Lost? Out of sorts?
You don't have to go this alone.
Welcome To Synergy Counseling Services
What's going on?
Are you feeling out of sorts?
Are things just not falling into place for you?
Is there a thought that won't go away, that you've perhaps tried to take away through drugs, drinking, or some other unhealthy way?
Or, maybe you feel like things are going well, but you're afraid something bad will happen soon?
Has someone said to you that maybe you should see a therapist about this?
In today's world, it's not uncommon to experience stress, anxiety or depression. But when it becomes dysfunctional and interferes with how you live your life, that's when a helping hand may be the right place to turn to.
Are things just not falling into place for you?
Is there a thought that won't go away, that you've perhaps tried to take away through drugs, drinking, or some other unhealthy way?
Or, maybe you feel like things are going well, but you're afraid something bad will happen soon?
Has someone said to you that maybe you should see a therapist about this?
In today's world, it's not uncommon to experience stress, anxiety or depression. But when it becomes dysfunctional and interferes with how you live your life, that's when a helping hand may be the right place to turn to.
The Therapy Experience
What's a session like?
When someone thinks about therapy, most likely an image of a long, leather couch with a stuffy older person in a suit with a pad and his back to you saying things like "Uh huh," or someone making some obscure connection between what's going on now and events that happened to you as an infant comes to mind.
While some of that may have a grain of truth, it's not exactly what therapy is in modern times.
Therapy is about sitting in an open, inviting, and safe space, while someone listens to your concerns with a caring heart, hearing the story that's being told like a song that's being performed. It might be slightly off key, or certain aspects too loud or too soft, however this is where the therapy comes in. It's this process that helps you to fine tune it into your own masterpiece.
This is done through the use of capitalizing on your individual strengths, teaching you valuable life skills and offering you other tools to assist you through a collaborative journey towards healing. This journey is between you and the therapist, both of you an expert in your own ways. After all, a therapist may have the instruments for which to perform the masterpiece, however it is you that has the song inside!
I currently offer therapy for the following issues:
While some of that may have a grain of truth, it's not exactly what therapy is in modern times.
Therapy is about sitting in an open, inviting, and safe space, while someone listens to your concerns with a caring heart, hearing the story that's being told like a song that's being performed. It might be slightly off key, or certain aspects too loud or too soft, however this is where the therapy comes in. It's this process that helps you to fine tune it into your own masterpiece.
This is done through the use of capitalizing on your individual strengths, teaching you valuable life skills and offering you other tools to assist you through a collaborative journey towards healing. This journey is between you and the therapist, both of you an expert in your own ways. After all, a therapist may have the instruments for which to perform the masterpiece, however it is you that has the song inside!
I currently offer therapy for the following issues:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- OCD
- Substance Abuse
- LGBTQIA+ Life Issues
Staff
Who is running this place?
Services
How can you help me?
F.A.Q
Questions, Comments (and MAYBE a Few Wisecracks!)
What should I expect when I start therapy with you?
Great question! Generally, expect for me to greet you in my waiting room (or virtually in the session room if telehealth is your choice). A typical first session focuses on getting to know you, and really dive into the reasons you wanted to talk. I'll ask some questions, and point out some observable patterns as well. From there you'll get a tool or an activity to work on between sessions.
How long are sessions, and how often will we meet?
Most individual sessions are 45-50 minutes. Frequency depends on your goals, availability, and clinical needs-many clients start weekly and later move to biweekly or as-needed check-ins as progress stabilizes. We will review your plan regularly and adjust the schedule to support meaningful, sustainable change.
Do you offer group therapy?
Not yet, but I do hope to soon!
What is your cancellation and late-arrival policy?
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide notice at least 48 hours notice so the time can be offered to another client. Late cancellations or missed sessions may be subject to a fee, as that time is reserved specifically for you. If you’re running late, you’re still welcome to attend; the session will typically end at the scheduled time to respect the next appointment.
Do you provide telehealth sessions, and what do I need to get started?
Yes. Telehealth is available for many services and offers the same professional standard of care as in-person sessions. You’ll need a private, quiet space, a reliable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone. A car is fine as a location, but you CANNOT be driving or operating it. For logistical purposes, your location will need to be identified at the beginning of the session as well. Before your first virtual appointment, you’ll receive clear instructions for accessing the secure video platform and tips for creating a distraction-free environment.
How do I know if I need therapy, counseling, or a psychiatric evaluation?
Therapy can help if you’re experiencing stress, anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, family troubles, social challenges, trauma-related symptoms, or persistent life challenges. If you’re also noticing severe symptoms (e.g., panic attacks, significant sleep disruption, changes in appetite, difficulty functioning at work/school, or thoughts of self-harm), a psychiatric evaluation or coordination with a prescribing provider may be appropriate. If you’re unsure, we can discuss your concerns during an intake or initial consultation and determine the best level of care and referrals, if needed.
What approaches or modalities do you use in treatment?
Treatment is tailored to your needs and goals. Depending on your concerns, sessions may include evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), trauma-informed care, mindfulness-based strategies, and skills-building for emotion regulation and communication. We’ll collaborate on a plan, track progress over time, and adjust the approach as needed.
Do you work with children, teens, couples, or families?
Currently, I am working with teenagers and older. If you share who you’re seeking services for (age, main concerns, and preferences), I can confirm fit and or provide referrals to a someone else if we’re not the best match.
Do you provide an initial consultation?
Yes! I offer a free 15 minute initial phone consultation, where you help me understand what motivates you to seek therapy at this time. From there, we determine the next steps, and I will send you the initial paperwork to get this ball rolling.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes and no. I am in network with some. We can discuss this at the time you reach out. If I am not in network, I do offer other options which may suit your needs.
There's so much paperwork to fill out - why?
I provide you the initial forms through my secure, confidential portal before we meet as a way for you to review and digest the information in as comfortable an environment as possible, without putting undue pressure on you to complete them in our first session. If there's every any questions, I'm just a phone call away and I'll do my best to help you through them.
Media
Scheduling
When can you help me?
Schedule an appointment today. Please call the office for further information.
Some insurances accepted.
Some insurances accepted.
Contact
FOR ALL CORRESPONDENCE: OFFICE LOCATION:
Synergy Counseling Services, LLC Synergy Counseling Services, LLC
PO Box 1186 8 Oxbow Lane
Vernon, NJ 07462, USA Franklin, NJ 07416, USA
PHONE: 973-845-8120
EMAIL: shawn@synergycounselingservicesnj.com
* hours by appointment only.
Synergy Counseling Services, LLC Synergy Counseling Services, LLC
PO Box 1186 8 Oxbow Lane
Vernon, NJ 07462, USA Franklin, NJ 07416, USA
PHONE: 973-845-8120
EMAIL: shawn@synergycounselingservicesnj.com
* hours by appointment only.
