NGPCS

Whether you’re looking for yourself, your child or another family member, finding the right therapist is crucial for a successful therapeutic relationship. The following may help decipher the professional labels of our therapists: 

Ph.D. and Ed.D: These professionals have obtained a doctoral degree. They have studied the human mind and behavior. They may be able to perform psychological testing.  Psychologists are not licensed to provide medication, however they can refer you to a psychiatrist if necessary. 

LPCC: The Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor is required by the state licensure agency to have a master’s degree in counseling in addition to 3000 hours of post degree experience.  They have the ability to treat mental and emotional disorders. 

LISW: The Licensed Independent Social Worker has obtained a master’s degree and has 2 years of supervised work in mental health. Their goal is to help clients solve personal and family problems, along with increasing personal growth, and treating emotional challenges.

 Our seasoned professionals have the experience to treat a wide range of issues, including aging, anxiety, depression, self esteem, coping with medical problems, panic disorders, relationship issues and family and marital issues. Each therapist brings their personal style to the session and will direct your therapy with your issues and goals in mind. 

While you choose a therapist the same way you choose any other health professional, here are a few guidelines to consider:

• Does the therapist provide a safe environment, personally and emotionally?
• Does the therapist have the expertise to help with my concerns?
• Does the therapist offer suggestions on how my life can be happier?
• Is the therapist covered by my insurance or can I manage the cost of private pay?

There may be situations when we are unable to meet your needs, either due to scheduling conflicts, or because we do not treat your particular concern.  We may be able to offer suggestions for referrals.

Dr. Meisterman returned to school after ten years as a licensed independent social worker to become a psychologist expanding her knowledge in mind/body/spirit connection. Dr. Meisterman specializes in helping parents, adults and couples maintain emotional health.  She uses holistic approaches along with cognitive-behavioral therapy and Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), when appropriate, to help decrease symptoms related to depression, anxiety, trauma, and spiritual concerns.  Therapeutic art, guided imagery, meditation, and relaxation techniques are sometimes added to talk therapy.  Dr. Meisterman has a gentle approach. 

Arline Iannicello, M.A., L.P.C.C.

Ms. Iannicello is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and earned an M.A. in Psychology from the New School of Social Research in New York City.  Her previous work includes positions as the Director of The Bridge Foundation’s Center for the Treatment of Eating Disorders and National Anorexic Aid Society, Director of Harding Hospital’s Intensive Outpatient Eating Disorders Program, and Coordinator of the Reynoldsburg Alcohol and Drug program.  At the Pederson Krag Mental Health Clinic in Huntington, NY, she was the facilitator of support groups in addition to providing in vivo therapy with phobia patients. She uses a variety of techniques during treatment including cognitive behavioral therapy and behavior modification.  She has experience in clinical settings working with individuals with phobias, addictions, eating disorders, depression, identity issues, domestic violence and physical abuse issues, marital and family issues, terminal illness, mood disorders, anxiety, and grief.  Ms. Iannicello works with people to help them achieve their goals and tries to incorporate their beliefs into the therapy.  

Rona Rosen, M.A.,L.I.S.W.-S

As a Licensed Independent Social Worker, Rona Rosen draws on her creative roots to help individuals through challenging life events and transitions.  Rona is a highly experienced therapist who provides a safe, caring, supportive environment in which to share our story and to explore and develop more fulfilling life skills.
For some, understanding our past is important to resolving negative beliefs which have impacted our confidence or relationships.  For others, learning to alter negative thinking or behaviors is of primary importance to improving our quality of life.
In a gentle and effective manner, Rona employs a cognitive-behavioral approach grounded in developmental understanding and astute empathic skills.  

Her areas of speciality include:

*Depression/Bipolar

*Anxiety (generalized, panic and social anxiety)

*Improving relationship communication/resolving relationship conflict

*Grief and dealing with loss due to divorce, relationship or life transitions

*Improving parent-child communication

*Self-esteem growth

Judith Spater, M.Ed., L.P.C.C.

Ms. Spater is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, beginning her career in the mental health field in 1973.  She has worked in both the public and private sectors and also has a background in medical massage therapy.  Judith has developed a comprehensive approach that focuses on the strengths of adolescents, adults, and couples.  She provides guidance in learning effective and healthy interactive problem solving skills and relaxation techniques.  The individual's life style, values, and goals are explored with the aim of achieving optimum health and well-being while addressing the presenting problem. 

M. Christine Tuck, M.A., L.P.C.C.

Ms. Tuck is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.  Christine takes a holistic approach in the treatment of individuals, to help them move from surviving into thriving.  Christine uses a variety of therapy methods, including cognitive-behavior therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).  The following is a list of areas she specializes in:       

• Divorce

• Anxiety, PTSD

• Depression

• Victims of Abuse (physical, verbal, emotional, sexual)

• Cultic Abuse-She previously held the position of Co-director dealing with cultic abuse issues in WA State.                   

Carl Grody, M.A., L.I.S.W.-S

Crystal LaPidus-Mann, M.A., L.I.S.W.-S

Crystal is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with 17 years experience in mental health.  She is a warm, compassionate, and dedicated clinician.  Crystal places emphasis on creating a trusting therapeutic environment, in which she collaborates with clients to individualize treatment plans.  Crystal is trained and adept in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness and Family Systems.  She uses psychoeducation, humor, creative assignments, and narratives to aid her clients.

Crystal treats a variety of issues including depressive and anxiety disorders, transitions, gender and sexual orientation, relationships, ADHD, and Spectrum Disorders.  She has advanced training and experience in trauma, loss and grief, and eating disorders.

Crystal is a graduate of The Ohio State University. 

Stacie Thaxton, M.Ed., L.P.C.C.

“I think I have always been a natural listener. I can remember this intuitively guiding me in my earliest relationships and it continues to remain one of the most important ways I engage with others. When my friends and colleagues responded to how they saw me, “good listener” was consistent. My trusted ones also describe me as authentic, nonjudgemental, positive, understanding, ethical, supportive, kind, and compassionate. My therapeutic practice is rooted in these qualities with a commitment to unconditional positive regard and a genuine respect for the strengths, knowledge, and experience each person brings to the therapeutic process.” 

Stacie specializes in trauma care. Her clients have particularly benefitted from her training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (popularly known as EMDR). Originally developed to treat trauma, it is also effective in treating depression, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, and negative self-beliefs.

Stacie has 20+ years experience in behavioral health treating a variety of issues including trauma, substance use disorders, depression and mood disorders, anxiety, self-esteem, grief and loss, and life adjustments.

 Stacie’s educational background includes a M.Ed in Community Counseling from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and a B.A. in Sociology from the College of Charleston.