Our Therapists
A Freeman's Place Counseling has a number of talented therapists that have an extensive range of clinical expertise to meet the needs of potential clients. Our therapists specialize in multiple therapy approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral therapy (DBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), Client Focused Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Family Systems Therapy and a list of other therapeutic approaches.
Brittany Milien, LAC
Therapist
Brittany Milien is a Licensed Associate Counselor with experience in treating anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and grief. As a student of life and purpose, Brittany Milien has committed to ever-increasing her capacity to radically accept beauty while still acknowledging pain’s reality. Brittany refuses to live on a polarized spectrum where life is categorized by flawless beauty or confounding pain. Instead, she postures herself in reflection each day that she may become a healer for herself and others. Brittany promises to recognize the complexities in your story echoing of all too familiar beauty and pain. Through individual, couples, or group counseling with adults, adolescents/teenagers (14 to 19), and preteens/tweens (11 to 13), Brittany would love the opportunity to expand your perspective using an integrative approach combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy. If you are willing to commit to this journey, Brittany would be delighted to move forward together.
Watasha Young, LPC
Therapist
Watasha “Tasha” Young is a Licensed Associate Counselor with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Psychiatric Rehabilitation from Kean University and a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nyack College. She has been in the mental health field for over 10 years, gaining experience in various settings. Watasha specializes in working with adults who have challenges with anxiety, depression, stress, and low self-esteem; in addition, she has experience working with children (6 to 10) adjusting to life circumstances. Her counseling technique is best described as an individualized approach (i.e., using techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Person-Centered) because each person’s process looks different, and one size does not fit all. Watasha believes that you know yourself best, which is why she believes in meeting you where you are and providing you with the tools needed to begin healing and maintain your healing.
Krystle Kilcrease, LSW
Therapist
Krystle Kilcrease is a Licensed Social Worker. She has experience over the past 7 years as a licensed social worker working with clients, such as children, preteens/tweens, adolescents/teenagers, adults, and elders, in the community, in an individual or group capacity, in inpatient and outpatient facilities, and nonprofit community mental health and private practices. Krystle applies a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills, and psycho-education to help reduce negative responses to life transitions, relationship problems, depression, and other issues. She also utilizes relaxation/mindfulness and other holistic techniques as a part of the therapy process.
Krystle’s goal as a therapist is to provide a safe environment where you will learn to utilize skills, determine strengths, and establish and complete goals as you move toward becoming your best self. She believes therapy is an interactive process, as well as a union between client and therapist. Krystle sees clients as the experts in their lives and meets them where they are. She wants the client to feel that what they are sharing is important and that their words are heard. Many clients struggle with trust, so she wants them to know that they can depend on her to be genuine and honest. Through the therapy process and the building of the therapeutic relationship, clients can access their inner strengths to grow into the person they are meant to be.
Jennifer Pineles, LAC
Therapist
Jennifer Pineles is a Licensed Associate Counselor. She has experience providing individual, couples, and group therapy for young adults, adults, and elders. Specifically, she is experienced in treating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, and grief. Jennifer has provided mental health care in hospitals, intensive outpatient programs, and day programs. Some of the treatment modalities Jennifer uses are cognitive therapy (CT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic. She believes that establishing a safe space for clients to discuss their most personal issues is key for effective therapy. Jennifer considers it a privilege to help you work through life‘s trials and tribulations and to obtain peace of mind.
Nafisah Harley, LAC
Therapist
Nafisah Harley is a Licensed Associate Counselor who helps adults heal from past traumas, learn coping skills to manage daily stress, and maintain a sense of balance in their lives. Her goal is to amplify the voice of her clients and what they’ve experienced, allowing them to feel heard and cared for. Upon receiving her M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University, Nafisah adopted a holistic, person-centered approach grounded in mindfulness and meditation. Nafisah also provides psychoeducation through numerous programs and panels, working to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in the Black community and other communities of color. In her spare time, Nafisah enjoys going to the beach, spending time with family, and candle-making!
Nafisah is deeply humbled by the opportunity to work with individuals of all backgrounds, as she is empathetic, passionate, and dedicated to her work. She wants every individual to know that they are invaluable, they are worthy, and they were created for a reason, even if they don’t know what that reason is just yet. Nafisah believes that the journey to healing is a process that helps unearth our potential and further develops the gift within to be a better version of our true selves. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma, Nafisah is here to help support and guide you through that process.
Ruth Churak, LCSW
Therapist
Ruth Churak is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has worked with toddlers, children (6 to 10), preteens, teens, adults, and elders (65+). Ruth has experience in treating ADHD, anxiety, anger management, depression, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, and women’s issues. A few of the treatment approaches Ruth uses are Cognitive Behavioral-Therapy (CBT), Dialectical (DBT), Psychoanalytic, Art Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. Ruth focuses on the strengths of her clients within a family/cultural system and helps individuals clarify their goals using different techniques along the therapy journey. She makes her clients feel less anxious when exploring painful and difficult subjects.
Tracity Gordon James, LSW
Therapist
Tracity Gordon James is a Licensed Social Worker with over 7 years of experience in the field. Tracity has a diverse background working with individuals, families, groups, and also in the community. She has worked in the Passaic County school district as a counselor to students struggling with interpersonal problems and academic barriers, at substance abuse treatment facilities, in inpatient and outpatient facilities helping individuals maintain sobriety, and has experience providing in-home therapy to individuals and their families. Tracity has expertise working with adults and teens who struggle with substance use, trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and dual diagnosis. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as she believes that it's a good approach used to make the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Tracity believes it's important to have a person-centered approach and strives to address problems on an individual basis while providing tools unique to the person served.
Courtney Bearns, LSW
Therapist
Courtney Bearns is a Licensed Social Worker with experience working with clients of all ages, from children to seniors, both in outpatient clinics and in-home settings. Strongly centered in evidence-based practice, Courtney works to find methods that best fit her clients’ individual needs, providing trauma-informed care grounded in theories including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and the interpersonal process.
Courtney is LGBTQ+ inclusive and affirming of different identities, cultures, and religions. She also has a Ph.D. in social psychology, with a research emphasis on social inequality and prejudice, using this background to help her clients explore the structural forces that can impact mental health. Knowing that many people are nervous about therapy, Courtney’s most important goal is for her clients to feel safe, comfortable, and understood. Courtney loves exploring her clients’ strengths and special interests and using them to help motivate the therapeutic process.
Jalen Washington, MFT, LPC
Therapist
Jalen Washington is a specialist in Marriage and Family Therapy and received his Masters with Distinction from Capella University after studying at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore for undergraduate studies. He specializes in Strategic Therapy and Structural Family Therapy while utilizing Emotionally Focused Therapy in individual and couple sessions. Jalen is a client-focused therapist who puts his voice in the background. With a unique style, Jalen mixes personality, humor, and sensitivity into each session while understanding needs on an individual basis. Jalen has worked in a multitude of locations in Brooklyn, New York, Dallas, Texas, and throughout New Jersey. He has worked at different levels in substance abuse facilities, domestic violence refuge institutions, and psychiatric units both outpatient and inpatient over the span of 8 years. Jalen has worked exclusively with adolescents and men of color as he feels they are the underserved areas of mental health. Jalen enjoys speaking to the community about the need for mental health treatment and ensuring quality care for those regardless of their income or background.
The goal of therapy is often misconstrued. It is not only to resolve a conflict or find an answer but to make a connection. Jalen believes that the client drives the car of therapy while he is in the passenger seat ensuring the ride is comfortable, the music is right and hazards or incomplete bridges are avoided. The brain and body should be aligned; therapy does just that. There does not always need to be a problem to go to therapy, the same way a car can use an oil change or detailing before a long drive. It is hard to deal with emotional issues on your own, but more difficult to address and face them in therapy or even ask for help. This is a judgment-free zone and a safe place for all people regardless of sexual orientation, race, creed, or identity.
Crystal Jones, LAC
Therapist
Crystal Jones is a Licensed Associate Counselor. She received her Masters of Distinction from Nyack College in Mental Health Counseling. She has worked at Mount Sinai / St. Luke’s Addiction Institute with elders, adults, and young adults who struggle with substance use, trauma, grief, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Crystal can help individuals with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma events, and childhood trauma.
Crystal believes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT, and Person-Centered approaches are useful in helping her clients through their healing process. She believes maintaining her authenticity and honesty will help the client feel safe with what they share and feel they are truly being heard. Crystal understands that each person is unique, and involving a client in the process is the best way to help them evolve into the best person they can be.
Jody Friedman, LSW
Intensive In-Community (IIC) Therapist
Jody Friedman is a Licensed Social Worker with a Masters in Clinical Social Work from Rutgers University. She specializes in social work with at-risk youths and their families. Her seven-plus years of experience include working in psychiatric inpatient and outpatient facilities, intensive in-home services, private practice therapeutic services, resettlement services for refugees and asylum-seekers, and nonclinical bereavement services.
Jody’s goal is to provide a relationship through which clients can embody genuity, uncover insights into their inner workings and surrounding environment, and mindfully practice the lifestyle oriented toward their desired outcomes. She has carefully crafted an open, grateful, curious, light, and respectful approach to all client backgrounds, presentations, perspectives, concerns, and hopes. Her work is client-centered and strength-based, tailoring Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Narrative, Attachment-Based, and Trauma-Informed Therapy, as well as, Motivational Interviewing and Reality Theory to each client.
She believes clarity, growth, and peace come from accepting, nurturing, and learning from the true self and its needs. Jody also believes that every client wields power over their ultimate life story through a simple duality: radically accepting nature's undeniable forces and courageously adjusting their more malleable circumstances.
Erica Taveras, LSW
Therapist
Erica Taveras is a Licensed Social Worker with a strong background in helping diverse individuals overcome their challenges and achieve emotional and mental well-being. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers University and completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology & Women & Gender Studies from the same institution. Erica’s experience includes working with a wide range of individuals, from children to adults and families, in various capacities. She deeply understands diverse populations, allowing her to connect with and support clients effectively.
Erica’s specialties include addressing women's issues, trauma, and mood disorders. With a focus on psycho-education, solution-focused, strengths-based, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and trauma-informed approaches, she’s committed to creating a safe and collaborative space for individuals and families seeking support. Erica has a strong background in building positive relationships and fostering safe and inclusive environments. Whether one is navigating the challenges of trauma, dealing with mood disorders, or facing any other difficulties, Erica is here to guide and support them on their journey to healing and personal growth.
Jessica Rhiner, LSW
Therapist
Jessica Rhiner is a Licensed Social Worker. Her background includes a B.A. in Psychology and Business and a graduate degree in Social Work. Jessica enjoys helping people and is interested in your unique stories and backgrounds. She has been in the field of social work for several years and loves it! Jessica believes that your physical and mental health are equally important and fosters an environment that supports both. Jessica works with individuals and families, preteens, teens, and adults in the areas of stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, body image, peer and family relationships, school issues, parenting, and pregnancy and postpartum issues, to name a few. As a mental health therapist, Jessica follows the humanistic approach, as well as person-centered and strengths-based therapies. Jessica is also here to support you through trauma-focused therapy and get you back to the person you want to be. She wants to get to know your unique strengths, needs, and goals and together wants to help you create a life you enjoy. Jessica is excited to meet you and learn how she can support you!
Yvelisse Velasquez-Ortiz, LAMFT
Therapist
Yvelisse Velasquez-Ortiz is a bilingual Marriage and Family Therapist who has experience working with toddlers, children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and elders with expertise in family dynamics and marriage counseling. Yvelisse naturally provides a positive atmosphere in sessions with a leveled and compassionate approach driven by empathy. She is a firm believer in connections playing a large role in collaboratively reaching goals, therefore emphasizing truly connecting with her clients. She provides a judgment-free space and actively listens and collaborates with them. Yvelisse has a distinctive optimistic approach to working with individuals, couples, and families and assists them in developing better self-understanding, acknowledging strengths, and exercising weaknesses.
Yvelisse has an energetic, engaging approach with young children through teletherapy as well as a focus on empowering parents and caregivers of children and individuals with developmental disabilities, neurodevelopmental disabilities, and intellectual disabilities such as autism, ADHD, and comorbid conditions. She also has experience working with teens in addressing many challenges involving but not limited to self-esteem, school issues, and other conflicting situations, sharing a productive and caring perspective on significant struggles.
Yvelisse specializes in solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), emotionally focused therapy, and for her younger clients, play therapy. Her technique is characterized by a variety of models aligned with individual needs. Her specialties include anxiety, depression, family dynamics resolution, assisting families with special needs challenges, couples and marriage counseling, parenting skills, and psychoeducation.
In her spare time, Yvelisse enjoys spending time with her family and her furry dogs, reading, anything related to nature, and listening to music. The beach is her favorite happy place away from home. She promotes self-care, creating balance, and the perspective of finding beauty in your surroundings. If you are looking to take on various challenges with a much more positive approach, as well as alter your perception of situations encountered, schedule a session with Yvelisse today.
Eymmy Angeles, MHC Intern
Intern
Eymmy Angeles is an intern at A Freeman’s Place Counseling pursuing a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Art Therapy at Caldwell University. Eymmy has had coursework in career counseling, group counseling, art-based assessments and counseling assessments, lifespan transitions, psychopathology, treatment of children and adolescents, and cultural and social diversity. Eymmy uses a humanistic approach, combined with other research-based therapeutic approaches depending on the personal needs of the client in the therapy session.
Eymmy has worked mainly in the mental health field as a behavioral assistant for people with autism, ADHD, PTSD, and anger management issues and has experience in group therapy, especially in art-based group therapy. Eymmy has worked with clients of all ages, in both group and individual settings, who want to change their thinking patterns, need life coaching, or want to explore their identity. Eymmy aims to become a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC). Eymmy is also a practicing artist and has a degree in Art. Eymmy desires to help clients build the skills to live fulfilling lives and solve problems with a different mindset. Interning with A Freeman’s Place Counseling is providing Eymmy with the ongoing experience needed to fulfill her educational journey.
Danielle Miller, MSW Intern
Intern
Danielle Miller is an intern at A Freeman’s Place Counseling and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Advocacy and Policy from Montclair State University. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work at Seton Hall University. Danielle has had coursework in behaviors & the environment and social problems & programs. Danielle uses a strength-based approach. Danielle also likes to start the client sessions by asking a few questions and will subsequently utilize a treatment approach that fits what the client needs.
Danielle is currently working as an Independent Living Specialist helping people with disabilities with communication, self-esteem, self-confidence, financial literacy, and living independently. Danielle specializes in advocating for children and families. Danielle has worked with a range of individuals from children to older adults, in both group, family, and individual settings. Danielle would like to collaborate with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, identity disorder, domestic violence, suicidal ideation, self-confidence, self-esteem, and lack of communication. Her goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Danielle wants to develop a positive client/clinician relationship with her clients by understanding what they’re going through. Interning with A Freeman’s Place Counseling is providing Danielle with the ongoing experience needed to fulfill her educational journey.
Tanya Robinson, MSW Intern
Intern
Tanya Robinson is an intern at A Freeman’s Place Counseling and has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social and Behavioral Science with a minor certificate from Seton Hall University. Tanya is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Social Work from Seton Hall University. Tanya has had coursework in theory, cultural competencies, psychopathology, behavior and environment, and social policy. Her goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
Tanya currently works as a Family Service Supervisor in Essex County. She has previous experience working with children, victims of domestic violence, and individuals in need of governmental assistance. Upon completion of her degree, Tanya would like to work in the advocacy and policy aspect of social work effecting change through legislation.
Tanya believes that helping people reach their full potential by providing a safe nurturing environment is important. She uses a humanistic and empathetic approach to counseling. Tanya looks forward to working with clients in all stages of their journey, in both individual and group settings, from assessment to diagnosis to collaboratively creating a treatment plan together. Interning with A Freeman’s Place Counseling is providing Tanya with the ongoing experience needed to fulfill her educational journey.
