Catherine Jakobsze, MS, LPC

Owner and Psychotherapist

YOU can call me Cathy. In so many ways, there is still a stigma around receiving mental health services. For some, their previous experience (or even experiences of others they love) has made it difficult to reach out for help. I’m here to tell you the field of mental health has evolved, much like I have as a psychotherapist throughout my career.

During my studies at Monmouth University (2012-2018) where I earned my BA in Psychology and MS in Mental Health Counseling, I learned to pride myself on being authentic with clients, in and out of session, meaning I aim to “practice what I preach” every day. One of my mentors and graduate professors who I had the pleasure of attending a service trip to India with once mentioned, “You will only be able to take your clients as far as you’ve gone”. This statement molded my approach to counseling both professionally and personally.

I am an experienced Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and currently working towards Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCPT). I have worked in various professional mental health settings over the last 8+ years including intensive outpatient programs, partial hospitalization programs, community-based settings, and private practice. Most of my professional experience is working with adolescents, young adults, and adults dealing with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, trauma, ASD, ADHD, OCD, clients who have previously struggled to connect with therapists in the past, sexual issues, LGBTQ+ identifying, and more. I am also an adjunct professor at a community college in northern NJ where I teach psychology.

I continuously strive to remain culturally sensitive in working with populations of various ethnic backgrounds and nationalities, gender identities, and sexualities. My clinical approach to working with clients is collaborative. I aim to meet individuals where they are emotionally and allow clients to guide their treatment. I am a firm believer that no one knows themselves better than the client.

In my free time, you can catch me hanging out with my 3 hairless (yes, hairless) munchkin cats, attending comedy shows and concerts, and watching mixed martial arts (MMA). One of my life dreams is to be on the show Survivor so who knows… you may even see me on there one day!