Discovering Your Truest Self
Do you often feel like you are taking care of others while putting your own needs on the back burner? Maybe your teen struggles too– always there for friends but struggles to stay on top of their own responsibilities. You’ve always identified as a “people pleaser,” and lately it just isn’t working anymore. You or your teen might be feeling low, unmotivated, or avoidant—and unsure how to break out of it.
Barriers like these can block us from being our truest, most connected selves. Left unchecked, they can lead to disconnection from relationships, lost passions, and a fading sense of self. One of the greatest gifts therapy offers is helping people reconnect with their power—whether that’s conquering a fear, achieving a goal, or reclaiming self-worth.
As a therapist, I believe building a supportive and honest relationship with yourself and others can unlock new doors and shift how you see the world around you.
Performance Perfectionism
Did you know that youth athletes are most likely to quit their sports between the young ages of 11-13?
This is often because they’re not feeling fulfilled or having fun anymore. And it’s even more common for female athletes.
As a former competitive dancer, I deeply understand the unique pressures athletes face—from performance expectations and perfectionism to burnout, injury, and identity loss. I now work closely with teen and college athletes navigating these challenges. While highlighting the core athletic needs, we can work together to create long term outcomes for your athlete and their sport.
We can process your experiences together to find out what’s keeping you stuck.
It could be the anxiety of stepping onto the field or stage, or the fear of failure. Maybe it is the mental toll of recovery from injury or the pressure to return quickly. These are just a few examples of situations where therapy can provide a space to process those intense emotions and rediscover the joy in your sport.
Athletes often learn to push through physical pain, and sometimes the emotional toll on them gets overlooked. Together, we’ll explore how mindset, self-compassion, and nervous system awareness can help you stay present and resilient in both sports and daily living.
How To Improve Confidence In Your Sport (And Life)
Specifically in my therapy practice, athletes often utilize EMDR therapy, Exposure Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness to process through difficult past experiences. These experiences may have caused you to hit a wall in your sport. This can includes
- Missing a crucial shot, routine, or move during a high-stakes competition
- A mistake or stumble during a performance or game
- Minor injuries such as sprain or torn ligament
- Major injuries include a torn ACL or concussion
- Being cut from teams or losing starting positions
- Toxic team dynamics or bullying from teammates
Overcoming Driving Anxiety in NJ
Driving anxiety is more common than we talk about—and it can significantly impact your daily freedom and confidence. Oftentimes, clients feel like they “shouldn’t struggle” with driving, because for others, it’s a mindless, daily task. This shame keeps you stuck, and gets in the way of doing something about it, because you feel you “should be able to do this” on your own. Not true!
Driving anxiety can stem from a past accident, panic attacks, general fear of the road, and more. No matter the cause, it takes a toll on our sense of control and safety. We can feel trapped, in danger, or that we are an unsafe driver because of how intense the anxiety is. It can become truly debilitating.
I understand the fear and overwhelm that can come from driving anxiety. And I believe that anyone can overcome their fear of the road with the right guidance and support. I use EMDR and other somatic-based techniques to help clients process the root of their anxiety and rebuild trust in themselves behind the wheel. It’s not just about driving—it’s about regaining your independence and confidence in your everyday life. And yes, it is possible!
Meet Casey! An Adult and Teen Counselor In NJ
Hi! I’m Casey (she/her), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to helping people move beyond where they feel stuck. Whether you’re navigating the world of athletics, inconsolable grief, major life changes, overwhelming anxiety, or just feel like you’ve been faking it for too long—I get it. I’ve been there. Therapy with me is about being real: we’ll laugh, cry, go to the hard places, find a way forward, and celebrate each small win along the way.
During telehealth sessions, you’re also likely to meet Piper, my beloved cat and constant companion. Pets often become part of our emotional world, and I love hearing about the special creatures or people who bring comfort to your life too.
Working with Me As A Sports Counselor in NJ
I show up with compassion, honesty, and a bit of grit. I’ll challenge you to grow while reminding you of your strength when doubt creeps in. For teens especially, having someone who believes in them—even on their hardest days—can make all the difference.
Working with parents is also a vital part of my approach. You know your teen best, and we’ll collaborate to create an environment where your teen can thrive, emotionally and mentally.
For our adult athletes, we can work together toward your goals—whether you’re training recreationally, competing at a high level, or striving to build a professional athletic career. You deserve the time and space to reflect on all your sport has given you, continues to give you, and to envision what life can look like as you step into the next chapter.
Credentials: Counseling for Athletes In NJ, And More
After receiving my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The College of New Jersey,I went on to graduate with a Master’s in Social Work from Rutgers University in 2019. My work across school settings and higher levels of care, including Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) programs, has highlighted the power of mental health care. In my previous professional experience, I worked with adolescents and adults targeting mood symptoms, suicidality, and substance use. With my certificate in Sports Social Work, I am able to dive even deeper into the world of assisting athletes in maintaining their mental health, reaching their performance goals and understanding themself in a holistic way. I am most passionate about, and specialize in, working with:
- Athletes (Casual, Competitive and Professional)
- Adolescents
- Young adults transitioning to college
- Adults navigating challenging life transitions
- The LGBTQ+ community
- Grief and loss and more
I am trained in a range of therapeutic modalities including:
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)
- Solution-Focused Therapy
My work is grounded in mindfulness, self-compassion, goal-setting, and validation. So let’s talk. Reach out today to schedule a consultation with me.
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