Welcome to
Strength for Change
We are a team of compassionate, expertly trained, and highly skilled therapists.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Anxiety, Depression, & Other Mental Health Conditions in Wayne new Jersey

At Strength for Change, our team comprises compassionate and highly skilled therapists specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and evidence-based therapies. We offer comprehensive mental health services to address anxiety, depression, substance abuse, ADHD, and more. Our therapy options include individual, marriage, and family therapy, all focused on your well-being.

Strength for Change was founded in 2001 by Bernard Ivin, LCSW, with a mission to make CBT more accessible in the communities he served. His dedication to CBT stems from his personal journey of overcoming challenges and witnessing its transformative effects on clients’ lives.

To learn more about the therapy model developed by Bernard Ivin and utilized by all SFC therapists, view the emotional toolkit found on our resources page. 

Premium Mental Health Services

At Strength for Change, all our therapists are out-of-network providers. As such, we understand the investment clients are making in their treatment and are committed to going above and beyond in providing them with exceptional care. When you choose one of us as your treatment provider, in addition to working with a highly competent therapist, you will receive the following benefits.

In our commitment to excellence, we pledge to:
  • Direct Communication:
    You will be able to communicate directly with your therapist via his or her cell phone, including off hours for urgent matters. Your calls and other communications will be returned in a timely manner.
  • Minimal Wait Time:
    Someone will call you back within 24 hours of your initial call, and you will be scheduled for your first appointment within one week’s time. Your appointments will start within 10 minutes of your scheduled time. If your therapist is running late, you will be notified via text so that you are not inconvenienced.
  • Flexible Appointment Options:
    You will have the option of day, evening, or weekend in-person or virtual appointments. In-person appointments will take place in professional offices conveniently located off two major highways, handicapped-accessible, well-furnished, and clean. Virtual sessions will occur on a secure platform meeting all HIPAA privacy standards.
  • Individualized Care:
    You will participate in a comprehensive mental health assessment and be informed of your diagnosis (if applicable) and related individualized treatment plan. Your treatment plan will consist of evidence-based therapies that are consistent with the American Psychiatric Association’s Best Practices Guidelines.
  • The Highest Standard of Confidentiality:Your information will be held to the highest standard of confidentiality. Since we are an out-of-network provider, not even your insurance company will have access to your treatment information without your written consent.
  • Additional Clinical Support:
    If you feel your therapy is not progressing satisfactorily or are in any way dissatisfied with the therapy you are receiving, at zero cost, you can consult with our Clinical Director (Bernard Ivin, LCSW) for a second opinion and, if need be, a revised treatment plan.
Meet Our Team
HealthGraders Reviews

When I think of Bernie I smile! He helped me overcome my anxiety and to live my best life. I learned probably around 15 coping strategies from him. I use many of them almost every day. More importantly, he always made me feel understood and cared about. There is nothing that I couldn't talk to him about. He is the best!

What went well

  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions

What could be improved

N/A

KP - Oct 23, 2019

3 years ago I was looking for a new therapist. I found Bernie online. I liked his website because he gave a lot of information about his treatment. What I experienced with Bernie was very much what he described on his website. He took the time to get to know me, explained what he thought was causing my problems and taught me how to cope. During the time I worked with Bernie I stopped partying, met my girlfriend and found a great job. I don't think any of that would have happened without him.

What went well

  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times

What could be improved

N/A

KP - Oct 23, 2019

I've worked with Bernie for many years and can confidently say that therapy with Bernie has had an immeasurably positive impact on my life. Bernie has helped me work through anxiety, depression, relationship issues, organizational/motivational issues related to ADHD, and general life/change adjustments, and with his guidance I've learned to apply the techniques of cognitive behavioral therapy and intervention to everyday challenges. I highly recommend working with Bernie and Strength for Change.

What went well

  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times

What could be improved

N/A

Jordan in New York, NY - Aug 01, 2017

What Distinguishes Us From Other Providers
Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is extensively researched and evidence-based, making it highly effective in treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. To delve deeper into CBT and its significance in evidence-based mental health treatments, please explore the National Institute of Mental Health website (www.nimh.com).

Dr. Aaron T. Beck, from the University of Pennsylvania, pioneered CBT in the 1960s. This therapeutic approach is founded on the principle that our thoughts significantly influence our emotional and behavioral responses. By mastering thought control, individuals can enhance their well-being and work towards achieving life goals.

CBT empowers clients to become their own therapists, equipping them with diverse coping strategies to manage emotional and behavioral reactions effectively. Clients acquire valuable skills for restructuring negative thought patterns, fostering self-motivation, altering unhealthy behaviors, and nurturing a “solution-focused” lifestyle. For those seeking CBT in Wayne, New Jersey, we are here to assist you on your journey to improved mental health.

Motivation
Focused Strategies

For therapy to yield positive results, active participation from the individual receiving it is crucial. In essence, the effectiveness of a treatment plan hinges on the client’s motivation to put it into practice.

Regrettably, many mental health conditions erode an individual’s motivation across various aspects of life, including school, work, social interactions, and self-care. Often, attempts by family and friends to intervene are met with frustration, as the individual’s lack of responsiveness is misinterpreted as deliberate resistance. This frustration within the support system can escalate conflicts and exacerbate the individual’s mental health challenges.

At Strength for Change, we operate on a treatment model that recognizes and addresses the individual’s compromised motivation. Our core principle revolves around our responsibility to help clients nurture the motivation necessary for successful treatment. With this commitment in mind, we have devised a multitude of motivational strategies seamlessly integrated into the treatment process. For those in Wayne, New Jersey seeking assistance, our approach aims to bolster motivation and pave the way for treatment success.

Individualized &
Evidence-Based Care

In our practice, we specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); however, we firmly believe that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Instead, we tailor our therapeutic methods to align with various factors, including the client’s symptoms, diagnosis, age, personality, and level of motivation.

This individualized approach is rooted in the American Psychiatric Association’s Best Practices Guidelines, which emphasize the utilization of evidence-based therapies. For instance, when addressing anxiety disorders, we employ individual CBT, whereas for conditions like ADHD, we opt for a combination of academic coaching and family therapy. Our approach ensures that the therapy chosen has a proven track record of effectiveness in treating the specific condition.

Beyond enhancing the overall efficacy of therapy, our personalized approach fosters a deeper sense of understanding and value for the client. These sentiments contribute to building trust and collaboration between the client and therapist, ultimately creating a more gratifying and enjoyable treatment experience. For those in Wayne, New Jersey, seeking therapy tailored to their unique needs, we are dedicated to delivering an exceptional and personalized therapeutic journey.

Resources For Students & Parents
The Essential Guide To
Mental Health Services

A Parent’s Guide To Understanding A Child’s Mental Health Difficulties & Obtaining Needed Services.

Relationship
Centered Parenting

A Parenting Model for Effectively Managing a Child’s Difficult Behavior &  Creating a Cooperative Family Environment.

The 1-2-3
Succeed Program

A Student Program For Learning The Organization, Homework, & Study Skills Necessary For School Success.

Contact Us

You can use the form on this page to send us a message. Please also feel free to call or email us anytime.