Mary Speiser, LCSW provides caregiver counseling in NJ. She also provides counseling to parents of children with disabilities. NJ dementia counselor. NJ counselor for people with chronic illness.

Meet Mary Speiser, LCSW

My background is extensive and consists of many different areas of social work, with specific interest in the unique emotional challenges that exist for caregivers of spouses, aging or medically complicated family members, and parents of children/adults with disabilities. I recognize that caregiving can be overwhelming and isolating and work with individuals to identify ways to cope, increase support and prioritize self-care. I create a safe space to work out complicated feelings, validate experiences and build resilience, using proven techniques from Mindfulness.

It is also of interest to me professionally, to help individuals who are struggling with managing life stressors such as financial stress, relationship and job dissatisfaction, and negative self-perceptions. These issues lead to feelings of discontent. There are unique stressors that arise when expectations of ourselves and our lives do not align with our present position in life, when we become constricted and overwhelmed. Together we will explore presenting problems, limiting beliefs, and societal expectations in order to develop a better understanding of individual, authentic life goals. Using techniques of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Minimalism, Mindfulness and Financial Therapy, I help individuals to let go of what does not serve them and prioritize goals to achieve the life they truly desire.

Discussing personal issues is difficult. I ensure a safe, therapeutic and nurturing environment through acceptance and nonjudgmental validation. I acknowledge the need to develop a trusting therapeutic relationship and partner with individuals exactly where they are at.

FAQs

  • I provide both in person and virtual appointments.

  • I do not offer weekend hours at this time. As for evening hours, these appointments are made on a case by case basis.

  • I am currently in network with Medicare. I am in the process of credentialing with Aetna, BCBS, and United Healthcare, but am still out of network at this time. I am out of network for all other insurances. Many insurance companies offer out of network reimbursement. In some cases, you can submit the superbill to your insurance company for partial or full reimbursment. If out of network, then the cost of therapy is $200 per hour.

  • Common problems include caregiver stress, coping with a chronic medical condition, financial stress, relationship or job stress, parenting children/adults with disabilities, and negative self-perceptions.

  • Before your first appointment, you will complete a brief phone screen. I will then give you a history questionnaire to fill out, which guides the initial intake session. The first session includes a review of your goals for therapy, current symptoms and problems, as well as your personal history. I can then offer some suggestions for future therapy goals.

  • I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Minimalism, Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction, and Financial Therapy

what is mindfulness-based stress reduction? how can I cope better with the caregiving role? How do I help my adult child with disabilities? How do I improve my financial management.
NJ Counseling for parents of children with disabilities. Help coping with my chronic illness. NJ caregiver counseling. Help dealing with my loved one's memory loss and dementia diagnosis.

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