Carlee Bellapigna

Carlee is a Licensed Associate Counselor working under supervision towards her license in professional counseling. She earned her Master of Arts in Counseling at Stockton University, where she also obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Concentration in Mental Health. She completed her internship with Mindful Soul and gained experience working with children, adolescents, and adults of various backgrounds providing counseling in areas of anxiety, depression/mood disorders, trauma, low self-esteem, disordered eating issues, and relational/interpersonal struggles.

Carlee’s approach to therapy is Person-Centered and Humanistic to ensure clients feel seen, heard, and accepted as they are. She believes that developing a therapeutic relationship built on trust, safety, and openness is essential. She tailors her approach to each unique individual and incorporates elements from various therapeutic approaches such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness. In her work with clients, Carlee emphasizes healthy boundaries as a form of self-love and mindful self-compassion as a way to help clients navigate struggles or stressors, and guide them to greater insight, personal exploration, and growth. She enjoys using humor, metaphors, and visuals to help her clients apply therapeutic concepts to their lives in a way that most resonates with them.

Carlee understands the internal struggle of ‘perfectionists’, overthinkers, high achievers, and caregivers.  Often, these clients may find themselves stuck in patterns of self-criticism and low self-worth, all while carrying the mental and emotional load in many of their relationships, at work, and at home. Carlee has a special interest in supporting clients in unpacking the origins of these deep-seated self-concepts as well as accessing greater insight into the ‘Why’ of various habits and behaviors. Through a parts-work lens, Carlee guides clients to restore their relationships with themselves, while gaining clearer understanding of the root of their struggles.

Honoring our humanity, Carlee recognizes that healing is not a linear process, and that no two mental health journeys are exactly alike! No matter where they are on the journey, Carlee meets clients exactly where and as they are and provides a nourishing therapeutic atmosphere.  Carlee collaborates with her clients to help them develop a greater understanding and appreciation for themselves, identify their personal strengths, and support them as they work towards expanding their tools.

In her free time, Carlee enjoys spending quality time with her favorite humans, being in the sunshine, traveling to new places, exploring bookstores, and watching Netflix documentaries. She also has a love for reading, taking mindful walks, and creating art when she can!