Hello. I'm Dayna Stein and I'm not your typical therapist. Counseling for me is a second career, or more accurately my third or fourth (my life hasn't exactly gone the way I planned it). I dabbled in law, public relations/journalism and then taught middle school Language Arts for 15 years. I’ve always been inclined to help people, but it took me a long while to figure out the best path for me and to understand that we don’t always have to have everything in our lives all figured out. What caused me to become a licensed clinical social worker was going to counseling myself and experiencing the powerful impact therapy can have on one’s life. Although I've earned several degrees, certifications and licenses, those aren't what make me a really good therapist. I’m a good licensed clinical therapist because I’m…
warm, friendly, and empathetic
focused on problem-solving
not too touchy-feely or full of constant talk about your childhood
more about taking action than talking things to death
someone who works in a style that is conversational, but also direct and goal focused
My mission is to guide, support, and encourage people who are having difficulty with the traumas and dramas of life, but who hold out hope for a better way and a better day.
Areas of Expertise
Trauma in Teens and Adults (Witness to Violence, Loss, Divorce, Bullying, Accidents, Abuse, etc.) - using Trauma Focused - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - TF-CBT and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).
Teen and Adult Stress, Decision Making, Perfectionism
Treatment Modalities I use more than one approach of psychotherapy, blending elements from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy and tailor my treatment according to each client's needs.
Education & Credentials
Monmouth University, Master of Social Work, Clinical Practice with Families and Children
New School University, Master of Science in Teaching
Boston University, Bachelor of Science in Communications
State of New Jersey Licensed Clinical Social Worker # 37PC00499200
National Association of Social Workers, member
Trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) by Medical University of South Carolina - National Crime Victims Research & Treatment Center
Trained and certified in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Hypnosis for Fatigue (CBTH-F) by Integrative Behavioral Medicine Program at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York
Trained and certified in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) by Rowan University CARES Institute
Professional Clinical Experience
New Hope Integrated Behavioral Health, Adolescent Unit, Marlboro, NJ
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton, Family Growth and Monmouth Counseling programs, Red Bank & Freehold, NJ
Jewish Family and Children's Services of Monmouth County, Asbury Park & Morganville, NJ
I'm also a mother, wife, educator, world-traveler and movie fan who grew up in Monmouth County. Since 2014, I’ve helped clients of all ages cope with trauma events, reduce anxiety, minimize anger, improve relationships, lessen depression, and learn how to have the lives they really want. Contact me today to see how I can help you do the same. For a free 15 minute consultation: 908-907-3636 or fill out the form below: