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Maria Elana Cardillo

23 Years Exp

About Me

Hi there, I’m Maria Cardillo. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor with several years of experience working in clinical psychology settings including partial care programs and agencies providing individual therapy for adults. I help people who are easily overwhelmed to learn distress tolerance techniques and stress management skills. Together we can strategize about what to do to help you to manage your emotions. We’ll use a whole self-approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body and spirit. Whether you’re dealing with a life transition such as relationship/job changes, chronic illness or cycles of anxiety and depression, I’m here to help. Seeking therapy can be scary but you’re making the right choice. You deserve a safe space to heal and grow. In our sessions together, I’ll meet you with compassion and a judgment free zone so you can overcome the fears and long held beliefs holding you back. Let's work together as I’ve been there too and believe each person is different. My goal is to ensure that the therapeutic strategies used in session are tailored to you as an individual.

Highlights

    What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
    My counseling style is authentic, integrative, supportive, genuine, compassionate, empathetic and curious. My approach combines humanistic, psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral counseling. My philosophy includes meeting you where you are while working to challenge the thoughts and behaviors keeping you stuck. I’m so excited that you’ve taken the first step in moving towards your wellness goals and I’m here to support and empower you through the entire journey. I look forward to working with you.
     
    What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
    I utilize evidence-based therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapy. I’m an expert in psychotherapy, you are an expert in yourself, and I believe you already have many of the answers inside of you. Your treatment plan will be individualized and tailored to fit your specific needs. As your counselor, my goal is to empower you to be able to make the changes that allow you to find the balance and vision that fits your life.
     
    Explain to clients what you feel are your biggest strengths.
    I have worked with children, adolescents, teens, and adults in individual therapy, school-based programs, women’s centers and outpatient programs. I have worked with clients in a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, psychosis, DV/SA and substance abuse. I am also interested in working with individuals living with chronic, autoimmune illnesses. While I have worked in a general way with all ages and a variety of groups, my current focus population is adults ages 22-65.
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Specialties

  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Panic
  • Phobias
  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
  • Marriage
  • Relationships
  • Depression
  • Health
  • Medical
  • Life Adjustments
  • Adjustment Disorders
  • Life Coaching
  • Peak Performance
  • Performance Anxiety
  • Mindfulness
  • Meditation
  • Mood Disorders
  • Bipolar
  • Psychodynamic
  • Psychoanalysis
  • Grief / Loss

Client Focus

  • Couples
  • Adults 18-64
  • Adults 65+

Payment options

I'm using Insurance

Lifebulb accepts these insurance providers. Your sessions rates are determined by your specific plan. Don't see your insurance provider here? We may still be able to match you with the right therapist for you. Call or email us now!

Self-Pay

    $99

Locations

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Toms River, New Jersey

505 Main Street 08753
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Cherry Hill, New Jersey

1050 Kings Hwy N #103 08034
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Edison, New Jersey

3 Lincoln Hwy, Ste 102a 08820
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Red Bank, New Jersey

331 Newman Springs Rd. Bldg.1, 4th Floor #143, # 161 07701
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Newark , New Jersey

511 S Orange Ave #2230, Newark, NJ 07103
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Princeton, New Jersey

3495 US Hwy 1, Ste 34, Princeton, NJ 08540
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Contact Maria Elana Cardillo

Frequently Asked Questions

I once worked with a client who was living with a chronic illness who felt unheard, disrespected, and was struggling with anxiety and depression. This client was able to learn healthy communication skills, how to set boundaries for their own mental health and coping skills specific to them that allowed them to improve and maintain their mental, emotional and physical health.

I believe every person’s situation is unique and generally approach the counseling process from a Strength based framework to help my clients identify their internal strengths, resourcefulness and finding the answers within themselves along with support, advocacy and expertise of their therapist.

My first session isn’t just a time for demographic gathering. It’s an opportunity to answer their questions about therapy, how I work as a counselor, to explore their expectations and to begin building the therapeutic relationship including trust, support and engagement.

I have been interested in helping others in one form or another for as long as I can remember and my desire to become a therapist developed during a high school psychology class. One of my greatest passions is helping others in living a life they love, finding their inner strength and becoming their own best advocate.