Vida Wellness and Counseling Services

"Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we'll ever do."

Brené Brown

Maria Luisa Molina, LCSW

I understand that speaking to a stranger about your past, being vulnerable, and sharing your life story can feel scary. Congratulations for being brave and taking this first step to work on your emotional health and well-being. I want to empower you to learn more about mental health and explore how your history impacts your present and your future. I prioritize providing you with an empathetic, non-judgmental environment to explore your life story. I can help you deal with issues related to: anxiety, coping with chronic health conditions, depression, emotional regulation, life transitions, relationship struggles, trauma, and PTSD.

 

I am a dedicated Latinx therapist with years of experience. I am bilingual in English and Spanish. I obtained a master’s degree in clinical social work from New York University. bachelor’s degree I have worked in hospitals, residential settings and outpatient programs. I specialize in: cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), psychodynamic theories, and trauma-informed care.

 

I look forward to helping you achieve balance, build-self-awareness, improve relationships, develop coping skills, and achieve your overall goals. It will be my pleasure to answer any questions that you may have regarding the therapeutic process. Please contact me to schedule a consultation. Contácteme en Español si tiene preguntas

 

Certifications and Memberships:

 

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker, New Jersey. 
  • Licensed Clinical Social Work Supervisor.
  • Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.
  • Certified School Social Worker.
  • Certified Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
  • Certified in Advanced Assessment and Diagnosis. 
  • Certified in Biopsychosocial Assessment.
  • Certified in Mental Health First Aid.
  • Trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
  • Member, New Jersey Association of Women Therapists.
  • Member, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) International Association.
  • Member, Latino Mental Health Association of New Jersey.
  • Member, Latinx Practice Collective.

Natalie Pagan, LSW

Beginning your journey toward healing takes courage and self-awareness. Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, trauma, life transitions, or perinatal mental health struggles, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Therapy is a space to feel heard, validated, and supported as you work through the emotional weight of change. Healing is possible, and you deserve a space that honors your unique experiences.

As a Latinx therapist specializing in women’s mental health and perinatal care, I provide a holistic, trauma-informed approach that helps women in all stages of life—from navigating self-doubt and identity shifts to adjusting to the emotional complexities of pregnancy and postpartum. I recognize that trauma, societal expectations, and life changes affect both mind and body, which is why our work will focus on resilience, self-trust, and emotional well-being in a culturally responsive space.

I take an integrative, whole-person approach to therapy, blending evidence-based techniques with compassionate care. My areas of expertise include:

  • Anxiety, depression, and trauma recovery
  • Perinatal mental health & postpartum support
  • Self-esteem challenges & identity shifts
  • Life transitions & emotional overwhelm
  • Culturally responsive & trauma-informed care
  • Women’s mental health struggles

I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, somatic practices, and perinatal mental health interventions to help clients process emotions, build resilience, and reconnect with their inner strength. My work is rooted in empowerment and self-compassion, ensuring that therapy is tailored to your individual needs.

Seeking support is a powerful act of self-care. You are not alone, and your emotions are valid. Whether you’re processing past trauma, adjusting to motherhood, or facing an uncertain transition, I’m here to guide and support you. Together, we’ll create a path toward balance, confidence, and emotional healing. Let’s connect—schedule a session today!

Certifications & Specializations

  • Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
  • Perinatal Mental Health Certification, In Progress via Postpartum Support International.
  • Trauma-Informed & Culturally Responsive Therapy

Berline Joseph, LSW

If you’re reading this, I want you to know that I see you—and I understand how overwhelming life can feel at times. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma, or a major life transition, you don’t have to navigate it alone. These emotions are valid, and many others have faced similar struggles. Support is here, and healing is possible.

As a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) with a Master’s in Social Work from Rutgers University, I specialize in guiding individuals through life’s toughest moments. I offer a safe, compassionate, and culturally responsive space where we can work together to build emotional resilience and well-being.

I am bilingual in English and Haitian Creole, allowing me to provide culturally competent therapy that respects your identity, background, and lived experiences. I take a strength-based, trauma-informed approach and integrate evidence-based interventions to help clients build confidence, self-worth, and emotional balance. As a Certified Nurtured Heart Trainer, I empower individuals to develop inner strength and self-worth in a supportive, empowering environment. My areas of expertise include:

  • Crisis intervention & emotional regulation 
  • Behavioral intervention planning
  • Life skills development & self-esteem building
  • Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)
  • Strength-based & relational therapy
  • Trauma Informed Care
 Seeking support is a courageous step, and you deserve a space where you feel heard, understood, and supported. Whether you’re facing anxiety, trauma, relationship struggles, or self-doubt, I’m here to help. Together, we’ll create a path toward emotional well-being, resilience, and personal growth.  Let’s connect—schedule a session today!
 

Credentials and Certifications

  • Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
  • Certified School Social Worker
  • Nurtured Heart Trainer

Kaetlynn Ayala, LSW

I understand that seeking support can be challenging, and I’m here to provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space for you to explore your feelings and experiences. I have extensive experience in providing both individual and group therapy. I specialize in helping individuals, like you, navigate life’s toughest transitions—whether moving from student life to the workforce or processing the impact of domestic violence and trauma.  I am committed to fostering a therapeutic environment where you feel understood, supported, and empowered to navigate life’s challenges.


As a bilingual Licensed Social Worker, fluent in English and Spanish, I specialize in working with adults facing anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and the effects of trauma and domestic violence. My approach goes beyond traditional talk therapy; I utilize a combination of solution-focused, trauma-informed, and strengths-based techniques to help you gain insight, build resilience, and achieve your goals.


I believe in the power of therapy to transform lives, and I am here to support you on your journey toward healing and growth. If you are ready to take the next step, please contact me to schedule a consultation. Contácteme en Español si tiene preguntas


Credentials and Memberships

  • Licensed Social Worker, New Jersey.
  • Emergency Medical Technician, New Jersey.
  • Member, National Association of Social Workers.
  • Trained by the New Jersey Victim Assistance Academy. 


Publications:

  • Ayala, K. (September, 2022). A Social Worker’s Reflections on Hispanic Heritage Month. NASW-NJ FOCUS Magazine.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At Vida Wellness and Counseling Services, we embrace diversity and inclusion. We honor and respect the unique experiences and identities of each individual, including differences in race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, and physical and mental abilities. In our welcoming and empathetic space, every voice is valued and every story matters.


Join us in a journey where every individual’s path towards healing is respected and supported.

Contact Us!

    Vida Wellness and Counseling Services

    Hours

    Mon By Appointment
    Tue By Appointment
    Wed By Appointment
    Thu By Appointment
    Fri By Appointment
    Sat Closed
    Sun By Appointment