ALLISON LEMBERG MARCAL, STRENGTHS-BASED THERAPIST IN NJ
I want to help you find your smile again.
Many of my clients feel like they’ve lost themselves in the daily grind. In the pursuit of landing the “perfect” job, finding the “right” partner, or doing everything they’re “supposed” to do, they find they’re missing the sense of satisfaction and joy they expected to feel.
Instead, they feel overwhelmed by worry and anxiety, fearful of failing or letting others down, and disconnected not only from the people around them, but from their own selves. They feel lost, stuck, and like they need to make a change—they’re just not sure how.
This is a place where you can get back in touch with what’s most important to you.
MY STYLE
I’m here as your co-pilot on your journey toward more confidence, connection, and joy in life.
Therapy is a process that looks different for everyone. I don’t view myself as the expert in the room (you know yourself better than I do!), but instead as someone who is there to partner with you. My job is to support you by asking questions, offering feedback, and suggesting tools, ideas, or ways of communicating that you can put into practice in your day-to-day life.
My approach is strengths-based, meaning we’ll explore more than just the challenges you’re experiencing right now. We’ll look at how your own internal strengths, resilience, and resourcefulness have served you up until now, and how you can tap into those things to move forward in your life. Often, we have to go back in order to go forward, so we’ll also look at your childhood, culture, and the different societal or familial norms that have impacted how you’re feeling today. As we make these connections between past and present, you’ll gain new insight into yourself, leading to more confidence, self-compassion, and growth.
AM I THE RIGHT THERAPIST FOR YOU?
We’re a good fit to work together if you:
Are wanting support to feel empowered to make important decisions or choices in your life
Want to cultivate a healthier relationship with yourself and others
Are seeking to understand the root causes of the challenges you’re experiencing
Want support in overcoming shame or embracing the parts of you that you’ve kept hidden from others
Are looking for someone who will (gently) push you outside of your comfort zone
Training & Education
Kean University Masters in Counselor Education
Externship for Emotionally Focused Therapy
NYU Silver Post-Master's CBT Certificate Program
Ackerman Institute for the Family Dual Program
In addition to my training, I also worked as a school counselor serving children & families for over 10 years and am very familiar with the unique challenges educators and similar professionals face.