Therapist for teens and individuals in Red Bank, NJ

Welcome to The Way Within

Therapy that Feels like Conversation

A space where you can just be you!

Schedule a free call today to see if it feels like a good match. You can start by clicking the button below or contacting me via text/call at (732) 761-4392 or email elissa@thewaywithinllc.com

  • We are always in the process of becoming

    Audre Lorde

  • The way out is through

    Robert Frost

  • To heal your body, nourish your mind and spirit

    Terri Guillemets

  • The only journey is the one within

    Rainer Maria Rilke

  • Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are

    Brene Brown

  • The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are

    Carl Jung

  • The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change

    Carl Rogers

  • You do not just become the butterfly. Growth is a process

    Rupi Kaur

  • Sometimes you don't realize the weight of something you have been carrying until you feel the weight of the release

    Unknown

A Little About Me

Woman riding a horse on a sandy beach, wearing a white helmet and sunglasses, smiling.

Who Is Elissa?

My name is Elissa but I go by Ellie. I am a born and raised Jersey girl. I really enjoy spending time traveling and exploring new places. One of the most fulfilling things I’ve done was volunteering in Nicaragua to assist building homes and teaching mothers/children English as a second language. I am a big animal person. I grew up owning horses and currently have 2 dogs, a bulldog and a golden retriever. In my free time, I enjoy being outside, reading, and spending time with my husband and daughter.

A woman in a graduation cap and gown holding a diploma standing on grass in front of bushes outside a brick building.

Educational Background

I completed my undergraduate degree in Communications and my Master’s degree in Social Work at Monmouth University. I spent half of my undergraduate years in Fort Myers, Florida at Florida Gulf Coast University. My early exposure to the mental health field was through internships where I trained at Port Monmouth Elementary School and The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County. I worked largely with children and adolescents in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Since graduating, I have received my LSW and LCSW.

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Clinical Experience

I have experience working with youth ages 4-15, but most of my career has been with adults. I began as a case manager at CentraState Medical Center, helping families and patients through difficult times. Then, I worked as a palliative care social worker at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, supporting people facing chronic illness and grief. I loved the meaningful connections I made and chose to become a full-time therapist. I worked at Inner Clarity Counseling before starting my own private practice.

  • Peaceful Napa Valley evoking calm, clarity and space to breath

    Therapeutic Approach

    • Creating a safe, warm, and non-judgmental space is key to healing

    • Therapy is a journey of self-exploration and growth, not perfection

    • I meet clients where they are with patience and genuine care

    • Emotional safety and trust help clients access deeper healing

    • Empowering clients to reconnect with their authentic selves is central to my work

  • Quiet Roman alley way with soft golden light reflecting the path within

    Interventions Used

    • Trauma-sensitive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    • Mindfulness and grounding techniques to support emotional regulation

    • Journaling and gratitude exercises to boost self-awareness

    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills for distress tolerance and emotion management

    • Open to discussions about medication as part of comprehensive care

  • Heart shaped frame opening to a calm lake and mountains symbolizing inner peace and love

    Personal Insights

    • Creating a safe, warm, and non-judgmental space is key to healing

    • Therapy is a journey of self-exploration and growth, not perfection

    • I meet clients where they are with patience and genuine care

    • Emotional safety and trust help clients access deeper healing

    • Empowering clients to reconnect with their authentic selves is central to my work

  • Soft sunset light fading over still water evoking peace, presence, and the inward

    Specialties

    • Anxiety, Depression & Panic

    • Previous Trauma & Emotional Neglect

    • Shame & Low Self-Esteem

    • Life Transitions

    • Relationship & Communication Issues

    • Grief & Loss

    • Chronic Illness & Emotional Impact

Two dogs dressed in formal clothing, one with a tuxedo-style collar and the other with a pink dress and flower decoration, sitting on a carpeted floor with confetti around them.
A woman with long dark hair wearing a beige trench coat and a patterned scarf smiling while standing next to a brick railing over a river in a cityscape with historic buildings and a bridge in the background.
Outdoor book sale with tables of books on carts and shelves, signs indicating prices of five dollars for books with yellow stickers, and masks required for social distancing. Brick walls in the background with a person browsing books.
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FAQs

What can I expect the first session?

First session is all about getting to know each other. We’ll talk a little about what brings you here, what your hopes are, and some of the things you have been feeling or going through. We go at your speed and just start the beginning of the therapeutic relationships.

I've never been to therapy- What if I don't know what to say?

That’s totally fine! The nerves around this are totally normal. I’ll guide the conversation and we’ll work together to have an open conversation. You drive the ship, so we’ll never go to a place within the conversation that you’re not ready for or comfortable with.

Do you give homework or things to do between sessions?

Sometimes! If it feels like it would be beneficial and realistic for you. I’m not a huge homework person but I do like to implement some time for self-reflection, journaling, or self-care.

Is therapy confidential?

Absolutely. Everything we talk about will be kept between us, with a few exceptions (like safety concerns) which would be discussed in our first session. Information is also confidential with insurance. The insurance company will be provided basic information such as name, type of service, and billing code but will not have access to anything we discuss.

How long will I be in therapy? And how often?

That all depends on your goals and needs. I like to start sessions weekly so we can establish a relationship that feels comfortable for you. We then can transition to bi-weekly, monthly, etc. Whatever feels right for you. My goal is to help you gain the skills to feel confident to do it on your own. I’ll always be by your side but ultimately hope for you to find the answers within yourself.

Accepted Payments

  • United Health Care

    Aetna

    Horizon BCBS

  • I am able to provide you with a superbill for out of network benefits. This includes basic information that insurance needs in order to reimburse you for the session.

  • $165 for initial individual intake session

    $150 for individual follow up

    $180 for initial couples intake session

    $165 for couples follow up

Let’s Connect

To discuss scheduling and explore whether we’re the perfect fit, please click the start here button below or at the top of the page and share a bit more about yourself. I’ll personally get back to you within 24-48 hours after receiving your message. Looking forward to connecting!

Also feel free to call/text (732) 741-4392 or email elissa@thewaywithinllc.com

Details

Location

316 Broad St.

Suite 2

Red Bank, NJ 07701

The building has a private parking lot right behind it, so you’ll always find a convenient spot with no parking worries!