Portrait Health Centers. Contact us to speak with a Patient Coordinator.