Our licensed counselors provide individual therapy in New Jersey

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!

Margaret Ginter is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has been practicing as an outpatient therapist for over 20 years. Margaret has experience with a variety of issues and diagnoses including anxiety (ie. general and social), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, self-esteem challenges, trauma, addiction, life adjustments, relational and emotional issues, grief/loss, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

Margaret's approach is warm, welcoming, client-centered, empathetic, and nonjudgmental, striving to help individuals heal and learn tools of self- acceptance and find power to move through adversities, finding inner resilience. She uses eclectic approaches from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, solution-based, and recovery/12-step ideology. Margaret’s dedication is evidenced by the commitment she makes to build relationships with her clients.

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!

Reena Pawar is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in treating clients who are going through life changes, including divorce, career changes, adapting to college life as a young or older adult, and more. Reena’s background has equipped her with skills that are attuned to listening and working with individuals. She completed her Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling at Saint Peter’s University.

Reena’s superpower is being a good listener, offering understanding, and being patient. She believes you can build empathy by not interrupting the client, not dismissing the client’s beliefs, not being judgmental, and not talking too much in general.

I am a Licensed Associate Counselor with 2 years of experience. My counseling approach is person-centered and tailored to meet each individual’s biopsychosocial needs. I specialize in working with adolescents through older adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma, mood and personality disorders, substance use, self-harm, and emotional dysregulation. My professional background includes experience across outpatient programs, detox units, inpatient hospitals, and university counseling centers.

I earned my Master’s in Counseling from Stockton University. I integrate evidence-based practices, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, and mindfulness.

I believe healing requires consistency, patience, and courage. My goal is to create a safe, inclusive, and affirming space where clients can explore their emotions and develop greater self-awareness. I am honored to walk alongside each client, offering empathy, encouragement, and tools to support lifelong well-being.