My Approach to Helping
Daniel C. Linehan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is certified in both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Dan has experience as a therapist with both adolescent and adult clients, as well as experience with family and couples counseling. He has worked with clinical issues such as eating disorders, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, OCD, anger management, and Borderline Personality Disorder. Although Dan was originally trained in family therapy, he has found that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is most effective -- whether it be with individuals, couples, or even families. Many therapists will claim they are "Cognitive Therapists", but few are actually certified in CBT. Dan has been certified in CBT and REBT since 2009. The age range of Dan's clients is 12-60 years old, though because of Dan's ability to engage with young adults, his clients are typically in the 18-30 year old range. Dan continues to assist families in his practice, however, the population he has had the most success with are what Dan refers to as the "Failure to Launch" clients. These are adults, legally speaking, but behave in ways much more adolescent and have difficulties transitioning into the "real world". These young adults are typically in the 21-30 age range and are often struggling to make the next step -- whether it be a job after college or moving out on their own and living independently. Often the family is encouraged to be a part of facilitating change, since they are sometimes part of the problem in terms of enabling this behavior. Dan has been successful in teaching parents how to do their part in motivating and facilitating their child's independence. With a direct and interactive style, Dan does not just sit back and nod his head. He challenges clients; achieving positive results. Dan doesn't believe in being in therapy forever, but rather offering the support and skills needed for clients to cope and thrive on their own.
More Info About My Practice
Although I am not in-network with any insurance companies, I am an authorized out-of-network provider for all major insurances in NJ. What this means is, depending on your plan, I can bill insurance for you and you will only have a co-pay each session. Please contact me for more details and specific questions about your plan. Thanks.
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
"Should's" as I call them. You will never see the word "should" the same after beginning therapy at my practice. The idea is we all, including myself, demand things that in reality don't exist. For example, "He should have texted me back last night". The problem is...he didn't text you back! So essentially you are demanding something that is not in reality.
My View on the Purpose of Psychotherapy
To grow
What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist
When I see the light bulb go off! It's the moment I know the client has bought into the philosophy I am teaching them but of course there is the bittersweet part of knowing they will be coming less and eventually not at all. But overall its much better to see them change in such a positive way, that's what its all about. I care about my clients, that's why I am on-call and don't charge as they can text me and say they need to talk.
What I Usually Need to Know to Help
If they are truly willing to give up the beliefs that have brought them to where they are.
On the Fence About Going to Therapy?
I do a free consultation to those unsure about therapy, via phone or in office. What's the worse that can happen?
Had a Negative Therapy Experience?
Finding the right therapist is like buying a car, or maybe even more like a house. It's not about simply the fanciest, biggest, and most expensive house you can afford, as is finding a therapist. It has to be a good fit. I tend to fit well with those looking for accountability and someone who is active-directive which is the opposite of simply nodding your head. I tell it like it is.
How My Own Struggles Made Me a Better Therapist
Absolutely! My favorite supervisor use to say, "we're all in this field for a reason". It is very true, and unfortunately I hear about a lot of therapists presenting to clients as if they are above them for some reason. i am far from one of those, and I constantly remind my clients that we all are "crazy" in some way and do foolish things as well as engage in self-defeating behavior. A huge part of my practice is becoming accepting of that concept which often carries a stoma of shame.