We understand that seeking therapy is a personal journey, and the core mission of the Mood for Thought team is to create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space for your growth. Our diverse group of experienced clinicians, right here in Toms River, New Jersey, brings a range of specializations, ensuring we can match you with the right expertise for your specific needs.
We believe in a collaborative approach, working alongside you to develop personalized treatment plans that empower you with practical tools, deeper insight, and the confidence to cultivate a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Meet the team that cares.
Taking that brave first step towards therapy requires courage, and we deeply admire you for being here. As licensed therapists in New Jersey, we offer compassionate support for stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, and life changes, always treating you with respect and sensitivity.
Our primary therapeutic styles include:
- Motivational Interviewing: Fosters your inner drive for change.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Explores thoughts and feelings to shift patterns.
- Solutions-focused Counseling: Targets clear, achievable goals.
Justine provides compassionate, individualized counseling for adolescents, adults, and families, integrating her clinical expertise to support healing and personal growth. With a focus on generational trauma, family conflict, relationship issues, life transitions, and grief counseling, she helps clients navigate challenges, build resilience, and foster emotional well-being. Her tailored approach empowers individuals to break cycles, strengthen relationships, and create lasting transformation.
Experience
Justine is a licensed social worker and a Monmouth University graduate with a Master’s degree in social work. Over the past 10 years, she has experience supporting children, families, and individuals across a variety of settings and levels of need. Justine’s professional experience as a therapist includes conducting comprehensive assessments, identifying client strengths and areas of need, developing individualized treatment goals, and providing therapeutic support to promote improved functioning and quality of life. She has also worked with child protective and family-serving agencies, providing support and intervention to individuals experiencing crisis, and serving as a school counselor within a specialized private school setting for individuals with Autism. Her clinical approach is grounded in compassionate, client-centered care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a commitment to helping individuals and families achieve meaningful and sustainable outcomes.
Client Focus
Individuals (ages 10 and older), Couples and Families
Types of Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Cognitive Processing (CPT), Emotionally Focused, Family Systems Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), Motivational Interviewing, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered, Psychodynamic Therapy and Strengths-Based
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): Helping you process scary or traumatic experiences by identifying negative “stuck points” and developing safer, more balanced perspectives.
- Family Systems Therapy: Exploring the interconnected relationships and communication patterns within your family unit to foster balance, understanding, and shared healing.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Identifying repetitive cycles of conflict and learning to express core emotional needs to build deeper, secure connections with loved ones.
Issues / Specialties
Anxiety, depression, Autism, generational trauma, life transitions, family conflict, relationship issues and many more
More than just my work:
I’m basically a crafty little gym rat who can crochet a blanket, paint a masterpiece, redecorate a room, ride a horse, walk for miles, and somehow still find the energy to demolish an entire plate of pasta followed by a suspiciously large amount of tacos.
My favorite quote:
“Oh yes, the past can hurt. But… you can either run from it or learn from it.” -Rafiki from The Lion King.
Life doesn’t come with a roadmap, and facing challenges like anxiety, depression, or substance use can leave you feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and unsure of how to navigate forward alone.
Utilizing a deeply empathetic, client-centered approach, I tailor therapy to your unique experience by blending evidence-based practices like CBT, DBT, ACT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Care to fit your specific needs and goals.
Maggie strives to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where you feel heard and understood, empowering you to build resilience, develop practical coping strategies, and achieve meaningful, lasting change.
Experience
Margaret (Maggie) Fleming, MSW, LSW earned her Master of Social Work from Rutgers University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Rowan University. She has diverse clinical experience across various settings, working with clients facing anxiety, depression, Autism, PTSD, trauma, behavioral concerns, and substance and alcohol use disorders. Maggie is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), and was inducted into the Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work.
Client Focus
Children, Adolescents, Adults
Types of Therapy
Client-Centered Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Informed Care, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Mindfulness
Client-Centered Therapy: You take the driver’s seat in your growth, while a supportive helper listens without judgment to help you find your own way.
Strengths-Based Therapy: Focuses on your natural superpowers and talents to help you solve problems instead of focusing on what’s wrong.
Solution-Focused Therapy: Skips digging into past problems to focus entirely on building fast, practical steps to fix things today.
Mindfulness: Helps you hit the pause button and pay full attention to right now instead of worrying about the past or future.
Issues / Specialties
Anxiety, depression, Autism, PTSD, trauma, behavioral concerns, substance and alcohol use disorders
More than just my work:
○ I am a mom to three children.
○ I love all things related to Disney, but Tinkerbell is my favorite.
○ I was a dancer from elementary school through high-school and recently began taking dance classes again. I love music and movement and what they provide for the body and mind.
My favorite quote:
“One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.” -John F. Kennedy
What problem do you strive to overcome?
Like many of us, Weston understands that life can be challenging at times. He believes that throughout life, we as people experience a wide variety of thoughts, emotions, and experiences. While all of this is a very human experience, in our fast paced and every changing world, it is easy to become stressed, overwhelmed, and out of sync with those around us.
Recognizing that therapy is never “one size fits all”, he utilizes a holistic approach throughout the therapeutic process to accommodate each client’s unique experience, needs, and goals for therapy. Through collaboration in therapy, Weston works to create a space where clients feel comfortable being their true authentic selves.
Experience:
Weston is a Licensed Counselor and Seton Hall University graduate with a Master’s degree in Counseling. He has experience working with both teens and adults in clinical and educational settings to address challenges including anxiety, depression, school refusal, men’s issues, and anger management.
Client Focus:
Individuals, Adults, Teens
Types of therapy:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Offering practical tools to identify and modify unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors.
Person Centered Therapy: Helping you grow by providing empathy, unconditional positive regard, and a nonjudgmental environment where you guide your own healing and self-discovery.
Existential Therapy: Exploring the meaning of your perspectives and experiences throughout life, helping guide you in making choices that feel true to who you are.
Motivational Interviewing: Collaboratively navigating your inner motivation for change and supporting your personal growth.
Issues: Weston helps individuals navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem issues, school refusal, men’s issues, anger management, and more.
More than just my work: Throughout Weston’s life, the outdoors and physical activity have always been important to him. In his free time he often enjoys staying active through his hobbies which include fishing, running, hiking, camping, and more!
Many clients struggle with opening up in therapy. It can feel uncomfortable to share personal thoughts and emotions, especially when there may be fear of judgment, past experiences of not feeling heard, or uncertainty about how to put their feelings into words. This can make it difficult to fully engage in the process or feel ready to create meaningful change.
Morgan takes a gentle, client-centered approach that prioritizes safety, trust, and connection. She meets clients where they are, allowing them to move at their own pace without pressure to share more than they are ready for. Through empathy, active listening, and collaboration, she focuses on building a strong therapeutic relationship where clients feel respected, understood, and supported.
Over time, clients often begin to feel more comfortable expressing themselves and exploring their experiences more openly. By fostering a safe and non-judgmental space, she supports clients in developing insight, emotional awareness, and the confidence to make changes that feel authentic and sustainable.
Experience:
Morgan Zarish is a Master’s student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling currently completing her clinical internship toward becoming a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC). She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Family Studies, providing a strong foundation in understanding individual and relational dynamics.
Through academic training and clinical experience, she has supported clients navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, and life transitions. She is committed to ongoing learning and providing compassionate, evidence-based care while developing her clinical skills under supervision.
Client Focus: Individuals, Couples, Families, Adolescents
Types of therapy: CBT, DBT, Person-Centered Therapy, Play & Art Therapy, Motivational Interviewing
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): It gives you a practical “mental toolbox” for dealing with massive emotions, teaching you how to accept how you feel in the moment while using smart strategies to stay calm and stay in control.
- Play Therapy: Helps kids express their thoughts and big feelings using toys, games, and art when it’s hard to put what they’re experiencing into words.
- Art Therapy: Helps you process big feelings and tell your story through drawing, painting, or sculpting when words aren’t quite enough.
- Issues & Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Life transitions, Self esteem, Relationship concerns, Coping skills, Emotional Regulation
More than just my work:
I find a sense of ease in cooking and baking for my loved ones. It allows me to slow down, be present, and express care in a meaningful way, which helps me stay grounded both personally and professionally.
Taking the first step into therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when strong emotions, daily stress, or past experiences interfere with your relationships, daily routine, and peace of mind.
Olivia utilizes a direct, welcoming, and collaborative approach—combining evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Interpersonal Psychotherapy—tailored to meet your specific goals and personal journey.
Olivia strives to create a warm, safe, and supportive environment where you feel supported while being held accountable to your goals, empowering you to learn more about yourself, foster self-autonomy, set healthy boundaries, and improve your life and relationships with ease.
Experience
Olivia Kennedy, MSW, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder of Mood For Thought Therapy Group®. She graduated with a 4.0 GPA from Rutgers University with her Master of Social Work on the clinical track, providing her with a strong foundation in evidence-based practice. With over eight years of professional clinical experience in New Jersey, Olivia delivers empathetic and effective care in both in-person and virtual settings. Across her practice, she works with individuals, children, teens, couples, and families to help them gain self-awareness, modify unhelpful thought patterns, and build strong, supportive environments.
Client Focus: Children (6+), Adolescents, Adults, Individuals, and Families
Types of therapy: Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps you catch tricky thoughts and swap them for helpful ones so you can change how you feel and act.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT): Helps you understand how your relationships and interactions with others affect your mood, giving you tools to communicate better and resolve conflicts so you feel happier.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Acts like a detective for your mind, helping you uncover hidden thoughts or past feelings that you might not even realize are affecting how you act and feel today.
Solution-Focused Therapy: Instead of digging into past problems, this approach focuses entirely on discovering your strengths and creating quick, practical steps to make your future better starting today.
Concerns & Specialties: Anxiety, depression, stress management, coping skills, self-esteem struggles, autism and ADHD, relationship concerns, work-related stress, self-autonomy and boundary setting, emotional regulation.
More than just my work, my favorite quote: A quote I live by is Thornton Wilder’s: “You are not what you are called, you are what you answer to.” I believe it captures the idea that you get to define who you are, what you care about, and the actions you choose to take. This guides my work as I empower clients to step into the driver’s seat of their own lives rather than letting others dictate who they should be.
Walking into a therapy session can sometimes feel scary or intimidating, making it hard to relax, open up, and settle into the space.
Ruby provides a comforting, nonjudgmental presence, offering gentle nudges, tail wags, and quiet companionship to help ease tension during sessions.
She creates an instantly warm, welcoming, and grounded environment, helping clients feel safe, relaxed, and supported from the moment they walk through the door.
Experience
Ruby is a certified therapy dog dedicated to bringing comfort, joy, and emotional support to clients of all ages at Mood For Thought Therapy Group®. Known for her gentle nature, friendly demeanor, and calm presence, Ruby helps clients feel at ease during their sessions. She has completed her training and certifications to ensure safe, supportive, and therapeutic interactions that complement the work done with your clinician.
Client Focus:
Children (ages 6+), Adolescents, Adults, Couples, Families
Types of therapy:
Canine-Assisted Support, Emotional Support & Grounding, Tail-wagging encouragement, Wet-nose nudges, Gentle snuggle and cuddle sessions
Issues & Specialties:
Stress management, emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, animal-assisted comfort, easing session anxiety, building rapport with children and teens, trauma support
More than just her work:
When Ruby isn’t hard at work offering comfort in therapy sessions, she loves taking long walks, learning new tricks, soaking up the sunshine, and collecting as many belly rubs as possible.
