About Us
Hi, I'm Erika Hernandez, MSW, LCSW
Owner & Director
If you're seeking therapy, it's probably because you are struggling right now and not happy with how things are going. I always say that change is uncomfortable and I will challenge you to get out of that comfort zone. However, I can assure you that, when we begin to work on that change and you start feeling uncomfortable, it's when we truly see transformation that leads you to feeling better.
A little about me...
I opened E H Counseling LLC in 2018 and am super passionate about providing quality therapeutic services. I have over 10 years of clinical experience in various settings providing school based counseling, Intensive In-Community counseling, and as a manager of a center that focused on working with women and families during the prenatal and postpartum stages.
I provide counseling in both English and Spanish to residents of New Jersey and work with new moms struggling with anxiety, depression, and balancing work, relationships, and motherhood. As a wife, mom, and business owner, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to manage it all. As moms, we carry a lot on our shoulders. We often feel drained and consumed with mom guilt for trying to do it all and do it all well. I am passionate about helping moms not only survive motherhood but thrive.
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So what's it like working with me?
The first session will focus on getting some background information, understanding what is going on, and setting up a clear plan for treatment.
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By the second session, we roll up our sleeves and get to work! If you are struggling with anxiety, I start teaching you techniques that work to help you manage the anxiety so you can begin feeling better.
If you have experienced trauma, I provide you with helpful techniques to manage the emotions associated with what you have experienced as a way to lay down the foundation to begin processing your trauma.
Fun Facts About Me:
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I love to travel, learn about different cultures, and try new foods. I am always planning my next adventure!
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As the true Jersey girl that I am, I love animal print and spending my summer days at the Jersey Shore. You can find me on the boardwalk ending the night with Kohr's ice cream!
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I am obsessed with everything and anything Disney!
Annette Cruz, MA, LAC
Telehealth Staff Clinician
Annette is a bilingual Spanish & English speaking Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) While Annette has extensive experience in working with children and adolescents, as a therapist and school counselor, she also has a passion to help young adults, parents and women reach their best potential and overcome life’s challenges.
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Annette’s goal is to create a calm and supportive space for her clients to feel safe and heard. She is dedicated to helping individuals understand how to manage their emotions and cope with life’s stressors in a healthy way that will lead them to the change that they are looking for. Annette has experience working with anxiety, depression, stress, school related issues, trauma, family conflict and parenting issues. Using a client based approach, Annette incorporates cognitive behavioral, trauma and solution focused therapies to help you in your journey of reaching wholeness and healing. Annette is a bilingual English and Spanish speaking therapist that understands multi-cultural needs in therapy.
Meet, Donya Johnson, MA, LPC, NCC
Staff Clinician
Donya is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC) with a Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from New Jersey City University.
While Donya loves working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds who suffer from issues of anxiety, depression, trauma, anger management, or grief, she Specializes in: helping children ages 3-8, cope with anxiety, depression, and trauma through Child-Centered Play Therapy and assisting women in life’s transitions and with self-acceptance.
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Donya is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Techniques, Individual Psychology, Person-Centered Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. However, above all, Donya believes that the success of any clinical intervention begins with a true authentic therapeutic relationship which is paramount in order to create a safe, caring, non-judgmental environment.
Fun Facts About Donya:
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Donya loves to travel and has set a goal of seeing all 50 states. Currently, she has visited 26 in all. Donya believes airport layovers count as a visit, as long as she eats in a restaurant.
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She has read the entire Harry Potter series six times. Her biggest accomplishment was reading the fifth book, the largest in the series, in 32 straight hours.
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Due to a clerical error, Donya gets to celebrate her birthday twice each year.
Meet, Anna Zayac, MEd, LAC, NCC
Staff Clinician
Anna is a former high school English teacher who obtained her Master of Education in School Counseling and certification to become a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC).
Anna has also been a stay-at-home mom for many years to her three children. In her work now as a counselor, Anna is dedicated to giving children, teenagers, parents, and adults the tools and space needed to lead successful lives as they work through anxiety, depression, and relational issues in their families and friendships.
Anna has a deep passion for all people and that love motivates her to work with clients as they deal with struggles, changes, and pain. She desires to assist them in finding the same hope she has experienced by spending time reflecting on the past, clarifying the present, and shaping the future.
Anna has a toolbox filled with an array of theories and techniques to meet clients wherever they are and however they work best. The therapeutic relationship is a unique and special one which allows clients to heal when given genuine empathy and unconditional care. Anna would be honored to walk alongside you as you journey ahead,
making what feels like a mess into something truly blessed.
Fun Facts About Anna:
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Anna was born and raised in NJ but has lived in 3 different states on the East Coast. New Jersey will always be her favorite!
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Anna really enjoys trying new foods but only when someone else is preparing them. She loves eating, NOT cooking!
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Anna loves houseplants and has many in her home. She only knows the name of a few of them.
Jennifer Estepan, MSW, LCSW
Immigration Psychological Evaluations Consultant
Jennifer is a licensed clinical social worker in the State of New Jersey. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and has experience working with immigrant families providing clinical case management and counseling services. From her experience working with immigrant families through the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement, she learned how challenging and intimidating immigration proceedings and the related systems can be for clients. Her goal is to provide clients with a warm, welcoming environment where they can feel safe as they share their story and work alongside them as she conducts immigration psychological evaluations.
Meet, Theresa Cook Reyes, MSW, LCSW
Telehealth Staff Clinician & Conducts Immigration Psychological Evaluations
Life can be full of joy and blessings, but is often accompanied by grief and loss and sometimes all at once. Whether you are struggling with not feeling like yourself after having a baby, the daily struggles of parenthood, or the challenges of navigating a new chapter of life with the family that raised you or the one you are raising, Theresa has worked with individuals, couples, and families just like you. Theresa graduated with honors from Rutgers University with her Masters in Clinical Social Work emphasizing in trauma, grief, and loss and emphasizing in health. Theresa has worked in medical and mental health settings walking alongside families in welcoming their new bundles of joy, coping with parenting teenagers, and in grieving life changes and loss of loved ones. If you are thinking it may be time to talk to someone, Theresa would love to support you in this chapter of your story.
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Meet, Evelyn Immitt, MSW, LSW
Clinical Services Manager
“Nothing feels safer than when we are in the presence of another who is attuned to the dark, shameful places inside of us, and yet has a posture of kindness rather than contempt”. - Adam Young
It’s Evelyn’s aim to foster a safe space for you to explore your lived experiences along with the thoughts and emotions attached to them. Our stories impact our present and future reality. They influence how we show up in relationships and how we make decisions for ourselves.
Evelyn has experience working with medical rehabilitation, mental health concerns for youth, developmental disabilities, prison re-entry, and women and families during prenatal and postpartum stages. Evelyn integrates an ecological perspective and attachment lens in her work with clients. She invites you to give yourself the opportunity to explore what healing could look and feel like for you.
Fun Facts About Evelyn:
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Evelyn is a true naturalist. She prefers to be surrounded by plants and animals whenever possible
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One of her goals is to visit all of the "Crown Jewel" U.S. National Parks, she has visited 10 so far
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Cooking is her creative outlet. She enjoys watching cooking shows and videos, and trying new recipes, especially foods from different cultures.