Susan Nestler Wohlgemuth, LPC

NJ Licensed Professional Counselor #37PC00360200

NJ Licensed School Counselor #568572

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Susan Nestler Wohlgemuth, LPC completed her graduate degree in Counselor Education in 2001, and her post-graduate degree in Professional Counseling in 2003, both at Kean University.  She has experience working as an LPC in a variety of behavioral health outpatient settings, which include:  private practice, mental health agencies, hospitals, assisted living, high schools, and colleges. Susan has counseled in partial hospital programs leading group and individual therapy. In addition, she has worked in crisis intervention for many years as a screener and crisis clinician. 

 

At Awaken Wellness, Susan works with individuals aged 20 and older and has extensive experience working with the geriatric population and LGBTQ clients. She has experience in treating PTSD, postpartum depression and anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, grief, loss and bereavement, medication case management, as well as anxiety and depression. Susan has been extremely helpful to clients coping with and adjusting to life changes from the COVID-19 pandemic. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, crisis intervention, trauma processing, and solution-focused therapy.  

 

Susan provides a non-judgmental, culturally competent, and safe space in which clients can explore their feelings and comfortably work through the obstacles that are personal and unique to them. She understands how difficult the process of therapy can be and will be there to support you through what can be a complicated, yet fulfilling journey.

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Kathleen Kontely, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker 

NJ Licensed Clinical Social Work Lic # 44SC04769800

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Kathleen Kontely, LCSW has worked in clinical social work for over 20 years. She has exceptional educational experience as she earned her Bachelor’s degree from Boston College and a Master’s Degree from New York University’s School of Social Work. 

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Kathleen’s clinical experience includes working with adults, couples, families, groups, and children in a variety of settings. She has provided therapy for children, individuals, and families in both urban and suburban communities, intensive group therapy for at-risk youth, crisis intervention, and life transition therapy with seniors. Kathleen’s clinical areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, ADHD, parenting & attachment, grief, and employment & relationship issues. 

Kathleen offers a highly personalized approach tailored to each client.

 

Kathleen integrates various methodologies and techniques including Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Theory, and Narrative Therapy. For couples, Kathleen uses Emotionally Focused Therapy and approaches from the Gottman methods. Kathleen helps her clients to bring out their strengths to work towards their goals and achieve personal growth. Kathleen understands we all have an image of our best selves and likes to think about her work as the process of helping people to become who they already know they are or could be! Your work with Kathleen will help you to understand why you feel the way you do so you can move past challenges, start feeling happier, more productive, and connected with the life you want.

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Caridad “Cary” Segura, LPC, LCADC

Licensed Professional Counselor

NJ LPC Lic # 37PC00368000

Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor

NJ LCADC Lic # 37LC00159000

 

Caridad Segura, LPC, LCADC, earned her Master’s Degree in counseling from New Jersey City University. After pursuing her Master’s Degree, she furthered her education in the addictions field and obtained her license as a clinical, alcohol, and drug counselor. She is a Nationally Board-Certified Counselor as well as an NJ Division of Mental Health Services Disaster Response Crisis Counselor. Cary has been a leader in the helping profession for twenty-nine years. She has extensive training and experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychodynamic therapeutic approaches. Cary believes that implementing a holistic approach in the therapeutic process, helps the individual develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their situations. 

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Cary works with individuals, couples, children, adolescents, and families as well as provides mentoring and supervision to master-level clinicians. Her other areas of experience consist of crisis counseling, complex trauma, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, adjustment, pandemic-related stress, recovery, and women's issues. 

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One of Caridad’s many strengths as a clinician is to help clients achieve a healthy level of functioning by providing support, encouragement, and positivity. She also believes that compassion and empathy foster a healthy balance in the therapeutic relationship, where the clients can explore, identify and implement the clinical tools to bring harmony, peace, and long-term success to their lives. 

 

Andrea Lawler, LPC, M.S.Ed, NCC

Licensed Professional Counselor 

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NJ LPC License # 37PC00780100

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State of NJ Certified School Counselor

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NJ License # 974965

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Andrea Lawler, LPC s a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner. Andrea is person-centered in practice as she individualizes treatment with the client to meet their specific needs and goals. Andrea provides a non-judgmental atmosphere in order to foster exploration and growth. Andrea views the client and therapist as equals who partner together to meet goals and overcome barriers. Andrea focuses on the strengths of her clients and draws from positivity to empower her clients to meet their potential and find fulfillment in their lives.

 

Andrea earned her Master’s degree in School Counseling from Monmouth University and is a New Jersey Certified School Counselor. She works with individual adults, teens, and couples. Andrea utilizes cognitive-behavioral techniques to assist clients to assess their distressing thoughts and provides a safe, supportive, open-minded, and compassionate environment in which to explore and challenge them. Andrea uses a strengths-based and solution-focused approach that encourage her clients to become empowered to make the changes that they desire. Andrea utilizes motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and effective communication techniques to increase client insight and awareness and build the skills necessary to meet their goals. 

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Maria Conti, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

NJ License # 44SC06024400

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Maria Conti, LCSW, has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois-Chicago and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.  Additionally, she is a trained responder for the NJ Traumatic Loss Coalition. 

 

Maria has over 18 years of experience working in a variety of therapeutic and community-based settings with children, adolescents, and adults struggling to cope with grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, aging, and life transitions. She has extensive experience in supporting individuals and families through the grieving process following a loss. Maria believes meaningful change can occur at any age as we are all life-long learners. Maria uses a person-centered, strengths-based approach to help individuals address past experiences that have an impact on current well-being, discover positive coping strategies, and move towards healing and happiness.

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Melissa Dunlap, MA, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

NJ License # 37PC00608100

 

Melissa Dunlap, LPC takes a compassionate and nonjudgemental approach to empower clients to manage life’s difficulties. She has over 15 years of experience in multiple mental health and educational settings. Melissa has worked in high school and middle school settings providing therapeutic services. She has also worked in an inpatient setting as well as partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs.

 

Melissa went to Rutgers, The State University for undergraduate studies and earned her Master’s degree from Montclair State University. Melissa utilizes many mindful and present-oriented techniques to address day-to-day challenges while building a life worth living while healing from past scars. 

 

Melissa specializes in providing support for individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, attention deficit difficulties, people who are highly sensitive, gender-nonconforming, and individuals on the LGBTQ spectrum. One of Melissa’s favorite aspects of her career is working with an array of different people who are all unique individuals who come from different cultural backgrounds. She empowers clients to build on their already-existing methods of healing while teaching skills and techniques rooted in DBT, ACT, CBT, and MBSR. Melissa has certifications in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for teens and is a Certified ADHD Professional. 

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Lisa Butler, LCSW 

Licensed Clinical Social Worker 

NJ License # 44SC05180100

 

Lisa Butler, LCSW earned her Master’s of Social Work (MSW) graduate degree from Rutgers University and has worked for 18+ years in the mental health field.  She is a long-time member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).  In addition, through the NASW, Lisa became a Certified Clinical Supervisor in 2004. Lisa’s treatment approaches focus on the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the Strengths-Based Approach along with mindfulness techniques.  She is focused on helping individuals find their inner strengths and use these strengths to move towards their identified goals.  Lisa assists clients to create a toolbox with which to cope with their struggles and achieve their goals.  Lisa specializes in working with adult individuals who are seeking treatment for depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, bipolar disorder, and stress management. 

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Lisa fosters a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space in which you can begin to work through what has brought you into therapy. Lisa is here to listen, and assist you in improving your overall well-being while treating clinical symptoms which may cause distress. Through the treatment journey, she will assist you in gaining greater insight into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors so that you have the opportunity to live a more fulfilled, purposeful, and healthy life. 

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Corinne Montelius, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor 

NJ License # 37PC00856500

 

Corinne Montelius, MA, LPC earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Centenary University. Corinne started her career as a psychiatric screener in the emergency room and then took on the leadership role as the Coordinator of Hunterdon County’s Family Crisis Intervention Unit. In addition, Corinne served as the Hunterdon County Traumatic Loss Coordinator where she organized responses to traumatic losses in the community. Corinne has expertise in treating adolescents and adults who have experienced conflicts and traumas. Corrine has been trained and certified in EMDR through the EMDR Institute founded by Francine Shapiro, PhD. Corinne has over 10 years of experience working with diagnoses of depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, oppositional defiant/conduct disorders, ADHD, and PTSD. 

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Corinne provides individual, couples, and family therapy. She creates positive change and empowerment for confident, joyful, hopeful, and fulfilling lives. Corinne understands the courage involved in self-exploration and change and feels privileged to be a part of the personal journeys of those with whom she works.

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Corinne is a warm and compassionate individual who utilizes techniques and strategies from Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral therapies, with an overall focus on growth, balance, and insight. Corinne understands that sometimes life can be hard, and we need to be brave and ask for help. She is ready to be a part of your team! It is with this focus that Corinne can assist clients to lead happy and fulfilling lives.

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Erika Pietzsch, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

NJ License # 37PC00550800

 

Erika Pietzsch, LPC is a cognitive behavioral therapist who has been trained through the world-famous Beck Institute. Along with training in CBT, Erika is also trained in dialectical behavioral therapy. Erika delivers high-quality effective treatment outcomes through manageable evidence-based care models. Erika works with clients to identify distressing thoughts, evaluate realistic thoughts, solve problems, and learn new positive coping skills while working on goal planning and goal achievement.  

 

Over the years, Erika has worked in several settings which include, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs. Erika specializes in working with adult clients ages 18 and up. She specializes in depression, anxiety, bipolar, OCD, panic disorder, phobias, sleep disorders, and addiction treatment and relapse prevention. Erika has experience in developing addictions programing, along with linking clients to resources in the community and various steps in the recovery process. Clients LGBTQ+ community welcomed.

 

Erika provides a warm, understanding environment open to all individuals. The goal of therapy is to use a team approach to learning skills and achieving treatment goals, with the ultimate goal of the client mastering these skills, feeling positive, and living their best life.

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Debbie Valatkavage, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
NJ License # 44SC05754400

Debbie Valatkavage, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified School Social Worker. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work and Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at Kean University. Debbie is a long-time member of the National Association of Social Workers. 
Debbie believes that in making the decision to find a therapist, you are already taking an important and challenging step toward growth and change. Whether you are hoping to learn healthier ways to cope with challenging feelings and experiences, or you’re ready to explore the parts of your story that seem to be holding you back from living a more fulfilling life, Debbie hopes to see your unique strengths and will honor your story which is crucial in the process. Debbie assists adult clients across the lifespan. To treat her clients, Debbie uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Psychodynamic approaches. 

 

Debbie has 18+ years of experience working with individuals in many settings such as hospitals, elementary schools, partial hospital and intensive outpatient programs, and private practice. Debbie is focused on helping clients to problem solve many issues by recognizing their strengths and using those strengths to overcome anxiety, depression, difficult life adjustments, bereavement, medical issues, aging, and family challenges. Debbie is dedicated to helping clients reach their goals through the use of mindfulness tools and developing other coping skills to help navigate life’s challenges.
Debbie believes that the relationship you build with your therapist can have a significant impact on the relationships you build with others, as well as how you treat yourself. Debbie is supportive and works with all clients to guide them at their own pace to achieve peace and personal growth.

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Jessica Zucker, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC License # 37PC00413200

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Jessica Zucker, LPC has over 16 years of experience in the mental health and substance abuse settings.  She has a Master’s Degree in Community Counseling from Montclair State University and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University. Additionally, she has a certification as an Approved Clinical Supervisor and has a Trauma Therapy Certification.  

 

Jessica has worked in a variety of community-based settings with children, adolescents and adults.  She has provided individual, group and couples therapy in outpatient, partial care and inpatient settings.  Jessica specializes in providing support for anxiety, depression and trauma.  Creating an atmosphere of safety, trust and acceptance is a priority.  She believes in working with others through their journey and utilizing various therapeutic modalities.  By providing a supportive and collaborative environment, her patients work towards achieving their goals.

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Allison MacFadyen MS, LPC, ACS
NJ Licensed Professional Counselor #37PC00451100
State of NJ Approved Clinical Supervisor #3409
 

Allison MacFadyen, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and an ACS Approved Clinical Supervisor. Allison graduated from Shippensburg University in 2007 with an Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling and obtained her Professional License in 2012. In 2019, Allison completed her certification for clinical supervision and currently supervises provisionally licensed clinicians who are working towards full clinical licensure.
 

Allison has over 16 years’ experience working in the mental health field as a clinician, supervisor and clinical director. Her experience has been working with older adults, adults, adolescents, and children. The majority of her career has been working for mental health agencies via community outreach, residential, psychiatric emergency screening and outpatient settings. Allison’s counseling orientation primarily focuses on strength based, person centered and solution focused approaches as well as
psychiatric rehabilitation principles. She utilizes motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral techniques and has been trained in trauma informed care. Allison strives to create a non-judgmental, compassionate, and trauma informed environment to help empower clients to achieve their treatment goals.

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Laura DiCarlo, MA, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
NJ LPC License # 37PC00754400

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Laura DiCarlo, LPC is an attachment-focused therapist who helps people to understand how early experiences contribute to current patterns and problems in the safety of a warm therapeutic relationship. Laura is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which is a neurological intervention that uses the brain’s natural ability to heal itself from painful experiences. EMDR has been recommended as a treatment for PTSD by the Veteran’s Department, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, and The World Health Organization. The EMDR modality can be modified to possibly treat addiction and other impulse issues. Laura earned her B.A. of Psychology at New York University and a M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Laura is skilled in providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play therapy, sand tray therapy, and psychodynamic techniques. 

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Laura has experience working with disorders such as PTSD, trauma/stressor related issues, adolescents, gay/lesbian/bisexual related issues, and people who are gender non-conforming. Laura has also worked with children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral issues in both outpatient and residential treatment centers. Laura offers individual sessions for people ages 6 and older. 

As an attachment focused therapist, Laura aims to build a therapeutic environment of acceptance, warmth, and nurturance. These qualities offer a fundamental foundation for the therapeutic relationship with all her clients, both children and adults. Laura is excited to offer you, your child, or teen services that you can achieve deeply felt and durable change. 

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Daysi Orellana, LSW
Licensed Social Worker
NJ License # 44SL06337300

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Daysi Orellana, LSW is a Licensed Social Worker and has earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Rutgers University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Ramapo College of New Jersey. Daysi has over 8 years of experience working in the social work field in a variety of different settings such as private practice, outpatient, inpatient, and partial hospitalization.

 

Daysi works with adolescents (ages 12 and older), families, adults, and older adults. Daysi has a specialization in aging, health, and wellness. She specializes in working with issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief. Daysi utilizes an eclectic style of therapy which could include techniques such as Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and an overall strength-based approach.

 

Daysi is passionate about helping others in need of positive changes and understands the importance of “meeting someone where they are at.” Daysi believes therapy can be a difficult concept for those who have never tried it and she strives to provide a nonjudgmental and welcoming environment for all of her clients. As a therapist, some of her goals is to ensure her clients feel safe and empowered in this journey of self-exploration, awareness, and treatment success. 

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Juliana Parinello, LAC

Licensed Associate Counselor

NJ License #37AC00719900

 

Juliana Parinello, LAC, earned a master's degree in mental health counseling from Fordham University and a bachelor's degree in psychology from The College of New Jersey.

Prior to graduate school, Juliana worked at a behavioral health day program, where she planned and conducted daily groups aimed at helping adults with developmental disabilities gain independence, find employment, and integrate into the community. Juliana also volunteered as a group facilitator, leading groups focused on grief and resilience for teens and adolescents who had experienced the loss of a loved one.

During her graduate studies, Juliana interned at Queens College Counseling Services, working with a culturally diverse college population. Juliana's experience includes working with individuals struggling with various presenting concerns, such as anxiety, trauma, depression, life transitions, identity, grief and loss, interpersonal struggles, work/academic troubles, and self-esteem.

Juliana utilizes an eclectic approach to therapy, incorporating techniques from different modalities such as CBT, ACT, relational, and psychodynamic therapy. She values building a strong therapeutic alliance with her clients, grounded in trust and understanding. Juliana tailors her therapy practice to the unique needs of each individual, taking into account contextual factors and societal influences on overall well-being.

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Taylor Clough, LSW

Licensed Social Worker

NJ License # 44SL06892600

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Taylor Clough, LSW is a Licensed Social Worker who earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Widener University after earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Rutgers, New Brunswick. Taylor has past experience working intensive outpatient and partial care mental health and substance use settings. Taylor  is passionate about working with adolescents, young adults, older adults, and families. Taylor strives to help his clients leverage their strengths to find balance in their lives.

Taylor takes a person-centered, trauma-informed, eclectic approach to treatment utilizing concepts from multiple treatment modalities including DBT, CBT, solutions-focused therapy, and narrative therapy. Taylor specializes in working with those who may be impacted by depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, and who may be reevaluating their relationship with substances. Taylor also recognizes the unique struggles faced by those of the LGBTQ community and creates a safe, non-judgmental environment for clients to process their emotions and find adaptive ways to meet their goals.

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Kimberly Musikant, LSW

Licensed Social Worker

NJ LSW License # 44SL06655500

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Kim is a Licensed Social worker who earned a Master's in Social Work at Fordham University. Some of Kim's certifications include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Trauma-focused CBT, and Recovery-Oriented CBT from The Beck Institute. Kim specializes in treating individuals with anxiety, depression, trauma, and PTSD and those struggling withadjustments and life changes. Kim has a nurturing, warm approach and is relatable. Kim has experience treating individuals who have experienced domestic violence, childhood trauma, parenting issues, divorce, and strained interpersonal relationships. Kim's preferred therapeutic modalities are Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Kim believes in prioritizing our mental and physical health through self-care and positivity. Kim is passionate about normalizing the need for mental health services. As a mental health professional, Kim has learned that all humans need to feel understood, accepted, and loved. What Kim loves most about being a mental health professional is helping others believe in themselves, develop healthy coping skills, experience improved relationships, and enjoy a more satisfying and fulfilling life.