Individual Therapy New Jersey Adults Can Trust – One-on-One Counseling
Looking for individual therapy New Jersey adults can trust? Working Towards a Brighter Future offers private, one-on-one counseling with licensed clinicians at our Maplewood office and by secure telehealth. We help with anxiety, depression, stress, grief and life changes, with a plan built around your goals.
Licensed clinicians · In person and telehealth · Confidential sessions
How Does Individual Counseling in NJ Help With Anxiety and Depression?
Anxiety and worry
Learn to calm racing thoughts and face what feels overwhelming.
Depression and low mood
Rebuild energy, routine and a more balanced outlook.
Grief and loss
Make space for loss at a pace that feels safe.
Stress and life changes
Work through burnout, relationships and big transitions.
Dr. Sheena Smith, Ed.D., LPC, LCADC
Founder and Lead Clinician since 2013
What Is Individual Therapy and Who Is It For?
Individual therapy is private, one-on-one counseling with a licensed clinician. You talk through your concerns, understand your patterns and build practical skills for change. It is for adults facing anxiety, depression, stress, grief, burnout, low self-esteem, trauma symptoms or major life changes.
Dr. Sheena Smith founded our practice in 2013 and leads our clinical team. Every plan starts with your concerns, strengths and goals, sessions stay confidential, and you set the pace.
2013
Year we opened
501(c)(3)
Nonprofit mission
5 states
NJ, NY, PA, MD, TX
Which Approaches Do We Use, Including CBT, DBT-Informed Skills and Mindfulness?
Your clinician chooses methods that fit you. Many people look for individual counseling NJ clinicians who offer cognitive behavioral therapy or DBT-informed skills, and we offer both, along with other approaches. Trauma-informed care shapes all of it.
CBT and ACT
Notice unhelpful thought patterns and act on what matters to you.
DBT-informed skills
Practice emotional regulation, distress tolerance and clearer communication.
Mindfulness and solution-focused work
Stay grounded and build on what is already working.
Psychodynamic and person-centered care
Explore deeper patterns in a warm, nonjudgmental space.
Which Other Services Pair Well With Individual Therapy?
Many clients combine individual sessions with another service. Each one has its own page.
Family and Couples Counseling
Better communication for couples and families, when the concern is the relationship itself.
Group Therapy
Clinician-led groups that add peer support to your individual work.
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Paced, safe care for trauma and PTSD symptoms, including EMDR when appropriate.
What Happens in Your First Session?
Reach out
Call us or send the appointment form. We reply during business hours.
Complete your intake
We ask what brought you in and what you hope will change.
Meet your clinician
We pair you with a licensed clinician who fits your needs.
Start your first session
You set goals together and agree on a treatment plan.
Review your progress
Your plan is reviewed and adjusted as you progress.
How Long Does Individual Therapy Take?
There is no single answer, and we do not promise results. Length depends on your goals and what you are working through.
Many clients begin with weekly sessions, then adjust the pace as they progress.
Focused, skills-based work often takes a few months.
Deeper or longer-standing concerns may call for longer care. Your plan is reviewed with you, and you decide when to pause or end.
You do not need a crisis or a diagnosis to start. If you are unsure, a first conversation can help you decide.
Is Online Individual Therapy as Effective as In-Person Therapy?
Research generally finds that telehealth therapy can work about as well as in-person care for many concerns. The best choice depends on your needs and comfort. Many people do well with either format.
In person in Maplewood
A private space outside your home, at our Springfield Avenue office.
Online by secure video
No travel, flexible scheduling and care from a place where you feel safe.
Online care depends on where you are during the session and on your clinician's license. We will confirm what applies to you before your first session.
Who Provides Individual Therapy at Our Maplewood Office and Online?
Dr. Sheena Smith, Ed.D., LPC, LCADC, CLC
Founder and lead clinician with more than 15 years of experience in youth, family, addiction and mental health care.
Which Licenses and Credentials Back the Quality of Our Care?
Our individual therapy services in NJ are delivered by licensed clinicians: professional counselors, marriage and family therapists and licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselors. Dr. Sheena Smith holds an Ed.D. and is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Sessions are confidential.
What Do Clients Say About Working With Our Therapists?
★★★★★
Working Towards a Brighter Future is truly a gem in the community. Their dedication to providing quality mental health services is evident in the care, compassion, and professionalism they bring to every interaction. They create a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel heard, valued, and empowered on their healing journey.
★★★★★
I’ve had a great experience with this clinic, even virtually. My therapist is kind, patient, and really listens, making it easy to open up. I always feel comfortable, supported, and never rushed. I’ve learned a lot and seen real progress since starting.
★★★★★
Working Towards a Brighter Future is a great therapeutic service, I highly recommend to anyone looking for skilled clinicians.
Where Can You Attend Individual Therapy Services in NJ, Including Maplewood?
Our office is at 1585 Springfield Avenue, Suite 2, Maplewood, NJ 07040. Springfield Avenue is one of the oldest roads in town and runs through the Hilton section. Maplewood Village shops, Memorial Park and the NJ Transit Maplewood station on Dunnell Road are nearby parts of town. Clients also join from other parts of Essex County and the state by video.
We serve clients in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Texas, based on clinical fit and clinician licensure. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions About Individual Therapy
Quick answers are below. If you need something else, send us a message and we will reply during business hours.
What is individual therapy?
Individual therapy is private, one-on-one counseling with a licensed clinician. You explore your thoughts, emotions and patterns, then build practical coping skills. It helps with anxiety, depression, stress, grief and life changes. Sessions are confidential and guided by goals you set together.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies. Many clients start weekly, and focused concerns often improve over a few months, while deeper patterns may take longer. Your clinician reviews progress with you regularly and adjusts the plan, so you always know where you stand. We cannot guarantee a specific outcome.
Is online individual therapy as effective?
For many concerns, research finds telehealth therapy can work about as well as in-person sessions. What matters most is fit, privacy and a reliable connection. We offer secure telehealth in the states we serve and in-person care in Maplewood, so you can choose.
Do you treat teens?
Yes, through our Youth and Adolescent Services, with caregivers involved when helpful. This page covers adult individual therapy. For a child or teen, call us or send the appointment form and we will connect you with the right clinician.
Is individual therapy right for me compared with couples therapy?
Choose individual therapy when your concern is personal, such as anxiety, grief or stress. Choose couples counseling when the focus is the relationship itself. Many people do both. If you are unsure, tell us what is going on and we will help you decide.
What if I am in a crisis?
We are not a crisis service. If you or someone else is in danger, call or text 988 or call 911.
Request Your Appointment
Tell us a little about what you need. We will call you back during office hours.
Please do not share urgent or sensitive details here. In a crisis, call or text 988 or call 911.
Ready to Start Private Therapy Sessions in NJ? Request Your Appointment Today
Take the first step toward individual therapy New Jersey adults can count on. Our licensed team is ready to listen, answer your questions and match you with the right clinician.
Working Towards a Brighter Future, Inc. · 1585 Springfield Avenue, Suite 2, Maplewood, NJ 07040 · (347) 972-5221 · admin@towardsabrighterfuture.com · Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM