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Lelan Lockwood-Maldonado

Hi, I’m Lelan Lockwood-Maldonado!

Guiding You Towards Your Strongest Self

As a Licensed Associate Counselor, I’m incredibly passionate about working with adolescents and young adults. My goal is to create a supportive and understanding space where you feel truly seen and heard. I approach our work together with a client-centered and strength-based perspective, meaning we’ll focus on your unique strengths and what truly matters to you as we navigate life’s challenges.

How I Can Support You

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals through a variety of concerns, including:

  • Anxiety: Helping you find strategies to manage worries and find calm.
  • ADHD: Developing tools and understanding to thrive with ADHD.
  • Grief and Loss: Providing a compassionate space to process difficult emotions.
  • Life Transitions: Guiding you through big changes like school, career, or relationships.
  • Adoption-Related Challenges: Offering specialized support for the unique aspects of the adoption journey.

My Approach to Our Work

I believe therapy should be tailored to your individual needs. I draw from a diverse range of therapeutic approaches to create a holistic and effective path forward. My training includes:

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): We’ll work together to identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns.
  • Child-Centered Play Therapy: For my younger clients, play becomes a natural and powerful way to express themselves and heal.
  • Emotionally-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT): I can help strengthen communication and bonds within your family.
  • TraumaPlay: If you’ve experienced trauma, I offer a safe and supportive environment for processing and healing.

A core belief in my practice is the power of attachment. I integrate attachment-based therapy interventions into my work because I understand how vital strong connections and support systems are. My aim is to help you build and nurture those connections, both within yourself and with your loved ones.

My Background & Passions

I earned both my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The College of New Jersey. Currently, I’m pursuing my PhD in Counseling at Montclair State University. My research and clinical interests are deeply connected, focusing on deepening our understanding of adoption-related mental health challenges and fostering psychological resilience in adopted individuals. I’m proud to be the first author of the published article, “The Influence and Implications of Sibling Relationships on Adoptees’ Resilience,” which appeared in The Family Journal. This work is truly close to my heart.

Beyond Our Sessions

When I’m not in a session or immersed in my studies, you’ll find me enjoying time with my family and our adorable dachshund.

Expertise:

NJ License: 37AC00881800

Fee: $125 for a 45 – 50 minute session, $150 for initial session

Locations: Virtual

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