Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Edison, NJ

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.

My name is Lilah Souza. I am a licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and licensed professional counselor (LPC) who works with a variety of different backgrounds including children, teens, young adults, adults,  LGBTQ+ individuals, neurodivergent individuals, and so on. 

I consider my approach to be warm, empathetic, client-centered, and eclectic. I do CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and expressive arts based therapy with my clients to help them get to a place where they can cope with life's challenges and feel like they're enough. 

Reaching out for the first time is always the hardest step. Thank you for taking the time and the courage to reach out and I hope we can work as a team in your mental health journey. 

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.

I am an experienced Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Doctoral degree from Rutgers University. I have almost 10 years of experience in psychiatry where I've worked with children, adolescents, and adults addressing anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, autism, substance use, life circumstances, and more. 

My practice is to collaborate with clients to find the best solution that fits their needs. I provide therapy and medication management. I utilize evidence-based techniques in the care of all patients. 

Every client is unique and deserves an individualized plan of care to improve their quality of life. As a provider, I hope clients find that I serve my community with compassion, empathy, encouragement, and consideration. 

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.

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.

Elijawon is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over nine years of experience in the mental health field. He has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, families, couples, and individuals with developmental disabilities. Elijawon is passionate about helping others navigate unique challenges to improve their quality of life and achieve their goals and dreams. Elijawon is an eclectic counselor that does not believe in being a "One-Trick Pony," as each approach applies to the individual's different needs.

Elijawon (Eli) completed his Masters of Arts in Counseling at Kean University. He has clinical counseling, case management, and school counseling experience working with many individuals. Elijawon utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness.

Everyone faces challenges and situations that they try to overcome. Elijawon is adamant about guiding individuals to their goals, is an empathetic and active listener, and provides the resources to educate and empower others. If you are ready to take that leap of faith and gain new strategies to cope and conquer, please reach out and schedule an appointment!

Hi, I am Ryan Wade, a psychiatrist board certified in Psychiatry, Addiction Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine. I completed medical school and my Psychiatry residency at Eastern Virginia Medical School, followed by an Addiction Psychiatry fellowship at Yale University School of Medicine. Despite my training in the addiction field, I spend a large portion of my time focusing on mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and more. I find that I typically work most with people who want to consolidate their medication regimen or those who view medication as a tool, not solely the solution to the issues they are facing.

I attempt to meet people where they are and the level they are willing to engage with treatment as this varies significantly from person to person. I believe psychotherapy is quite powerful for most people and routinely recommend it alongside my work with clients, including any medications I would potentially prescribe. 

If you are considering seeing someone for your mental health — or even wondering if what you are feeling day-to-day is "normal" and would like an assessment — feel free to schedule an appointment. There is no pressure to start medication or to even continue in treatment if you feel that it isn't right for you. I look forward to meeting you soon!