Therapy and Counseling in Bergen County

Nurture Your Mental Health with Compassionate Therapy & Support

We offer complimentary wellness discovery calls, a safe and supportive space to explore your mental health needs and goals.

Feeling unsure about where to begin your wellness journey?

Our Free Therapy and Counseling Discovery Call

We understand that taking the first step towards mental wellness can feel daunting. That’s why we offer a complimentary, no-pressure discovery call to help you explore how our specialized services can best support your unique journey.

During this call, you can

Discuss your individual needs and goals

Learn more about our therapists and their approaches

Ask questions and gain clarity about your options

Empower yourself to prioritize your mental and physical well-being. Schedule your free discovery call today and discover the path that feels right for you.

Psychotherapy

Melanie, LCSW, LCADC

Melanie, owner of Body Positive Works, is a psychotherapist with over 31 years of experience working with adolescents, adults, and families.

Specializations

Eating disorders, body image, substance addiction, and life-stage issues.

Licenses

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) in New Jersey.

Experience

Worked in diverse settings including hospitals, crisis centers, non-profit agencies, and private practice.

Training

Extensive training in meditation, yoga, neurosculpting, functional anatomy, Embody Love Movement, Journey Dance, Grief Movement, and Compassionate Inquiry.

Certifications

Certified Grief Educator, Journey Dance Guide, and Grief Movement Guide.

Approach

Combines traditional psychotherapy with holistic practices like meditation, yoga, and grief education for a comprehensive approach to healing.

Client Testimonial

“I have been seeing Melanie for 6 years, and I can’t imagine going to any other therapist. From the get go, Melanie is so easy to talk to and connect with. I can be open and honest with her and I always gain something new and valuable from our sessions. She has truly helped me get through some of the most difficult periods of my life. If you are looking for a therapist who really cares, Melanie is the one!” – EM

 

Psychotherapy

Julia Tsakalis, LCSW

Specializations

Trauma-informed care for people ages ten and up, with a special focus on teenagers, young adults, and parents.

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.

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.”

 

Equine Therapy and Psychotherapy

Wendy Coffey, LCSW

Wendy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing since 1991, specializing in equine therapy and psychotherapy.

Experience

Working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples in various settings, including treatment foster care, group homes, and crisis intervention units.

Approach

Uses a holistic approach that integrates environment, body, and mind, incorporating CBT, family therapy, humanistic therapy, and equine therapy as appropriate for the client.

Focus

Addresses anxiety, depression, grief, and life stressors through traditional psychotherapy and the therapeutic connection with horses.

Specialization

Utilizes equine therapy to facilitate self-discovery, personal growth, and breakthroughs in clients.

 

Art Therapy

Lindsay Lederman, ATR-BC, ATCS, LCAT (NY), LPAT (NJ)

Lindsay is a dedicated and licensed Art Therapist, specializing in a strength-based and humanistic approach for children, teens, and adults. She holds an undergraduate degree from Brandeis University and a Masters from the School of Visual Arts Art Therapy Program.

Experience

Pioneered Art Therapy programs at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital and Nemours Hospital for Children.

Recognition

Featured in Thrive Global, presented on Art Therapy at NYC hospitals, and published in professional journals like the Canadian Art Therapy Association Journal and the Journal of Palliative Care.

Approach

Utilizes art and talk therapy interventions to create personalized, welcoming environments tailored to each client’s unique needs.

Focus

Helps clients overcome challenges, manage stress, and rediscover hope and purpose through art and creativity.

Specializations

Anxiety disorders, depression, loss, bereavement, life transitions, and environmental stressors.

Sessions

Offered both in-person and virtually, often involve art creation and conversation, with a variety of art materials provided.

 

Grief Support Therapy

Heidi Hartung-Rispoli, LSW, MSW, MFA, IET, MWW

Heidi is a Grief Support Therapist with extensive knowledge and experience in grief and loss.

Approach

Combines traditional psychotherapy with art, movement, sound healing, and Integrated Energy Therapy (IET) to holistically address trauma, grief, and loss.

Focus

Creates interactive healing spaces and provides psychotherapy that incorporates creative and alternative therapeutic modalities.

Specializations

Grief, loss, trauma, bereavement, and substance misuse for all ages.

Goals

Empower clients to heal, provide a safe space for exploration, and facilitate healing of the mind, body, and soul through personal narrative, movement, and creativity.

Credentials

Master of Social Work, Master of Fine Arts, Licensed Social Worker, AFAA Master Instructor, IET Practitioner, Sound Healer, and certified movement and yoga instructor.

We See You, We Hear You

Life’s journey isn’t always a smooth path. Sometimes, we find ourselves feeling disconnected, stuck, transitioning, lonely, or lost. Maybe you’re yearning to understand yourself better, feel more connected, or simply find a community of people who truly get it. That’s where we come in.

At Body Positive Works, we understand those moments when life feels a little messy. We’re more than just a therapy and counseling center; we’re a welcoming space where you can safely explore your feelings, connect with others who share similar experiences, and rediscover your sense of direction.

Our approach is not about selling you a service; it’s about empowering you to take charge of your well-being. We believe everyone deserves to feel their best, and we’re committed to walking alongside you on your unique journey to healing and growth.

Holistic Approach

We integrate Eastern and Western wellness practices, including art therapy and menopause support, to address the mind, body, and spirit connection, offering a comprehensive approach to mental health and well-being.

Inclusive, Judgment-Free Environment

All bodies and identities are welcomed and celebrated at Body Positive Works. We strive to create a safe, affirming community where you feel comfortable to be yourself.

Experienced Therapists & Coaches

Our team of licensed therapists and certified coaches is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that empowers you on your journey to health and happiness.

Individual and Group Psychotherapy

We offer personalized therapy sessions tailored to your unique needs. Our therapists utilize various modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapies, and psychodynamic therapy, to address a wide range of issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship concerns.

Art Therapy

Explore your emotions and express yourself creatively through art therapy. This expressive modality can help you tap into your inner wisdom, process difficult feelings, and develop coping skills in a supportive environment.

Equine-Assisted Therapy

Experience the profound healing power of connecting with horses in a therapeutic environment. This unique approach fosters emotional regulation, self-awareness, and personal growth through non-verbal communication and interaction with these intuitive animals.

Grief & Loss Support Groups

Our compassionate grief and loss groups provide a safe space to share your experiences, connect with others who understand your pain, and develop coping strategies to move through the grieving process.

Menopause Support

Navigate the challenges and transitions of menopause with compassionate support from our experienced menopause coach. Our holistic approach will help you manage symptoms, embrace this new phase of life, and prioritize your well-being.

Feeling overwhelmed? Stressed? Disconnected? You're not alone.

We understand that everyone’s journey is unique. That’s why we offer complimentary discovery calls, a safe and supportive space to explore your individual needs and goals.

During this confidential conversation, we’ll listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and help you identify the services and practices that best align with your path to mind/body wellness.

Therapy and Counseling FAQ's

Each therapist has unique specializations and approaches. We encourage you to review their profiles and schedule a complimentary discovery call to discuss your needs and see which therapist might be the best fit.

No artistic skill is required for Art Therapy. It’s about the process of creation and self-expression, not the final product. Lindsay welcomes you to schedule a free discovery call to discuss how art therapy can benefit you.

 

No, Art Therapy is beneficial for people of all ages, from children to adults. Lindsay works with clients across the lifespan.

Initial sessions are 60 minutes, and subsequent sessions are 45 minutes. Our therapists can help you determine the best course of treatment during your complimentary discovery call.

Psychotherapy sessions typically involve a combination of talking, exploring thoughts and feelings, and developing coping skills. Melanie and Wendy tailor their approach to each client’s unique needs.

No prior experience with horses is necessary. Wendy will guide you through interactions with the horses in a safe and supportive environment. Feel free to schedule a free consultation to learn more about equine therapy.

Equine therapy helps clients develop self-awareness, communication skills, and emotional regulation through interactions and activities with horses.

Grief therapy provides a safe space to process emotions, develop coping mechanisms, find meaning, and heal from loss. Heidi integrates various modalities to support your healing journey.

old bopo logo

Contact us about Therapy and Counseling

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