WHO WE ARE

Psychotherapist, Founder , CEO | Colts Neck

Dr. Spada is a distinguished psychotherapist and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience. She operates her own private practice in Colts Neck; Dr. Dana Spada Psychotherapy, in addition to her secondary practices, LEAF by Dr Dana Spada Psychotherapy located in Little Silver, Sea Girt and Hazlet New Jersey.  

Dr. Spada pays special attention to her clients conscious and unconscious needs and desires. She takes her time to carefully assess, guide, determine and define the work they will do together in therapy. Dr. Spada puts considerable energy into to helping her clients connect to their unconscious worlds, where their drives and behaviors germinate. 

Dr. Spada views psychological and physical symptomology as an unconscious form of self-preservation. A defense system that deliberately prevents and distracts painful emotions from surfacing. Symptoms (such as anxiety, depression, addiction, OCD, disordered eating, any kind of body pain or physical sickness) are repressed emotional pain that need to be expressed and therefore a symptom is unconsciously constructed in lieu of acquiescing the perceived emotional threat. Psychological and physical symptoms are induced by the brain to serve a psychological purpose; to prevent unconscious emotions from becoming conscious. This is referred to as psychosomatic phenomena.

 
Dr. Spada works with her clients at the deepest level to resolve and heal the painful emotions the psyche represses, so that symptoms can be alleviated. She teaches her clients how to access their unconscious worlds, where their drives and behaviors can be understood. This understanding leads to healing and symptom dissipation. 

Dr. Spada brings a gravitational energy to her practice that is compassionate, warm and authentic. She fosters an environment where her clients feel free to be their unfiltered selves, creating the opportunity to be fully seen, heard and understood. This leads to a special process that allows her clients to access their unconscious world. Learning about this unconscious world sparks deeper connections and awareness that leads to greater control and mobility in one’s life. 

Through understanding oneself, clients can connect with patterned states of mind and ways of being as habitual. Henceforth, reconstruct their emotional homeostasis in alignment with their goals. 

Through self-love, compassion and healing, a freer more fulfilling existence emerges.
Dr. Spada focuses’ on the relationship with oneself, as it is the most critical relationship in one’s lifetime. It is ultimately the projection of how one sees and experiences the world around them. 

Dr. Spada brings high presence, focus, intentionality and deep healing energy to her practice. She appreciates being with her clients on their journey to self-discovery and loves to be a part of the beautiful growth that inevitably ensues. 

Dr. Spada earned her master's degree in Social Work from the State University of New York, Stony Brook, and holds a Ph.D. in Social Work from Adelphi University.

To connect with Dr. Spada directly, reach out via phone or text at 516.236.9401 or email at DrDanaSpada@gmail.com

Psychotherapist, Clinical Operations Manager | Little Silver

Noel is an open, honest, highly supportive and understanding psychotherapist. She creates a warm and safe environment where her clients feel comfortable being their full selves. Using a psychodynamic approach, Noel leads her clients to spark connections between their past and present so that they can actualize their sense of control over their lives through increased awareness. She fosters a process that helps her clients restructure conscious and unconscious patterns of thinking and behavior. 

Noel works with children, adults and teens. She practices individual, couples and family counseling. Noel utilizes a highly individualized and tailored approach with each of her clients. Through evidenced based treatment such as EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, meditation and mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and strengths perspective, 

Noel propels her clients progress toward goals they set for themselves. Noel keeps her client’s goals, wants and needs at the forefront of the work. 

Graduating from Coastal Carolina University with an undergraduate degree in Sociology, track in Criminology and Master of Social Work degree from Ramapo College of New Jersey, Noel is a highly educated individual and esteemed clinician. 

Reach out to Noel directly via phone or text at  732-947-4447   Email nrapp@leafpsych.com

Psychotherapist, Team Lead | Sea Girt

Kate brings a wealth of experience and commitment to facilitate healing through trauma-informed care. Her professional journey is rooted in the belief that true well-being extends beyond traditional therapeutic modalities, emphasizing a holistic and integrative approach. One distinctive aspect of Kate’s therapeutic approach is the integration of somatic, body-based interventions. These interventions assist clients in learning how to connect their feelings to the sensations they experience in their bodies. Somatic therapies develop stronger self-awareness and coping skills to manage the challenges that come with life. This approach empowers clients to reconnect with their bodies, fostering resilience and promoting lasting healing.In addition to general therapeutic practices with adults, couples, and children, Kate specializes in maternal mental health. Here, she creates a safe space to help mothers navigate the complexities of infertility, pregnancy loss, pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum challenges, and the broader spectrum of maternal well-being. 

Kate integrates evidence-based therapies with a holistic approach, fostering healing and resilience in her clients as they embark on the transformative journey of motherhood.

Graduating with her undergraduate degree in Health Sciences from the University of Oklahoma and her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California, Kate is a collaborative and inclusive therapist.

Reach out to Kate directly via phone or text at  732-947-4117

Email: KWilliams@LeafPsych.com