Hello! My name is Robert Maruca, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey. I believe that therapy is an artform. It is fueled by knowledge. However, it is more than just understanding clinical knowledge...it's how you apply it. How can you get your clients of all different levels to comprehend it? To do this, I use visuals on a whiteboard, YouTube videos, and stories to help drive the message. I do this in a way that is personalized to each client.
My models can vary depending on the presenting problem. While I believe in a person-centered approach, I also incorporate systems thinking ... that is making sense of the world or an issue an individual is experiencing in terms of the whole, for example, relationships and/or the dynamic of the relational environment. “The interconnectedness we all have is such an important component.” Other people in my clients’ lives play an important role.
I view the first session as an open discussion. We go through the "circle of life" at a pace and depth that the client is comfortable with. From there, I really get a sense of what needs to be done from there. It is a collaborative process fueled by my skillset and experiences but also the willingness and motivation for treatment by the client.
