Our counselors offer grief counseling in Edison, NJ

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.

Agnes Kontoh is a Licensed Social Worker with 2 years of experience providing therapeutic services to children, adolescents, adults, and families in various mental health settings. Agnes integrates a trauma-informed and social justice-oriented perspective into her practice, ensuring that each client feels seen, heard, and supported in the context of their lived experience. Agnes has worked with clients navigating depression, trauma, anxiety, substance misuse, and ADHD.

Agnes earned a Master’s in Social Work from Montclair State University. She draws on evidence-based modalities tailored to each client’s unique needs, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, trauma-informed care, Christian counselling, strengths-based therapy, solution-focused therapy, and family systems theory.

Agnes believes that healing begins with connection and empowerment. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply need someone to talk to, she welcomes you to reach out. Agnes is ready to meet you where you are and walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and personal growth.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 13 years of nursing experience. My career began in the emergency room, where I spent a decade caring for patients and families during moments of crisis. Those experiences taught me that every individual’s story is unique, and healing requires more than a one-size-fits-all approach. Today, I bring that same perspective into psychiatry, creating a space where clients feel supported, understood, and empowered on their path to wellness.

I earned my Master’s in Nursing from Walden University, and I provide psychiatric care with a focus on individualized treatment planning. My approach blends clinical expertise with compassion, ensuring that I understand each client’s unique needs, strengths, and challenges while working together toward meaningful progress.

My goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where clients feel truly heard. I strive to partner with individuals in developing treatment plans that fit their lives and empower them to achieve lasting wellness. I believe in walking alongside each client, offering support, encouragement, and a personalized path to healing.

Patricia Ruggiero is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. She has managed community programs, led clinical teams, and provided psychotherapy in agency and private settings. She works best with individuals seeking guidance, structure, and a supportive space to grow. Her ideal client is someone ready to explore meaningful change, improve emotional resilience, build greater independence in their life, and thrive.

Pat earned a Master’s in Social Work from Kean University. She uses a solution-focused, person-centered approach rooted in cognitive behavior therapy to help clients identify strengths and set goals with clarity. Her crisis intervention and advocacy experience allow her to support complex needs with compassion and structure for real-life progress.

Pat understands how overwhelming life can feel when you’re trying to navigate challenges alone. Therapy is a space where you don’t have to have it all figured out. She offers a calm, supportive environment where you will work at your pace. She would be honored to walk with you toward greater peace and confidence.

I'm a licensed social worker with 5 years of experience. I've worked with people at all stages of life, including young children just beginning to understand their emotions, adolescents finding their identity, and adults rebuilding after incarceration or major setbacks. Each person has taught me something about strength, healing, and what it means to start over. What brings people to my practice is a shared desire to heal from what's happened, to feel more confident and at peace, and to create a life that feels genuinely right for them. My role is to support and collaborate with you and to help you discover what works for you.

I earned my Master of Social Work from Rutgers University. I work from a client-centered, strengths-based approach, which means you're always in the driver's seat. I draw from CBT, narrative therapy, and mindfulness techniques, and we'll tailor our work together based on what resonates and what you need.

A core part of my approach is highlighting what's already working in your life. Recognizing your existing strengths and coping skills builds real confidence and momentum toward change. I look forward to partnering with you as you create the life you're seeking.

*Children under the age of 11 must be seen for in-person sessions.*

Haley Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Pennsylvania who has over 11 years of experience working with children and their families seeking help with depression, anxiety, anger management, and mood disorders. 

Haley has a Master's degree in Counseling and Psychology from Rosemont College, and is trained to help her clients learn cognitive behavioral (CBT) techniques to overcome difficulties such as anxiety and depression. In addition to these therapy modalities, Haley also utilizes mindfulness training to help keep her clients in the present moment and focused on the here and now. With mindfulness training comes a sense of calm that can help alleviate depression, anxiety, and stress. 

Haley encourages you to start your journey to mental health wellness so that you can start to live a life where you feel confident and at ease. She seeks to establish an inviting and caring approach with you in order to help build a strong therapeutic relationship with her in order to help you build upon your strengths and help you live a more meaningful and valuable life. If you are ready to become the best version of yourself, schedule an appointment with Haley today!

Aunteryo Malcom is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia and New Jersey with 10 years of experience supporting adults, teens, couples, and families experiencing depression, anxiety, adjustment challenges, mood disorders, family conflict, and relationship concerns. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Albany State University and his Master of Education in Counselor Education from Georgia Southern University.

Aunteryo takes an integrative, person-centered approach, grounded in the belief that the therapeutic relationship is foundational to growth and healing. He incorporates elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, systems theory, and strengths-based approaches, tailoring treatment to meet each client’s unique needs.

Cassie Repert is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of New Jersey who has over 3 years of valuable experience working one-on-one with adolescents and adults in settings ranging from shelters, transitional housing, and college counseling environments. Throughout this time, Cassie has worked with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, mood disorders, low self-esteem, PTSD, and trauma.

Cassie completed her Bachelor’s degree in Family Science and Human Development from Montclair State University and went on to earn her Master’s degree in Social Work from Monmouth University soon afterward. Cassie takes a humanistic approach to therapy, understanding that the client is the master of their own life. While cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) are Cassie’s specialties, she pulls from many therapeutic approaches and adjusts based on the need of the client.

Cassie understands that taking the first step and choosing to seek therapy can be frightening and wants to make sure that all her clients feel as safe and as comfortable as possible during each session. She will ensure that you feel in control and leave with lifelong skills to improve your mental wellbeing going forward.

Rica Puazo is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Registered Art Therapist (LPC, RAT) who holds more than 4 years of experience working in residential treatment facilities and inpatient acute care with children, adolescents, young adults, college students, young professionals, adults, and geriatrics. She has experience working with individuals diagnosed with ADHD, bipolar disorder and mood disorders, schizophrenia, conduct disorders, depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, substance abuse, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and neurocognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Rica also has experience working with families, couples, the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals with disabilities.

She received her Master’s degree in Counseling and Art Therapy from Adler School of Professional Psychology and her Bachelor's in Psychology from Baylor University. Rica’s approach to therapy is adapting the different theories, applying appropriate intervention, and finding the right tools and support for the client’s therapeutic goals. 

As an Art Therapist, Rica encourages exploring the art process to help individuals visualize inner struggles as well as encourage self-expression. Rica believes in building confidence in oneself to overcome and accept personal struggles. Work with her to start building self-confidence, happiness, and healthier relationships.

Marya Slater is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Professional Registered Nurse who is experienced working with individuals and couples. Her specialties include infertility issues, LGBTQ+ issues, depression, anxiety, stress management, grief, relationship issues, and chronic illness. Subscribing to the philosophy that all people bring unique perspectives and strengths to the therapeutic process, Marya strives to help clients recognize their own strengths and build on those assets within the framework of a supportive and nurturing therapeutic relationship.

Marya obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from New York University and her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. Her diverse educational background has enabled Marya to explore therapeutic issues through a broad lens. She maintained a private therapy practice in Manhattan for over 10 years. 

Marya works from a psychodynamic perspective believing that underlying patterns of behavior can be addressed by utilizing the therapeutic relationship as a vehicle for change. Rather than endorsing a singular methodology, Marya also utilizes techniques from other therapeutic perspectives such as cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-­focused approaches to help clients achieve short-­term goals while working to address deeper issues in order to live more satisfying, fulfilling lives.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 7 years of experience assisting adolescents, adults, and seniors to better manage the effects of anger, depression, anxiety, poor communication, or underdeveloped coping skills. I earned my Master's degree in Social Work from Rutgers University. I identify as a therapist, mother, wife, daughter, aunt, niece, cousin, friend, and co-worker. Wearing all of these hats has taught me to value relationships. As a therapist, I’m also a firm believer that all relationships begin with the individual. Self-awareness is the first step to a better understanding of oneself.

I value self-awareness as the cornerstone of personal growth. I believe that understanding oneself is the first step toward improving relationships with others and navigating the world more effectively. I’m dedicated to helping clients unpack past experiences, resolve internal or external conflicts, and break free from patterns.

My approach is compassionate, supportive, and non-judgmental, and I use humor to help clients feel at ease in the therapeutic space. My goal is to empower you to develop the skills and strategies necessary to live a positive, productive, and purposeful life. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, I’m here to guide you on your journey.

Talisah Harrison is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. She has worked in a variety of settings including inpatient, outpatient, and community-based programs. She is passionate about educating individuals and families on the challenges of living with or supporting someone with a psychiatric condition and how to manage stressors. She specializes in treating mood disorders, anger and stress management, self-esteem issues, interpersonal communication, and family issues. Talisah completed her Master of Social Work at Rutgers University and her undergraduate at Temple University.

Talisah offers culturally sensitive, client-centered treatment that helps individuals identify strengths and develop a sense of self-awareness and positive self-esteem. She utilizes integrative treatment modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, strength-based therapy, and solution-focused therapy.

Initiating therapy can be a significant step in developing positive relationships with yourself and those around you. Talisah understands that everyone is at a different place in life and may struggle with navigating life’s challenges. However, if you are willing to start the journey, Talisah will be there to guide you and support you along the way.

Jacquelyn Farasat is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She holds National Counselor Certification and is also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She has 8 years of experience supporting the emotional, social, and personal growth and well-being of children, adolescents, and adults in both individual and group formats.

Jacquelyn has a Master’s degree in Counseling and a Master’s degree in Education. She strives to develop a caring relationship with the client that is built on trust, respect, and collaboration. Jacquelyn integrates mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing with a strengths-based, person-centered approach to support the client in becoming his/her best self. When working with children and families, she often uses play therapy to foster relational skills, develop emotional awareness and self-regulation skills, and promote positive problem-solving. 

Jacquelyn recognizes that each client has a unique set of strengths, desires, and needs. Thus, she continually maintains flexibility and tailors strategies in response to the client’s needs and personal goals. Her goal is to encourage and empower you throughout your journey to becoming.