PuttingFamilyFirst

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RG Portrait of Roberta Gelfand
Online therapist

Roberta Gelfand

Calm, practical support for life changes

Credentials
LCSW
Experience
5 years
Licensed in
New Jersey
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Roberta

Roberta Gelfand is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in New Jersey who helps people handle stress, anxiety, depression, parenting concerns, relationship problems, and big life changes. She also supports those coping with trauma, grief, eating or sleeping difficulties, ADHD, and a variety of other challenges. Conversations are straightforward and compassionate.

Sessions aim to make small, useful changes that fit daily life. Roberta keeps her approach practical and warm.

Background and approach

She listens without judgment and asks direct questions to clarify what matters most. She draws on methods like cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness to help people notice unhelpful patterns and try new responses. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and motivational interviewing also appear in her work when they fit a person’s goals.

With five years of clinical experience, Roberta mixes techniques to match each person’s needs. She and the client set clear goals and track progress together. Sessions often focus on shifting thoughts and behaviors that block change and building self-compassion along the way.

Roberta works with a wide range of life concerns including family-related issues, attachment and abandonment themes, caregiver stress, divorce and blended family challenges, and career or identity questions. She pays attention to how past experiences shape current reactions and helps clients practice new ways of coping. Her style is mindful, empathic, and client-centered while remaining practical and solution-oriented.

People meet Roberta where they are and leave with concrete strategies to try between sessions.

Therapeutic approaches and online sessions that fit your life

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages people to accept difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions that match their values. It can help when worry or avoidance get in the way of living the life you want. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on spotting unhelpful thinking and testing new behaviors to reduce symptoms like anxiety or low mood. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and improve emotional balance.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Roberta will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped before. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust the plan as progress is made, keeping the client’s priorities central.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to meet through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, follow up between appointments, and use short check-ins when needed. Licensed professionals can tailor exercises and tools to each format so practical skills and goal tracking continue between meetings.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Less about arguing with difficult thoughts, more about loosening their grip and acting on what matters to you anyway. Values and committed action carry the work, which suits conversation at a distance.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Frequently asked questions

What issues does Roberta address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, parenting and relationship problems, trauma and grief, eating and sleeping concerns, ADHD, and many related life challenges.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her approach is empathic and client-centered but also direct. Sessions focus on clear goals, practical skills, and building self-compassion.
What is her professional background?
Roberta has five years of clinical experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker using a mix of therapeutic methods to meet each person’s needs.
Where is she licensed and practicing?
She is licensed in New Jersey as an LCSW with license number NJ LCSW 44SC06057500.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What formats do sessions use?
Roberta offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging as session formats.
How does pricing work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and uses a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to the therapist’s availability.

Next step

Talk to Roberta

  • Takes a few minutes
  • Nothing to set up just to look
  • Stop at any point