WHO WE ARE

Psychotherapist | Colts Neck

Founder, CEO

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.

She is deeply committed to working with couples and individual family members. Her marriage counseling has been remarkably successful, helping entire families heal and thrive.

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 | Sea Girt

Practice Director

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 at  732-947-4777

Email: KWilliams@LeafPsych.com

Psychotherapist | Little Silver

Brand Development Specialist 

Rebecca is an authentic and dedicated psychotherapist committed to fostering a supportive environment where clients feel genuinely heard and valued. She prioritizes building trust and creating a safe space for self-expression where clients can share openly without fear of judgment. Rebecca is passionate about her work and dedicated to providing exceptional client services. She understands that healing is a journey and offers a genuine approach to supporting her clients.

With experience working with young adults, adults, and older adults from diverse cultural backgrounds, Rebecca has facilitated individual and group psychotherapy sessions across various levels of care, including outpatient and partial hospitalization programs. Her expertise encompasses post-traumatic stress disorder, complex trauma, stress-related trauma disorders, borderline personality disorder, and substance use disorders.

Rebecca utilizes a psychodynamic and person-centered approach to gain a deeper understanding of her clients' experiences. She integrates holistic methods, such as mindfulness-based relaxation, stress-reducing techniques, and Reiki healing, to help clients feel more balanced and empowered on their journey to healing. 

Rebecca is certified in Reiki and incorporates this gentle, energy-based practice to support her clients' overall well-being. She looks forward to supporting you on your path to wellness!

She holds a BA in Psychology and a BS in Health Behavioral Science with a minor in Disability Studies from the University of Delaware, followed by an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Drug and Alcohol Counseling from Monmouth University.

Reach out to Rebecca at  732-947-4777

Email: RMeehan@LeafPsych.com

Psychotherapist | Hazlet

Internship Coordinator

Holly Robichaux, MSW, LSW, is a seasoned psychotherapist with over two decades of experience in the field. Holly’s therapeutic approach is rooted in psychodynamic theory, which helps uncover underlying trauma and toxic relationship patterns. She is dedicated to empowering clients to become “cycle breakers” by addressing key issues such as low self-esteem, people-pleasing, communication struggles, and the establishment of healthy boundaries. Holly also helps clients work through feelings of guilt and shame within family and relationship contexts, including couples and parenting dynamics.

Working primarily with adults and teens, Holly incorporates self-awareness and mindfulness techniques into her practice, helping clients develop greater insight into their emotional needs. She uses motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address behavioral patterns and guide clients toward personal growth. 

In addition to her individual work, Holly also works with couples and families, helping them build stronger, healthier relationships. Her trauma-informed approach is compassionate, aiming to foster lasting change and emotional well-being for every client she serves.

Holly’s background includes over 10 years of service with the New Jersey Division of Children and Families, where she gained extensive experience working with generational trauma.

She holds a Master of Social Work degree from Rutgers University-New Brunswick, and a Bachelor of Science from Nicholls State University, where she specialized in Child & Family Social Services with a focus on Addictive Behaviors.

Reach out to book an appointment today: 

Phone: 732-947-4777   Email: info@LeafPsych.com