Dario Rodriguez

I completed my undergraduate degree at The College of New Jersey. I obtained a Master of Arts from Rider University which is a CACREP-accredited program. I initiated my career in a hospital setting. I worked in this setting for twelve years performing diverse roles; as a Mental Health Counselor, Emergency Psychiatric Screener, and Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I gained firsthand experience managing acute psychiatric crises, de-escalating tense situations, and treating addiction across various acuity levels.

I transitioned to a full-time role at the New Jersey Department of Health as a Substance Abuse Counselor. I have also worked as independent contractor with the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission at their residential facilities. I am currently working for a community agency providing services to children and their families.

My approach to therapy is eclectic. I mainly use a combination of person-centered and cognitive behavioral approaches. I believe also that the motivational interviewing style also helps to work with clients in clearly identifying their goals and objectives and to increase their empowerment motivation to accomplish those goals and objectives.

During the first session, I expect clients to state as clearly as possible how they are expecting to be helped and to ask questions about my ability to help them.