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Alida Counseling
Live Your Best Life
Alida Counseling offers 100% teletherapy done through secure video chat to provide you quality counseling that is easily accessible so you can start your journey today.
Learn More About Me
Lauren Balkan, LCSW
I have been a practicing mental health clinician for over 25 years seeing clients and supervising clinicians. I have worked extensively with both adults and adolescents. I pride myself in creating a safe, caring environment that allows my client to feel heard and validated. I will help you find your path toward growth, change and happiness. I know that within each of us, we have the power and ability to create the change we need in our lives, however sometimes discovering that power or identifying that change requires support and guidance.
Thought-Based Approach
Help for Your Life
Counseling for Adults
I utilize a combination of cognitive therapy and mindfulness based practices to help adults achieve their goals of improved mood, less anxiety and closer relationships. Having a supportive and empathetic therapist who can help you navigate difficult situations or decisions allows you to find a more satisfying life path.
Counseling for Adolescents
I have worked with adolescents for the last 13 years providing support, guidance and the acquisition of coping skills. I focus on creating a safe engaging environment for youth where they can build resiliency skills. The therapeutic focus is on correcting unhelpful thought patterns and learning skills to address mood and reactions.
Supervision of clinical practice hours
For the last 20 years, I have supervised LSWs on the path toward getting their LCSW. I hold a certification as a NJ Supervisor and complete annual continuing education focused on both clinical learning and supervisory skills. I believe being a skilled therapist requires lifelong learning and therefore I am always pushing myself as well as those I supervise to meet the highest standards of clinical practice.
“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment”
Buddha
Schedule a Session
Call or email to schedule a session. Please note email is not a confidential method of communication so please limit the personal information shared. Confidential email can be set up once initial contact is made if requested.
Phone Number: 908-360-2985
About Our Name
When I created this practice it was a very personal decision. A decision to make it easier for those who need support to find it in a convenient and affordable way that allows for privacy and comfort. Because this was such a personal decision, the name had to be personal too. Alida is the combination of the names of my children, Ali and Daniel. They are the source of my compassion and joy everyday. Also, Alida in latin means wings or winged. That image is perfect for self growth and freedom from that which weighs you down.