Meet our therapists

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Michele Brennan, Psy.D.

Dr. Michele Brennan (she/her pronouns) is a Clinical Psychologist licensed in the state of New Jersey. She holds a B.A. from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, a M.A. from Pace University in New York, NY, plus a second M.A. and Doctorate of Clinical Psychology with a minor in Neuropsychology from Argosy University in Washington, D.C..

Dr. Brennan has extensive experience working with adults and seniors in many capacities which include individual therapy and assessments. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Psychological Assessments. She often incorporates acceptance and mindfulness practice into her therapeutic approach. She also holds a Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate, Completed (in May 2024), from T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and eCornell, which she utilizes to help treat patients from a holistic approach.

In addition to her private practice, she is an Adjunct Professor at Raritan Valley Community College where she regularly teaches Abnormal Psychology and has previously facilitated Introduction to Psychology and Theories of Personality Psychology.

NJ State License #35SI00579400

E. Passport Mobility Number: 10696

APIT # 10696

 

Heather Lonergan, NCC, L.P.C.

Heather Lonergan (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor (#37PC00642600) and National Certified Counselor (#339695) in the state of New Jersey. She is experienced in working with adults and adolescents populations in the mental health field to include anxiety, depression, mood disorders, grief, relationship issues and trauma. Heather has worked in various settings such as inpatient/partial hospitalization/intensive outpatient program, domestic violence, adult residential and the children’s system of care. This provides a strong professional background and awareness into potential barriers in treatment.

Heather utilizes an integrative approach incorporating person centered; cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); solution focused and mindfulness which allow her to meet the need of the client. She is motivated in working together with her clients to help them reach their goals and achieve stability. Heather believes every person if given the proper support can find a path to their personal success.


NJ Lic. 37PC00642600

National Certified Counselor 339695

 

Mira Desai, L.P.C.

Mira Desai (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in New Jersey and has a Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has experience working in mental health settings such as private practice, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs, with a specialty in adolescents.

Mira currently works with all adult populations, as well as teens/tweens. She is experienced in treating relationship issues, grief/loss, trauma, identity development issues, anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder, adjustment disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, suicidal and self-harming behaviors. Mira is trained in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and has received advanced training certification in the treatment of depression and anxiety.

Mira’s approach to treating clients begins with creating a safe and non-judgmental environment. Mira incorporates strength-based approaches to help clients use their personal strengths to reach their goals. She also applies mindfulness practices to therapy to help clients live happier lives in the present moment. Using an individualized and collaborative approach, she helps clients better understand themselves, their value, and their unique situations, as they adjust to life changes and strive for personal growth.

NJ Lic. 37PC00446800

 

Theresa Lewis, L.P.C.

Currently on leave and not accepting new patients.

Theresa Marie Lewis, (she/her pronouns), identifies as an African American, “therapist of color”. She obtained her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health Counseling from Saint Elizabeth University in Morristown, NJ. She received her Bachelor of Art in Psychology from City College of New York in Harlem, NY. Currently, Theresa is entering the next journey in her educational career where she will be working towards a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Saint Elizabeth University.

Theresa sees the healing process as a partnership between therapist and client and believes it is a unique process for every individual. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to assist clients in coping with everyday stressors and learn how to live emotionally and physically healthier lives. Theresa has substantial experience working in settings including psychiatric rehabilitation facilities, adult day programs, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and private practices. She assists her clients in crisis and symptom management. Theresa has supervised medically enhanced supportive housing programs, residential facilities, and served as Chairperson in cultural competence committees throughout New Jersey. Theresa served as a two-time keynote speaker during April Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence awareness month at Saint Elizabeth University in 2019 & 2020. Theresa is a lifelong member of PSI CHI International Honor Society.

NJ Lic. 37PC00866800

 

Melek Atalay, L.P.C.

Melek Atalay is a Licensed Professional Counselor (L.P.C.) and certified School Counselor in New Jersey.  She is bilingual and fluent in English and Turkish. Her specialty areas include depression, anxiety, trauma, parenting, and life transition challenges. 

Our biological, psychological, and social needs change as we constantly grow. Sometimes, they are fundamental needs like food and shelter; other times, they are job security, love, friendship, or self-actualization. Whatever our needs, when life’s challenges become overwhelming, we may feel confused, lost, or stuck about managing our lives. These are the times that demand support and fresh perspectives.

Believing in each person’s self-healing power to make positive changes and growth, Melek strives to establish a collaborative therapeutic relationship with her clients. She emphasizes that recognizing the unwanted fears, beliefs, and thoughts that control our lives is essential in changing how we act and view our world. She aims to support clients in identifying and practicing the values that would make their lives meaningful. Accordingly, she utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and has received training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.

 

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” - Anais Nin.

NJ Lic. # 37PC01079700

Julie Attalla, L.A.C.

Julie Attalla is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor practicing in New Jersey. She earned a Bachelors in Philosophy at Stockton University and a Master’s of Science in Professional Counseling from Monmouth University. Julie also has almost a decade of experience in substance abuse counseling and dual diagnosis. She has extensive experience in how to change both addictions to substances and addictions to deeply ingrained behaviors and thought patterns. Her more recent experience has expanded to include working with depression, anxiety, and mood disorders in both adults and adolescents. Julie offers trauma-informed care and incorporates mind/body connection in her work, acquired through almost two decades of teaching yoga and meditation.

“We see that everything in nature called destruction, must be creation.”-John Muir

N.J. Lic. 37AC00706100

 

Kadijah Campbell, L.A.C.

My name is Kadijah Campbell; I am a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) in New Jersey who provides therapeutic services for individuals experiencing issues including but not limited to anxiety, depression, and coping issues. I am comfortable working with a wide range of individuals, including adolescents, middle-aged adults, older adults, and individuals with developmental disabilities. I am well versed in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused-Brief Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Act and Commitment Therapy, Psychoeducation, Motivational Interviewing

My goal as a therapist is to provide a warm and welcoming environment where my clients can feel comfortable discussing their personal challenges and to partner with them with the goal of assisting them with their journey toward healing. What I've learned from my own experience with therapy is that most people are looking for a judgment-free zone where they can be themselves, gain a different perspective on their challenges, and obtain tools that can help them live healthier lives.

N.J. Lic. 37AC00803600

 

Dylan Broadwell, M.A.

"Dylan Broadwell (they/them) is a graduate-level clinician working toward their LAC this spring. They graduated in 2024 from Seton Hall University with their Masters in Professional Counseling. They are excited to teach Psychology courses at Union College in the Fall. 

They aspire to create an inclusive environment through their therapy work and specialize in LGBTQ+ clinical work. Dylan has also worked with teens, young adults, and adults with a history of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal behaviors. 

They use an integrated approach with different theories utilized in sessions with a focus on CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy). Dylan is passionate about their career in therapy and wants to give each client the care they need through these approaches. They look forward to helping you!" 

 

Monic Hargrove Lockett, M.A., L.A.C.

Monic Hargrove Lockett is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), certified Teacher of the Handicapped and certified School Counselor in the State of New Jersey.  She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from Rutgers University and a Master’s Degree in Counselor Education from Kean University. After a 32-year career as an Educator in the Newark Public School system, she retired in 2022.  Ms. Hargrove Lockett works closely with children, teens and adults.  Her areas of concentration are Anxiety, Grief, Conflict Resolution, Stress Management, Self-Esteem, Life Transitions and Career and College Planning.

 

The therapeutic orientations Ms. Hargrove Lockett uses with most of her clients are Bibliotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Both assist her clients in their decision-making processing, short and long-term goal setting, as well as identifying their strengths. The use of Mindfulness activities are also an integral part of her counseling experience.  These activities are intended to help clients focus on the present moment and accept their thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Monic Hargrove Lockett believes that:

“Mental Health is a journey, not a destination.”

N.J. Lic. 37AC00800700

 

Meet our Staff

Pam Varga

Office Manager

Pam Varga has been in healthcare for over 25 years. She worked in a major behavioral health hospital for 22 years before retiring to work part-time at Psychological Services of NJ. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening and playing with her grandchildren.

 

Lanesha Nesbit

Billing/Credentialing Specialist