GIA Institute of Psychotherapy

GIA Institute of Psychotherapy We are a psychotherapy practice dedicated to providing counseling and mental health services to children, teens, and adults.

If you’re in the middle of a breakup right now, I want you to hear this first: The intensity you’re feeling doesn’t mean...
04/26/2026

If you’re in the middle of a breakup right now, I want you to hear this first: The intensity you’re feeling doesn’t mean you’re weak. It just means you cared, and you got attached… because you’re human.

I see people every week who are smart, capable, and emotionally aware who suddenly feel lost, anxious, obsessive, or just plain miserable in the wake of a breakup. It doesn’t matter how together you usually are; heartbreak will knock you sideways.

A breakup doesn’t just hurt your heart. It shakes up your whole system, your attachment wiring, your nervous system, even your sense of who you are.

If you are wondering why breakups hurt so much or how to heal after one, this is for you.

Stay tuned for part 2 💙

If you’re in the middle of a breakup right now, I want you to hear this first: The intensity you’re feeling doesn’t mean...
04/26/2026

If you’re in the middle of a breakup right now, I want you to hear this first: The intensity you’re feeling doesn’t mean you’re weak. It just means you cared, and you got attached… because you’re human.

We see people every week who are smart, capable, and emotionally aware who suddenly feel lost, anxious, obsessive, or just plain miserable in the wake of a breakup. It doesn’t matter how together you usually are; heartbreak will knock you sideways.

A breakup doesn’t just hurt your heart. It shakes up your whole system, your attachment wiring, your nervous system, even your sense of who you are.

If you are wondering why breakups hurt so much or how to heal after one, this is for you.

Stay tuned for part 2 💙

So what exactly are the benefits of EMDR over other therapies?Traditional psychotherapy, once known as the “talking cure...
04/22/2026

So what exactly are the benefits of EMDR over other therapies?

Traditional psychotherapy, once known as the “talking cure” offers catharsis while telling your story with someone who can understand it.

Millions of people experience relief, gain perspective and improve their ability to cope. But others still feel stuck. They might say, “I’ve been talking about this for years.” They might know why, how, and what, but old patterns keep happening or they keep experiencing the same symptoms. And then there are those times when talking about traumatic experiences can be too painful or overwhelming.

EMDR allows the brain to resume healing and allows the brain to do the work of rewiring how our neural networks communicate without rehashing the details of your worst experiences.

Through EMDR, we use bilateral stimulation or eye movements to desensitize painful memories, reducing the symptoms and i...
04/18/2026

Through EMDR, we use bilateral stimulation or eye movements to desensitize painful memories, reducing the symptoms and impact of traumatic experiences. We then reprocess these memories or change our beliefs about ourselves in relation to these experiences.

We have found EMDR works great for overcoming trauma, but it is also helpful for other mental health challenges as well. We have used EMDR for the following:
* Anxiety (chronic)
* Its GREAT with shame
* Panic
* Athletic Performance Blocks (or other blocks)
* Grief/Loss
* Attachment Wounds
* Phobias
* Negative Beliefs about Ourselves

Did you know we offer Marriage and Couples counseling? You and your partner will meet together with your therapist, wher...
04/15/2026

Did you know we offer Marriage and Couples counseling? You and your partner will meet together with your therapist, where you’ll have a safe space to address your conflicts and get support. We have helped couples with a wide variety of issues, including parenting conflicts, finances, grief and loss, s*x, infidelity, communication, health concerns, work pressures, and substance abuse among others.

We often use ‘playful’ items in traditional therapy because humans tend to gravitate toward things that help them feel c...
04/12/2026

We often use ‘playful’ items in traditional therapy because humans tend to gravitate toward things that help them feel calm and regulated —sometimes that’s a puzzle, a fidget, a Lego, or a Jenga set. Teens, in particular, are often drawn to such items without even realizing it.

Whether playing tabletop hockey, creating drawings, or playing a board game, our therapists can help teens open up without feeling put on the spot or worrying about awkward silences.

Play Therapy is the strategic use of play in therapy to help kids ‘show’ us what’s happening, what they’re feeling and t...
04/12/2026

Play Therapy is the strategic use of play in therapy to help kids ‘show’ us what’s happening, what they’re feeling and thinking inside and - most importantly - what they need. By using toys, art, games, and stories, kids can express and process difficult experiences without needing words they may not have yet. This form of therapy is great for a variety of challenges kids may be facing.

Play therapy is ideal for kids who don’t have the verbal skills necessary to communicate their feelings, challenges, or needs. It’s typically used for children, ages 3 to 12, who are anxious, overwhelmed, sensitive, struggling with behavior, or navigating big changes. When it comes to therapies for kids, playing is not something most kids will object to.

Are you and your child ready to rewrite your story?
Call us today at 609-788-0771 📞

Please join us in congratulating Dena Tartaro, LCSW for officially passing her LCSW exam and becoming a Licensed Clinica...
04/09/2026

Please join us in congratulating Dena Tartaro, LCSW for officially passing her LCSW exam and becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker! 🎉

Dena specializes in the treatment of trauma and complex trauma. She is trained in EMDR and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). After 22 years of experience in the social services field, she pursued a master’s degree in social work. Outside of private practice, she continues to work for the Atlantic County Government with kids who are involved in the juvenile justice system. She volunteers her time to run an adult survivor of childhood abuse group, and has worked with people living with a range of complications such as family conflicts, anxiety, making/keeping relationships, human trafficking, and more.

If you’d like to work with Dena, give us a call at (609) 788-0771 or visit our website to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Who Does Individual Therapy Help?Individual therapy is ideal for:* Children, teens, or adults experiencing anxiety, depr...
04/02/2026

Who Does Individual Therapy Help?

Individual therapy is ideal for:
* Children, teens, or adults experiencing anxiety, depression, or stress
* Those coping with trauma or major life transitions
* People navigating relationship challenges or self-esteem issues
* Anyone seeking focused, personalized support in a safe space

Some choose individual therapy over group therapy to focus on their unique challenges or explore sensitive topics privately. We have both male and female counselors that specialize in a variety of modalities to help men, women, and children rewrite their stories to a fuller, healthier life.

At GIA, we offer a variety of therapy types to find the best fit for you. Our most popular modalities:* CBT (Cognitive B...
03/28/2026

At GIA, we offer a variety of therapy types to find the best fit for you.

Our most popular modalities:
* CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Changes unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.
* DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): Builds skills for managing emotions and relationships.
* EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing): Processes trauma and reduces its emotional impact.
* Play Therapy (for children): Uses play to help children express feelings and work through challenges.
* Internal Family Systems (IFS): Helps integrate the different “parts” of yourself for greater self-compassion.
* Art Therapy:  Uses creativity and self-expression as a pathway for healing and insight.
* Relational Therapy: Focuses on how your relationships—past and present—shape your emotional life and sense of self.

Other therapies we offer include ACT, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and more.

Our school advocacy program is led by Jenn Rothwell who is a COPAA-certified advocate for our families.Jenn brings over ...
03/27/2026

Our school advocacy program is led by Jenn Rothwell who is a COPAA-certified advocate for our families.

Jenn brings over six years of dedicated advocacy experience, nearly a decade in early childhood education, and the lived perspective of raising two neurodivergent children. She understands the special education system from every angle: parent, educator, and certified advocate.

Her work blends creativity, collaboration, and practical strategy, helping families across South Jersey access services such as IEPs, 504 plans, related services, and tailored supports. She specializes in building strong relationships with families and school teams, aiming for solutions that feel realistic, supportive, and child-centered.

If you think you’ll benefit from a school advocate, give us a call for more info. 💚

03/24/2026

When you and your therapist just click 😌

Come see us. You won’t regret it.

Address

Somers Point, NJ
08244

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 7am - 3pm
Sunday 7am - 12pm

Telephone

(609) 788-0771

Website

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