Stacia Neals, LPC - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Stacia Neals

Stacia Neals

(she/her)

LPC
15 years of experience
Virtual

"As a licensed therapist in New Jersey with over a decade of experience, I specialize in helping individuals manage stress, anxiety, and challenges related to personal and professional life, relationships, family dynamics, and intimacy. I firmly believe that you are the expert of your own story, and I view you as a person with unique strengths that will help you overcome the obstacles you're facing. My approach is person-centered, drawing from social cognitive, mindfulness, and cross-cultural frameworks, recognizing that your behaviors, environment, and cognitive processes all interact in shaping your experiences. I’m committed to creating a safe and culturally sensitive space where you can explore and address issues while developing the tools you need for meaningful change. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling life is courageous, and I’m here to support you in this journey."

Get to know me

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

In the first session, I expect clients to come with an open mind and a willingness to share their experiences, thoughts, and feelings. I understand that it can be a vulnerable step, so my goal is to create a safe and comfortable environment where they can begin to explore what brought them to therapy. I encourage clients to: Be Honest and Open: Share what’s on their mind, even if it feels difficult or uncomfortable. The more honest they are about their struggles, goals, and expectations, the more I can support them effectively. Share Their Goals: While the first session is often about understanding the client's story, it’s helpful if they can share what they hope to achieve through therapy. This could be anything from managing stress and anxiety to improving relationships or finding greater fulfillment in life. Ask Questions: Therapy is a collaborative process, so I encourage clients to ask any questions they may have about the process, my approach, or what to expect moving forward. It’s important that they feel informed and comfortable. Be Ready to Reflect: While there’s no pressure to have all the answers right away, it’s helpful if clients are open to reflecting on their current challenges, past experiences, and what they’d like to work on. Be Patient with the Process: Therapy is a journey, and it’s important to understand that the first session is just the beginning. Clients may not have all the answers immediately, and that’s perfectly okay. I encourage them to be patient with themselves as they start to explore deeper emotions and patterns. Ultimately, I expect the first session to be a time of mutual understanding, where I get to know the client’s unique needs and background, and they get a sense of who I am as a therapist and how we might work together to achieve their goals. The aim is to lay a strong foundation for a trusting and collaborative therapeutic relationship.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My greatest strength as a therapist is my ability to be compassionate, client-centered, and have a holistic style, which combines my experiences, multi-theoretical influences, and cultural awareness to help clients create meaningful, lasting change. My clients benefit from a therapeutic process that’s deeply personalized, empathetic, and rooted in practical, evidence-based methods.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

My ideal clients are those who are ready to take an active role in their therapeutic journey and are looking to address issues related to stress, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and family conflicts. They may be individuals dealing with work-life balance challenges, communication problems within relationships, or difficulties navigating intimacy or family issues. These clients might be feeling overwhelmed by the demands of their personal or professional lives and are seeking a supportive, compassionate therapist to help them manage their emotional well-being and make meaningful changes. My ideal clients also include individuals who: Value Self-Reflection: They are open to exploring their personal experiences, strengths, and thought patterns. They understand that therapy is a collaborative process and are ready to uncover deeper insights to drive change. Want to Cultivate Emotional Resilience: They may feel stuck in recurring patterns of stress or anxiety and are seeking strategies to manage their emotions, regulate their reactions, and improve their mental health. Are Open to a Holistic Approach: My clients appreciate therapy that takes into account their cultural background, personal experiences, and unique worldview. They are open to integrating techniques like mindfulness and cognitive reframing into their lives.

About Stacia Neals

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to emotional distress or problematic behaviors. Through a collaborative process, I help guide clients to reframe unhelpful thoughts, learn coping strategies, and engage in healthier behaviors. Techniques like thought records, behavioral activation, and graded exposure are used to help clients gain insight and develop practical skills to manage their emotions and improve their quality of life.

Couples Counseling

In couples counseling, I help partners improve communication, resolve conflicts, and deepen their emotional connection by creating a safe, neutral space for open dialogue. I work with both individuals to identify and address negative patterns, unmet emotional needs, and past issues that may affect the relationship. Through practical skills like active listening, conflict resolution, and goal-setting, I guide couples to strengthen their bond and develop strategies for long-term relationship success.

Motivational Interviewing

As a therapist using Motivational Interviewing (MI), I help clients explore and resolve ambivalence about making changes in their lives. Through empathetic listening and open-ended questions, I encourage clients to reflect on their values and goals, which helps them recognize their own reasons for change. By using a non-judgmental, collaborative approach, I support clients in building self-confidence and readiness to take action, while respecting their autonomy in the decision-making process.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

As a therapist using mindfulness therapy, I guide clients to develop greater awareness of the present moment and cultivate a non-judgmental attitude toward their thoughts and feelings. I teach techniques such as mindful breathing, body scans, and meditation to help clients manage stress, anxiety, and emotional reactivity. By fostering mindfulness, I help clients create space between their thoughts and reactions, promoting emotional regulation, self-compassion, and a deeper connection to themselves and their experiences.