Our counselors offer counseling for teens in Toms River, NJ

Jose Desiderio is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of New Jersey and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of New York. Jose has over 8 years of experience in the mental health field focused on treating anxiety, depression, stress, anger management, interpersonal relationship issues, life transitions, and men's issues. Throughout his career, Jose has been passionate about helping adolescents, adults, and couples address their concerns in a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive space.

Jose completed his Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the College of Staten Island. He utilizes an integrative approach in therapy consisting of multiple treatment modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic theory, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), solution focused techniques, and mindfulness exercises. Jose believes that the foundation to therapy is building a connection through highlighting individuality, embracing humor, and sharing belief that it will get better.

Life is filled with challenges and stressors that often stand in our way. Jose is confident that he will be able to support you through these difficult times as you gain healthier perspectives and learn useful coping skills that will aid you on your path. Jose looks forward to doing his best to help you manage your mental health concerns and achieve your goals.

Shua Waxman takes a warm, down-to-earth approach and works collaboratively with clients to explore their struggles, hopes, and goals. He sees therapy as a space to look inward with honesty and care, like holding up a mirror to better understand yourself and what you need. In sessions, Shua helps clients notice emotional patterns, ask difficult but clarifying questions, and reflect on the parts of themselves that often get overlooked. He offers a steady presence in painful moments while also helping clients find ways to move forward. Each session blends reflection, emotional support, and practical tools.

He holds a Master of Social Work from Wurzweiler School of Social Work and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Social Work at Long Island University. Shua specializes in trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, and depression. His work draws from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, EMDR, and internal family systems. These approaches help clients process difficult experiences, build insight, and make meaningful, lasting changes.

Struggling with stress or emotional pain is part of being human. You don’t have to go through it alone. Shua is here to support you at your pace, with compassion, honesty, and curiosity. When you’re ready, reach out and take the first step.

I’m Sharon Ryan, a Licensed Professional Counselor with 8 years of experience supporting children, teens, and adults through a wide range of challenges. I specialize in eating disorders, anxiety, depression, self-worth, trauma, and body image. My background includes certification as a personal trainer and bariatric counselor, and expertise in weight and body neutrality. I believe that understanding the connection between mind and body is key to lasting healing and growth.

I earned my Master’s in Professional Counseling from William Paterson University. I draw on evidence-based modalities including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, cognitive behavioral therapy, grief counseling, play therapy, and holistic approaches. My therapeutic style is client-centered, trauma-informed, and rooted in whole-person health.

I welcome clients ready to take the next step toward healing with compassion and support. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, body image, depression, trauma, or relationships, I provide a safe and nonjudgmental space to explore challenges and build resilience. Together, we’ll work toward uncovering your strengths and finding peace in daily life.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 8 years of experience providing therapeutic support to adolescents, adults, couples, and families. My clinical experience includes working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, grief, bipolar disorder, addiction and recovery, stress management, adjustment disorder, and perinatal and postpartum mood disorders. I strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment where clients feel at ease and the process of beginning therapy is as smooth as possible.

I earned my Master of Social Work from Monmouth University. My approach is collaborative and non-judgmental, drawing on evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, client-centered therapy, strengths-based perspectives, and motivational interviewing to best support my clients.

My goal is to help clients build resilience and create a personalized path to healing that reflects their unique needs and life experiences. I am dedicated to walking alongside clients as they navigate challenges, discover new insights, and work toward meaningful and lasting change.

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.

I am a Licensed Associate Counselor in New Jersey with 4 years of experience. I work with children, teens, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, and mood disorders with psychotic features. I also specialize in supporting neurodiverse individuals, including those on the autism spectrum, helping them strengthen coping skills, emotional regulation, and self-confidence through empathy and collaboration.

I earned my Master’s in Counseling from the University of Phoenix. My approach is person-centered, blending cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness-based strategies. I strive to create a warm, inclusive space where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered to achieve emotional growth.

I bring personal and professional insight to my work. I understand the challenges families face and help them find balance, connection, and hope. My goal is to guide each client toward peace, confidence, and meaningful, lasting change.

Greta Buerkle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20 years of experience. Having lived and worked in NYC for many years, she feels blessed to have a diverse clinical work background serving her clients. She is experienced in assisting with a broad range of presenting problems including depression, anxiety, chronic illness, and relationships. Greta assists clients in the development of self-awareness, personal understanding, and effective coping with difficult experiences and uncomfortable emotions. Greta’s sensitivity is the gift that allows her to connect with many of her clients.

Greta received her Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia's School of Social Work, specializing in Advanced Clinical Practice. She integrates humanistic, holistic, and cognitive behavioral therapies that support the mind, body, and spirit. Greta’s therapeutic style is client-centered, strengths-based, and psychodynamic.

Greta is nonjudgmental and accepting and incorporates mindfulness-based stress reduction, emotional intelligence development, rational emotive behavioral therapy, and self-compassion practices to support her clients. If you are ready to begin your wellness journey, schedule your first appointment today!

Michelle Nirenberg is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Additionally, Michelle is a certified Trauma Counselor (TC) for adults, adolescents, and children. With over 16 years of experience also has a strong affinity for working with first responders and individuals who have either witnessed or experienced various forms of trauma.

Michelle earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision (CES) with a specialization in Trauma and Crisis, and a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling (MHC). She utilizes an eclectic treatment approach.

Michelle looks forward working with you to address your mental health needs as a team. If you're ready to schedule a session, reach out to book with her today.

Leslie Small is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience. He has worked with adults, teens, couples, and other populations dealing with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and many other concerns. Leslie has spent time in community mental health and private practice settings. His broad background enables him to assist a wide range of people.

Leslie received his Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. He utilizes a humanistic clinical approach that focuses on connecting with his clients and helping them discover their inherent strengths so that they can be the best version of themselves.

Leslie believes the partnership between therapist and client is the foundation for success and growth. He promises to provide support while fostering capabilities, setting goals, and developing a plan for life’s challenges. Schedule an appointment with him today!

Staci DiMattia is a licensed independent practitioner in New Jersey with over 25 years of professional work experience in multiple clinical settings–with 17 of those years as a therapist; helping clients with a variety of concerns, including but not limited to stress and anxiety, mood disorder-related symptoms, substance abuse and recovery, relationship issues, coping with life changes, pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum difficulties, as well as interpersonal and family conflicts. Born and raised in New Jersey, Staci completed her undergraduate and graduate work at Rutgers University, New Brunswick and Monmouth University, respectively. She has worked in a variety of settings throughout her career as a behavioral health clinician, and when she isn't working, dedicates a great deal of her time within her community. A common theme throughout both her professional and private life is in providing assistance and support to individuals, children and families by meeting them wherever they are, with the hope that she will leave them in a better place from when they initially found each other.

Staci works with her clients to create a relationship of trust within an open, inclusive and safe environment, where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step toward seeking a more fulfilling and happier life is a STRENGTH--as it is an important and healthy step toward wellness! She is here and will be glad to support you with this process--if you are willing to reach out and ready to do some work, schedule an appointment with Staci today!