Family therapy and counseling in Jersey City, NJ

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor and the owner of Transformative Journey Counseling, LLC. I hold a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Springfield College and a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from Saint Joseph’s University. I also earned my Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from The Pennsylvania State University.

I specialize in helping adults navigate anxiety, stress, trauma, and adjustment-related challenges. My work focuses on empowering clients to gain insight, build resilience, and find healthy ways to cope and grow through life’s transitions.

I am a Psychotherapist and Psychoanalyst with over 30 years of clinical, supervisory and administrative experience, licensed in the states of NY and NJ. I graduated from NYU School of Social Work with Master's Degree in Social Work, and NJ Institute for Psychoanalytic Studies with PsyA Degree. I provide individual therapy to adults and seniors, as well as I do consultations, coaching and clinical supervision.

I believe therapy works best when it feels like a genuine partnership. You can expect me to bring warmth, curiosity, and clear feedback to our work together. I’m not afraid to gently challenge patterns that may be holding you back, but always from a place of empathy and respect. My goal is to help you understand yourself more deeply and build the emotional skills needed to feel more grounded and in control of your life.

With 29 years of experience in the field, I remain deeply committed to helping individuals and families impacted by the far-reaching effects of mental illness and every day life stressors. I believe meaningful change begins when clients feel safe, seen, heard and supported. I create a nurturing, emotionally safe environment and emphasizes the importance of a strong therapeutic relationship as the foundation for healing. Known for my nonjudgmental, compassionate approach.

My work is collaborative and individualized, integrating evidence-based practices through a trauma-informed and attachment-based lens. I draw from cognitive-behavioral, strengths-based, and relational approaches while incorporating Sandplay Therapy, expressive and play-based techniques, mind-body practices, meditation, stress management, and psychoeducation. When clinically appropriate, these methods are thoughtfully blended into a comprehensive approach that supports healing, growth, and overall wellness.

I earned my undergraduate degree in Family Studies from the University of Maryland in 1998. After returning to New Jersey, I began working in community mental health while pursuing my Master of Social Work at Rutgers University, graduating magna cum laude in 2002. I completed three years of study and specialized training in Sandplay Therapy. I went on to provide intensive in-home family and individual therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and parents in crisis. After four years of postgraduate supervision and clinical work, I earned my Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential in 2008.

I continued to provide therapeutic services through New Jersey’s Children’s System of Care and I also worked in outpatient settings, supporting children, teens, adults, and parents.

I am a mental health counselor who graduated with my MSEd from St. John's University with my degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I incorporate various theories and view counseling as integrative and eclectic approach to best suit needs of patients. Several which I use include:CBT, REBT, CPT, Behavior Therapy & Mindfulness-based Interventions including: (DBT, MBCT, & MBSR). I also use Motivational Interviewing (MI), Gestalt, Existential, SFBT (Solution-Focused Brief Therapy) & others.

I'm a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LCADC), and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist with over 14 years of experience working in mental health and addiction treatment across northern New Jersey. I work with individuals and couples who feel overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or disconnected whether navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, relationship challenges, or major life transitions. I provide a grounded, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where clients can openly explore their experiences and begin to understand what may be getting in the way of living more fully.

I am a highly seasoned clinician with years of experience in both mental health care and substance use services. My professional journey began in the substance use field, sand a deep understanding of the co-occurring mental health challenges many individuals face.

My clinical experience includes providing outpatient individual therapy and supporting individuals experiencing acute psychosis in inpatient psychiatric settings. After gaining many years of clinical experience, I expanded into leadership roles, providing clinical supervision and program oversight while managing co-occurring programs across New Jersey. I am also passionate about building the next generation of clinicians and serve part-time as an adjunct professor. I earned my degrees from Rutgers University School of Social Work and Honors College, where I was a member of the Phi Alpha Honor Society and graduated summa cum laude.

I bring a diverse background and extensive knowledge to my clinical practice, having worked across a wide range of mental health and substance use settings. Over the years, I have gained experience with many different diagnoses, from anxiety and depression to trauma and co-occurring disorders. My expertise spans multiple evidence-based approaches, including ACT, CBT, DBT, SFT, trauma-informed care, person-centered therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and psychoanalytic techniques. This breadth allows me to tailor treatment to each individual’s unique needs, strengths, and goals, ensuring a personalized, effective, and compassionate approach to care.

Hi, I’m Lexi, also known as That Therapy Girl. I graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and went on to earn my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, with a focus on family systems.

When I’m not in the therapy room, I’m also a proud fur mom to two: a tabby cat and my Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

Debra McKinney-Hill is a seasoned mental health and addictions therapist with over 20 years of experience guiding individuals, couples, and families through the challenges of mental health and substance misuse. Her extensive background includes working with a wide range of issues, from anxiety and depression to complex addiction recovery, always with compassion and a solution-focused mindset.

Susan Goodwin is a highly qualified and experienced therapist holding licenses as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC). With a passion for helping individuals overcome mental health and substance use challenges, Susan brings a wealth of expertise to her practice.