Michelle helps caregivers manage uncertainty about the future. NJ dementia caregiving services. Helps caregivers manage loved one's behaviors. Helps caregivers understand how to keep their loved one's safe, evaluate nursing homes and staffing.

Meet Michelle Rutigliano, LCSW

I believe that life is ever changing. Sometimes we are faced with the loss of things that we love or that we rely on, and at other times, we finally see the sun rise after a dark and tumultuous night.  Navigating these changes can feel easier when someone is walking by your side.  

Facing difficult life events and unexpected changes can feel overwhelming, with many questions about where to start or what to do. Strong feelings can emerge—grief, anxiety, bewilderment.  I’ve been a medical social worker throughout my career, working with and supporting both the person with the illness and their caregivers and family members.  I take a practical approach to planning for the future, addressing both long and short-term goals, with a primary focus on quality of life.  My counseling philosophy is based on a strengths model.  Every individual has faced and overcome numerous challenges in their lifetime.  Drawing on these experiences, along with education and support, and a values-based approach can lead to greater acceptance and understanding.  Through the blended use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing techniques my goal is to help my clients identify what is most important to them, set attainable goals, and provide compassionate, non-judgmental therapeutic support. 

FAQs

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  • I only provide virtual appointments at this time and do not have any in person office appointments availabile. I have found that many clients actually prefer telehealth, as it reduces travel time and allows for a more flexible schedule.

  • I try to accommodate my client’s schedules. I offer early morning and evening appointments to clients who cannot be available during normal business hours. Weekend availability is 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 chronic illness, and facing stressful life events. In addition to counseling, I also provide life and care planning sessions to help clients access community resources and prepare for the future.

  • 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.

  • My counseling philosophy is based on a strengths model in the context of a supportive and problem solving approach.  Depending on your needs, I may use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and/or Motivational Interviewing.

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