Patricia Palko
Hi, I’m Patricia, a Licensed Professional Counselor who believes that healing happens in a space where one feels genuinely seen, heard, and understood. I work with children, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety, OCD, trauma, PTSD, life transitions, grief, stress, and relationship challenges. My approach is warm, collaborative, and practical. I strive to create an environment where clients feel safe enough to be honest while also feeling empowered to grow. Together, we’ll identify patterns that keep you feeling stuck, build on your strengths, and develop meaningful strategies that support lasting change. As both a therapist and a parent, I understand that life can be complicated, overwhelming, and unpredictable. My goal is to meet you with compassion and help you move toward the life you want to create. Whether you’re seeking relief from anxiety, processing difficult experiences, or simply trying to understand yourself better, I consider it a privilege to walk alongside you.
First session
Beginning therapy can feel intimidating, so my first priority is helping you feel comfortable. Our first session is a chance for us to get to know one another. I’ll ask questions about what brings you to therapy, your personal history, your current challenges, and what you hope to gain from our work together. There’s no pressure to share everything at once. We move at a pace that feels right for you. I also want you to ask questions and make sure I’m the right fit for your needs. By the end of our first meeting, we’ll begin identifying goals and discuss what treatment may look like moving forward. My hope is that you leave feeling heard, understood, and encouraged that positive change is possible.
Strengths
Clients often describe me as compassionate, genuine, and easy to talk to. While I provide empathy and validation, I also believe in gently challenging unhelpful patterns when needed. I strive to balance support with honest feedback so that our sessions lead to meaningful growth rather than simply talking through problems. I tailor therapy to each individual because there is no one-size-fits-all approach. I draw from evidence-based treatments while recognizing that every person’s story is unique. Whether we’re working through anxiety, trauma, OCD, grief, or life transitions, my goal is to help you better understand yourself, build resilience, and develop practical skills you can use outside of our sessions. Above all, I believe the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important parts of healing. Feeling safe, accepted, and understood creates the foundation for lasting change.
Ideal clients
I don’t believe in having an “ideal client.” Every person comes to therapy with a unique story, and I consider it a privilege when someone trusts me enough to share theirs. I work best with clients who are open to building a collaborative relationship and are willing to take small, meaningful steps toward growth, even when the process feels difficult.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Helps you identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that contribute to anxiety, depression, stress, and other emotional challenges. CBT focuses on developing practical coping skills for everyday life.
Trauma-Focused CBT
A specialized form of CBT designed for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma. It helps young people process difficult experiences, develop healthy coping skills, and reduce trauma-related symptoms with support from a caregiver when appropriate.
Somatic
Focuses on the connection between the mind and body. It helps clients recognize how stress and trauma are stored physically and uses body awareness, grounding, and nervous system regulation to promote healing.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Helps people accept difficult thoughts and emotions instead of fighting them, while learning to take actions that align with their values. ACT focuses on psychological flexibility and building a meaningful life, even when challenges are present.
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
The gold-standard treatment for OCD and many anxiety disorders. ERP helps individuals gradually face feared thoughts or situations while resisting compulsive behaviors, allowing anxiety to decrease naturally over time.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Licensed in
- New JerseyLicense 37PC00779600