A safe place to heal, grow, and find your strength.
Individualized psychological care for children, teens, adults, couples, and families. Every treatment path is customized in a safe and supportive environment.
Gottman & Bowen certified
Care for every stage of life and every relationship.
Whether you're coming on your own, with a partner, or as a family, we'll shape the work around you.
Individual Counseling
For children, teens, and adults navigating depression, fear, and anxiety. Regain motivation, perspective, and joy.
Learn moreChild Play Therapy
Play, drawing, singing, dancing, and acting create a secure space for children to explore feelings and build coping skills.
Learn moreCouples Counseling
Strengthen your connection at any stage with the Gottman Method, a research-based approach to communication and conflict.
Learn moreFamily Counseling
Bowen Family Systems-informed work to help families navigate conflict, transitions, and communication together.
Learn moreMichelle Lodato, LCSW
For more than 17 years, Michelle has worked with children, teens, adults, couples, and families to help them heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), MSW from Rutgers University
- Certified in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Levels 1 & 2
- Certified in Bowen Family Systems Therapy
- Specializing in anxiety, depression, and relationship issues
Our goal is to help each client heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths, in a space that feels safe from the very first visit.Essex Counseling Center
Three simple steps
Reaching out is often the hardest part. We'll make the rest easy.
Reach out
Call 973-295-0999 or email michelle@essexcounselingcenter.com.
Free 15-minute call
We'll talk briefly to see whether we're a good match for what you're looking for.
Begin sessions
Meet in our Short Hills office or online, with a plan built around your goals.
Ready to take the first step?
Free 15-minute phone consultation available, to see if it may be a good match for therapy. $200 per session, sliding scale available.