Compassion-Focused Therapy Therapists in New Jersey

Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) helps individuals develop self-compassion and resilience, especially when facing self-criticism, shame, or emotional distress. By blending mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and compassionate mind training, CFT supports emotional healing and encourages positive, lasting change. With 9 CFT-trained therapists in New Jersey, you can access specialized care designed to nurture inner strength, self-acceptance, and well-being. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist listed below is welcoming new clients, offering timely and compassionate support tailored to your journey toward emotional growth.

Samantha McAleer

(she/her)

Samantha McAleer, LCSW - New Jersey Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

$180/session
LCSW
5 years of experience
In-person
51 Upper Montcl...
As a therapist, my goal is to help you reach your full potential and find inner peace. Together, we'll explore your strengths and challenges, develop practical strategies, and cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself. My approach is to support and empower you on your journey toward personal growth and a more fulfilling life. I believe that we are a team, you know you better than you think you do; I just have the different skills and questions to get you there.
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Sarah Nitka

(she/her)

Sarah Nitka, LPC - New Jersey Therapist at Grow Therapy
$100/session
LPC
10 years of experience
Virtual
I have been working in the helping field since 2015. I utilize person-centered and positive psychology models and have experience in DBT, CBT and trauma focused care. My experience includes working with children, adolescents and adults in various settings. I enjoy being part of the process of helping individuals make positive changes and exploring issues to have improved understanding and better ways of coping with life’s stressors.
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Ghada Saleh

Ghada Saleh, LPC - New Jersey Therapist at Grow Therapy
$100/session
LPC
8 years of experience
Virtual
I have worked in the field as a Licensed professional counselor (LPC) for multiple years with supervisory experience in addition to counseling. I am licensed in the state of New Jersey and I earned my Master of Clinical Counseling Degree from William Paterson University. I enjoy working with a multitude of individuals and presentations from multiple backgrounds. I have unique experience working with the Arab and Muslim population spearheading research on immigrants and facilitating youth groups centered on identity. Finally, I believe that humor is a great addition to a healthy therapeutic alliance and look forward to enjoying humorous moments together.
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josephine Mixson

josephine Mixson, LPC - New Jersey Therapist at Grow Therapy
$85/session
LPC
15 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I am a Licensed Therapist in New Jersey, working on my PA license, which should be accessible soon. I have been in practice for over 15 years. I specialize in helping you work through your issues . Can you get better, most definitely . I use client-centered therapy The interventions, I use is CBT, Motivational interviews and mindfulness. . I work at an agency in New Jersey, where I do individual counseling for women, men and teenagers, some children. I do couples and marriage counseling.. We concentate on Conflict resolvement and communication breakdown My resume includes working with individuals who have high degrees of anxiety. In trauma let us work through it together. If struggling with depression and grief issues than I can help you. lets get to the root of your struggles together. I am a christian. My first session includes getting to know you better and making you feel comfortable
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Brigid Geary

(she/her)

Brigid Geary, LCSW - New Jersey Therapist at Grow Therapy
$150/session
LCSW
8 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Brigid, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in helping individuals navigate life transitions, grief, trauma, self-esteem challenges, and more. I work with teenagers, young adults, and millennials, creating a safe and supportive space where clients can explore their emotions, overcome obstacles, and build meaningful coping skills. My approach is warm, mindful, and collaborative, focusing on fostering self-awareness, resilience, and emotional well-being. Together, we will work toward creating a life that feelings authentic and fullfilling.
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Rachel Ann Khan-McCroy

(she/her)

Rachel Ann Khan-McCroy, LCSW - New Jersey Therapist at Grow Therapy
$125/session
LCSW
12 years of experience
Virtual
I am a female therapist with over ten years of experience. I became a therapist as I have always been drawn to helping professions. I went to Manhattanville College for two years, and then transferred to the CUNY BA Program for Unique and Interdisciplinary Studies. I graduate with a degree in Social Work with Vulnerable Populations and Contemporary Global Issues. I then went to the NYU Silver School of Social Work and received a Masters in Social Work, and did the Zelda Fellowship in Palliative and End-of-life Care. For more context, my first year internship, I spent interning at Talbot Hall, a (now closed) correctional facility in NJ. In my second year, under the Fellowship, I interned at the NY and Brooklyn Veterans Hospital. I worked with Brightpoint (now Sunriver Health), then at NY Presbyterian Hospital (doing inpatient, then outpatient care), and now am in private practice. I believe it's an honor to hear about the lives of others. I am also married, and have young children. I grew up in a large family. I have grown and lived in the NY/NJ area. Some personal background: I love to write, cook, bike, swim and am a vegetarian.
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Claire Thombs

Claire Thombs, LCSW - New Jersey Therapist at Grow Therapy
$80/session
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of social work and mental health experience. I utilize evidence-based therapy models focused on my clients' strengths, abilities, and unique life experiences in efforts to improve quality of life and restore overall health and wellness. I greatly enjoy my work with clients and the reward in my work is seeing clients succeed and overcome life's challenges.
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Dr. Karina Barro

(she/her)

Dr. Karina Barro, LPC - New Jersey Therapist at Grow Therapy
$150/session
LPC
15 years of experience
Virtual
Working with people and helping them through mental health issues is the nature of the work and there is no client that can not be worked with, unless they do not want to work on themselves. I work with clients to find the source of their symptoms or areas of stress. I teach coping skills and through the process of self reflection, patients learn to heal and find self acceptance. I practice with no judgment, compassion and as much empathy as I can provide. Ultimately, the goal is work with the mind, body and spirit, so that they are aligned with another and you are at peace.
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Crystal Brooks

(she/her)

Crystal Brooks, LCSW - New Jersey Therapist at Grow Therapy
$160/session
LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
You are welcome here. What version of you gives away your power? Do you find yourself meeting people where they are yet often feel unsupported in the way you need it? Are you struggling to find balance and purpose as a mama? Are you experiencing fear and anxiety or depression during your pregnancy and/or post-partum? Did you know post-partum recovery can last upwards to 10yrs? I offer a compassionate, integrative, holistic approach in supporting women in their paths to mind, body, spiritual wellness. This decision is grounded in the belief that you already possess many tools for healing and life satisfaction within. I will hold sacred space as you journey inward to your well-being. Whether you are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, confusion, conflict in relationships, lack of boundaries or showing up as the cycle-breaker, I am here. As Bessel van der Kolk shares "Trauma shows up as a behavior". I extend an invitation for you to connect.
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Explore more New Jersey Therapists by:

Blue Cross Blue Shield
Aetna
Cigna
Independence Blue Cross
United Medical Resources
Optum
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
Oscar
AvMed
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance

Frequently asked questions

Why filter by New Jersey rather than a city like Newark?

When looking for online therapy, you can see anyone that is credentialed in the state. We want you to find the best fit, therefore, Grow Therapy shows available therapists across New Jersey from Jersey City to Paterson! If you’d rather see someone in-person, you can change the filter from virtual and find a therapist near you in New Jersey.

Will my therapist take insurance?

When booking you’ll be asked to verify with your Member ID. However, if you don’t have any of the insurances available you can select cash. Our therapists will have their cost of appointment on their profile. Individual session costs will vary.

How does the Specialty Filter work? Can I find a therapist that focuses on a specific issue?

The specialty filter is optional. You don’t need to check any boxes to see a provider. However, fit is very important when selecting an online therapist. If you have knowledge or experience to recognize what specialties you may need.

What are the "Clients say I'm" badges?

Grow Therapy asks patients about their experience with therapists after they have had a certain number of sessions. After enough responses, we add those characteristics to their profiles to help you find the best online therapists for you. We're still working on collecting this information from all our therapists.

Why use Gender, Age, and Identities filters?

Finding a provider with a similar life experience can be beneficial because it can be easier to establish rapport and potentially be understood quicker and clearer.

What to expect during your first session?

Your first therapy session is for you and your therapist to meet each other and to ask any questions that you have about the counseling process. This is where you can expect your therapist to do the same as they will ask questions to gain insight into your specific situation. In this first session the therapist is doing their part to gather as much information so they can better assess if they are able to meet your therapeutic needs.

Depending upon your provider's specialty, you may also discuss the methods the therapist will use. For additional information on therapy methods, please visit the Grow Therapy Help Center. Some people feel nervous before their first appointment, and that is totally normal! Coming prepared with a list of questions for your therapist may help. Remember, you're taking a brave step by seeking therapy, and it is okay to be nervous as you try something new.