Cristina DeFuria, Kaitlyn Tassillo & Nicole Garamella

Cristina DeFuria MA, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Family Mediator working with individuals, couples and families for over 10 years. Individual counseling includes self-esteem, relationships, life transitions, academic & career choices, depression and anxiety. Couple and Family counseling is dynamic, including pre-marital counseling, family planning, parenting issues, in-law matters, intimacy issues, low sexual desire, infidelity (emotional, physical and internet) recovery, divorce adjustment, and blended family issues, as well as individual issues. "My practice focuses on couples, relationships and families who are going through difficult life transitions and/or experiencing difficult symptoms and stressors. I specialize in couples work. I value each partnership's story and uniqueness as we work towards healing and recovery. My focus is to help people develop insight into the stress they face and work collaboratively to overcome them." Cristina is also trained in the Brainspotting, effective for a wide variety of emotional and somatic conditions often related trauma. Kaitlin Tassillo, LPC is a Licensed Practicing Counselor (LPC). She has been in the behavioral health field for 10 years working with adults, couples and families. Kaitlin has worked in various treatment settings such as inpatient drug and alcohol rehab, outpatient addiction programs and outpatient mental health programs. Kailtlin has extensive experience in working with individuals who struggle with addiction, depression and anxiety. "During sessions I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. We will work together as a team to achieve the changes you want to see in yourself to create a better life. I know looking for help can be scary and intimidating, but I promise I will make the process as easy as possible." Nicole Garamella, MFT received her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Kean University. Additionally, she has credentials in Drama Therapy through the North American Drama Therapy Association. Nicole’s experience with individuals extends through working with children, adolescents, and adults in areas such as trauma, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, depression, eating disorders, domestic violence, LGBTQIA issues, sexual assault/ violence, and self esteem building. Nicole’s predominant focus is with couples and families. Utilizing a dynamic, experiential approach, Nicole works with families and couples during difficult life transitions, infidelity recovery, intimacy issues, blended family matters, family planning, and trauma. As an Experiential and Structural therapist, Nicole’s main goal is to meet clients where they are in the moment. The focus of treatment is to create a safe space in which people can explore and disrupt old patterns that leave them feeling stuck and unsatisfied. Together with the client, Nicole seeks to help increase personal insight and growth, while empowering clients to identify and express themselves collaboratively to reach their desired goal. Marjana Smajlaj, LAC I am a National Certified Counselor motivated to help clients gain insight on healthy coping skills in areas of mental and emotional health. I have 6 plus years of experience working in substance abuse and mental health. I specialize in Trauma/PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, and Addiction. Clinically, I use an eclectic approach and CBT based interventions. My approach starts with the identification of thought and emotional development patterns for the purpose of creating solution focused approaches and developing safe coping skills. It is my goal to empower my clients to regain control and create a safe place to feel they can be their true selves, free from emotional harm and harsh judgement. In the process of expression and self-discovery, we will find new meaning and purpose in what we have experienced and grow in confidence and peace of mind.