Our therapists offer PTSD & trauma therapy in Edison, NJ

Hi there, my name is Phyllis Darkwa, and I have been a clinician since 2017. I have helped many clients, each with their own stories and experiences, overcome much of what life throws at them. Clients who have experienced childhood trauma, painful heartaches, anxiety, depression, stress, and just by existing in this vast world of ours. I have worked with some over the past six years and seen a tremendous amount of growth from the day they started, and all the way up to now. 

I start by getting to know you and what is happening uniquely to you. Although therapists are all trained to understand how the mind and body work and how we are all interconnected — which is nice to know, as it means we are not all alone — I like to tailor my treatment approach to each unique story.

I am looking forward to meeting you and getting to know you. I encourage you to be as open as you possibly can and let's work together to help you help yourself.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Georleena Douglas is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) with 4+ years of experience practicing with adolescents and adults. Georleena specializes in anxiety, depression, sexual wellness and minor trauma, especially within the black community.

Georleena earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Queens College. She earned her Master's degree in North Carolina State University, where she received her Master's degree. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy (SFT), and holistic therapy, among other approaches.

Georleena will work with clients to address the source of their concerns and issues and how to use their strengths and mindfulness to overcome them. She looks forward to helping clients from all backgrounds, especially those in the black community. Schedule your session today.

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.*

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.

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.