It is our priority to make our best available to everyone
Our services
the Many Approaches to Counseling and Psychotherapy
At NJCHA, we offer a wide range of counseling services to assist in the management of emotional distress, depression and anxiety, serve as a support during times of transition, crisis and important decision making, facilitate resolution of conflict and promote change and transformation. In addition to general psychotherapy, couples, marriage and family therapy, we address multicultural issues, including sexual diversity. Our child and adolescent services division incorporates the use of many modalities, including art, play, and sand tray therapies.
NJCHA was one of the first integrated mental health and wellness centers in the country and has been offering a multidisciplinary approach to healing since 1987. Understanding that each person is a biopsychosocial being, influenced by many factors (including genetics, behavior and the environment), the emphasis at NJCHA is health of body, mind and spirit.
Hypnotherapy (or Clinical Hypnosis)
Using hypnosis as a psychological tool enables the recuperative abilities of the psyche to flow more freely. Hypnotherapy can be compared to deep meditation, helping individuals to achieve greater clarity about personal needs and wants, to explore events of life requiring resolution, or to develop a more positive attitude. Hypnosis is especially effective in smoking cessation, weight management, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and recovery from addictions.
Sand Tray Therapy
Sand Tray Therapy is a symbolic process that has the power to reach deep unconscious content without words or analysis. It works on the premise that the human psyche is capable of healing itself when given the opportunity and the right conditions. Using a tray filled with sand, participants are given minimal instructions. They select from numerous objects and then arrange their selections in the tray. The therapist is a witness to the creation of the world in sand as the process unfolds and the story is told.
Anger Management
Anger is a natural emotion. It has a purpose. When used constructively, it can be a motivating force for change. Anger becomes a problem only when it is misunderstood and mismanaged. Mismanagement of anger can become threatening to self, health and to others. Anger management groups and classes are psych-educational and designed to enhance personal accountability, awareness, and coping skills. Some groups and classes may be appropriate for court-mandated clients with a history of substance abuse.
Creative Expressive Therapies and Art Therapy
Creative Expressive Therapies use techniques that help clients explore feelings, dreams, memories and ideas and to provide a means of creative expression for that which has no words. No artistic skill is necessary. The goal is to resolve conflict. Though a non-threatening form of therapy for children, creative expressive techniques are for people of all ages. They are especially effective when dealing with trauma, depression, and loss, recovering from abuse and for management of anger.
Mandala Assessment (MARI Cards)
With the use of mandala drawings, symbols, colors and some dialogue, the MARI Card process can assist individuals in understanding their present states of being. An assessment and research instrument developed by Joan Kellogg, MA, ATR, it is grounded in Jungian theory and cross-cultural studies. This process can assist in understanding life issues that are seeking immediate attention. The process begins with a mandala drawing. This is a drawing in a circle, which is a universal symbol of self and wholeness. It represents the totality of the world -- one's individual world. Then, cards with symbols are selected and colors cards are chosen that help to reveal the essence of a story that is primary in the immediate moment to the individual engaged in the process. The MARI CARDS provide an experiential way to access wholeness and give focus so that action can be taken. This self discovery process is not covered by insurance.
Senior Services
Later life issues require special understanding and care in the counseling process. Some of the creative services for seniors include reminiscence therapy, cultivating the wisdom perspective, the management of change, bereavement and case management of complementary healthcare. Our geriatric specialist is also a certified exercise physiologist who is sensitive to the physical limitations and needs of senior adults.
Children’s Services
The New Jersey Center for the Healing Arts uses evidence-based therapeutic modalities that consider each child as the unique individual they are. Whether navigating anxiety and depression, managing defiance and social difficulty, or educating skills to overcome the autism spectrum we currently offer a dedicated child and adolescent focused team who utilize play therapy, art therapy, sand tray therapy and social skills groups to treat:
Problems in School
Depression
Anxiety
Childhood Obesity
Teen-related Issues
Self-esteem Issues
Conflict Resolution
Developmental Issues
Family Crises and Divorce
Behavioral Problems
ADD/ADHD
Autism
Grief Counseling
Professional Continuing Education and Supervision
The NJ Center for the Healing Arts is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP™) and may offer NBCC-Approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements. The ACEP solely is responsible for all aspects of the program.
Complementary and Alternative Associates
In addition to counseling and therapy, the NJ Center for the Healing Arts offers opportunities for enhanced health and wellness through our associates. Through collaborative relationships with onsite practitioners of complementary medicine, we provide access to chiropractic, acupuncture, and therapeutic massage. If elected, a model of holistic counseling and multi-disciplinary treatment is available. All of the practitioners who work within our setting advocate a choice model of healthcare, where the client/patient is a full participant in his or her own health and healing process. Therefore, we offer choices for you to select services for the mind, body, and spirit.
Massage Therapy
Kathleen Bennett Batko
Certified Massage Therapist
732.747.2696
Chiropractic Care and Applied Kinesiology
Robert B. Sparling, DC
Functional Medicine | Certified Sports Chiropractic Physician
732.530.2120
It is the mission of the NJ Center for the Healing Arts, Inc. to provide access to opportunities for the integration of mind, body, emotions and spirit through counseling, medicine, complementary healing arts, educational resources, cultural and artistic expression, and the celebration of community.