Counseling & Psychotherapy

Our psychotherapy and counseling services in Randolph and Wayne, NJ, and nearby areas provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other evidence-based practices in the treatment of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, ADHD, and a variety of other mental health conditions.

It can be challenging to find a therapist in Randolph and Wayne, NJ. Luckily, our team at Strength For Change is here to help. We work with individuals (adults and children above the age of 9), couples, and families. We have a four-stage process for maximizing the effectiveness of treatment and the likelihood of a successful outcome.

The Four Stages To Successful Treatment

Stage 1 – Comprehensive Assessment

The assessment stage is the first and most important step to effective treatment. The goal is for the therapist and client to establish a trusting relationship and to determine the nature of the client’s difficulties. This stage consists of a clinical interview (conducted over the course of 5-8 sessions) and multiple symptom and personality questionnaires.

With children, the key to an accurate assessment is to cross-reference the information they provide with the information provided by their parents, teachers, and others involved in their care.

Stage 2 – Treatment Planning

During the treatment planning stage the client’s information is analyzed and an individualized treatment plan is developed. While at SFC we specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, we do not have a one size fits all approach to treatment. Instead, we match our treatment plan to the client’s symptoms, age, personality, and level of motivation.

This individualized approach is based on the American Psychiatric Associations Best Practices Guidelines which advocates the use of evidence-based therapies. For example, anxiety disorders are treated with individual CBT, while ADHD is treated with a combination of individual counseling, academic coaching, and family therapy.

At the conclusion of the treatment planning stage, the client is informed of all assessment findings, diagnoses (if applicable), and related treatment plan. Only when the client feels understood and is agreeable to the treatment plan does the process move onto stage 3.

Stage 3 – Support, Skills, & Strategies

The support, skills, and strategies stage lasts anywhere from 5-50+ sessions depending on the nature of the client’s difficulties and treatment goals. During this stage the client learns numerous techniques for generating self-motivation, challenging negative thought patterns, coping with painful or disruptive emotions, improving healthy behavior, and working towards life goals.

The first several sessions of this stage focus on the reduction of distressing symptoms. In many cases, individuals respond quickly, and treatment is completed in a relatively short period of time (5-15 sessions). If the goal is to change long-standing patterns of thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and/or relationship difficulties, then treatment continues for as long as the client desires and progress is being made.

Stage 4 – Successful Outcomes & Booster Sessions

In stage 4 clients are consistently demonstrating effective coping skills and successful outcomes in their pursuit of treatment and life goals. As this occurs the frequency of sessions is reduced and eventually treatment is ended. Upon the termination of treatment, most clients schedule 1-3 follow up “booster sessions” that take place within 12 months of their last regularly scheduled session. Booster sessions are intended to review and reinforce the support, skills, and strategies developed over the course of treatment.

If for some reason treatment does not progress to stage 4, the situation is discussed, and alternative treatment options are considered. If necessary, the treating therapist will refer and assist the client in transitioning to another therapist or treatment modality.