where we are all a work in progress…
Izabella Garelick, PhD, LAC
Women’s Issues
Women, especially young women, face immense pressure to look and act a certain way. Do you feel like you’re walking a precarious tightrope trying to manage these expectations? Are you often comparing yourself to others, critiquing your appearance and behavior, and feeling down as a result? It’s not your fault. I’m here to help you develop self-compassion, assertiveness, and a deeper sense of empowerment in your life.
Pregnancy:
When you discover you're pregnant, everything changes. Over the next nine months, you experience a mix of excitement and the weight of the pressure to do what's best for your growing baby. You become a dedicated researcher, exploring everything from doctors and prenatal vitamins to strollers and breast pumps. You face crucial decisions, such as whether to breastfeed, if you should stay home with your baby, or how to manage your career. Your thoughts are a whirlwind of worry. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and afraid that you’re missing out on your pregnancy experience, I get you, I can help.
New Motherhood:
Your baby is here! Depending on your birthing experience, your first moments as a mom could have been wonderful and quick—or, let’s just say, a bit more challenging. Now you’re navigating the reality of sleepless nights, potential lactation issues, and waking up every two hours to feed while your partner sleeps soundly. These early months are meant to be joyful, filled with bonding, cuddles, and smiles. Yet, the reality might feel different, leaving you with a sense that something isn’t quite right—and guilt for not feeling grateful. You will get enough sleep eventually, but for now, talking about these feelings can really help.
Mothering Older Children:
Your children are growing up, but it feels like your worries just transform into new ones. Much of your mental energy is consumed by an ongoing list of things that “should have been” done, “need to be” done, and “have to be” done in the future. When you’re not tackling your to-do list, thoughts of worry and mom guilt creep in: Is my child getting too much screen time? When is the right age for a cell phone? Are they hanging out with the right friends? Are we spending enough quality time together? As you can see, the role of mother is not a walk in the park (no matter how it appears on social media). Plus, we have not touched on your role as a wife. It is my goal to help women find balance and stability as well as redefine their identity during the biggest transition of their adult life.
Parenting:
I understand that raising children can be both rewarding and incredibly stressful. It’s common to feel unsure or even frustrated at times. In our sessions, we will explore your feelings and concerns without judgment. I believe in your strengths as a parent, and my goal is to empower you to embrace your unique parenting style. Together, we can build on those strengths and help you find more balance, connection, and joy in your family life.
Child Therapy:
With a focus on understanding the unique emotional and developmental needs of children, I employ a variety of therapeutic techniques. I believe in the power of play and art therapy, utilizing creative activities to help children articulate their feelings and experiences in ways that resonate with them. By fostering strong, trusting relationships, I encourage children to explore their thoughts and emotions, allowing them to gain insight and develop coping strategies. With empathy and patience, I strive to empower my young clients, helping them build resilience and a positive self-image. My ultimate goal is to guide each child toward a brighter, healthier future, enabling them to thrive emotionally and socially.
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Teens/Young Adult Therapy:
Are you struggling with friendships, school pressure, or just trying to figure out who you are? I get that this time in your life can be confusing and sometimes lonely. You’re not alone in feeling this way, and it’s okay to ask for support. In our sessions, you’ll find space to express yourself without judgment. We’ll work together to explore what you’re going through—whether it’s worries about the future, conflicts with friends, or just the ups and downs of life. I use a variety of techniques that can help you develop coping strategies, boost your confidence, and find your voice. I’m here to help you navigate those tough feelings.
As an advocate for holistic well-being, I believe that true health encompasses not just the physical, but also the emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of our lives. My mission is to guide individuals toward a balanced and fulfilling life by integrating various dimensions of well-being. Together, we’ll create a tailored plan that empowers you to make meaningful changes, enhance your well-being, and live a life that resonates with your values and aspirations.
A little about me:
I am an Educational Psychologist and a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) in New Jersey. I earned both a Masters Degree in Counseling and a Doctorate in Educational Psychology (PhD) from Rutgers University, where my research focused on the psychology of aesthetics, learning, cognition, and well-being.
After spending the early part of my career in academia, consulting firms, and cultural institutions, I felt a strong desire to reconnect with my passion for helping others thrive. This led me to realign my career toward supporting individuals on their personal growth journeys.
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I’m a wife and proud mom of two girls, navigating the beautiful chaos of family life. When I’m not driving around my girls to various activities, you can find me immersed in my art. Creating is my passion, and I love expressing myself through vibrant colors and bold designs. I’m inspired by my family and beautiful patterns found in nature. Life is a canvas, and I’m here to make it as colorful and joyful as possible!