Dr Amanda Aster-McKenna
Licensed Psychologist
“A Compassionate Approach to Mental Health. Private, Affordable, Convenient. Evidence-Based Treatment. Telehealth options available.”
About Me
Approach
Improvement is possible with patience, self-compassion and a commitment to doing the work of better understanding thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I am dedicated to providing a trusting and creative space where the mind, body and heart can travel on a path of healing and growth.
Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.
Services
I am a licensed psychologist specializing in the treatment of adults suffering from anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, & substance abuse difficulties. I work from an evidence-based framework with emphasis on mindfulness practice, acceptance of difficult internal experiences, and valued-based living to increase quality of life. This approach to treatment is known as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT proposes that painful human experiences and life's struggles are all inevitable, and teaches how to learn acceptance of inevitable human difficulties and continuing to live a rich and meaningful life.
Services Offered:
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Mindfulness
The practice of paying deliberate attention to the present moment without judgement, used to reduce stress and increase awareness of automatic reactions.
Learn more about Mindfulness - •
Psych & Diagnostic Assessment
Formal psychological testing to identify conditions, understand cognitive and emotional functioning, and guide treatment planning.
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Individual Therapy
One-on-one therapy sessions between a client and a therapist, focused on that person's specific concerns and goals.
Learn more about Individual Therapy
Works With:
- •Adults
- •Individuals
Area of Expertise
Scope of Practice:
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Abuse
Emotional, physical, or sexual mistreatment by another person that causes lasting psychological harm and disrupts a person's sense of safety.
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Addiction
A compulsive dependence on a substance or behaviour, such as alcohol, drugs, or gambling, that causes harmful consequences to health, relationships, or daily life.
Learn more about Addiction - •
Life Transitions
Major life changes, such as relocation, retirement, parenthood, or career shifts, that disrupt routine and require psychological adjustment.
Learn more about Life Transitions - •
Anxiety
Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.
Learn more about Anxiety - •
Grief & Loss
The emotional, physical, and psychological response to the death of a loved one or another significant loss.
Learn more about Grief & Loss - •
Mood Disorder
A category of mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder, in which a person's emotional state is significantly and persistently disrupted.
Learn more about Mood Disorder - •
Personal Development
The ongoing process of self-awareness, self-improvement, and reaching one's potential, pursued not because something is wrong but to live more fully.
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PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a condition that develops after a traumatic event, causing flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness.
Learn more about PTSD - •
Trauma
The lasting psychological impact of deeply distressing events, such as violence, abuse, accidents, or disasters, that overwhelm a person's ability to cope.
Learn more about Trauma - •
Young Adult Issues
The unique psychological challenges of emerging adulthood (18–25), including identity formation, independence, relationship navigation, and finding direction.
Learn more about Young Adult Issues
Professional Title:
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Licensed Psychologist
A psychologist licensed to independently assess, diagnose, and treat psychological conditions.
Qualifications
Kean University
Registrations
American Psychological Association; State Board of Psychological Examiners Of New Jersey
Psychologist