Ashley M. Kussman

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with Master's degree in Forensic Mental Health Counseling from City University of New York's John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Art degree in English/Literature from New York University. Prior to establishing a private practice, I managed an intensive outpatient substance abuse and mental health program for The Center for Great Expectations in New Brunswick, NJ a non-profit agency specializing in treating co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders in adults and families with a history of complex and developmental trauma. I was also a Senior Trainer for the agency and developed various trainings centering on the development and impact of trauma for both professionals and the public. At Bergen County's Division for Family Guidance, I developed and coordinated an after school program for teens at risk which centered on providing a safe space for teens impacted by relational and community-based trauma. Throughout my career, I have specialized in working with individuals, couples, and families dealing with developmental and complex trauma, PTSD, early childhood and relational trauma, anger management, high-conflict relationships, substance abuse, self-harm, OCD, and bereavement. I also have experience with clients mandated for anger management, co-parenting, co-occurring SUDs, DCPP-involved families, and IPV-related issues. I am fully trained in the Attachment, Regulation, and Competency modality and am rostered in Child-Parent Psychotherapy both of which are treatment modalities for individuals and families who have suffered due to extreme violence, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and extreme neglect. I prioritize emotional safety and promote individual autonomy in my work. Therapy offers the means to heal in relationship what has been hurt in relationship. I utilize a psychodynamic approach to treatment from an attachment-based perspective. I integrate talk therapy, sensorimotor, and systems techniques in my work to serve the unique needs of each individual.