Our counselors provide therapy in Cherry Hill, NJ

Betty : My go-to approach is to help clients build self-compassion. I find the best benefit for a client is in a collaborative approach to exploring thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that keep them from becoming their authentic selves.

Antonia: My go-to approach for individual therapy is a blend of cognitive behavioral and person-centered therapies. Using this eclectic approach, I am better able to employ evidence-based treatments while keeping the client's autonomy and the therapeutic relationship a priority.

Betty : I teach: building self-compassion, improving self-esteem, assertiveness training, cognitive behavioral therapy, and cognitive processing therapy.

Antonia: In individual therapy, I teach clients about:

• The connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
• The difference between primary and secondary emotions
• How to recognize and counteract problematic thoughts
• How to recognize and deal with issues in their environment
• How to accept what cannot be changed
• Self-esteem, self-acceptance, and self-awareness
• How to better navigate social situations
• How to attain and use outside support, such as family, support groups, etc.

Betty : I know a client is making meaningful progress in individual therapy when they are able to reflect, process, and express their thoughts and feelings, with new insights that bring them inner peace and an a healthy sense of self.

Antonia: In individual therapy, I become aware of a client's progress when they regularly use the tools they have learned and when their symptoms or issues become less apparent or more self-manageable. The goal is to get the client emotionally and mentally well enough to deal with life's issues outside of counseling.

Betty : Clients can supplement their time in individual therapy by completing homework assignments outside of the therapy session and becoming more gently aware of working to increase self-knowledge and healing.

Antonia: Clients can supplement their counseling progress by completing homework between sessions, having help from supportive people/programs, and regularly taking any correctly prescribed medications.

Betty : To prepare for your first individual therapy session, you can think about what your goals are for therapy. Think about what do you need that will help you feel better about yourself so I can help you be more authentically you.

Antonia: To prepare for the first individual therapy session, I find it is best for clients to try being open-minded and simply be themselves. Honesty, transparency, and enthusiasm for change are excellent ingredients for a great first session.