Our therapists

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.

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 book an appointment today: 

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

Psychotherapist | Hazlet

Megan is an empathetic, compassionate, flexible, and supportive psychotherapist. She believes in cultivating an open and safe environment for her clients to express themselves. Megan has always believed in the importance and benefits of therapy as we continue to grow as individuals. She understands each therapeutic path is individualized and is respectful of her each of her client’s journey's. 

Her mission is to create a welcoming and non-judgmental atmosphere for her clients to address identified challenges while recognizing their strengths. Megan utilizes a person-centered and strengths-based approach, focusing on the individual and their goals. Megan incorporates motivational interviewing, mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral strategies into sessions to assist her clients in meeting their goals and needs.

Megan has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families of various cultural backgrounds.

Megan graduated from Centenary College with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work before completing her Master’s degree in Social Work at Rutgers University. 

Reach out to book an appointment today: 

Phone: 732-947-4777   Email: info@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

Psychotherapist Trainee | Sea Girt 

Nikki’s calm and authentic energy creates a safe space for clients to come as they are without judgement. She is a strong advocate for normalizing and creating awareness surrounding mental wellness, believing that everyone can benefit from being truly heard.

With a client-centered focus, Nikki brings an eclectic perspective on her therapeutic approach, intuitively shifting to what resonates with the client. She believes therapy is a dedicated collaboration between client and therapist to explore and grow, helping others seek peace, and hone in their strengths and intuition.  

Although Nikki well-versed in trauma-informed practices, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MB-SR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and the expressive arts; Nikki believes creativity can be found in the therapeutic process. She carries an openness in session for clients to express what they need and brings the neuroscience of the mind/body connection into sessions when welcomed. 

Nikki works with age groups ranging from teenagers to adults, helping others navigate and process concerns of anxiety, depression, addiction, codependency, ADHD, PTSD, C-PTSD, and career counseling.

Nikki has a BA in communications from Stockton University. After traveling to over a dozen countries and living out of state, she left her job at the Perez Art Museum in Miami to pursue freelance writing. This career change eventually lead her to her original passion of helping others. After attending classes at Broward College for psychology, Nikki is now a clinical counseling graduate candidate at Kean University acquiring her hours for her LAC. 

Nikki is certified in Trauma-Informed CBT, trauma informed yoga practices, and in teaching mindfulness. She is a published writer and continues to write poetry for herself and others. Nikki is a philanthropist and supporter of creating awareness around self-harm and suicide prevention

Reach out to book an appointment today: 

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

Psychotherapist | Sea Girt | Little Silver

Carly’s friends and family would describe her as someone who has a sincere passion for helping others. With this passion, she creates a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment for clients to navigate life’s ups and downs.

Every session, Carly works alongside her clients to support them in their life’s desires and reaching their fullest potential. Carly emphasizes the importance of a strong sense of self and being comfortable and confident in who you are. Carly has experience working in an IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) with children, adolescents, and families. She believes in the importance of building a child’s self-esteem and changing the language used around discussing children’s maladaptive behaviors. There is no “bad” kid — just one who needs to be heard and needs the confidence to make better choices. 

Although Carly’s expertise is with children and adolescents, she’s also works with adults through family and individual therapy. Carly believes in an eclectic approach to treating clients. That means therapy is never “one size fits all.” It often requires a holistic approach — one that taps into the mind and body. Carly can adapt to what her clients need and therefore utilizes a wide array of approaches. This includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic approach, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), strengths-based perspective, mindfulness and meditation, and more. 

Carly graduated from Elon University with a bachelor's degree in human services and completed her master's degree in social work with a Concentration in Clinical Practice with Children and Families from Monmouth University. Carly is also a certified school social worker. With Carly’s education and passion for helping others, she is eager and honored to be a part of her client's therapy experience! 

Reach out to book an appointment today: 

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