Mental Health Services

Therapy provides a safe space for individuals, couples and families to feel supported, grow, and implement changes in order to achieve their therapeutic goals. Each therapist tailors their approach to the specific needs of their client.

*Holds a NJ K-12 School Counselor certification *Member of Postpartum Support International

What problem do you strive to overcome?

The journey through life is filled with ups and downs, joys and struggles. The path to beginning therapy can feel daunting and can sometimes stop us in our tracks, unsure of what to do next. My hope is to demystify therapy and remind people that support is out there, we are not meant to go it alone. I approach each person with openness and curiosity, tailoring the process to honor their story, strengths, and challenges. By creating a safe and supportive space grounded in empathy, I strive to help clients feel truly seen and understood so they can move toward meaningful change with greater ease and confidence.

Experience:

Jess is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s degree in Counseling and certification in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C). She has experience providing therapy in both private practice and school settings and works with clients across the lifespan, from children through adulthood, with a special love for supporting teens and adults. Jess has a passion for helping clients navigate infertility, pregnancy, postpartum adjustments, and loss. Her work often focuses on anxiety, OCD, and the mind–body connection, with an emphasis on nervous system regulation. As an LGBTQ+ affirming counselor, Jess offers a supportive space to explore identity and how it shapes each person’s unique experience.

Client Focus: Children (ages 8+), teens, adults, perinatal

Types of therapy: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapy, somatic and nervous system regulation skills

Issues: Anxiety/panic, OCD, life transitions, attachment/relationships, perinatal mental health (infertility, loss, pregnancy, postpartum), identity exploration

More than just my work:

“Vulnerability is not weakness. It is our most accurate measure of courage.” – Dr. Brené Brown

I feel the greatest sense of ease when I am spending time with my loved ones (especially my partner and our 2 cats!), reading a good book, doing yoga, or working on a creative project!

*Holds a NJ K-12 School Counselor certification *Member of Postpartum Support International What... Read More

Title: Clinical Social Work/ Therapist

Therapist Credentials: LMSW, NJ; LMSW, NY

NJ Dept of Education, Certified School Social worker; Member of National Association of Social Workers

Change can be difficult and uncomfortable. In times of transition, in relationship struggles, after a loss, and when we experience an increase in life stressors, we feel less balanced. During these moments, we may be more vulnerable to experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Connecting with and trusting a therapist can help us build support, awareness and growth. Using evidence supported mind-body approaches, I will work with you to explore what is important to you, uncover strengths and build inner resilience. Together we will identify patterns and dynamics getting in your way to help you move forward.

With a focus on building a foundation of self-care skills, I can work with you to approach life in a more emotionally connected way. This often creates more experiences of calm, clarity and improved energy. Along the way, this approach also leads to a path of healing from grief and trauma. Please reach out if you would like to work together.

Experience: Jackie is experienced in working with adolescents, families and adults in both outpatient and school settings. Trained in attachment, relational and solution-focused approaches to therapy, she earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work in New York State in 1998. (LSW, NJ; LMSW, NY)

Client Focus: Adolescents 12+, Young Adults, Adults.

Types of therapy: Attachment based, Emotionally Focused, Mind body approaches. CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) within a holistic framework for the whole person.

Issues: Adjustment, anxiety, depression, trauma and conflict.

In addition, Jackie has had a wide range of roles including Executive Assistant positions in film and theater production in New York as well as the visual and performing arts. She has worked in film programming, film festivals and Arts in Education programs. She has also consulted with drama students in theater schools in New York.

Title: Clinical Social Work/ Therapist Therapist Credentials: LMSW, NJ; LMSW, NY NJ Dept of Edu... Read More

What problem do you strive to overcome?

Problem: As social beings, we often know how we’d like to engage, connect or socialize in our relationships (be it with a spouse, parent, child or friend) but can get derailed by our emotions. This reactivity can impact our ability to operate in relationships.

Solution: My work with clients involves understanding the role one plays in a relationship or overall family (or system). Together, we will use a systems approach to analyze automatic reactions, behaviors and patterns in the contexts of relationships to better understand how one functions in their life.

Result: Clients will gain a clear understanding of their own functioning and learn actionable strategies to integrate emotions and intellect, positively impacting how they engage in their relationships.

Experience:

Maddie has experience working with adolescents, adults, and families in the private practice setting. Before this, she worked with these populations in the school setting and both outpatient and inpatient psychiatric settings. Her specialty is family systems therapy. Her theoretical framework is grounded in Bowen Family Systems Theory and she continues to hone her craft in the postgraduate program at the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family in Washington, D.C. She earned her masters in social work from The Catholic University of America. Maddie is a council member of the Massachusetts General Hospital Leadership Council for Psychiatry, which is dedicated to expanding awareness of mental illness, reducing its stigma, and advancing research and clinical care.

With a strong foundation in Bowen Family Systems Theory, Maddie is committed to helping individuals, parents, and families navigate the complexities of their lives and relationships. With a lifelong curiosity for people’s stories, Maddie aims to deepen clients’ understanding of the challenges they face while promoting the use of therapeutic tools, to make informed and confident choices.

Client Focus:

families, adolescents, children, and adults

Types of therapy:

Family systems, cognitive behavior therapy

Issues: life transitions, familial difficulties, anxiety and depression

More than just my work:

Quote: “You have inherited a lifetime of tribulation. Everybody has inherited it. Take it over, make the most of it and when you have decided you know the right way, do the best you can with it.”

I was an competitive equestrian growing up and enjoy leisurely riding when I can! I also love to ski and travel with my family.

What problem do you strive to overcome? Problem: As social beings, we often know how we’d like t... Read More

Olivia’s goal is to empower her clients to explore their strengths and develop tools to create lasting change in their lives. Olivia is a Licensed Associate Counselor who earned her Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and has experience working with individuals who are impacted by stress, depression, anxiety, and life transitions.

Olivia uses a compassionate, collaborative approach to therapy and believes that the therapeutic relationship is key to healing. Olivia works closely with her clients to tailor her therapeutic approach so that it meets the client’s unique needs and goals; she is passionate about her clients having an active role in their mental health journey. Olivia is committed to cultivating a warm, unbiased and supportive environment that encourages open dialogue and personal growth.

Olivia’s goal is to empower her clients to explore their strengths and develop tools to create la... Read More

I conduct comprehensive evaluations, which provide information about a child/adolescent’s strengths, weaknesses and current level of functioning. Using the testing results, I develop meaningful recommendations and suggest helpful interventions and accommodations.

Through the evaluation process, my goal is to identify a child’s learning learning profile and determine what that child needs to be successful. I also hope to empower parents so they can become advocates for their children.

I received my Doctorate in Educational Psychology from the Graduate Center at CUNY, and I earned a Masters Degree in School Psychology from Teachers College at Columbia University. Prior to joining Mental Wellness Montclair, I worked for over fifteen years as an elementary school psychologist in Westchester County, New York.

I conduct comprehensive evaluations, which provide information about a child/adolescent’s strengt... Read More

Name: Kendra Shumway

Title: Licensed Psychotherapist

Credentials: MSW, LSW

Sometimes the catalyst for pursuing therapy is external: a difficult relationship, a trauma or loss, a life transition. Other times the catalyst is internal: persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety, or struggling to make healthy changes. Whatever the reason, seeking help can often feel like an additional stressor during an already tumultuous time.

My goal is to build relationships with my clients that lighten the load of these difficult times and support them in accessing their own innate capacity for growth and healing. I believe this capacity exists in each of us, is intact and accessible to us throughout our lives, and that the “symptoms” that bring us to therapy can actually guide us toward solutions. My role is to partner with my clients as they become curious about their experiences, and to support them in becoming attuned to the wisdom of their own bodies and minds.

I work with children and adults of all ages, drawing from a variety of approaches including internal family systems and play-based therapy.

Name: Kendra Shumway Title: Licensed Psychotherapist Credentials: MSW, LSW Sometimes the catal... Read More

Through life we encounter challenges that can feel overwhelming, especially for our children. That’s where I come in – to offer compassionate support and guidance to empower children and families to navigate life’s challenges. I am a dedicated Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) specializing in empowering children through art therapy, play therapy, and a person-centered approach. With a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Montclair State University and over two years of supervised experience, I bring a deep understanding of the complexities of child and family therapy work.

My mission is to create a safe and supportive environment where children facing challenges such as divorce, anxiety, grief, ADHD, and anger can thrive. I believe in supporting the entire family unit. We explore effective parenting techniques, communication skills, and methods that foster a nurturing and supportive environment at home.

Drawing from my diverse experience working with clients aged 5 to 65, I approach each therapeutic journey with warmth, compassion, and thus tailored interventions. Together we will navigate life’s obstacles, cultivate resilience, and foster growth.

Through life we encounter challenges that can feel overwhelming, especially for our children. Tha... Read More

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Located at: 325 Claremont Ave, Suite 5, Montclair
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