About Astrid Christiansen BSW, MSW, LCSW

 I received my bachelors and masters degrees in social work, the field in which I have dedicated over 25 years to program development, advocacy, and counseling.  I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and I have provided mental health and support to adults and children living in shelter and transitional housing settings, juvenile justice involved youth and young adults, as well as children and their families in their homes and communities through the NJ Children's System of Care.

My style of therapy is informal, compassionate, and responsive to each person’s unique needs. Using a variety of evidence-based techniques, I will help you connect to existing strengths and develop additional resources that support progress toward the changes you wish to make.  With warmth, compassion, and sometimes laughter, I support clients in exploring their emotions and setting goals using a strengths based and collaborative approach.

I ensure that clients feel cared for and supported as they work through managing life events causing distress, and I enjoy helping individuals find their creative outlets. My specialty is supporting teens and young adults transitioning into adulthood as they gain their independence with a focus on identity conflicts, communication skills, social skills, anger management, and life skills. I am also experienced in working with adults navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma and negative thought patterns as they seek to work through the events causing distress, interfering with the ability to truly enjoy life’s gifts.

I want you to feel safe, seen, heard, and empowered as you move through the natural process of finding meaning, healing, and hope, learning to thrive, not just survive.

  "We don't even know how strong we are until we are forced to bring that hidden strength forward." – Isabel Allende