Our therapists offer PTSD & trauma therapy in Dumont, NJ

Lauren Nickerson is a Licensed Social Worker in the state of New Jersey with over 3 years of experience in mental health care. She is passionate about providing therapeutic care for adolescents and adults who are seeking coping skills and support to manage life’s difficulties. Lauren specializes in anxiety, depression, stress management, life transitions, women’s issues, and more. At Rutgers University, Lauren earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) following the completion of her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

Lauren utilizes a variety of evidence-based therapies based on the client’s needs, including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic, and internal family systems. Lauren’s approach to treatment is person-centered and culturally sensitive, as her goal is to ensure that each client feels understood, validated, and respected.

Starting therapy is a vulnerable experience, but it does not have to be intimidating. Lauren strives to offer a welcoming, collaborative environment where you begin to realize your strengths, inherent value, and worth as you find your most authentic self. When the time feels right, Lauren is ready and eager to meet you!

Abe Clabby is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who specializes in treating relationship issues, workaholism, trauma, codependency, depression, anxiety, autism, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Abe spent the last 6 years at the Love Is Respect hotline and the National Domestic Violence Hotline, where he has seen the best and the worst that family and relationships have to offer. He is the author of "Cool Off the Burnout: Feel Better at High-Pressure Jobs".

Abe completed his master's degree in Counseling at St. Edward's University, where he earned a 3.7 GPA and spent an extra semester taking courses in marriage and family therapy. In postgraduate training like the Gottman method, Abe found what some couples do that makes them thrive. There are things that help with a partner, but they also help with our parents, our jobs, and our friends. Abe uses motivational interviewing in a client-centered way, empowering people to change the narrative and find an existential purpose for what they do and using the tools of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to get around the obstacles where people feel stuck.

Abe works with a lot of good-hearted people. They're compassionate and want to do good in the world and to help people they love. Caring people can be taken for granted, taken advantage of, and even hurt and used. They can be left feeling empty, unfulfilled, and unloved. But with the right mindset, boundaries, and self-care, they can be respected, appreciated, and live a life that they're proud of. Abe helps people care for others and in turn, care for themselves. With therapy, people can troubleshoot their troubles in jobs and relationships. Everyone has more options than they realize.

David Wojtkowski is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 11 years of experience supporting adolescents, adults, and older adults through stress, trauma, anger, anxiety, depression, and substance use concerns. David is passionate about helping clients set clear goals, work through barriers, and move toward meaningful change in ways that feel safe and empowering.

David earned his Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Walden University. His therapeutic approach blends cognitive behavior therapy, solutions-focused therapy, and trauma-informed practices with free association and mindfulness, always tailored to meet the client’s unique needs and pace.

David is a Marine Corps veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom and the father of twin teenagers. He brings a deep understanding of military trauma, anxiety, and depression, and is committed to helping clients feel seen and supported through every step of their healing journey. Reach out today!

Sonna Kem is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of New Jersey with up to 8 years of experience. Her experience includes treating adolescents, adults, families, and couples with a diverse range of clinical needs including anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, relationship issues, and LGBTQIA+ issues.

Sonna completed her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Rowan University. She approaches counseling from a client-focused approach as she recognizes that everybody requires something different when starting counseling. From there, based on the needs and personalities of those she works with, Sonna utilizes techniques and strategies from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT).

Sonna is motivated to help clients achieve personal goals so that they can experience an improved quality of life. Her success lies in her ability to relate with clients and help them feel supported while working through these challenges and transitions. If you are ready to work through the challenges and transitions in your life, schedule an appointment with Sonna today.

Rachel Phelps is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Ohio with 8 years of professional work experience. She has experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. Rachel works with clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. Rachel is here to support you in that process.

Rachel earned a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Immaculata University. She focuses heavily on cognitive behavioral therapy to look at negative thinking patterns and how they influence emotions and actions. She also focuses on solution-focused therapy to work on creating goals to help address some of the client's overall concerns.

In the first session together, Rachel heavily focuses on relationship and rapport building, creating a warm and safe place to open up and develop trust within the therapeutic relationship. If you are ready to begin your journey, Rachel encourages you to reach out today!