Psychotherapy in Bergen County

Find Support, Healing & Growth Through Therapy

 We provide a safe and supportive space to explore your inner world, develop coping strategies, and enhance your emotional well-being.

Are You Seeking a Better Relationship with Yourself or Others?

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can be an invaluable tool for self-discovery, healing, and creating positive change. Our therapists support you on a journey toward:

  • Enhanced emotional and mental well-being
  • Breaking free from negative patterns
  • Developing healthy coping mechanisms
  • Building stronger, more fulfilling relationships

Meet Our Psychotherapists

Melanie Struble

LCSW, LCADC, Certified Grief Educator

Melanie Struble, the founder of Body Positive Works, is a highly experienced psychotherapist dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and nurturing space for clients of all backgrounds.

Melanie brings over 31 years of direct practice experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) to Body Positive Works.

Her diverse expertise spans various areas, including eating disorders, body image, substance addiction, and life transitions. Melanie uses a holistic approach that integrates traditional therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with complementary practices, such as mindfulness, meditation and Compassionate Inquiry.

As a Certified Grief Educator trained by world-renowned grief expert David Kessler, Melanie offers compassionate and informed support to those navigating loss and bereavement.

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Meet Our Psychotherapists

Wendy Coffey

MSW, LCSW

Wendy Coffey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey, bringing over 30 years of experience to her practice. She is deeply committed to creating a space where clients can authentically express themselves and find the support they need to navigate life’s challenges.

Wendy believes in a holistic approach to healing that incorporates the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and environment. Her work with adults, adolescents, children, and couples utilizes a range of therapies, including CBT, Family Therapy, and Humanistic Therapy, tailoring each session to individual needs.

Wendy is also passionate about Equine Therapy, recognizing the transformative power of working with horses to facilitate emotional breakthroughs and growth.

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Meet Our Psychotherapists

Julia Tsakalis

LCSW

Julia Tsakalis, LCSW

Julia Tsakalis, LCSW, is a dedicated and empathetic Licensed Clinical Social Worker rooted in Bergen County, New Jersey, where she has lived her entire life. She earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from New York University and her Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Boston University. She has been in clinical practice since 2012.

Julia’s warm and supportive approach to therapy is enriched by her extensive training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy—often referred to as Parts Work—and Brainspotting. Her practice is deeply rooted in trauma-informed care, providing a gentle and validating environment for clients to explore their feelings.

Julia strives to create a safe, nurturing space where clients can be their true selves and feel truly heard. Her goal is to help individuals embrace all parts of themselves, including those they may find difficult, and to build a fulfilling life based on their experiences and growth. She combines talk therapy with the depth work of IFS and Brainspotting, tailoring her approach to each person’s needs and comfort level. 

With a background in medical healthcare, community mental health, public schools, higher education, and private practice, Julia has valuable experience working with neurodivergent individuals of all ages and the LGBTQIA2s+ community. She is also a Certified Clinical Supervisor in the state of New Jersey.

Outside of her professional life, Julia loves spending time with her husband and two boys, trying out new recipes, getting lost in a good book, and staying active.

Specializations

Trauma-informed care for people ages ten and up, with specialized focus on helping adults experiencing growing pains during life transitions. 

Licenses

Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey and District of Columbia, registered telehealth provider for South Carolina, Licensed Master Social Worker in New York. 

Experience

Has worked in medical healthcare settings, community mental healthcare, public school systems, higher education, and private practice. Experience with neurodivergent teens and adults and the LGBTQIA2s+ population.  Her several years of working in higher education give her a unique insight into the college experience.

Training

Extensive training in Internal Family Systems therapy, Brainspotting, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Certifications

Certified Clinical Supervisor

Approach

My priority is to provide a safe space for you to participate in talk therapy in combination with depth work (IFS & brainspotting) at a pace suited to your comfort level.

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The Body Positive Works Approach to Psychotherapy

At Body Positive Works, we see psychotherapy as a journey of self-discovery and growth. Our team of skilled and compassionate therapists creates a personalized experience for each client, drawing on a diverse range of approaches and modalities.

 A Collaborative Approach to Psychotherapy

Here’s what makes Body Positive Works unique:

A Holistic Lens

We believe that true well-being involves caring for the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. Our therapists integrate this perspective into each session.

Choice and Flexibility

We offer individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy, giving you the flexibility to choose the approach that best fits your needs and preferences.

Integrating Other Services

Our psychotherapy services can be enhanced by incorporating our other holistic offerings, including mindfulness, yoga, meditation, and more.

Ready to Prioritize Your Well-being?

We're Here to Guide You on Your Wellness Journey

At Body Positive Works, we believe in the power of self-discovery. Our Wellness Center in Bergen County offers a holistic and integrative approach to health and wellness, guiding you on a journey back to your truest self, nurturing your mind, body, and spirit.

More About Psychotherapy

What Are The Benefits Of Therapy With Body Positive Works?

Therapy at Body Positive Works provides:

Our therapists at Body Positive Works are dedicated to guiding and supporting individuals facing a variety of life challenges.

These might include (but are not limited to!):

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Eating Disorders
  • Body Image Concerns
  • Addiction
  • Trauma
  • Self-Acceptance
  • Grief and Loss
  • Family Dynamics
  • Life Transitions
  • Women’s Issues
  • Parenting and Marital Issues

Our team embraces a holistic view of mental, emotional, and physical health. Our psychotherapists hold the highest licenses in New Jersey. We provide both individualized therapy and a variety of group programs, helping clients move towards:

Disordered Eating Recovery

Finding freedom and a healthy relationship with food and body.

Enhanced Body Image

Cultivating a more positive and accepting relationship with your body.

Grief and Loss Support

Connecting with others, sharing your grief, and discovering tools for healing.

You’ll gain new ways to think about challenges and develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress, anxiety, and other difficult emotions.

Compassionate support for navigating the stages of grief and honoring your unique experience of loss.

Therapy provides a safe place to address and process traumatic events and understand their impact on your life.

Psychotherapy FAQ's

If you are struggling emotionally, feeling overwhelmed, or facing challenges in your relationships or daily life, therapy can provide a valuable space for support, understanding, and growth.

Therapy duration depends on individual needs and goals. Some benefit from short-term therapy, while others choose a longer-term approach.

It’s essential to find a therapist who you feel comfortable and connected with. We encourage you to consider factors such as their experience, areas of specialization, and therapeutic style. You can schedule a free consultation at Body Positive Works to meet our therapists and discuss your needs.

Your first session is an opportunity to get to know your therapist, share your reasons for seeking support, and collaboratively set goals for your therapeutic journey. It’s a confidential space where you can be open and honest about your thoughts and feelings.

Body Positive Works recognizes that having a range of therapeutic services under one roof can help clients achieve better health and long-term growth. We embrace a holistic approach to psychotherapy, honoring the mind, body, and spirit, and draw on many modalities – including CBT, DBT, and mindfulness-based therapies – to customize a path tailored for your individual needs.

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Contact us about Psychotherapy

Our wellness center is a beautiful heritage house in the heart of Saddle River, Bergen County, NJ. We are directly across the street from Wandell Elementary School and next door to the Municipal Building.

We are centrally located with convenient access to Rt. 17 and the Garden State Parkway, and on the border of Rockland County. We are easily accessible from many communities in the surrounding area.

Check out how close you are to us on the map or use our drive time calculator to find the most convenient route.

Email

Reach out to us with any questions or inquiries. Your message will be handled with care and confidentiality.

Phone

Schedule a free consultation or ask about our services. Your privacy is important to us.

Address

96 E Allendale Road, Saddle River, Bergen County, New Jersey, NJ 07458