Often rebooked
Hi, I am a New Jersey Licensed Clinical Therapist. I graduated from Rutgers University with a Master of Social Work Degree and Special Emphasis on Individuals with Disabilities. I enjoy working with adolescents 14 years and older to adults of all ages, including seniors. My specialty is Borderline Personality Disorder; I am certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I am passionate about helping individuals develop a "life worth living" as quoted by Marsha Linehan. I enjoy working with complex individuals who often experience difficulty with strong emotions, self-harm and relationship and identity problems. Highly Sensitive People are often misunderstood, resulting in emotional pain. I am also trained in Trauma Focused -CBT and other treatment modalities. I have been successful in helping individuals overcome phobias, panic attacks, social anxiety, trauma and self-injury. I have extensive experience treating various individuals struggling with general Anxiety/Depression, ADHD and various co-occurring/mood and personality disorders. I believe in collaboration with clients, not directives. Treatment is intended to be a partnership. My style is genuine and empathetic while being solution-focused. Perhaps you are struggling with serious mental health challenges or, you may simply want to learn how to deal with difficult people or situations. Maybe you aren't sure what you need or what you are feeling right now. That is ok--we can figure it out. Please note: I am currently licensed to provide services in New Jersey only. My calendar displays general availability. If you would like to discuss meeting outside the advertised hours, please message me. If possible, I will try to accommodate you. I encourage free phone consultations to determine if we are a fit for one another, but they are not required. If you have more questions or are feeling apprehensive kindly reach out and we can set up a quick call.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
The initial session is typically focuses establishing rapport and additional information gathering. I encourage clients to ask questions; I believe that therapy should be a two way street, wherein clients feel comfortable. Goodness of fit is important for the therapeutic relationship, so this is usually determined organically during the first session. During the initial session, we explore clients' needs and how I may be of help, including potential treatment modalities. After the first session, clients gain a sense of what to expect for treatment moving forward.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I believe that my biggest strength is and using practical treatment strategies and solutions that can be implemented immediately. I like to provide structure to clients who want it, while not being overly rigid. I am able to pivot to fit the needs of the client. Lastly, I strive to be genuinely honest, even when it is difficult. I am very responsive to my clients and I provide support in between sessions either via phone or email, when it is needed.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My area of specialty and passion is in treating individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder and Borderline tendencies. I am certified in DBT and trained in T-CBT, which is helpful for treating personality and mood Disorders, Anxiety, OCD, Depression. Clients who are motivated to improve and are able to cognitively engage in their own treatment will benefit the most.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I have used dialectical behavioral therapy since 2017 and became Certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy two years ago. I have found DBT to be helpful in treating various disorders and difficulties, including, personality disorders, depression, and anxiety to name a few. DBT is particularly helpful for individuals who have persistently distorted or inflexible thought patterns and trouble regulating emotions. Clients are given multiple resources to learn from and use in between sessions. DBT is an active therapy which requires collaboration on the part of the client and therapist. With optimal execution there is a high degree of success leading to overall improvement.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have used Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for years. It is the gold standard in treating various depressive and anxiety disorders. CBT is performed during the session, teaching clients alternative ways of thinking, as well as in between sessions. Clients are given resources, and in some cases exposures or other exercises to challenge unhelpful world views that may be causing distress.
Eclectic
It is often necessary to employ various methods at different times. There is no one size fits all approach to treatment. I have found that being flexible and using multiple strategies can be beneficial to treatment and reduce client fatigue. I am well-versed in trauma reduction Christian counseling, mindfulness training, as well as many other evidence-based treatments. I integrate various methods as they are helpful to treatment for a holistic approach.
5 ratings with written reviews
July 29, 2025
Crystal is a smart, solution oriented professional who was empathetic, and balanced listening with interventions and provided resources.
May 15, 2025
THE GREATEST!!!!!!!! like no other
May 8, 2025
Crystal is an amazing therapist that takes the time to really listen and make you feel heard. She always offers relevant and applicable solutions, and leaves you with things to think about. She leads you in introspection and self-growth. I would highly recommend Crystal!!!