Carlita L. Coley

LPC, 15 years of experience
Authentic
Empowering
Warm
VirtualAvailable

As a neurodivergent Black woman living with a chronic illness and mother of three adult children, two of whom identify with the LGBTQ+ commmunity, I am always interested in the deeper question people carry about their lives. Many of the individuals I work with are thoughtful, capable people who have spent years showing up for others, meeting expectations, and doing what seemed like the responsible thing to do. At some point, though, many begin to notice a quiet sense that something no longer fits. My work centers around helping people slow down enough to understand what is actually happening beneath that feeling. Together we look at the patterns, experiences, and internal narratives that shape how you see yourself and the choices available to you. From that place, people often begin to rediscover a clearer sense of who they are and what direction their lives might take moving forward. I am especially drawn to working with adults navigating identity shifts, relationship transitions, and moments in life where the path forward is no longer obvious.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin understanding what has brought you to therapy at this point in your life. We will talk about what has been happening recently, what concerns or questions you are carrying, and what you hope might be different moving forward. You do not need to have everything figured out before we meet. Many people come to the first session with a general sense that something in their life feels unclear, overwhelming, or no longer aligned with who they are. Part of our work together is taking the time to explore those experiences thoughtfully. During this session I may ask questions about your history, current circumstances, and the areas of life that feel most important to you right now. This helps me understand the broader context of your experiences and consider how I might best support you. By the end of the first session we will usually have a clearer sense of the concerns you want to focus on and whether working together feels like a good fit.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to listen beneath what is being said and notice the patterns that often sit just below the surface of everyday experiences. Many people come to therapy carrying questions about their lives that do not always have simple answers, and I approach those conversations with patience, curiosity, and respect for the complexity of each person’s story. I am also known for creating a space where people feel comfortable being honest about what they are experiencing, even when those thoughts or emotions feel difficult to say out loud. My role is not to rush the process or push you toward a predetermined outcome, but to help you think clearly about what you are noticing in your life and what direction may feel most aligned with who you are becoming. Clients often tell me they appreciate having a space where reflection is welcomed and where their experiences are taken seriously rather than minimized or quickly interpreted.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

My ideal client is someone who is thoughtful, capable, and willing to reflect honestly on their life. Many of the people I work with are used to being responsible, dependable, and strong for others, yet privately they may feel uncertain about who they are or what direction their life should take next. Often they are navigating a period of transition. This might involve changes in relationships, shifts in identity, or the growing awareness that the life they have built no longer feels fully aligned with who they are becoming. They may not always arrive with a clear problem to solve, but they recognize that something within them is asking for attention and understanding. These clients tend to value conversation, insight, and the opportunity to think more deeply about their experiences. Therapy becomes a place where they can slow down, make sense of what they are noticing, and begin moving toward decisions and choices that feel more authentic to who they are.

Specialties

Top specialties

Anxiety

I identify as

Serves ages

Licensed in

New Jersey

Accepts

Location

Virtual

My treatment methods

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help clients identify their values and chose behaviors that align with those values. During sessions, we examine behaviors that were not in alignment and work to understand the barriers that led to such actions, without judgement.

, 79 ratings

2 ratings with written reviews

November 6, 2025

Thank you Carlita always a pleasure talking to you

Verified client, age 45-54
Review shared after session 3 with Carlita

March 21, 2025

Thank you, Carlita. You were great! Looking forward to our next meeting.

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 1 with Carlita