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60 licensed therapists & providers in New Jersey—6 in Paramus. Available as soon as today, in person and online
Our providers work with individuals, couples, families, & teens for anxiety, depression, grief, & more
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94% of clients feel truly understood by their provider. 3 out of 4 see improvement in depression & anxiety symptoms within 3 months
Discover how starting family therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
As a compassionate and empathetic counselor, Manuel looks forward to helping clients address mental health stressors....
About
As a compassionate and empathetic counselor, Manuel looks forward to helping clients address mental health stressors.
Manuel Lima is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 10 years of experience treating adult clients who are struggling with relationship difficulties, anxiety disorders, OCD, obsessive thoughts, stress, depression, and ruminations. He loves to help his clients build the confidence and self-efficacy to overcome whatever obstacles they may be facing, whether the struggle is internal, or external.
Manuel received his Master's degree in Community Mental Health Counseling from Montclair State University. As a counselor, he is strongly versed in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and existential therapy (ET) to help clients learn to be in the moment, challenge negative automatic thoughts, and change behaviors to better cope with emotions. Manuel believes in giving his clients the necessary tools for improving their self-awareness, emotional regulation, constructive/rational thinking, and stress management outside of sessions.
Manuel respects and acknowledges each client’s individuality and tailors treatment to meet their needs. Manuel wants clients to feel safe and to improve their self-compassion and self-care. Manuel is dedicated to helping clients feel empowered to pursue what they desire personally and/or professionally. Clients will learn the skills necessary to navigate through life’s challenges and create an improved quality of life—reach out to schedule with Manuel today.
For the past 4 years, Manuel has been recognized as 3 Best Marriage Counselors in Newark, NJ per Three Based Rated!
Education and training
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I understand how isolating it can feel to navigate life’s challenges without support, which is why I’m passionate about creating a...
I understand how isolating it can feel to navigate life’s challenges without support, which is why I’m passionate about creating a space where you feel seen, heard and understood.
Hi, I'm Nahshira McKay, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families. I work with clients navigating identity, relationship concerns, emotional regulation, and life transitions, and I strive to create a space where you can show up as your full, authentic self—without fear of judgment. I earned my Master of Social Work from Rutgers University. Working with diverse populations facing anxiety, depression, trauma, and co-occurring challenges has shaped my ability to meet you where you are—whether you're overwhelmed, stuck, or looking for support, clarity, and growth.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and strengths-based. I believe you already have the capacity for change, and my role is to help you tap into those strengths while building practical tools along the way. I incorporate evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), tailored to your unique needs.
I'm especially passionate about working with individuals exploring their identity, as well as couples and families who want to improve communication, rebuild trust, and strengthen their connections. My goal is to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered to create meaningful, lasting change in your life.
Congratulations on taking the first (and one of the hardest) steps. Together, we can achieve your goals....
Congratulations on taking the first (and one of the hardest) steps. Together, we can achieve your goals.
Clare Malchiodi is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Approved Clinical Supervisor with over 22 years of experience. She has supported individuals and families in outpatient, in-home, and community-based services. She has worked with adults with autism, children’s case management, and adults living with severe and persistent mental illness, helping them transition from psychiatric hospitals to long-term housing and community integration.
Clare earned her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Chestnut Hill College. Her approach is client-centered and collaborative, drawing on years of experience in individual, group, and family therapy. She tailors her care to support clients navigating complex mental health needs and life transitions.
Clare meets each person with openness and empathy, aiming to truly understand their unique experience. She believes in creating a safe space where clients feel heard and supported. Clare partners with clients to build a game plan that helps them move forward with clarity, resilience, and renewed hope.
As someone who has experienced traumatic loss, I understand the importance of recognizing one's resilience....
As someone who has experienced traumatic loss, I understand the importance of recognizing one's resilience.
Elizabeth Miller is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 10 years of experience. She has worked with people of all ages but especially enjoys the adolescent and young adult population. Elizabeth specializes in anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, and coping with life changes.
Elizabeth graduated with a Master’s degree in Social Work with a concentration in Clinical Practice from Widener University. She utilizes mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT).
Elizabeth will work with you to prioritize your own needs, while highlighting your strengths and building self-efficacy. Elizabeth loves what she does and has a true passion for helping people. If you are ready, schedule an appointment with her today.
"To walk a mile begins with a single step" As a therapist and an individual who has experienced trauma, loss and emotional pain, I...
"To walk a mile begins with a single step" As a therapist and an individual who has experienced trauma, loss and emotional pain, I have an authentic understanding of how life stressors can impact one's life and how such trials can be used to build and empower our future endeavors.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I work with clients who have experienced depression, both childhood and adult trauma, codependency issues, anxiety, grief/loss, stress, life transitions, and PTSD. I also work with individuals suffering from grief, divorce, and issues pertaining to aging. I offer counseling to teens, adults, and families through a down-to-earth counseling approach.
Together, we'll create a schedule that works for you-whether it's weekly or bi-weekly, in person or online. I'll regularly check in to ensure you're satisfied with your progress, and I'm always open to feedback to adjust your treatment as needed.
My core beliefs are grounded in unconditional positive regard for all. My passion is to help others reach their full potential of emotional peace. If you are ready to begin your journey, feel free to call and make an appointment. I am here and ready to listen!
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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My preferred method in family therapy is systemic family therapy, which delves into family relationship patterns to assess the impact of these relationships on each other. This approach is beneficial as it allows for an examination of each member's role and the overall family dynamics, aiming to enhance communication and cohesion within the unit.
In family therapy, I often focus on communication, given its critical role in family conflicts. The topics covered include:
Meaningful progress in therapy is noticeable when families report improved home dynamics, such as spending more time together, feeling more comfortable sharing thoughts and feelings, and engaging in more family activities. These improvements often include planning family activities, increasing communication, and overall contentment with family relationships.
Families can enhance their therapy experience by engaging in activities that strengthen their bond. Simple actions like using icebreaker questions at dinner, organizing family movie or game nights, and holding weekly meetings for open sharing can significantly contribute to building a stronger family connection.
To prepare for their first family therapy session, family members should identify their personal goals and what they perceive to be missing or lacking in their family dynamics. Providing the therapist with background information is crucial for tailoring support to meet each family member's needs and aspirations.
Family therapy helps families resolve conflicts and strengthen their relationships. It is led by qualified mental health professionals like psychologists, licensed professional counselors (LPCs), and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) who have extensive training in family dynamics and group communication.
Thriveworks family therapists in Paramus, NJ usually begin by asking what everyone’s goals are for family counseling. Family members may need help with very specific issues or with general relationship functioning. But there are three main purposes in family counseling: to educate, to counsel, and to strengthen. Thriveworks also offers online family therapy and in-person services, so you may all meet in an office together or join a video call from your home depending on everyone’s location and availability.
The most effective form of Family therapy will often depend on the family itself, as there are many types of family therapy for therapists to use as they see fit in order to best meet the needs of their clients. However, one of the most commonly used types of family therapy is structural family therapy (SFT). SFT focuses specifically on family dynamics and interactions, looking at how they shape the relationships and structure present in the family. It can be effectively used to treat a variety of concerns.
This answer often looks different to each family that starts family therapy. However, some signs that your family might need to consider family counseling include frequent fights or misunderstandings, constant tension, experiencing loss, behavioral issues, marital issues, divorce, and blended family issues, among others.
In family therapy, therapists will often start by asking questions and assessing individual and family dynamics. From there, they may employ therapeutic techniques such as structured family therapy, CBT, strategic family therapy, and more depending on the present concerns and conflicts. From there, a therapist will work to open lines of communication between family members and facilitate emotional healing and growth.
Family therapy can be incredibly successful, with some studies reporting a success rate of almost 90% for improving participants’ emotional and mental health, and around 66% for improving their physical health.
Thriveworks therapists in Paramus, NJ offer both online family therapy and in-person family therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
Family therapy is usually short term and solution-focused, with most families accomplishing their goals in 12 sessions or fewer. However, it can also last for longer if the probles at hand are more complex — and that’s okay, too.
Family relationships have a profound impact on our personal development, and many mental and emotional issues can be traced back to our childhoods. Our feelings of self-worth can be significantly impacted by our parents. Sibling rivalries, which seem normal and even harmless when we’re young, can develop into intense conflicts. It can be difficult to move forward and heal until you’ve addressed specific issues, which is why visiting an experienced family therapist is so essential.
Many families lack the communication and problem-solving skills to confront major issues. You yourself may be wondering, “Should I find help? Is there family counseling near me?” The mental health professionals at Thriveworks Counseling in Paramus, NJ are here to help. With quick, easy access to care and empathetic, qualified counselors ready to listen to your concerns, Thriveworks Paramus is ready to help you improve your relationships and achieve the goals you have for you and your family.
Family therapy is a healthy and beneficial practice, whether your family is in crisis and in need of third-party help or you simply want to learn to communicate better and manage day-to-day issues.
There are many reasons families may seek help from a professional, including:
Family therapists have a great deal of experience helping others solve problems and work through a wide range of issues. Every family is different, and our mental health professionals will take the time to understand your family’s unique dynamics to determine the best way forward.
Having strong bonds with your family can benefit many areas of your life. Of course, the opposite is true as well. Short or long-term conflicts can be extremely upsetting and contribute to a wide variety of mental and emotional issues.
Family therapy doesn’t just offer short-term benefits for dealing with a specific crisis. Talk therapy with a mental health professional can provide you and your family with essential tools to help you navigate problems that arise in the future. Many problems develop in family systems due to a lack of communication, which can snowball into far greater problems later in life. Working with a trained family therapist can help you improve your communication skills and enjoy a much closer bond.
Many people feel like their situation is hopeless or that their family will simply never get along, but this doesn’t have to be the case. At Thriveworks Counseling in Paramus, NJ, our therapists have helped countless families navigate issues of all kinds.
If difficulties with your family relationships are interfering with your life and personal happiness, speaking with a Thriveworks marriage and family therapist is the first step in the healing process.
Choosing Thriveworks Counseling also comes with a number of exclusive and valuable benefits:
If you are struggling with family relationships and want to speak to a trained and experienced family counselor, get in touch and book a session online with us today or call us for scheduling assistance.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Paramus is located near Sunflower Ave and Century Rd, off NJ-17. It is near the Bergen Community College campus and close to The Valley Hospital.
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