Roberta Gelfand

Practical, compassionate therapy for life transitions

LCSW New Jersey

Experience: 5 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Parenting
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Roberta

Roberta Gelfand is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in New Jersey who helps people navigate stress, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, parenting challenges, grief, trauma, and other life transitions.

Background and approach

With five years of clinical practice, she uses a mix of evidence-informed methods to tailor care to each person’s needs and goals. Her work also addresses issues such as ADHD, bipolar mood concerns, intimacy and sexual health, eating and sleeping problems, compassion fatigue, and broader family dynamics.

Roberta’s style combines empathic, client-centered listening with clear, practical guidance. She draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alongside Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness approaches, motivational interviewing, and psychodynamic ideas to identify unhelpful thoughts and patterns while building new coping skills.

Sessions emphasize increased self-awareness, self-compassion, and actionable steps that move clients toward the life they want. Clients can expect collaborative goal-setting and individualized treatment plans that respect their unique history and values.

Roberta frames therapy as a partnership focused on realistic changes, and she supports clients through both everyday stressors and major life adjustments.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Roberta works with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns; CBT tends to be structured and skill-focused, useful for anxiety, depression, sleeping and eating issues, and coping with life changes. She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which encourages noticing thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them while clarifying values and committed action to support meaningful change.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful, and then adapt techniques over time so the approach fits each person’s needs and circumstances. This ongoing conversation helps shape a plan that balances insight, skills practice, and pragmatic steps.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to access consistent care from New Jersey without commuting, allowing work on skills, check-ins, and therapy homework in ways that fit daily life.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist commonly address?

She works with a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and parenting challenges, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating and sleeping problems, anger, self-esteem, career concerns, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and compassion fatigue.

What therapeutic style and methods are used in sessions?

Her practice is empathic and client-centered while also being direct and practical. She integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness techniques, motivational interviewing, and psychodynamic ideas as appropriate.

How much clinical experience does the therapist have?

She has five years of experience providing psychotherapy and tailoring interventions to individual needs and goals.

What credentials and location are listed for this clinician?

The clinician is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New Jersey with license number NJ LCSW 44SC06057500.

Which languages are available and are international clients accepted?

Sessions are offered in English, and she is not accepting international clients at this time.

What session formats are available for working together?

Clients can choose video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on what works best for their schedule and preferences.

How is cost handled for therapy with this provider?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin therapy?

To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepression Coping with life changes

Also works with

LGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse GriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCompassion fatigue ADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationEating and food-related issuesFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shame Isolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacks Phobias Post-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSelf-loveSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

5+ years

Licensed

New Jersey

Languages

English