New Jersey and New York psychotherapists who hold space with gentleness and compassion
We all deserve kindness — especially you
While no two people are the same, it’s the difficult experiences in life that connect us to each other. Our therapeutic approach strives to honor your personal story in light of our shared humanity because that is the kindness that brings about healing.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) & Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider (PMH-C) in New Jersey & New York
Hi, I’m Sarah Strumeier — clinical jargon aside, I’m also just a human
Having a history with anxiety, depression, ADD, and losing a parent in early adulthood, it’s safe to say I’ve had my own fair share of grief, caregiving, and life’s ruthless challenges.
Disclaimer: therapists need therapists too.
So no, I’m not the perfect-postured therapist with their head buried in a notebook, writing down your every move, and searching for a diagnosis in the first 15 minutes. Therapy shouldn’t be that way.
Instead, my team of therapists and I start sessions with casual, lighthearted conversation. Then we give you permission to lead (while we follow) to explore mindset shifts and practical tools for healing together.
I’ve had the privilege of supporting my clients through life’s most demanding transitions — from the uncertainty of young adulthood, to balancing between personal life and career, wrestling family planning decisions (or contemplating if it’s the right choice), facing fertility challenges, navigating the perinatal and postpartum period, caring for aging parents, coping with loss, all the way to entering retirement. No matter the change at hand, I’ve found the most impactful tool for healing is leading with compassion.
Yes, this process does take work and commitment — but you don’t have to go through it alone. We’ll be with you every step of the way.
Clinical Specialties: Grief and loss, life transitions, caregiver distress, perinatal/postpartum mood disorders, infertility, and pregnancy loss
Meet the Be Kind Counseling Team
GABRIELLE CRUZ, LSW
Licensed Social Worker in New Jersey
Hi, I’m Gabrielle! I like to view therapy as a partnership in supporting your mental health.
When you feel empty, or like there’s no one to talk to, you can trust that in our work together, I’ll meet you in those moments — free of judgment and full of compassion.
We’ll address painful struggles as they resurface. We’ll answer questions as they arise. Whatever you’re up against, you’ll have someone in your corner to remind you you’re not alone. And when it starts to feel that way, I’ll lean in to support you even further.
Reaching out for help, that in and of itself is no small feat. And when you do, I’d be honored to be the partner you confide in on your mental health journey and encourage you through it all.
Clinical Specialties: Anxiety, stress, depression, self-esteem issues, trauma, life transitions, perinatal/postpartum mood disorders, pregnancy loss, and infertility
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ASHLEY BUCHANAN, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey
Hey, I’m Ashley! My goal is allowing you to explore your concerns at a pace that feels good to you.
Wellbeing isn’t one dimensional. So in our sessions, I take an eclectic approach by integrating spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional forms of wellness.
After working with children, adolescents, and adults of diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, it’s been a privilege helping others experience the universal impact of long-lasting change.
Your journey will look different than anyone else’s, and should be treated as such. With that in mind, I hope to make this process feel easier by meeting you exactly where you are.
Clinical Specialties: Anxiety, self-esteem issues, depression, trauma, perinatal/postpartum mood disorders, pregnancy loss, and infertility
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DIANNIS BORRAS, LSW
Licensed Social Worker in New Jersey
Hi, I’m Diannis! Finding a therapist is a process that takes courage. I’m proud of you for taking steps in your healing journey.
As a therapist, I believe in the importance of fostering therapeutic relationships with my clients. This means, it is my priority to make sure that therapy builds trust, addresses your needs and concerns, and takes steps toward meeting your goals.
Healing is not linear and I utilize a trauma focused approach in sessions to help my clients. I like to think outside the box to make therapy fun and help clients build the tools necessary to translate what they learn about themselves in therapy into their everyday lives. I specialize in working with survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking and additionally have experience in working with individuals experiencing anxiety and depression.
I am also bilingual and offer therapy sessions in both Spanish and English. If you’d like to get started in your healing journey, and if this speaks to you, let’s schedule an appointment.
Clinical Specialties: Trauma, depression, and anxiety
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BRITTANY MURPHY, LCSW
Licensed Clincal Social Worker in New Jersey
Hi, I’m Brittany and it’s okay to admit that you’re not okay right now. But we will get you there.
Through my work in hospice care I have learned that grief and loss are complicated, and I understand that recovery isn’t always simple and linear. I also understand that every loss isn’t necessarily a death, and that doesn’t make the feelings associated with it any less deserving of help and support.
Wherever you are in your mental health journey, we will work together to help you process what you’re feeling, to give you the tools to help yourself in the challenging moments, and to maintain your sense of self.
Whenever you're ready to start this process, I look forward to talking with you, and I hope that we can work together to achieve your therapy goals.
Clinical Specialties: Grief and loss, navigating chronic/terminal illness, and caregiver distress
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EMMA GARRY, LSW
Licensed Social Worker in New Jersey
Hi there! My name is Emma, and I'm excited to work with you on your journey towards mental and emotional wellness.
My therapy philosophy centers around meeting you where you are today, and supporting you every step of the way as you navigate life's ups and downs.
I believe that everyone deserves to prioritize their own wellbeing, and my goal is to help you achieve that. Together, we can explore a wide range of emotions you may experience throughout your life, including anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, as well as the prenatal pregnancy and postpartum stages. We will work on developing healthy coping mechanisms to help you navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience.
No matter where you are in life, I'm here to support you. Whether you're struggling with a recent life transition, or simply want to work on personal growth and self-improvement, I'm here to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings with honesty and compassion.
So if you're ready to take the first step towards a happier, more fulfilling life, I'm here to guide you every step of the way. Let's work together to help you become the best version of yourself possible.
Clinical Specialties: Perinatal/postpartum mood disorders, pregnancy loss, infertility, grief and loss, ADHD, depression, and anxiety
BOOK A 20-MINUTE CONSULT ⟶
Together, we can discuss what your personal mental health journey can look like
OUR MISSION
To extend kindness toward you, in hopes that while you heal, you’ll be just as kind toward yourself.
Support through every season of life
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY NY & NJ
Our clients range from ages 18 to 100. No matter your age or past experience, we would be honored to provide the unconditional guidance you’re looking for.
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Between career shifts and burnout, you might find yourself wanting greater work/life balance and recognizing the need for a change. This is also a time when many weigh the choices of marriage or starting a family, and face potential challenges related to perinatal anxiety, fertility treatments (IUI/IVF), postpartum depression, miscarriage, infant loss, and adjustments to parenthood. Either way, every path is different and deserves unique support.
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When you approach mid-life, you may be juggling a career, confronting empty nest syndrome, and aging parents, on top of addressing your own changes in health and wellbeing. Find comfort by coping with life’s multiple stressors while still learning to put yourself first.
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Preparing for retirement can elicit stress and anxiety, especially as you ponder the life you lived (or wish you had lived). Whether you’re processing the realities of aging, facing new health issues, searching for a renewed sense of purpose in life, we’ll help you find peace in this new season.
“Sarah has a really unique way of providing feedback while instilling confidence in you and then seeing the value in YOU.”
- PREVIOUS CLIENT
Our philosophy as New Jersey and New York therapists
Just be a good human: It has to start here. Compassion, empathy, cultural sensitivity, and seeing people like people (not a diagnosis) are at the core of what we do.
Let intuition be the guide: As therapists, we don’t have all the answers. Our goal is to guide clients to the answers they already have to live a life they desire.
Everyone’s needs are different: Because human beings are complex, we use insight from several types of therapy so we can best tend to every situation.
Although we lead with compassion, we value education and bring proven expertise to every session
Our team is trained in evidence-based interventions including, but not limited to:
TRAUMA-FOCUSED THERAPY
COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
GRIEF THERAPY
INTERPERSONAL THERAPY
PSYCHODYNAMIC THERAPY
And here’s our team’s combined education experience:
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK
MASTER’S IN CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING
Healing starts by extending kindness to yourself
If you’re finally ready to overcome life’s challenges but aren’t sure what ‘healing’ looks like on the other side — don’t worry — we can show you.