WHO WE ARE

Psychotherapist, Founder , CEO | Colts Neck

Dr. Dana Spada is a distinguished and highly accomplished psychotherapist and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience. She is the owner of Dr. Dana Spada Psychotherapy, a private practice located in Colts Neck, New Jersey. Additionally, she is the founder and owner of LEAF by Dr. Dana Spada Psychotherapy, with locations in Little Silver, Sea Girt, and Hazlet, New Jersey.

Dr. Spada’s therapeutic approach is rooted in a deep understanding of her clients' conscious and unconscious needs and desires. She takes the time to carefully assess, guide, and collaborate with her clients to define their therapeutic journey. Her practice focuses on helping clients explore their unconscious worlds, where their drives and behaviors originate, enabling profound insights and healing.

Central to Dr. Spada’s work is her belief in the transformative power of the therapeutic relationship. She emphasizes that the bond between therapist and client serves as the foundation and vehicle for meaningful and lasting change. Through a relationship built on trust, empathy, and genuine connection, Dr. Spada helps clients feel supported and understood, creating a safe space where deep exploration and growth can occur.

Dr. Spada views psychological and physical symptoms as unconscious defense mechanisms designed to shield individuals from facing painful emotions. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, addiction, OCD, disordered eating, or physical pain are often manifestations of repressed emotional pain. These symptoms serve as psychological tools, preventing unconscious emotions from surfacing—a phenomenon known as psychosomatic response.

In her work, Dr. Spada helps clients address and resolve the deeply buried emotions that create these symptoms. She guides them in accessing their unconscious minds to understand the root causes of their behaviors and emotional responses. This process of self-awareness and connection leads to healing and the alleviation of symptoms.

Dr. Spada fosters a warm, compassionate, and authentic environment where clients feel safe to express their unfiltered selves. Her empathetic approach allows clients to delve into their unconscious minds, sparking insights and fostering deeper self-awareness. This understanding empowers clients to break free from habitual patterns, reshape their emotional balance, and align their lives with their personal goals.

Her philosophy emphasizes the importance of the relationship one has with oneself, as this foundational connection shapes how individuals perceive and experience the world. Through self-love, compassion, and healing, Dr. Spada helps clients create a more liberated and fulfilling existence.

Dr. Spada brings an intentional, focused, and deeply healing presence to her practice. She values the privilege of accompanying her clients on their journeys of self-discovery and finds great joy in witnessing the transformative growth that unfolds.

Dr. Spada holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Stony Brook University and a Ph.D. in Social Work from Adelphi University. She is also trained as a 

Gestalt Psychotherapist.

To connect with Dr. Spada, you can reach her by phone or text at 516.236.9401, or via 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