Our Story

Inclusive, Evidence-Based Healing for Systems, LGBTQIAPD+ Folks & Complex Trauma Survivors

Real tools. Deep attunement. No one-size-fits-all.

At THRIVE! Mental Health, our approach is trauma-informed, intersectional, and radically client-centered. We honor the whole you—your identities, your parts, your story—with healing that is smart, safe, and tailored to your nervous system.

Whether you’re a polyfragmented system, queer, neurodivergent, or someone who’s lived through complex trauma—you belong here. And so do all your parts.

Laying the Groundwork: Safety First

We begin by creating a space where your system can breathe.
Together, we build trust with grounding skills, nervous system regulation, and practical stability—so every part of you feels safe enough to show up.

Evidence-Based Skills for Real Life

We blend CBT, DBT, ACT, and Positive Psychology to help untangle the stories in your head from the reality you're living.
You’ll learn concrete tools to navigate everyday triggers, big emotions, and self-sabotaging patterns—without judgment or pressure.

Mindfulness & Somatic Support

Trauma lives in the body.
We use body-based and sensory-aware techniques to reconnect you to your breath, your body, and your now.
Whether you dissociate, shut down, or get stuck in hyperdrive—we help your nervous system come home to itself.

Creative Healing: Because Words Aren’t Always Enough

Art, music, journaling, collage—we use expressive tools that give voice to the parts that don't (or won’t) talk.
Creative work invites gentle breakthroughs, deep reflection, and even joy along the way.

Trauma-Focused Techniques That Actually Work

Sand Tray & Sand Play Therapy
A powerful, low-verbal modality where you explore themes, relationships, and inner parts through miniature figures in sand. It’s soulful, symbolic, and surprisingly freeing.

Flash Technique
A cutting-edge trauma tool that reduces distress around traumatic memories—without diving into painful details or re-experiencing the trauma. It's fast, safe, and grounded in neuroscience.

Affirming Support for LGBTQIAPD+ Clients

Your identities matter. They’re not “side notes.”
We celebrate your queerness, gender journey, neurodivergence, and everything in between. This work is anti-shame, anti-oppression, and full of respect.

Specialized Support for DID & OSDD Systems

For systems, healing is relational and internal.
We work to build internal communication, reduce conflict between parts, and create safety from the inside out.
No forced integration. No pathologizing your parts. Just real support, at your pace, with deep compassion for every layer of your story.

This Work Is Heart Work

With advanced training in:

• Somatic Intervention
• The Flash Technique
• DBT Skills Training 
• Sand Tray & Sand Play Therapy
• Certified Trauma Professional 

I blend clinical training with the kind of empathy only lived experience can bring.

At THRIVE!, we don't believe in “fixing” people.
We believe in healing alongside people—with curiosity, care, and the occasional glitter pen.

Let’s make therapy bold, tender, creative, and real.

Let’s THRIVE!—together. 💫

Education, Certifications & Ongoing Growth

Because healing deserves both heart and hard-earned knowledge.

Therapy isn’t just about showing up with warmth (though we do plenty of that here at THRIVE!). It’s also about showing up with skill, training, and the humility to keep learning. Here’s a peek behind the scenes of the credentials and continued education that ground the work I do:

Formal Education

I hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Kean University (Union, NJ) and a Bachelor of Liberal Arts from Adelphi University (Garden City, NY). These degrees laid the foundation for my passion: helping people navigate the complexities of trauma, identity, and healing in real-world, relational ways.

Certifications

• Certified Trauma Professional 
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills      Trainer
• Mental Health First Aid 
• Psychological First Aid 

Specialized Trainings

I’ve completed extensive clinical training in:

• Somatic Interventions 
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) 
• Positive Psychology 
• Flash Technique 
• Sand Play & Sand Tray Therapy 

I believe that great therapy combines evidence-based tools with fierce empathy and ongoing growth. That’s why I never stop learning—because every new technique I master is another way to support your healing.

At THRIVE!, you get the full package: formal training, trauma-savvy technique, lived experience, and a therapist who’s always evolving right alongside you.

Director of Events, Programming, and Marketing, NY, NJ, AZ, and CA 2007 - Present Freelance Director of Events, Programming, and Marketing 

▪ Masterfully orchestrates week-long hotel retreats, social gatherings, and vibrant synagogue programs. 

▪ Demonstrates exceptional leadership in managing a diverse team and multifaceted operations, encompassing marketing, advertising, social media, website management, outreach, budgeting, program development, scheduling, contract negotiations, decor selection, and administrative tasks. 

Tomchei Shabbos of LA - Touch of Kindness, Inc., CA 2023 - 2024 Director of Development and Special Projects & Executive Assistant 

▪ Skilled grant writer, adept at crafting compelling proposals that resonate with grant-making entities and lead to successful funding outcomes. 

▪ Seasoned marketing campaign coordinator, dedicated to creating and executing campaigns that raise awareness. 

▪ Efficiently managed executive director's schedule, calendar, and meetings. 

▪ Directed various facets of special projects, such as innovative food distribution and mental health initiatives. 

Director and Consultant, NY and NJ 2015 - 2020 Director of and Consultant for Nonprofits, Agencies and Facilities in the Mental Health and Social Service arenas 

▪ Skillfully articulated the mission, vision, and programmatic goals, providing expert direction and guidance. 

▪ Spearheaded strategic program planning implementing best-practice and evidence-based standards. 

Hope Street Treatment, USA, Temp. April 2020 - December 2020 Director of a Mental Health and Addiction Intensive Outpatient Program and Outpatient Program 

▪ Developed and implemented streamlined, cost-effective policies and procedures for all domains within the company: clinical, fiscal, admissions, administrative, compliance, billing, marketing, and outreach. 

▪ Managed and oversaw the day-to-day operations as well as executed strategic plans. 

▪ Built a collaborative, cohesive, nurturing culture and empowered the 50+ team members to succeed. 

The Sarah Gluck Respite Program, Lakewood, New Jersey 2013 - 2017 Co-Founder and Co-Director of a Nonprofit Organization

▪ Developed, designed, and implemented a respite program to service patients in hospitals throughout New Jersey. 

▪ Authored a comprehensive volunteer training manual, which served as the official manual for the service provider. 

Evolve Treatment Center, Brooklyn, New York 2016 - 2017 Director of a Sober Living Home 

▪ Developed comprehensive programming and structure; crafted the Staff Handbook and Participant Manual. 

▪ Recruited and supervised a team of seven staff members and conducted weekly team meetings. 

▪ Facilitated meditation groups and weekly meetings and organized therapeutic and recreational activities. 

▪ Provided counseling to participants, managed psychiatric and medical crises, and oversaw medication compliance. 

Miryam's House, Project Extreme, Brooklyn, New York 2014 - 2016 Founder and Director of a Transitional Living Residence 

▪ Created and established this residence; integrated therapeutic, social, spiritual, and recreational elements. 

▪ Oversaw day-to-day operations, managed staff, and cultivated strong relationships with external service providers. 

▪ Provided counseling and support, managed psychiatric and medical crises, and ensured medication compliance. 

Bnot Chaya Academy, Yahalom High School, Aish Lapidot; NY and NJ 2008 - 2014 

Director of Extra-Curricular Programming and Teacher in Alternative High Schools 2 

▪ Developed comprehensive programming, projects, special events and engaging recreational activitiesfor students. 

▪ Facilitated educational curricula and group therapy sessions, catering to at-risk students.  

THRIVE! Mental Health, Lakewood, New Jersey 2024-Present Operator and Therapist 

• Facilitates weekly groups such as Creative Expression, Sand Play Therapy, and Chronic Pain Support. 

• Provides individual therapy for individuals with trauma histories, mental health disorders and dissociative disorders.  

Preferred Behavioral Health Group, Lakewood, New Jersey 2014 - 2015; 2018 Therapist in the Intensive Outpatient Program, Outpatient Program, and Intensive In-Community Services ▪ Proficiently provided individual and group therapy to teenagers, adults, and families across various levels of care. 

▪ Skillfully administered therapeutic interventions, fostering a supportive and healing environment for clients. 

Project Extreme, Bricelyn, Minnesota 2010 - 2017 Social Worker/Assistant Head Counselor/Dir. of Food Services for an organization servicing at-risk youth. 

▪ Efficiently managed overall operations, overseeing excursions, activities, and food services, and providing effective leadership to a team of ten dedicated staff members. 

▪ Skillfully conducted individual and group therapy sessions, placing a strong emphasis on the safety and well-being of at-risk youth, and diligently ensured medication compliance. 

Rachel's Place, Brooklyn, New York 2013 - 2014 Behavioral Health Counselor in a Transitional Independent Living Program 

▪ Provided compassionate care and support to homeless teenagers with complex trauma histories, mental health conditions, and substance use diagnoses, effectively addressing their physical, emotional, and behavioral needs. 

The Special Children’s Center, Lakewood, New Jersey 2002 - 2013 Volunteer for the Respite Center; Direct Support Staff in a Group Residence

▪ Overnight staff member for children, teenagers, and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

▪ Taught the participants daily living skills and addressed their physical, emotional, and behavioral needs. 

Invited Talks 2014 - Present 

▪ Chazkeinu: Periodically addresses a hotline providing support to women facing mental health challenges. 

▪ M.A.S.K. Family Matters Radio Show: Contributed to raising mental health awareness. 

▪ Therapy Talk Radio Show: Engaged in discussions on trauma, its implications, and available treatments. 

▪ Neshamos: Designed and delivered comprehensive training for mental health crisis hotline volunteers. 

▪ Aneinu: Supported mothers of at-risk youth through a talk titled "Out of Reach, Yet Close at Heart."