About
Michelle Lodato, LCSW
Founder of Essex Counseling Center.
Michelle has over 17 years of experience working with children, teens, and adults, offering individual, couples, and family counseling. She provides both in-person and telehealth services from her Short Hills, NJ office.
Her approach draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play therapy for younger clients, and family systems theory, customizing treatment to help each client heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths in a supportive, therapeutic relationship.
Areas of focus
Primary specialties:
AnxietyDepressionRelationship issues
Also experienced with:
ADHDAnger managementBehavioral issuesBipolar disorderCoping skillsDivorceFamily conflictLife coachingLife transitionsMood disordersParentingPeer relationshipsSchool issuesSelf-esteemWomen's issuesLGBTQ+ allied
Who she works with
Children, teens, and adults are all welcome. Children from age 6 and up work through play therapy, while teenagers and adults use evidence-based talk-therapy approaches.