Cristina Defuria, LMFT

Cristina Defuria, LMFT she/her

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, an AAMFT Approved Supervisor and Certified Family Mediator working with individuals, couples and families for over 15 years. Individual counseling includes self-esteem, relationships, life transitions, academic & career choices, depression and anxiety. Couple and Family counseling is dynamic, including pre-marital counseling, family planning, parental burn out, parenting issues, in-law matters, intimacy issues, low sexual desire, infidelity (emotional, physical and internet) recovery, divorce adjustment, and blended family issues, as well as individual issues.

My practice focuses on couples, relationships and families who are going through difficult life transitions and/or experiencing difficult symptoms and stressors. I specialize in couples work. I value each partner’s story and uniqueness as we work towards healing and recovery. My focus is to help people develop insight into the stress they face and work collaboratively to overcome them. I am also trained in the Brainspotting, effective for a wide variety of emotional and somatic conditions often related trauma.

Kaitlyn Tassillo, LPC

Kaitlyn Tassillo, LPC she/her

I am a Licensed Practicing Counselor (LPC) and certified in Gottman Therapy. I have been in the behavioral health field for 10 years working with adults, couples and families. I have worked in various treatment settings such as inpatient drug and alcohol rehab, outpatient addiction programs and outpatient mental health programs. I have extensive experience in working with individuals who struggle with addiction, depression and anxiety.

During sessions I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. In working with couples I utilize the Gottman approach.

We will work together as a team to achieve the changes you want to see in yourself to create a better life. I know looking for help can be scary and intimidating, but I promise I will make the process as easy as possible. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions you may have.

Nicole Garamella, LMFT

Nicole Garamella, LMFT she/her

Nicole is an LMFT that works predominantly with couples, families, and individuals through a lens that meets clients where they are in the moment. The focus of treatment is to create a safe space in which people can explore and understand their internal parts and systems, and disrupt old relational patterns that leave them feeling stuck and unsatisfied. Nicole’s primary focuses are in neurodiversity issues, difficult life transitions, infidelity recovery, and trauma.

Nicole uses a trauma-informed, integrated approach rooted in emotionally focused therapy, structural family therapy, and internal family systems. Together with the client, she focuses on identifying parts and relationships that create conflict or discomfort, and works to create an empathetic space focused on healing, boundaries, and disruption of dysfunctional patterns.

Healing can be a difficult journey, but rewarding when we give ourselves permission to be curious about the wounded parts of ourselves and our relationships. Nicole seeks to help increase personal insight and growth, while empowering clients to identify and express themselves collaboratively to reach their desired goals.

Nicole Garamella, LMFT

Juliana Evangelista, MFT she/her

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who earned her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Kean University. I have diverse experience providing trauma-informed care for children, individuals and families within different systems such as the Department of Children Protection and Permanency (DCPP), the adoption system and in mental health settings such as a private psychiatric office and a non profit organization. I strive to provide a safe environment where clients are free to express themselves and work on their growth potential. My foundation is in evidence-based approaches to treatment, such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), as well as Structural Family Therapy. I am a trilingual therapist, treating in English, Portuguese and Spanish languages.

Dina, LPC

Dina, LPC she/her

Welcome, and thank you for considering me as your guide on your personal wellness journey. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional with a passion for helping individuals overcome the unique challenges they face in today’s world.

With five years of experience, I have helped individuals struggling with substance abuse, anxiety/panic disorders, depression, OCD, and bipolar disorders. I specialize in working with both adult and adolescent clients, providing a safe and supportive environment for them to explore their concerns.

I believe in utilizing evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), mindfulness practices, and motivational interviewing to empower my clients. By addressing negative thought patterns and behaviors, we can work together to reduce their impact and create a greater sense of peace and well-being.

I understand that taking the first step towards seeking help can be challenging, but by reading this, you have already shown your courage and determination. If you’re ready to embark on your personal wellness journey, I am here to provide guidance and support every step of the way.

Together, we can work towards achieving the positive changes you deserve.

Alyssa, LAC

Alyssa, LAC she/her

I believe our life experiences truly frame our perspectives and past experiences can be a lingering shadow of heaviness. I create space to empower clients in a journey of self-awareness, healing, and regaining a sense of control in their lives. I am a trauma-informed therapist who believes that every individual no matter the path they have taken to get to where they are today deserves a space where they are heard, seen and supported. I will support you in strengthening your mind-body connection and rediscover the power of embracing your authentic self.

My approach to therapy is client-centered while being trained in cognitive behavioral therapy and also utilizing an integrative approach including somatic interventions and mindfulness during individual therapy sessions. I have completed Level 1 and Level 2 training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy which I use when working with couples.

My goal as a therapist is to provide each client with the space to show up as you are while feeling supported and empowered. You are the expert of you, I am here to support and guide you in your journey of self-discovery, healing and growth. I am currently only offering telehealth sessions and am accepting new clients.

*Supervised by Kaitlyn LPC

Brandy, LMFT

Brandy, LMFT she/her

Brandy (she/her), LMFT earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Mass Communication from the University of Delaware, and her Master of Family Therapy from Drexel University. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, AAMFT (American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy) Approved Supervisor and Clinical Fellow.

Brandy has devoted her career to advocating that relationships are the critical environment for growth, change and healing. She spent over a decade working with families with profound intergenerational complex trauma and significant attachment challenges. From that experience, her clinical specialties have grown to include the influence of early life experiences, quality of relationships and intergenerational transmission of trauma on current functioning. Through research, training and clinical practice, she has seen how unresolved trauma and poor attachment relationships leave people to use unhealthy mechanisms to survive their environments. These patterns of behavior and relating in time no longer serve healthy development and necessitate innovative trauma treatment and supportive and consistent relational support. She is a staunch believer that healing is done in safe relationships with exploration and treatment of and within the multitude of systems each individual and family belong.

She holds advanced certifications in The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (Level One: Individual and Level Two: Train-the-Trainer), Trauma Art Narrative Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy in addition to multiple modalities of systemic family therapy.

Professionally she has presented on such topics as: complex trauma, attachment challenges, innovative practices in residential care, and families formed by adoption at the Building Bridges Initiative Summer Training Event, the Inaugural Greater Philadelphia Trauma Training Conference, the Northeastern Adoption and Child Welfare Summit, and the International Sanctuary Network Conference.

Brandy teaches Addictions and the Family and Contextual Family Therapy in La Salle’s Counseling and Family Therapy Master’s Program.

Laura Jones MA, LPC

Laura Jones MA, LPC she/her

Laura Jones is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) working with adults in individual and group settings for the past 4 years. Laura earned her B.A. in Psychology from Le Moyne College, and her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marywood University.

Laura has worked with people who experience anxiety, depression, substance abuse, life stressors, trauma, ADHD, and Autism. She utilizes a client-centered approach which focuses on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as her foundation, and incorporates elements from Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness activities. Additionally, she has been trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD. She is being supervised by Cristina DeFuria, LMFT, to enhance her couples and family therapy skills.

Kasey Ramouth LPC

Kasey Ramouth LPC she/her

I have over 6 years experience in individual and group counseling, with a focus on depression, anxiety, substance abuse, navigating big life changes, and improving communication. In a digital and virtual world, I’m passionate about helping people re-connect with real people in real life to have more meaningful relationships. Facing big life changes (a move, a career switch, marriage, parenthood)? I’d be honored to help you navigate that change and feel a little more clarity and confidence.

I use a multi-faceted approach, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, solution-focused treatment, and person-centered therapy. Together, we can see if there are some patterns in your thinking that are keeping you “stuck” and see if we can challenge some of those patterns. We can find ways to address problems in your life by making small changes in a way that feels manageable to you.

A little about me: I work virtually, and my dog may join in sometimes from the couch. I’m a New Jersey native who enjoys hiking, biking, climbing, and traveling. I graduated from Monmouth University with a Masters in Mental Health Counseling in 2018 and have been working in the field since then.

Ana, LAMFT

Ana, LAMFT she/her

Jessica, LSW

Jessica, LSW she/her

Diane, MFT

Diane, MFT she/her

Jessica, MA

Jessica, MA she/her

Dana, LAC

Dana, LAC she/her

Joanne, MFT

Joanne, MFT she/her

Hiba, MFT

Hiba, MFT she/her

Internship Program

Kimberly

Kimberly she/her
Master level intern at Georgian Court University

Kimberly

Armand he/him
Master level MFT intern at Kean University

Kimberly

Stephanie she/they
Master level MFT intern at Kean University

Mark Sedlak PMHNP-BC

Mark Sedlak PMHNP-BC he/him

I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who takes an integrative, patient-centered, holistic approach to mental health. I work with both children and adults. My approach utilizes the latest evidence-based treatment guidelines and incorporates medications, therapy, natural supplements, and life style changes to nourish a client’s overall well-being. My goal is to assist patients in obtaining their optimal mental health. Learn more www.risingswellmentalhealth.com

After an initial evaluation, I will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan that focuses on your needs and wants. You will have an active role in determining the course of treatment. Treatment may include medications, therapy, and other complementary modalities to improve your mental health.