Kaitlin Vanderhoff

I am an LCSW with 7 years of post-graduate training in psychoanalysis and related techniques. What drew me to become a therapist is a love of learning and the belief that the greatest gift you can give to another human being is the gift of emotional health and freedom.

For those who know me personally, a love of learning is something that has kept me on a positive and fulfilled path since I was young. Growing up in New Jersey as a particularly sensitive and empathic child, the world often felt like a scary place full of unknowns, uncontrollable things, and threats. The struggle of anxiety, fear, and doubt walked with me as it does for many others. Learning was one thing that helped me feel more grounded and in control. It served as a great resource, among other things, to support me in my emotional journey. Further, it helps and continues to serve me in becoming a more competent and complete therapist today. Learning and understanding the struggles of myself and my clients is something that sparks joy within me each day and continues to keep my path feeling fulfilled and positive.

The idea of “the gift of emotional health and freedom” has also been incredibly inspiring to me in my career. This is because a life that is full of emotional roller coasters, poor decisions, and relationship failures can make you feel as though you’re trapped in a cage. The snowball effect is all too real.  One negative event can spark an avalanche of self-deprecating feelings. While the road may seem dark there is a path out. The two most important factors are willingness and a supportive therapist. A supportive therapist can serve as a guide on the journey from who you are to who you want to be. When working with clients I use various techniques. 

Some clients respond to alternative techniques such as spirituality while others prefer traditional therapeutic techniques. Some prefer a combination of both. My work with my clients has shown me that there is not a one size fits all approach. I tailor my work with clients to fit what their needs are, and more importantly, who they are. While my approach varies from client to client, my focus is always on helping my clients regain control of their emotional lives and creating a new path for them to move forward on.

Before becoming a therapist in New Jersey I obtained an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from Marist College and earned my masters in Social Work from New York University in 2015. At New York University I participated in the “Working With Adolescents in Schools” speciality track and have also earned my School Social Worker Certificate in 2015. I have attended a psychoanalytic institute in New Jersey in order to continue my education post-graduation and have become certified in Heart-Centered-Hypnotherapy. Further, I have attended various training and seminars covering various modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness Based practices and more. 

If you are looking for a therapist in New Jersey call today and be sure to view my blog here for more daily tips and insight on achieving emotional health. You can also find me on Youtube here.