Carolynn Aristone, MSW, LCSW, CST
My Work
After earning my Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University in 2004 and NJ Clinical Licensure in 2007, I received advanced clinical training and certifications from the Gestalt Therapy Institute of Philadelphia, Council for Relationships, and the American Association for Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). During that time, I also earned the NASW Certification for Clinical Supervision, allowing me to supervise therapists toward clinical licensure.
As my professional path evolved, my spiritual life deepened. Immersed in a lifestyle of yoga and meditation, I completed 60 hours of Svaroopa Yoga Teacher Training at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in 2008. More recently, I received a Certificate of Completion in the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Training Program based on the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn.
I opened my private practice in 2008, then expanded into a group practice in 2010. Serving as Executive Director, Clinical Supervisor and Therapist, I trained new and experienced clinicians in clinical social work, couples counseling and sex therapy. I also created several online courses for couples. In 2023, I closed the group and returned to my private practice so that I could focus exclusively on providing psychotherapy and coaching services to women and couples.
My Inspiration
Personally, I know the struggle and triumph of sitting in a therapy room as a client. My first therapy experience, over 20 years ago, inspired my professional path. My interest in sex therapy grew as I navigated my own experiences with sexual pain and the lack of medical resources to heal it. Fortunately, I had the privilege of working with highly creative, wise and intuitive therapists who helped me navigate that path. These personal experiences strengthened my resolve to provide the highest-quality of care to women and couples experiencing sexual, relational and emotional pain.
My Life
When I’m not working, I can range from being big and vibrant (think dancing, laughing, music concerts), quiet and nerdy (think word puzzles, the news, and lots of books), introspective and spiritual (think hiking, meditation, journaling and magic), or spouse and mom (think everything!). I’ve enjoyed almost 30 years of a solid marriage to an amazing spouse. We have two incredible kids and a loveable dog.
How I Work
How We Start
Our work starts with a compassionate conversation. We’ll talk about the issues that you want to explore and use modalities that help you access clarity, confidence and direction. My style is hands-on and interactive.
I may also guide you through non-verbal, intuitive-based exercises to help reveal thoughts, feelings and behaviors that you might not be fully aware of, but impact how you live day to day.
Whether we meet individually or with your partner, you will deepen your connection to your whole self. Through education, experiential learning and coaching, I can help you strengthen your interpersonal skills, heal deep emotional and erotic wounds, and access authentic joy.
Modalities We May Use
I may draw from any of the following modalities:
- Gestalt Therapy, A Relational Approach
- Gottman Method for Couples
- Emotionally-Focused Therapy for Couples
- Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
- Mindfulness Based Relationship Enhancement
- Intersystemic Sex Therapy
- Embodiment and Sensory Strengthening
- Polyvagal Theory for Therapy
- Breath Work and Anchoring Skills
- Jungian/Parts Work/Shadow Work
- Working with Pictures and Imagery
- Spiritual Growth work
- Art-based Explorations
- Writing, Journaling and Storytelling
- Movement Practices
- Therapeutic Coaching
Since therapy is not a linear, one-size-fits-all process, modalities may vary from session to session, and from client to client. I’ll select methods to guide our work based on the problems presented and your interests.
Collaborating With Others
I also recognize that some issues may be better served in conjunction with another discipline. If I identify a need that requires attention from another practitioner, I may refer you for treatment such as medical, naturopathy, nutritional counseling, manual body manipulation, yoga and/or movement classes, psychiatry or other services that can address physical and emotional needs.
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