Chelsea Totaro, LCSW

Emotions, body sensations, and thoughts work together, influencing our understanding and experience of life. But sometimes our thoughts can be deceptive, our emotions overwhelming and paralyzing. I believe in a holistic approach that acknowledges the interconnected aspects of one's experience, encompassing relationships, personal development, spirituality, mental well-being, and the recognition that thoughts may not always reflect fact. We can strip unhelpful thoughts of their power, enabling us to make choices and live our lives in alignment with our authentic selves. I approach sessions with an open mindset, embracing the backgrounds, identities, and experiences of my clients. I strive to create a safe and inclusive space where individuals from all walks of life feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment or discrimination. You are the expert of your own life. I bring with me experience at all levels of the mental health system working with college students, teens, and adults. Our therapeutic relationship will be one of trust, support, and respect, as we work towards your desired outcomes. I will be your ally and guide. Together, we will forge a path towards self-discovery, resilience, and personal fulfillment. - Chelsea Totaro, LCSW Chelsea is a graduate of Marshall University's Master of Social Work program in Huntington, West Virginia. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, DBT Clinician (Foundational Training with an Adolescent and Family Emphasis), Certified School Social Worker, and former collegiate women's lacrosse coach. Her extensive professional background includes providing therapeutic services to youth and adult populations in various levels of care within the mental health system. Chelsea has experience facilitating groups in correctional, substance abuse, and vocational rehabilitation settings and has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children navigating the child welfare system. While at Marshall University she provided therapeutic services to college students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); and assisted in the programming and development of the Marshall University Behavioral Health Center providing individual, family, and group sessions for both university students and community residents. Upon her return to NJ, Chelsea served as a Behavioral Health Home Clinician providing outpatient individual and family sessions to adults with Mood Disorders, Personality Disorders, Schizophrenia, and Co-Occurring Disorders. As Clinical Team Leader at a Psychiatric Community Home, Chelsea worked with teen boys and their families to address severe mental health and behavioral issues. Chelsea is a DBT Skills Trainer, Teen Group Leader, and Outpatient Clinician at Princeton Center for DBT, working with Princeton University students and faculty, young adults and teens living in New Jersey. In addition to DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), Chelsea utilizes a variety of approaches as a therapist including Nurtured Heart Approach, Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness Based Therapies. Chelsea believes it is the therapeutic relationship between a clinician and client that builds the foundation for growth - grounded in trust, openness, and loving-kindness.