Vanessa BaldwinBoard Certified Licensed Professional Counselor
Availability
In Eastern Time
How does collaboration with other providers play into your work?
I believe real therapeutic practices are eclectic and can involve several domains to achieving autonomy or the actualized self; including but not limited to spiritual/religious advisors, Doctors/nutritionalists, 12 step groups as well as fitness and recreational or educational practices for overall health and daily wellness plans.
In what ways does your personality influence your approach to therapy?
I am an extroverted individual who enjoys experiences. I love challenges and adventure. I believe the earth has great healing power and I enjoy discovery. I have a moral compass and believe in equality and leveled playing fields. I root for the underdog and am very compassionate. I enjoy working with people and observing learning styles. I respect human nature, culture and diversity. I love change.
How do you determine therapy goals with clients? What does that process look like?
I practice from a humanistic approach, using client centered practices, as I believe it necessary for the client to believe the "will and skill" required and necessary for "Change" is within his/her ability and competence in approaching the process.
Specialties
Anxiety
Anxiety can mean nervousness, worry, or self-doubt. Anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder that entails excessive, repeated bouts of worry, anxiety, and/or fear.
Anger management
It's normal to experience anger at times, but for some, it becomes so frequent, intense, or difficult to control that it negatively affects their life. Anger management is a structured therapeutic approach toward reducing one’s anger to a point where more appropriate coping and/or conflict management skills are used. Beliefs and thoughts leading toward anger outbursts are explored while healthy coping and interpersonal skills are put into practice.
Caregiver stress & support
Caring for a friend or family member (paid or unpaid) includes emotional support, housework, help with finances, medication management, and shopping. Can be stressful, making caregivers more vulnerable to things like anxiety, isolation, and fatigue.
Child mental health
Children can be impacted by things like anxiety, depression, ADHD and more. However, they can be difficult to identify because kids aren’t always able to communicate effectively. Untreated, child mental health issues can have long-term effects.
Behavioral Issues
Behavioral disorders involve a pattern of disruptive behaviors that cause problems in school, at home, and in social situations. Can include hyperactivity, impulsivity, defiant behavior, chronic patterns of aggression, defiance, disruption, and/or hostility.
General Expertise
Depression
Depression often causes people to feel sad, empty, or hopeless, and can cause a lack of interest in life. It can also affect a person's thinking patterns and physical health.
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
Academic challenges
Concerns that impact school performance or academic life. Can include perfectionism, bullying, financial stress, academic transitions, test anxiety, balancing school with other responsibilities, discrimination, or harassment.
Communication issues
Source of communication challenges in circumstances and relationships that can have a negative impact on mental health. Misunderstandings and misinterpretations often lead to arguments in personal, platonic, or professional relationships.
Fees
$150
Family Therapy
$140
Couples Therapy
$130
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Family Session
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Children (5-12)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Art Therapy
Coaching
Eclectic Therapy
Family Systems Therapy
Humanistic Therapy
Psychodynamic Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Training / Certifications
Certified in Human Resources, Administrative Science, Registered Sex Offenders Training, Educational and Community Resources Training for Incarcerated individuals
Certified Domestic Violence Advocate
Certified and Licensed Educator
Licensure
NJ, LPC, 37PC00656800
Education
MMHC/Masters In Mental Health Counseling Fairleigh Dickinson University, MAS/Masters in Administrative Science Fairleigh Dickinson University, BA/ Psychology Rutgers University, P-3/Certified Bloomfield College, AS/Social Science Essex County College
Work History
For over thirty years I have worked with at risk, disadvantage children, adolescences and young adults. I am trained and educated in creating healthy, safe, learning environments. I take pride in providing thorough and efficient resources, and services conducive to autonomy and creating leveled playing fields in the areas of educational, economic and career opportunities. I have navigated my clients as well as their families through obstacles and the daily hassles of everyday life; helping them to set healthy realistic short and and long term goals necessary to living their best life. I have dedicated my professional life to the helping field, advocating for victims of disparity, domestic violence, and dimensional poverty.
Location
346 Mt Prospect Avenue, Newark, 07104, NJ