“Don't just learn, experience.
Don't just read, absorb.
Don't just change, transform.
Don't just relate, advocate.
Don't just promise, prove.
Don't just criticize, encourage.
Don't just think, ponder.
Don't just take, give.
Don't just see, feel.
Don’t just dream, do.
Don't just hear, listen.
Don't just talk, act.
Don't just tell, show.
Don't just exist, live.”
― R. T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
About Karen Jacob LCSW MA
The following is a brief introduction about my background, specialty areas, and hobbies:
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Education:
I graduated from Boston University, cum laude in 1991, with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I then decided to further my education and went on to receive two Master’s degrees from Columbia University: M.A in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and M.S. in Social Work.
Professional Experience:
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is passionate about helping individuals achieve their goals. Having worked in outpatient settings and private practice for over 25 years, I have treated clients of all ages including children, adolescents, adults and seniors I utilize a variety of techniques including CBT, Psychodynamic, Solution-Focused, and Mindfulness. I have worked extensively with Selective Mutism*/Social Anxiety, Depression and Anxiety Disorders including Panic, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and OCD.
*I am listed in selectivemutism.org as a NJ selective mutism treating professional. It is a specialty that is near and dear to my heart ☺
Specialty areas:
Anxiety (Selective mutism, social anxiety, GAD, panic, phobias)
Depression
Postpartum anxiety/depression
Parenting
Aging parents
Hobbies:
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, two dogs, exercising, playing pickleball, reading and taking walks.
About Lori Pitkowsky, LSW, NBC-HWC
As a psychotherapist with many years of clinical and professional experience, I have always gravitated toward assisting young people in their journeys as they learn to navigate life with all its nuances. I have had the honor to work with clients ranging from children as young as 4 years old up through adults. I have treated a wide range of issues over the years such as Depression, Anxiety Disorders including Selective Mutism and GAD and much more. Using different treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Positive and Self Psychology and parent work, a plan is devised based on the particular circumstances the client presents with. Together in a safe, non-judgmental and nurturing space, we work to overcome challenges and positively and practically move forward. Working with families striving to progress forward is such a privilege and the benefit of intervening early is so evident.
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I have a Master’s Degree in Social Work from New York University and am a member of the National Association of Social Workers. I am also a certified health and wellness coach which brings an integrative approach to my work. Being a proud mother of three grown children also gives me much practical experience and insight to further inform my practice.
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Along with my years of individual psychotherapy experience, I am an experienced group therapist as well. I have facilitated groups for clients of all ages with concerns related to social anxiety and GAD. Currently, I am facilitating CBT groups, college transition groups and social anxiety groups for all ages. I encourage you to reach out to discuss any therapy needs you or a family member may have. Together we can work together to enhance and build skills leading toward greater overall well-being.
About Kirsti Morin, Licensed Associate Counselor, MA, EdS, LAC
Kirsti is a Licensed Associate Counselor who has been involved in educating, supporting and advocating for adolescents for over thirty years, as a teacher, an academic coach and a school counselor.
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She prioritizes understanding one’s identity with regards to one’s culture, race, religion, sexual orientation, neurodiversity and other important identifiers while helping individuals build compassion for themselves and their narrative.
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Kirsti specializes in working with individuals - adults, adolescents and children - who need support during challenging times in their lives such as dealing with life transitions, loss and grief, anxiety, depression, lack of balance, stress and perfectionism. She provides support for individuals who are concerned with sleep issues, overall health and well-being, nutrition, executive skills and technology dependence. Kirsti facilitates in-person groups: Social Skills groups for children, tweens and adolescents and a Technology Dependency group for adolescents.
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Kirsti’s therapeutic approaches are both psychodynamic and trauma-informed; she works with individuals mainly from cognitive behavioral (CBT) and dialectical behavioral (DBT) frameworks.