How is therapy different from just "pushing through it"?

Pushing through it is something you've probably mastered. You've handled the hard stuff, kept going when things got heavy, and shown up for everyone around you — even when you were running on empty. And yet, here you are. Still carrying it.

The thing about "pushing through" is that it moves you past feelings, not through them. Therapy offers something different: a space that belongs entirely to you, where you can say the things you've never said out loud, feel what you've been too busy to feel, and explore what's really going on — without anyone expecting a particular outcome or needing you to be okay. There's no judgment, no fixing, no timeline. Just honest, supported exploration of your inner world. That kind of space isn't a luxury. For many women, it's the first time they've ever truly had it.

Can therapy help with perimenopause symptoms?

Yes — and here's why: your mind and body are not separate systems. They are in constant conversation with each other.

As your hormones shift during perimenopause (learn more here), that conversation gets louder and sometimes more chaotic. Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone don't just affect your body — they directly influence your brain chemistry, your mood regulation, your sleep, your stress response, and your sense of self. At the same time, the anxiety, grief, or overwhelm you may be experiencing emotionally can amplify physical symptoms like fatigue, tension, and inflammation.

This is the mind-body connection in action. Therapy helps you understand and work with this relationship rather than feeling hijacked by it. By addressing the emotional and psychological layers of this transition — the identity shifts, the losses, the fears — you can meaningfully impact how you experience the physical ones. You are not just a collection of symptoms. You are a whole person, and healing works best when we treat you that way.

What is somatic therapy and how does it work?

Somatic therapy is a body-based approach to healing that recognizes something most of us weren't taught: your nervous system holds onto experiences long after your mind has moved on.

Think about a time you felt truly anxious — your chest tightened, your breath got shallow, your shoulders crept up toward your ears. Your body responded to an emotional experience as if it were a physical threat. That's your nervous system doing its job. But when stress, trauma, or prolonged pressure become chronic, the nervous system can get stuck in patterns of tension, shutdown, or hypervigilance — even when the original stressor is long gone.

Somatic therapy works by gently bringing awareness to what's happening in your body alongside what's happening in your thoughts and emotions. Through practices like breathwork, mindful movement, body awareness, and guided sensation, we help your nervous system learn that it's safe to soften — to move out of survival mode and into a more grounded, regulated state. It's not about forcing anything. It's about creating the conditions where your body can finally exhale.

I've always been the strong one — is therapy really for me?

Especially for you.

Being the strong one is a role, not a identity — and it's exhausting to hold 24/7. Somewhere along the way, "strong" may have come to mean never needing anything, never falling apart, always being the one others lean on. Therapy isn't about dismantling your strength. It's about giving it a place to rest.

In my experience, the women who've spent years being strong for everyone else often experience the most profound shifts when they finally have a space that is just for them. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable — to be supported, to not have the answers, to not be "on" — isn't weakness. It's actually one of the bravest things you can do. And more often than not, it's precisely what leads to feeling more confident, more secure, and more authentically you.

Do you work with women who are postmenopausal, not just perimenopausal?

Absolutely — and honestly, a good portion of my practice is exactly that.

I work with women across all stages of life, and my postmenopausal clients and I do some of the most meaningful work together. That season of life brings its own rich and complex terrain: processing the changes that came with the perimenopausal years, grieving identities or chapters that have quietly closed, and figuring out who you are — and what you want — on the other side of it all.

If you're past perimenopause and wondering if there's still space for you here, the answer is a resounding yes. You are not "too far along" for this work. If anything, you've earned it.

Is Counseling for Me?

Yes, if you're looking for support in understanding why you think or act the way you do and are ready to make positive changes in your life. Counseling helps heal past wounds, reduce anxiety, and foster personal growth. Together, we’ll use tools like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), positive psychology, and mindfulness to address your concerns and guide you toward achieving your goals.

What Should I Expect at My First Session?

In your initial session, we’ll get to know each other. I’ll assess your needs, and we’ll discuss strategies to determine if we’re a good fit to work together.

Can I Attend In-Person Sessions?

Yes! In-person sessions are available at my Monmouth Beach, NJ office. If you prefer face-to-face interaction and feel more comfortable meeting in person, I’m happy to accommodate. However, telehealth sessions are also available if that better suits your needs or schedule.

Is Telehealth Counseling an Option?

Yes! If you can’t make it to an in-person session, telehealth is available for existing clients in New Jersey. You can attend sessions from your home, office, or anywhere with privacy and an internet connection.

How Does Online Counseling Work? 

We use a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform through Simple Practice. You’ll receive a link to access your session and enter a virtual waiting room until I join.

Will Insurance Cover Online Counseling?

Some insurance companies may reimburse for online therapy. Mindful Moments, LLC is an out-of-network provider, and we will provide you with a super-bill to submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. It’s important to check with your insurance provider directly.

I’ve Never Been to Therapy. Does That Mean I’m Weak?

Absolutely not. Seeking help shows strength. Therapy is about building on your existing strengths and learning new strategies to handle challenges.

Why Should I See a Therapist Instead of Talking to a Friend?

A therapist offers a professional, unbiased perspective and is trained to guide you through your struggles confidentially, unlike friends or family who may not have the same skills or objectivity.

Why Not Just Take Medication?

Medication can help with symptoms, but therapy works to address the root causes of your struggles. Together, we’ll explore behaviors and patterns, teaching you tools for long-term improvement.

How Does Therapy Work?

Therapy is tailored to you. We’ll work on your unique issues, exploring underlying causes and setting personalized goals. Your active participation is key to your progress.

How Long Does Therapy Take?

Therapy is unique to each individual. The length of time depends on your goals and the commitment you bring to your healing journey.

How Can I Get the Most Out of Therapy?

Dedication and active participation in therapy are essential. The real growth happens between sessions, so applying what you learn in your daily life will maximize your success.