About The Sharing Temple Counseling Therapists

You are unique. I pride myself in meeting you where you are currently, find what works best for you to create a plan with you that will best improve your mental health.

I specialize in working with preteens, adolescents, and young adults struggling with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, self-esteem, anger, and behavioral health matters such as ADHD, and oppositional defiance.

I hold a Master of Social Work, with a concentration in clinical work with children and families, from Monmouth University, and I have received training from The Beck Institute in helping people of all ages in dealing with chronic illness through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

I am a compassionate and highly qualified therapist, with more than a decade of experience dedicated to aiding individuals on their path to recovery and overall well-being. My extensive qualifications include certifications in the realm of addiction and mental health counseling, such as LACDC, CCS, and ICADC, in addition to specialized expertise in Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) services. I have honed my skills in providing essential support to first responders, including corrections officers, police, and fire/EMS personnel, recognizing the unique challenges they face in their demanding roles.

I believe that healing begins with a safe and non-judgmental environment. I tailor my approach to each individual's unique needs and challenges, recognizing that no two paths are the same. Through evidence-based therapies, holistic strategies, and a client-centered focus, I work collaboratively with clients to foster personal growth, sobriety, and lasting change.

Healing is possible, and I am here to support you every step of the way. If you are seeking a compassionate, knowledgeable, and experienced therapist with a proven track record in addiction/mental health counseling and SAP services, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can embark on a path to healing and a brighter future.

I am currently pursuing my Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree, furthering my knowledge and expertise in the field of psychology and counseling. This commitment to education and professional growth allows me to provide the most up-to-date and effective care to my clients.

In my off-time, I like spending time with my family, enjoying the laughter and warmth they bring into my life. I am also a passionate dog lover, and my canine companions are an essential part of my daily routine. Engaging in these activities not only brings joy to my life but also reinforces the importance of connection, support, and balance in the healing journey.

Contact me today to schedule a consultation and take that crucial first step toward a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.

Asking for help is not always easy but you have taken the first step to getting support. It takes a lot of courage and bravery to reach out and embark on a journey of change. Through this process, I use a person-centered approach and strengths-based approach when collaborating with clients for them to achieve their goals and feel like they are heard and valued. I always want to create a safe environment for my clients, where they feel like their stories can be told without any judgement and feel like they are able to feel empowered.

I have worked in the field of mental health since 2018. I have experience working with children, adolescents, military personnel and families, and adults in outpatient, residential, in home, school-based settings, drug court, and partial care settings where I would facilitate family, and individual counseling. I utilize evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and person-centered therapy within my therapy sessions.

I have experience working with depression, anxiety, stress, behavioral issues, trauma, self-esteem issues, eating disorders, and substance use. I am also trained in EMDR and eating disorder intuitive therapy and currently pursuing my training in family-based treatment for adolescents with anorexia nervosa. 

In my free time, I enjoy running, music, going to the beach, being with my family and pets, and traveling to new countries.

I obtained my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health from Rider University, and have experience working with adults, both with and without substance dependency. I look forward to expanding my exposure to different areas of mental health.

I pride myself on providing compassion and empathy to my clients, and the challenges they are facing. My counseling approach is meeting the client where they are, aid in establishing a positive mindset and progress from there. I believe there is no such thing as a “perfect” person, and although it can be difficult to give ourselves grace, it is necessary in one’s healing. It is of the utmost essence that my clients feel they are in a safe, non-judgmental space during their sessions, and that they’re valued as an individual. Not only in healing but with life in general, connection, relationships and support are pivotal in one’s positive growth and development. My goal is to make a lasting impression with my clients, by modeling and providing these necessities which will help them process and persevere in their current struggles, in addition to being able to utilize the gained tools and knowledge in the future.

Viewing situations from a broader vantage point allows one to understand and in turn, process any given situation/occurrence in its entirety. Possessing a closed mindset can hinder the way one processes and copes. Change is challenging for most, as the unknown can be scary and intimidating, however, in changing your perspective, you have the ability to change your overall mindset.

I thoroughly enjoy helping others, especially when it comes to the mental health aspect. I think it is vital that we as a society continue to work towards breaking the stigma associated with mental health, as everyone experiences struggle throughout their lives, and they are not always easy to overcome.

It can be difficult to ask for help, so I’m glad you’ve taken the first step. I look forward to helping you live a happier and healthier life by way of having a more positive mindset and approach!

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, animals, and crafting.

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.” Viktor Frankl

Do you ever feel like life is racing ahead, leaving you struggling to catch your breath? Recognizing the need for support can sometimes be a challenging task. I am delighted that you have taken the initial step towards embracing the concept that your mental well-being holds significance. As a licensed social worker, I bring over twenty years of expertise in collaborating with children and their families. My proficiency covers a wide range of areas, including autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, self-esteem, social skills enhancement, stress management, communication improvement, relationship dynamics, and behavioral difficulties.

I have refined my abilities to design personalized interventions and assistance that cater to the distinct requirements of each individual and family under my care. My methods are rooted in compassion, cultural mindfulness, and a dedication to nurturing positive development and resilience.

My background in addressing autism spectrum disorders equips me to provide extensive support to individuals and families navigating the intricacies of neurodiversity. I prioritize establishing inclusive settings where individuals with autism can flourish and realize their full potential. My aim is to arm my clients with effective strategies for handling challenges. By employing a person-centered and collaborative therapy approach, I empower clients to foster healthy coping mechanisms and reclaim agency over their lives.

Moreover, I am dedicated to supporting you and equipping you with additional skills to bolster your self-esteem, foster crucial social competencies, and navigate interpersonal connections with assurance and genuineness. Whether tackling behavioral concerns or facilitating communication within families, my commitment lies in cultivating positive results and advancing holistic well-being.

As a dependable advocate and supporter, I remain steadfast in promoting social justice and equity across all facets of my practice. I engage in continuous professional development to stay updated on the most recent research and therapeutic methodologies, ensuring that my clients benefit from top-notch care.

Driven by a profound dedication to aiding others on their paths to recovery and progress, I am privileged to serve as a mentor and collaborator for individuals and families who seek positive transformations in their lives.

I am proficient in Spanish.

Sarah holds a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Montclair State University. She is part of the LGBTQ+ community and practices under an anti-racist and multicultural framework, with an added focus on fat liberation, and body neutrality and acceptance. As the child of an immigrant parent, Sarah embodies a bicultural identity and can empathize with clients who share similar family experiences and backgrounds. Having held executive-level positions in her prior career, she is equipped to assist clients at every stage of their professional journeys, especially career transitions. She is an avid practitioner of yoga and meditation, and brings these modalities into her healing work. She looks forward to helping her clients process trauma and life's difficulties, helping them on a path toward reaching their goals, while strengthening self-love and building healthy communication and coping skills.

My therapeutic approach is rooted in creating a comfortable and laid-back atmosphere, where clients feel valued and understood. Drawing from my personal journey and passion for mental health, I believe in the transformative power of therapy to facilitate growth and healing.

Client and therapist collaboration is essential in the therapeutic process, and I approach this with empathy, understanding, and insight. Every client I work with deserves to be seen, heard, validated, and understood without judgment. I offer a safe and supportive space for clients to share their thoughts, feelings, experiences, and opinions. No two people are quite the same, which is why my therapy approach is flexible and eclectic, integrating modalities that are best suited to each individual. In my work with clients, I emphasize the importance of wellness from a whole-person perspective.

Whether you are facing past or present difficulties, personal challenges, relationship difficulties, or family challenges, my goal is to help everyone that I work with to navigate through these barriers and shift to a more positive direction in their lives. I have experience working with diverse populations including children, adolescents, and adults; and I enjoy working with each age group. As an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist, I am committed to providing a safe and inclusive space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Therapies I have education and experience with include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, and Art Therapy.

My therapeutic areas of interest are: women’s issues, LGBTQIA+ issues, life transitions, grief, trauma (including narcissistic abuse), anxiety, and improving and implementing healthy boundaries with others in interpersonal relationships.

I invite you to take the next step towards achieving your therapeutic goals by reaching out to schedule an appointment. Together, we can embark on a journey of growth, healing, and self-discovery.

Tara Rivas, a Masters level professional with more than 20 years of experience working in youth-serving government and non-profit agencies including in mental health and juvenile justice. Tara has extensive community ties in Mercer County and across Central New Jersey. From 2008 — 2015, Ms. Rivas served as Lead Youth Coach for Mercer County Youth Partnership - a peer-to-peer support group designed to empower youth ages 13-21 in their abilities and help to reduce the stigma associated with mental health - and has a strong understanding of the systems that support children and families. In her free time she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, reading, doing yoga and eating dessert.