Discover how starting teen counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
5 therapists available in Paramus
Drawing from my professional background and lived experience, I deeply understand how adverse life events can affect one’s identit...
About
Drawing from my professional background and lived experience, I deeply understand how adverse life events can affect one’s identity, relationships, and overall well-being, and I’m passionate about supporting others through their healing journey by offering empathy, guidance, and a safe space where they feel seen, heard, and empowered.
Kristina Feliciano is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 11 years of experience in the mental health field. She specializes in supporting individuals facing co-occurring disorders and dual diagnoses. Kristina uses a trauma-informed, holistic approach that integrates the mind-body connection to help clients navigate life’s challenges. She empowers individuals to overcome negative patterns, rediscover their strengths, and take meaningful steps toward lasting transformation.
Kristina earned her Master’s in Social Work from Ramapo College. She provides a safe and supportive space for clients to reconnect with their inner strengths, explore root causes of distress, and develop practical tools for change. Her work is grounded in respect, insight, and the belief that every person holds the potential for healing and growth.
If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready for change, Kristina is here to help. She partners with clients to explore barriers, build resilience, and move forward with clarity. With compassion and curiosity, Kristina walks alongside each client on their unique journey toward healing and self-discovery.
Education and training
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As a man of color, I understand the struggles and needing to be resilient and overcoming barriers while normalizing the stigma of ...
As a man of color, I understand the struggles and needing to be resilient and overcoming barriers while normalizing the stigma of mental health.
Elijawon is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over nine years of experience in the mental health field. He has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, families, couples, and individuals with developmental disabilities. Elijawon is passionate about helping others navigate unique challenges to improve their quality of life and achieve their goals and dreams. Elijawon is an eclectic counselor that does not believe in being a "One-Trick Pony," as each approach applies to the individual's different needs.
Elijawon (Eli) completed his Masters of Arts in Counseling at Kean University. He has clinical counseling, case management, and school counseling experience working with many individuals. Elijawon utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness.
Everyone faces challenges and situations that they try to overcome. Elijawon is adamant about guiding individuals to their goals, is an empathetic and active listener, and provides the resources to educate and empower others. If you are ready to take that leap of faith and gain new strategies to cope and conquer, please reach out and schedule an appointment!
I strive to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space grounded in empathy where we can address your unique challenges and foster m...
I strive to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space grounded in empathy where we can address your unique challenges and foster meaningful change.
Tusharbala Sethy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 14 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of mental health and emotional well-being. She has worked in a variety of treatment settings treating clients with a diverse range of clinical needs including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, PTSD, trauma, intimate partner violence, grief, adjustment disorders, self-esteem issues, and other behavioral health disorders. Tusharbala aims to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for clients to begin their therapeutic process, work towards their goals, and feel supported through life changes.
Tusharbala has a Master’s in Social Work from New York University. She utilizes modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, dialectical behavior therapy, psycho-education, grief counseling, person-centered therapy, and motivational interviewing.
Working through life's challenges can often feel overwhelming. Whether you are dealing with moments of uncertainty, managing past experiences, or struggling with daily emotions, you do not have to face these alone. Tusharbala provides a compassionate environment and a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings. Reach out today!
As a therapist, I strive to empower individuals to make positive and sustainable changes in their lives, while providing a safe an...
As a therapist, I strive to empower individuals to make positive and sustainable changes in their lives, while providing a safe and non-judgmental space in which personal growth can occur.
Ilana Epstein is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of New Jersey with 8 years of experience working in the mental health field. Ilana aims to provide clients with a safe, non-judgmental environment, one that will offer clients the space they need to begin working towards their personal goals, while learning how to effectively manage and prioritize their mental and emotional well-being. Ilana has worked within a wide variety of treatment settings and has experience treating a diverse range of clinical needs, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, LGBTQIA+ issues, and substance use disorders. Her practice style is upfront, honest, and compassionate, and she will work with you to determine the best therapeutic approach to effectively address your current concerns and treatment goals.
Ilana received her Master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers University. Through her educational background and professional experience, she understands the many circumstances that contribute to making us unique — culturally, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. Ilana aims to guide clients through their unique mental health journey by providing them with the individualized support that they need to grow. Some of the therapeutic approaches she uses to navigate these areas include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy (PCT), and motivational interviewing.
There are times when we all could benefit from extra support, when the challenges we are facing may feel daunting and insurmountable. Ilana strives to empower individuals, and to assist them in recognizing the abilities they have to create positive changes in their lives, while supporting them as they embark on their mental health journey. Ilana will be there to offer help and support along the way.
I believe everyone has the capacity for growth, healing, and creating a life that feels more aligned....
I believe everyone has the capacity for growth, healing, and creating a life that feels more aligned.
Briana Mahaffey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10 years of experience and a deep commitment to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and create meaningful change. She has experience working in mental health with individuals across the lifespan, - from children to adults. Briana specializes in working with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, PTSD, ADHD, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Briana received her Master’s of Social Work from New York University. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and a humanistic perspective that centers each client’s unique experience.
With a deep commitment to exceptional service, Briana believes in putting clients first, always. She strives to build lasting relationships by truly understanding each client’s needs and delivering thoughtful, personalized solutions. She strives to create a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental space where her clients feel empowered to grow.
*Clients 11 years old and under must be seen for in-person sessions.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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My go-to approach for helping clients in teen counseling is first to help them understand their mental health better and teach them ways to cope with their feelings. Since mental health is not often taught about in schools, teens do not always have a lot of understanding about what's happening with their mental health and what to do to feel better.
I often teach the following topics in counseling with teens:
I know a teen client is making meaningful progress in counseling when they are sharing about improvements in their overall mood, understanding their thoughts and feelings better, and sharing about coping strategies they've learned that have been effective for them!
Teen clients can supplement their time in counseling by practicing more self-care and giving their minds time to rest and feel content with being in the moment. This can include a variety of activities, such as engaging in hobbies, practicing journaling exercises, or exercising.
To prepare for your first teen counseling session, you can identify some of the main reasons that they want to come to therapy at this time. This can include a variety of reasons, but it would help the therapist to know what your motivation is for coming to therapy and what you'd like to see change. Any insight from the teen's caregivers is also appreciated, to have context behind what the caregiver has observed and their concerns for their child.
Teen counseling helps young individuals better understand and manage the challenges that affect their mental health. Common challenges amongst teens include anxiety, depression, ADHD, and problematic relationships with food.
Teen counseling works by using multiple techniques, tailored to fit the teen’s unique needs — based on their age group, their challenges, and the severity of their challenges. It might involve cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, art therapy, and others for varying ages. In any case, Thriveworks teen therapists in Paramus have the expertise and experience to help young individuals at their level.
Signs that teens might need Teen counseling can be very subjective, as they are experiencing many changes and can have intense reactions to them. As parents, you know your child best and are best equipped to judge whether certain reactions are standard behaviors for your teen or whether they might be hinting at a larger problem. Even so, there are a few common signs and events that often point to a need for therapy, such as experiencing divorce or loss, grief, consistent low moods, teens distancing themselves and becoming isolated, losing interest in hobbies, excessive anger or irritability, substance use issues, and suicidal ideation, among others.
Teen counseling providers at Thriveworks in Paramus, NJ offer both in person and online therapy by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
The length of teen counseling depends on your teen’s needs as well as the goals that you and their therapist might have for them. Generally, teen counseling sessions will last for several months.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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