Meet our therapists
Michele Brennan, Psy.D.
Dr. Michele Brennan is a Clinical Psychologist licensed in the state of New Jersey. She holds a B.A. from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, a M.A. from Pace University in New York, NY, plus a second M.A. and Doctorate of Clinical Psychology with a minor in Neuropsychology from Argosy University in Washington, D.C..
Dr. Brennan has extensive experience working with adults and seniors in many capacities which include individual therapy and assessments. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Psychological Assessments. She often incorporates acceptance and mindfulness practice into her therapeutic approach. She also holds a Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate, Completed (May, 2024), from T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and eCornell which she utilizes to help treat patients from a holistic approach.
In addition to her private practice, she is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Raritan Valley Community College where she regularly teaches Abnormal Psychology and occasionally facilitates Introduction to Psychology and Theories of Personality Psychology.
NJ State License #35SI00579400
E. Passport Mobility Number: 10696
APIT # 10696
Heather Lonergan, NCC, L.P.C.
Heather Lonergan is a Licensed Professional Counselor (#37PC00642600) and National Certified Counselor (#339695) in the state of New Jersey. She is experienced in working with adults and adolescents populations in the mental health field to include anxiety, depression, mood disorders, grief, relationship issues and trauma. Heather has worked in various settings such as inpatient/partial hospitalization/intensive outpatient program, domestic violence, adult residential and the children’s system of care. This provides a strong professional background and awareness into potential barriers in treatment.
Heather utilizes an integrative approach incorporating person centered; cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); solution focused and mindfulness which allow her to meet the need of the client. She is motivated in working together with her clients to help them reach their goals and achieve stability. Heather believes every person if given the proper support can find a path to their personal success.
NJ Lic. 37PC00642600
National Certified Counselor 339695
Mira Desai, L.P.C.
Mira Desai (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in New Jersey and has a Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has experience working in mental health settings such as private practice, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs, with a specialty in adolescents.
Mira currently works with all adult populations, as well as teens/tweens. She is experienced in treating relationship issues, grief/loss, trauma, identity development issues, anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder, adjustment disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, suicidal and self-harming behaviors. Mira is trained in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and has received advanced training certification in the treatment of depression and anxiety.
Mira’s approach to treating clients begins with creating a safe and non-judgmental environment. Mira incorporates strength-based approaches to help clients use their personal strengths to reach their goals. She also applies mindfulness practices to therapy to help clients live happier lives in the present moment. Using an individualized and collaborative approach, she helps clients better understand themselves, their value, and their unique situations, as they adjust to life changes and strive for personal growth.
NJ Lic. 37PC00446800
Theresa Lewis, L.P.C.
Theresa Marie Lewis, (she/her pronouns), identifies as an African American, “therapist of color”. She obtained her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health Counseling from Saint Elizabeth University in Morristown, NJ. She received her Bachelor of Art in Psychology from City College of New York in Harlem, NY. Currently, Theresa is entering the next journey in her educational career where she will be working towards a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Saint Elizabeth University.
Theresa sees the healing process as a partnership between therapist and client and believes it is a unique process for every individual. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to assist clients in coping with everyday stressors and learn how to live emotionally and physically healthier lives. Theresa has substantial experience working in settings including psychiatric rehabilitation facilities, adult day programs, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and private practices. She assists her clients in crisis and symptom management. Theresa has supervised medically enhanced supportive housing programs, residential facilities, and served as Chairperson in cultural competence committees throughout New Jersey. Theresa served as a two-time keynote speaker during April Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence awareness month at Saint Elizabeth University in 2019 & 2020. Theresa is a lifelong member of PSI CHI International Honor Society.
NJ Lic. 37PC00866800
Nikesh Trivedi, L.A.C.
Nikesh graduated from The College of New Jersey with his Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. He practices from a cognitive-behavioral therapy perspective, with a specialization in mindfulness. He feels that being mindful about the present is a great way to obtain focus and ground the self. He believes that a strong therapeutic alliance is important to help the client succeed and achieve their goals. Nikesh works with the ideology that each client has to walk their own path, but the therapist is there as a helping hand, rather than a guide.
NJ Lic. 37AC00594400
Melek Atalay, L.A.C.
Melek Atalay is a Licensed Associate Counselor and certified School Counselor in New Jersey. She bilingual, fluent in English and Turkish. Her specialty areas include depression, anxiety, trauma, parenting, and life transition challenges.
She emphasizes that as we constantly grow, our biological, psychological, and social needs change. Sometimes they are fundamental needs such as food and shelter, other times job security, love, friendship, or self-actualization. Whatever our needs might be, when life’s challenges are overwhelming, we may feel confused, lost, or stuck about managing our lives. Those are the times that demand support and fresh perspectives. Believing in each person’s self-healing power to make positive changes and growth, Melek strives to establish a collaborative therapeutic relationship with her clients. She believes that recognizing the unwanted fears, beliefs, and thoughts that control our lives is essential in changing how we do things and see our world. Accordingly, she utilizes Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy integrating with other modalities in her treatments.
N.J. Lic. 37AC00609600
Julie Attalla, L.A.C.
Julie Attalla is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor practicing in New Jersey. She earned a Bachelors in Philosophy at Stockton University and a Master’s of Science in Professional Counseling from Monmouth University. Julie also has almost a decade of experience in substance abuse counseling and dual diagnosis. She has extensive experience in how to change both addictions to substances and addictions to deeply ingrained behaviors and thought patterns. Her more recent experience has expanded to include working with depression, anxiety, and mood disorders in both adults and adolescents. Julie offers trauma-informed care and incorporates mind/body connection in her work, acquired through almost two decades of teaching yoga and meditation.
“We see that everything in nature called destruction, must be creation.”-John Muir
N.J. Lic. 37AC00706100