You’re already stronger than you think you are.
about Ellen
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey and a Licensed Mental Health counselor in New York. I obtained my Bachelor degree in Science from New York University and my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Hounseling from Touro University. I have also completed an externship in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT-CP) for couples through NYCEFT . That said, I believe that my life experience is no less valuable than my professional training.
I am bilingual (English/Russian) therapist born and raised in Odessa, Ukraine. I emigrated to the U.S. at the age of 16. I have first-hand experience with immigration, life transitions and identity search. My first profession is nursing. I have worked in diverse health care settings including Level 1 Trauma Emergency department at NYU Langone Brooklyn. Being dually licensed as a counselor and a registered nurse gives me a unique perspective on mental health and wellness.
I am passionate about empowering my clients to be the best version of themselves and to realize their full potential. I specialize in couples therapy, men’s issues, supporting adults with special needs, parents of special needs children and first responders..
What sets me apart from other therapists?
I am honest , transparent and direct
I will offer more than just empathy and validation. I will encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, to face your challenges and to be the best version of yourself.
I provide feedback and share insight
I explore your background, core beliefs and values to identify challenging areas and biases that might be holding your back.
If you are not making progress in therapy, we will explore all possible avenues to get you where you want to be.
I am passionate about counseling
I care about your progress and experience in therapy and will utilize all my knowledge and skills to make it worth your time and effort. However, I count on YOU to be an active and motivated partner with me on this journey of self-discovery and self-improvement.
I adhere to ethical principles in my practice
My goal is to empower you and promote self-agency. I strive to develop a collaborate therapeutic relationship where we can openly discuss your goals and check in about progress made. If necessary, I will provide appropriate referrals to other providers.
about the team
Heather Gross,
Licensed Associate Counselor
Heather (she/her) is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) with a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Touro University.
Heather uses a person-centered, collaborative approach to therapy, empowering clients to tap into their inner strengths, insight, and capacity for growth. She integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution-Focused techniques to support clients in gaining clarity, building resilience, and moving toward meaningful change.
Heather specializes in individual and couples counseling and has completed Gottman Level I training. She works with clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem challenges, relationship and communication difficulties, and life stressors. Her therapeutic style is warm, culturally sensitive, and affirming — creating a space where clients feel safe, understood, and supported.
Heather is goal-oriented and client-led, and collaborates with individuals and couples to set realistic goals and work toward them in focused, manageable steps. She is committed to helping clients recognize their inherent strengths, build emotional wellness, and cultivate self-compassion so they can live balanced, fulfilling, and authentic lives.
Amanda Magyar,
Licensed Associate Counselor
Amanda (she, her, hers) is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) with a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling and a concentration in Addictions from Centenary University.
Grounded in humanistic and person-centered values, Amanda offers individualized, compassionate care that fosters self-discovery, trust, and empowerment in a safe, affirming space. She integrates strength-based approaches including CBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, Somatic techniques, and Solution-Focused Therapy to meet each client’s unique needs—helping them gain insight and move forward with clarity and confidence.
Amanda specializes in working with adolescents (13+), young adults, adults, and LGBTQIA+ community. She has experience treating anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, behavioral addictions, self-esteem challenges, personality disorders, crisis management, and first-episode psychosis in outpatient settings.
She views every client as a whole person and honors their unique experiences, strengths, and identities—creating a therapeutic alliance where clients feel seen, validated, and supported in creating meaningful change.
Stephanie Levy, BA,
Mental Health Intern
Stephanie is dedicated to helping individuals on their journey toward growth, healing, and self-discovery. She takes an individualized, client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to each person’s unique needs and goals.
She has experience working with anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, eating disorders, LGBTQ+ concerns, and women’s issues with clients of all ages. Her clinical background includes experience as an EMT and in a residential facility for teenagers with eating disorders.
Stephanie strives to create a calming, non-judgmental space where clients can work toward meaningful change. Through a collaborative approach, she helps individuals explore their strengths and challenges, gain deeper self-understanding, and develop the skills needed to navigate life’s difficulties.
Shayna Philips,
Mental Health Intern
Shayna is passionate about mental health and helping individuals navigate hardships and build more fulfilling and enriched lives. She chose counseling as a second career after re-evaluating her own career path working as an attorney. Her approach to counseling is warm, compassionate, genuine, and goal-oriented. She works with adults on a variety of challenges including anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, career change, personal growth, and issues related to ones’ health or the health of their family members. She draws on person-centered therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and other modalities in her therapeutic approach. She believes that taking the first step of coming to therapy is a sign of strength and is a meaningful action toward improving one’s life. She is dedicated to supporting her clients in reaching their personal potential.
Nikki Asquini,
Mental Health Intern
Nikki is currently pursuing her master’s degree in mental health counseling as she transitions into her second career. Her first career as a licensed speech pathologist in New Jersey has spanned more than twenty years, giving her extensive experience working with adolescents and young adults in both private practice and educational settings. Her background and advanced training have allowed her to support individuals with a wide range of emotional, social, and communication challenges. Nikki’s client-centered approach will incorporate methods used in trauma-informed cognitive-behavioral therapy, narrative and existential therapy.
Nikki is passionate about creating a warm, welcoming environment where clients feel safe, understood, and respected. She takes the time to get to know each person’s story, cultural values, and life circumstances, and she approaches every client with genuine care and curiosity. Her style is collaborative — she believes clients are the experts on their own lives, and she works alongside them to identify goals and move toward meaningful change at a comfortable pace. Over the years, Nikki has worked with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, attention and focus challenges, obsessive thoughts, behavioral concerns, self-esteem issues, relationship stress, and difficulties coping with life transitions. She is especially committed to helping adolescents and young adults find their voice, build confidence, and develop tools to navigate everyday stress. Nikki’s life experiences have fostered deep empathy for those facing challenges. She believes that everyone has the capacity to heal, grow, and create a fulfilling life, and she feels honored to support clients as they discover their strengths and resilience.
My Style
My approach to therapy is comprehensive, integrating various modalities and tailored to your unique situation. I value honesty, accountability and direct communication.
I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, I ask thought provoking and probing questions to get to know you, your story and to get the core of your concerns and inquires.
My Office
My office is located in Lawlings Park office building, Wyckoff, NJ. Just off NJ-208, this location is within close proximity to Bergen, Passaic, and Rockland counties. Parking in the adjacent parking lot is free of charge and always available.
