Rachel M. Dobkins

Today you have taken the first step in your journey towards positive change, growth, and well-being. We understand that reaching out for help can be an intimidating experience that means acknowledging your struggles are real. We recognize your inner strength and determination in asking for support. At Inner Arrow Counseling and Wellness, we strive to create a genuine, safe, and supportive environment for you to engage in self-reflection and remove obstacles to realizing your goals. We want to empower you to embrace and nurture your most authentic selves. We work with individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan from teen age through elder adulthood experiencing mood, trauma, adjustment, identity, relational, and developmental challenges. Together, we will create a validating and non-judgemental space to: Identify your goals Develop coping skills Strengthen support systems Build self-awareness and confidence Find healing and inner strength Therapies and modalities we may use in our work together: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Existential Therapy Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Mindfulness Coaching and Tools Yoga and Breathwork My specializations include working with LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and families, as well as parenting support for parents of LGBTQ+ children. I previously worked at Montclair State University's LGBTQ center where I designed and implemented safe space education, engaged in community outreach and advocacy, and provided individual and group counseling to LGBTQ+ students. I was awarded the Trailblazer Pride Award by Montclair State University, a queer leadership award "presented to an outstanding LGBTQ-identified student, faculty, or staff member at Montclair State University who, through their dedication, left their mark on campus and paved the way for others to follow." I also have extensive experience working with college and high school students navigating developmental difficulties of identity formation, transitions in emerging adulthood, social/relational challenges, and stressful academic workloads. Prior to founding Inner Arrow Counseling and Wellness, I enriched my counseling experiences in diverse settings including mental health group practice, graduate and undergraduate student advisement, community services, career development, and higher education leadership. I holds a B.S. in Culture and Communications from NYU, an M.A. in Counseling from Montclair State University, and completed additional masters level coursework in Clinical Psychology at Teachers College.