Kathy Acosta, LCSW | Founder
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Hi! I am a NJ- based licensed therapist. I am a first generation Latina and I am passionate about empowering other first generation adults. I understand the importance of healing from generational and unspoken trauma. Breaking down barriers and being the first to reach certain accomplishments can be exciting but also very exhausting. Our layers and experiences matter!
Much of my work is centered around trauma, working with survivors of interpersonal violence, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and intergenerational trauma. After experiencing something traumatic we often feel lost, hopeless, and can sometimes blame ourselves. I bring my expertise in trauma and mental health to help you process your feelings and heal.
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My approach is relational, culture inclusive, holistic, strength focused, and trauma informed. I also use EMDR and Brainspotting (BSP) a tools to process trauma. Clients would describe me as energetic, non judgemental, direct when needed, authentic, and positive.
Finding a therapist that can best help you can feel like an overwhelming task and it takes a lot of courage to take this step. Therapy is work and as your therapist I am here to walk alongside you and to hold that space for you. It’s important to be understood and seen. Let’s explore if we are a good fit, book a free 15 minute consultation.
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If you are a Latinx professional in the mental health field, learn more about my consultation services at https://www.heroconsultations.com/
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Alexandra Waidelich, LPC | Practice Manager
Throughout life, we go through many different phases. Some phases come with their own set of challenges and make us feel stuck, powerless, and unsure of what to do next. No one should have to experience these feelings alone. The key to overcoming feeling lost is to understand how your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors impact one another.
Using a safe, respectful and non-judgmental approach, my goal is to give you the tools you need to find your inner strength and feel validated, empowered, and ready to tackle whatever obstacles you face in the future. My approach is integrative, inclusive, and personalized, celebrating everyone's unique qualities, perspectives, and experiences. I pull from multiple therapeutic modalities, like cognitive-behavioral therapy and DBT.
I specialize in women's issues. Women are incredibly strong and resilient, but navigating life as a woman can be challenging. My experience with women's issues encompasses motherhood, including parenting, pregnancy, fertility, and postpartum depression and anxiety, as well as sexism and societal pressures women face today.
I also have extensive experience helping adolescents and adults with learning difficulties. Learning difficulties pose obstacles both academically and professionally. I help clients with motivation, attention, and executive functioning issues. I work with my client to learn strategies and skills that truly work for them, resulting in long-term change.
You don't have to figure everything out on your own. Therapy is a collaborative and supportive effort built on trust and hope. Together, we'll navigate what you're going through, what you need, and how to accomplish your goals. I look forward to going on this journey with you!
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Karina Garcia, LSW
Hello! Mental well-being is not just a passion for me; it's my purpose. My goal is to foster strong family bonds through effective communication, understanding, and support. I am committed to the well-being of children, families, and parents.
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With experience in clinical and case management roles within nonprofit organizations, I've had the privilege of working closely with children and families. These experiences have provided profound insights into the diverse dynamics of children and families. I understand the importance of tailoring my approach to my clients unique needs. My therapeutic approach is anchored in family systems, a holistic perspective, and Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP). These frameworks serve as the foundation for healing and growth in my work with individuals, children, and families. Additionally, I provide valuable assistance to adults facing parenting struggles. Whether you're a new parent or navigating the challenges of parenthood, I'm here to offer guidance and support. I bring expertise in the Nurtured Heart Approach, a powerful tool for positive parenting techniques.
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I am also deeply committed to supporting the Latinx community on their journey to mental well-being. As a first-generation Latina, my purpose is rooted in giving back to my community and helping others navigate life's challenges. Hablo espanol!
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I strive to create an inclusive and culturally sensitive therapeutic space. Clients describe me as non-judgmental—a testament to my commitment to fostering trust and openness in the therapeutic relationship.As a therapist, I believe in the power of connection, communication, and understanding, fostering a safe space for individuals to explore their journey to mental health.I look forward to the opportunity to work with you.
Christopher Astacio, LAC
Therapy shouldn’t feel intimidating — it should feel like a safe space to show up just as you are. As a therapist, my goal is to provide that space for clients to explore their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors without judgment. I want our work together to feel empowering, healing, and collaborative.
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I’m a bilingual Licensed Associate Counselor who specializes in supporting adolescents and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and emotional regulation challenges. I’ve worked closely with high-risk youth from diverse backgrounds and understand how important it is to create a space that feels both affirming and supportive.
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As a first-generation Latin American, I bring a culturally informed perspective to my work and understand how family dynamics and cultural identity can shape the therapeutic experience. I often use a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and person-centered practices to support clients in building skills they can carry with them beyond the therapy room.
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Whether we're working on mood regulation, self-esteem, or navigating life transitions, my goal is always to meet clients where they are and help them move toward the life they want — with clarity, resilience, and support.
Marian Hanna, LAC
Hi there! I'm a licensed associate counselor specializing in trauma recovery for both adults and teens.
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Life’s unexpected challenges can leave us feeling closed off, fearful, and cautious. I’m here to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and wholeness, helping to transform past pain into a source of strength.
My journey in the field has led me to work extensively with survivors of domestic abuse. I understand the profound and multifaceted effects trauma can have on our lives, affecting how we perceive ourselves, others, and the world around us.
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When working with adults, I focus on creating an environment where you feel heard, understood, and supported by using a combination of trauma-informed and person-centered techniques. I am particularly attuned to the unique challenges women face, such as societal pressures, relational dynamics, and self-esteem issues. Together, we work to turn these challenges into opportunities for personal growth and transformation.
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Helping teens who have experienced trauma is a key focus of my practice. Teens often communicate their feelings and experiences through behavior and creativity rather than words. I use mindfulness techniques, to create a safe and engaging space where teens can process experiences at their own pace. Through our sessions, teens learn coping skills, emotional regulation, and healthy ways to express themselves.
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As a first-generation Egyptian, I am passionate about providing culturally competent services to individuals with a Middle Eastern background. Understanding the unique aspects of Middle Eastern culture firsthand allows me to offer support, understanding, and validation to my community.
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I believe that connection is the very essence of the human experience, and seeking help and guidance can be a vital aspect of the journey toward healing and self-discovery. If now feels like a good time to take the first step towards healing, I invite you to reach out! Together, we can explore ways to break free of the cycle of trauma and move towards reclaiming your life with a new sense of confidence. I look forward to supporting you on your journey to healing.
Kimberly Ortiz-Samayoa, LSW
​Life can be overwhelming, but your mental well-being doesn’t have to be.
I'm a bilingual licensed social worker committed to working with clients who experience anxiety and stress, recognizing that these issues often coexist with depression. It's important to acknowledge that many people face these challenges, and feeling overwhelmed or lost is a completely normal response to life's pressures. Together, we can create a space where you can
express your feelings without judgment and explore pathways toward healing and understanding.
I also specialize in trauma recovery for both teens and adults. With a deep understanding of how trauma can impact your life, I work collaboratively with you to explore your experiences and emotions at your own pace. I understand that trauma can manifest in many ways, impacting emotional well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life. My goal is to empower clients to reclaim their narratives, develop coping strategies, and foster resilience.
Through our work together, we will explore your experiences and feelings, allowing you to process and make sense of what you’re undergoing. Using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and emphasizing trauma-informed intersectional care along with a strengths-based approach, I am dedicated to helping you understand and heal from your experiences while emphasizing your ability to overcome adversity and the growth that follows.
I am deeply committed to serving the Latinx community. I’ve undergone training for Latino/a/x Initiatives for Services, Training, & Assessment (LISTA) with the Rutgers School of Social Work. I am committed to providing a safe and supportive space that honors and affirms the experiences of Latinx individuals.
Therapy can be a transformative journey so let’s embark together as co-pilots, navigating the twists and turns toward your personal growth. Together, we can cultivate a healing environment that respects your unique narrative and nurtures your goals. If you're seeking a therapist who recognizes and offers culturally affirming care, I invite you to book a free 15-minute consultation with me!
Kate Camisa, LCSW
If we’ve lost hope for the future it can be difficult to see how to make lasting, positive changes. Experiencing a loss, a stressful/traumatic situation, or having difficulty managing intense emotion can lead to feeling defeated. We can also feel a sense of isolation when we are experiencing challenges with relationships, feeling unheard by the people closest to us, or feeling like we’re a burden to the ones we love.
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In recognition of the strength and courage it takes to start therapy, it is my belief that all people should be met with empathy, compassion, and respect. Also equally as important is feeling like we are able to start taking steps towards making those changes for the better, and to get some relief from the weight we’ve been carrying. Whether you’ve been to therapy before or if this is the first time, everyone deserves a safe space to explore, identify, and process the challenging emotions preventing happiness and enjoyment of life.
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My approach includes the belief that all people have strengths and are capable of accomplishing successes, and no success is a “small” success. My commitment is to collaborate to build off those existing strengths to work towards instilling hope and making positive, lasting changes. Everyone’s perception and definition of success is different, which is why I believe collaboration to foster growth is an important part of any therapeutic relationship.
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Much of my work has been focused on working with survivors of domestic/interpersonal, family, and/or generational violence. More specifically, I have been trained and certified in The Danger Assessment. I specialize in assisting to identify healthy vs. unhealthy relationship dynamics and identifying/developing ways to increase safety and/or effective relational boundaries. My experience has led beyond working with survivors of domestic/interpersonal violence to working with and assisting to stabilize families at risk of out of home placement, reunification, and pre- and post-adoption counseling.
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My approach combines my professional philosophy of the strengths based/empower approach with being person centered. I also pull from training in the Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Treatment modality to better understand the impacts of various life experiences.
Other specific areas of training and experience include:
- National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training Initiative
- Bereavement & Grief Support Training
- Human trafficking
- Generational trauma
Lori Petrozzello, LSW
Suffering, trauma, and problems are an unavoidable part of the human experience. Yet, we don’t have to struggle alone. In fact, our ability to connect to helpers is what enables us to cultivate inner growth. As a person-centered therapist, I will join you to uncover your strength. Together we will explore what enables you to heal, recover, and feel better. My guiding principle: It’s a sign of strength, not weakness, to reach out for help.
As a licensed social worker, I have experience working with adults of all ages and backgrounds in social service agencies and in higher education. Male, female, and non-binary clients have said that they feel comfortable talking with me because they find me kind, approachable, and down-to-earth.
In addition to social work, I studied meditation in depth for fifteen years and became a meditation teacher in 2007. As a result, I am open to a wide range of spiritual and religious beliefs, including agnostic and atheist. I can bring that view into our work together and, if you choose, we can incorporate mindfulness exercises in our sessions.
I have a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University where I double majored in Art History and Psychology. My master of social work degree is from Fordham University where I specialized in family systems. Currently, I am working on earning my clinical licensure.
It’s important you find a therapist you like and trust, book a free consultation to see if we are a good fit.
Kat Bowes, MSW Clinical Intern
Oftentimes, the experiences of trauma, anxiety, and marginalization can leave us feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and misunderstood. If this resonates with you, I want you to know how proud I am of you for taking the first step toward support. Seeking help is one of the bravest things we can do, and I would be honored to walk alongside you on your path toward healing and understanding.
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As a clinical intern working under supervision, it has been a long-standing goal of mine to support individuals in moving from survival to a place of emotional safety, joy, and contentment. My therapeutic approach is client-centered, rooted in empathy, validation, and cultural humility. I believe that you are the expert on your life, and our work together will be guided by your goals, values, and lived experience. We'll build a personalized self-care toolkit to support your growth and well-being.
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I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem challenges, and identity development. I am especially passionate about helping clients build confidence, develop healthy boundaries, and foster resilience.
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In addition to my work with hearing clients, I am fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and deeply committed to providing inclusive therapy to the D/deaf and Hard of Hearing community. My goal is to offer a safe, affirming, and nonjudgmental space for self-exploration, healing, and empowerment.
As a first-generation Jamaican American woman, I bring an intersectional lens to the work and am committed to supporting individuals who navigate society through one or more marginalized identities. Seeing you in the full context of your culture, community, and lived experience is an essential part of honoring your story.
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If you're ready to take the next step in your healing journey, I invite you to reach out for a consultation. I look forward to meeting you and walking beside you as you work toward a more connected and fulfilling life.
