Laya Gerstman Licensed Master Social Worker

Laya Gerstman, Licensed Master Social Worker, 4406693800 is practicing under the supervision of Brittany Williams (New Jersey, LCSW, 44SC06025800) at Resilience Lab.

Please, note: A clinician listed as being “clinically supervised” is completing clinical hours toward their licensure. They have one or more fully licensed clinical supervisors that often have special training to become supervisors. They consult with their supervisor(s) on all of their cases, which means that, when working with them, you are getting the time and expertise of multiple therapists in your treatment.

Whether you’re looking to set boundaries, navigate life transitions, or communicate in a healthy way, therapy is a space to advocate for your needs and become the best version of yourself. Through my positive, strengths-based approach, I work with each client individually to help them achieve their unique goals. Together, we’ll dig into your thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs to address your issues and use those insights to find hope and build a more fulfilling life. Therapy can be hard work, so I love throwing in dashes of lightness and humor along the way. In therapy, you can show up as whoever you want to be and I’ll hold space for all the different parts of you. Whether you’re moving through loss, addressing conflict, or starting a new chapter in your life, you and your needs will always come first in our work together.

Mentoring, charity work, and helping people in need was always a big part of my life growing up. I knew I wanted to work in a profession where I could support people on their journeys to overcoming challenges, moving through hardship, and becoming the best versions of themselves. When I learned about therapy, I was attracted to it and I realized, “this is it!”

I create a safe, vulnerable space where clients feel accepted, appreciated, and can be real. In our work together, you can show up as whoever you want to be and I’ll hold space for all the different parts of you. I’m a lifelong learner, and I consider each client an expert in their own lived experience. I learn as much as I can about each client’s background, mindset, and struggles because I’m genuinely interested and curious. Matching my energy, tone, and communication style to the person I’m working with comes naturally for me. For example, if you’re someone who is more quiet and intellectual in your way of being, that’s how I’ll show up. This creates a feeling of safety and being understood that makes it easy for clients to open up.

I’ve mentored kids and teenagers in a variety of settings. Some had sick family members, were dealing with different diseases themselves, or coming from divorced homes in communities where that’s not so common. From there, I started collaborating with children, adults, and families on everything from depression, anxiety, postpartum support, and substance use. I also worked in an elementary school providing support to children with learning disabilities. Through these experiences, I developed a flexible, patient approach to therapy and an openness to trying things from 100 angles until I find what works for my client. This informs how I show up for my clients to this day. I am now a proud member of Resilience Lab—the largest collective of mental health professionals collaborating to improve mental health awareness, access, and outcomes across the country.