Meet The Team
As founder of Comprehensive Counseling Center, I have over 25 years' experience treating adults and adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, and relationship problems. If you are feeling anxious or depressed, there are proven ways to control overwhelming feelings. My clinical training in psychoanalysis helps my clients explore their feelings, behaviors and relationships patterns to overcome feelings that leave them stagnant, sad, and frustrated.
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My continuing education training includes treating anxiety, depression and ADHD through behavior therapy, mindfulness practices and psychoanalysis. These techniques are effective for adolescents and adults. I have extensive experience working with school personal, providing consultation for school avoidant behaviors and ADHD. I hold a Master's degree from NYU and have ongoing training through the Insititute of psychoanalysis.
Lori Phelan, LCSW
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I am a licensed social worker (LSW), who specializes in individual therapy with adolescents, young adults and adults. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and stress relating to school, employment, and interpersonal relationships. I treat post-traumatic stress, social anxiety, and OCD in many of my current clients as well. My background working in a school environment has led me to focus primarily on this population and their concerns.
I am especially skilled at creating a warm, accepting space where clients can feel comfortable being vulnerable and exploring topics and feelings they may have never shared before. I am genuinely passionate about learning what makes each client unique and tailoring services to best serve their individual strengths.
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I received my Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Fordham University, and my Masters of Social Work from New York University.
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Georgiana Hempstead, LSW
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I have worked within the hospital setting for over 15 years, as well as early intervention. I have extensive experience treating adults and children with anxiety, depression and trauma. I believe in taking a holistic approach to treatment, using CBT to mitigate symptoms of anxiety and exploring patterns of behaviors that inhibit personal growth and happiness. I received my master's degree in education from Fordham University.
Karen Phelan, LAC
Working with me, you can expect an empathetic, caring and compassionate professional. I view you as a person first, and see the client/therapist relationship as a collaborative process. I am intentional about providing a safe non-judgmental space where you can unpack the issues you’ve been unable to vocalize. My aim is to empower my clients to develop the tools they need to be successful in and outside of therapy.
My clinical experience includes working with children, adolescents and young adults who struggle with anger, anxiety, depression, stress and symptoms of trauma that can manifest through guilt and shame. Aside from my clinical training, I have 25 years of experience working in the NJ court system with a diverse population of justice involved clientele. My tenure and knowledge expand across various capacities, including that of recovery court, domestic violence, and sexually abusive behaviours.
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from William Paterson University, and my Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University.
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Mellisa Berry, LSW
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I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years experience in hospital, crisis and educational settings. I received my Master of Social Work degree at Rutgers University and have been supporting the emotional growth of children, adolescents and adults by providing a safe and non-judgmental space for all participants to be their authentic selves. I believe that building trust is the foundation to have a collaborative relationship where vulnerability and goal-setting can lead to fuller life experiences my clients envision. I have experience with ADHD, anxiety, grief, depression, self-esteem and work eclectically to meet the needs of the individual while using solution focused, cognitive behavioral, and family systems approaches.
Karen Olaya, LCSW
I am a Licensed Social Worker, holding a Bachelor's degree from Lehman College, CUNY along with a Master's degree from New York University in clinical Social Work.
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I use a strength-based, multi-faceted approach and weave in different elements of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), for children, adolescents and adults. My practice is informed by my years of experience working with individuals seeking to alleviate symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, adjustment disorder, ADHD, ASD and challenges faced by the LGBTQ community. I am also trained as a registered behavior technician.
In addition to my work with CCC, I also work as a psychotherapist at a behavioral health clinic in Passaic County and provide parent training for an autism center in NJ.
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Carmen Valentin, LCSW
My passion for connecting with and understanding others led me to become a Licensed Social Worker (LSW). I have a unique background in both Criminal Justice and Social Work, with my past experience being primarily focused on the trauma related to domestic and sexual violence. I have worked with both children and adults, focusing on a wide range of topics such as work/school stress, interpersonal relationships, daily life stressors, and emotional regulation. I have worked with clients with a variety of diagnoses, including anxiety disorders, depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Complex Trauma.
I believe in a multi-faceted approach, adjusting therapeutic interventions to what will best suit my client and their current needs. I approach each session with the mindset that my client knows themselves and what they need the most and collaborate with them to reach the goals they set. I believe in targeting different aspects of an individual’s situation to support a healthy, well-rounded life. Using my client’s expertise of themselves and their experiences and combining it with the therapeutic relationship, I create a safe, supportive space where my clients can explore and better understand oneself.
I received my bachelor's degree in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and my dual masters in Social Work and Criminal Justice from Rutgers University.
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Stephanie England, LSW
I bring 15 years clinical experience in a hospital setting where I specialized in mental health management, addiction recovery and trauma in the family. At Comprehensive Counseling Center, I specialize in treating adults for anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorders. I understand that beginning therapy takes courage. You will find that I am accepting and welcoming as you embark on this journey. I draw from several evidence-based approaches tailored to client’s needs such as person centered, motivational interviewing therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy. I am passionate about walking alongside my clients as they enhance self-esteem, focus on goals and improve connections with others. This is my second career so I bring valuable life experience and perspective to my counseling skills. I am a cancer survivor and enjoy an active life.
*Available for in person and virtual sessions.
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Cindy Wills, LCSW
With a passion for helping individuals navigate their personal journeys, my approach is rooted in empathy, active listening, and a commitment to creating a safe space for exploration and growth. I have experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and older adults. I specialize in working with the LGBTQIA+ community, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and individuals going through major life transitions. I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and person-centered therapy. My goal is to empower clients to gain insight into their thoughts and behaviors, fostering resilience and personal growth. In our sessions, I aim to build a trusting relationship where you feel heard and understood. I believe that everyone has the potential to lead a fulfilling life, and I am here to support you in overcoming challenges and achieving your goals. I am a Licensed Social Worker, receiving both my bachelor's degree in social work and master's degree in social work from Ramapo College.
Jace Rossilli, LSW
I am a friendly, outgoing counselor who is client centered and uses a variety of counseling approaches to assist clients as needed. I have the unique ability to connect with clients easily and quickly. I believe in empowering my clients to see all their potential and to learn skills that will enable them to live effective and productive lives.
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I have worked with various populations in several different clinical settings such as hospitals, school, college and detention centers. I have experience in crisis intervention, depression, anxiety, mood and personality disorders as well as other mental illness disorders. I have helped teenagers and adults develop strategies to change behaviors or cope with difficult situations. I am a fully Licensed Professional Counselor with over 12 years of clinical experience. I have earned a bachelor in psychology from William Paterson University and Masters in Mental Health from Caldwell University.
Kelly Moorhouse, LPC
With over 25 years of experience as a social worker, I specialize in providing therapeutic support to children, adolescents, and adults facing anxiety, trauma, school avoidance, and depression. I earned my Master's in Social Work from Rutgers University and my undergraduate degree from Rowan University.
My commitment is to empower clients to reach their full potential by creating a safe, supportive environment for exploring their emotions and behaviors. I am dedicated to fostering resilience, and facilitating personal growth in all my clients.
Donna Hewitt
Out of our offices in Pompton Plains & Wayne, we provide a calming, safe space for all our clients.
Wayne Office
1401 Valley Road, Suite 303, Wayne, NJ 07470
