Align Counseling Center (Franklin Lakes and Verona)

25 Pompton Ave, Suite 311
Verona, New Jersey, US
07044

Available By

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  • Phone Icon Phone
  • Video Icon Video
  • Email Icon Email

Practice Specialties

  • Abandonment Difficulties
  • Abuse and Trauma
  • Adolescence and Children Counseling
  • Anger Management
  • Behavioral Issues
  • Business Coaching
  • Career Coaching
  • Career Counseling
  • Chronic or Terminal Illness Counseling
  • Church Conflict
  • College Student Counseling
  • Counseling for Pastors and Wives
  • Counseling for Seniors
  • Divorce and Remarriage
  • Empty Nest Anxiety and Depression
  • Ex-Relationship Adjustments
  • Families Affected by Disability
  • Grief and Bereavement Counseling
  • Individual Counseling
  • Life Coaching
  • Occupational Counseling
  • Parent Coaching
  • Pornography Issues
  • Senior Counseling
  • Sex and Intimacy
  • Spiritual Counseling
  • Stress and Anxiety
  • Support Groups
  • Teen Christian Counseling
  • Teen Counseling
  • Trauma and or PTSD
  • Women's Issues and Concerns

About

With extensive experience in clinical and school settings, our team of North Jersey therapists is uniquely equipped to help individuals and families manage challenges arising at home, work, and school through effective case plans that equip our clients to flourish. With offices in Franklin Lakes and Verona, we offer personalized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) sessions designed to help you build resilience and cope more effectively with life’s challenges.

-Franklin Lakes office: 886 Franklin Ave. Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
-Verona office: 25 Pompton Ave. (Suite 311) Verona, NJ 07044

Why I Became a Professional Christian Therapist

No matter what you’re struggling with, there can be peace in your current situation and hope for your future. Hi, I’m Joelle Dere, and I founded Align Counseling Center as a safe space for children, teens, young adults, men, and women — and their families — to find support and healing without fear of judgment.

Based out of Bergen County and Essex County, our team of northern New Jersey therapists offers the unique ability to meet clients of all ages wherever they are in life. With experience in public schools, charter schools, outpatient programs, and private practice, our counselors joyfully help clients reach goals for personal flourishing.

We empower people to develop practical skills for managing anxiety, depression, and many other mental health concerns. Our therapeutic approach is integrative, meaning we tailor our clinical skills to meet your unique needs.

Therapists on Staff

Joelle Dere
Joseph Lee
Maria Bellardino
Joelle Dere

Joelle Dere

LCSW, C-SSWS
Joelle founded Align Counseling Center as a safe space for children, teens, young adults, men, and women—and their families—to find support and healing, without the fear of judgment.

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified School Social Worker, she has extensive experience working with special needs students as well as individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, behavioral and adjustment disorders, developmental issues, post-traumatic stress disorder, low self-esteem, family conflict, and more. She also has expertise with social skills training and providing support for caregivers and loved ones.

Joelle received a MSW with a certificate in Violence Against Women and Children from Rutgers University, MA in Educational Leadership and Administration from Montclair State University, and a BA in Family and Child Studies with a certificate in Child Advocacy and Policy from Montclair State University. Having worked in settings including public schools, charter schools, outpa
Joseph Lee

Joseph Lee

LPC
Joseph is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has worked with adults and adolescents in outpatient group practices as well as collaborative interdisciplinary inpatient settings. Utilizing various therapeutic techniques, he helps clients facing issues related to emotional healing, relationships, identity, spirituality, anxiety, depression, grief, loss, and more.

Joseph believes healing happens most effectively in a safe judgment-free space in which each person’s experience and perspective is honored. His approach to therapy is person-centered and utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing. He comes alongside clients and draws out the strength they possess so that they can live life with greater clarity and freedom.

Joseph received a MA in Mental Health Counseling from Alliance Graduate School of Counseling, MA in Biblical Literature from Alliance Theological Seminary, and a BA in History from Wheaton College.
Maria Bellardino

Maria Bellardino

LSW
Maria is a compassionate therapist dedicated to helping individuals overcome challenges and achieve personal growth. Specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and a person-centered approach, she integrates empathy, understanding, and evidence-based techniques to facilitate healing and positive change. She has expertise in a multitude of mental health issues such as substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, grief, and more. She empowers individuals to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

Maria is passionate about guiding individuals towards a path of healing, resilience, and personal growth. She helps clients challenge and reframe negative thoughts with the ultimate goal of achieving emotional well-being and healthier perspectives.

Maria completed her MSW and BA in Psychology at Ramapo College, where she obtained a strong foundation in psychological theories and therapeutic intervention

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