Blog Archives
James Whitaker

James has specialized in the mental health and substance abuse treatment field for over eighteen years. He has seen first-hand how establishing a good therapeutic relationship throughout the counseling process makes treatment a successful experience. Through various strategies and techniques that are evidenced based, patients have been able to raise their own insights and gain a healthier sense of self. As a result, patients have been able to develop and establish positive coping skills to assist with combating their own self-defeating behaviors associated with anxiety, depression and addiction.
In addition, James is an approved provider able to conduct assessments for individuals who have been found guilty of driving under the Influence (DUI) in New Jersey and surrounding states. If you have completed your required 12 or 48 hour classes or have been identified as a Multiple Offender, he is authorized to complete your evaluation and provide the mandatory treatment needed to comply with your IDRC requirements.
Of particular interest to Camden County Probationers, James is a preferred provider for drug and alcohol assessment and anger management classes. He understands how important it is to have your evaluations completed and forwarded to your Probation Officer especially when this is the last task a client needs done before completing probation. All reports are completed and faxed within 24 hours from the clients initial meeting.
Types of Therapy:
Gestalt, Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), Person-Centered and Family Systems
Modalities:
Individuals, Couples and Groups
Specialties:
Substance Use, Dual Diagnosis, Mood Disorders, Early Intervention (EI), Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Strength-Based and Rational Emotive Behavior (REBT)
Lori Volpe

As a Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner and certified Mind Body Practitioner, Lori is trained in Internal Family Systems, Attachment Theory, Inner Relationship Focusing and Polyvagal Theory.
Lori provides a safe, connected, non-judgmental space, collaborating with her clients to achieve relief from anxiety, panic, depression, post-traumatic stress and/or general stress reactivity. The goal of this work is to allow clients to experience greater ease, contentment, and well-being in their daily lives.
Through the 3-year Somatic Experiencing® training and subsequent courses of study, she has acquired the tools needed to address trauma in the brain regions where nervous system dysregulation resides, offering an approach different from traditional talk therapy.
Decades of mindfulness and yoga practice, teaching and study informs her work and enables Lori to be fully present and compassionate with clients.
If you are interested in learning more about what Lori offers, please arrange a no-fee consultation.
Kevin Lenny

Kevin is a licensed clinical social worker who provides individual, couples, family, and group counseling.
He has counseled and advocated for people with substance abuse related concerns and those who suffer from various mental health diagnoses, such as depression, anxiety, and Bipolar Disorder, etc., for more than 25 years.
Additionally, Kevin has worked with both adolescents and adults, addressed men’s and women’s issues, and works within a holistic approach. He uses an empathetic client-centered model that “meets the person where they are”. Kevin believes in providing a safe and nonjudgmental atmosphere for people to mend, increase their strengths, and evolve to be the person they choose.
He has been in private practice at The Starting Point, Inc. for more than 10 years and accepts a variety of insurances.
Theresa Johnson

Theresa is a licensed clinical social worker who began her career in 1992 working with caregivers of elderly and disabled people.
She has since counseled elderly people in their homes and worked with the severe and persistent mentally ill in a partial care setting. She earned her clinical license in drug and alcohol counseling while working with individuals with co-occurring disorders.
She has built a reputation in the community as a client-centered therapist who focuses on “unconditional positive regard and the client’s unique world view.” She has experience with various populations and mental health disorders. Her social work background has taught her that people are predisposed to illnesses and that one’s environment plays a critical role in how these illnesses impact an individual’s life.
Theresa works with individuals, couples and families suffering from trauma, self-esteem, family crisis, and anxiety and mood disorders. She accepts private insurance and private payment.
Erik Jervis

Erik received his graduate degree in Social Work from Rutgers University and is a Licensed Social Worker in the state of New Jersey. He studied and is interested in working with vulnerable populations. He initially served as an intern at The Starting Point and chose to remain after his graduation to start his own practice.
Erik works with children, adolescents, and adults who are seeking help with issues such as self-esteem/worth, anxiety, sexuality, recovery from trauma, feeling stuck in life, codependency, and relationship issues. He offers his services in individual and family sessions, implementing various therapeutic approaches catered to the client’s needs. He is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for his clients.
Erik’s philosophy is that the role of the counselor is to take the journey of healing with the client, not lead the client.
Geoff Farnsworth

Geoff is a Certified Hakomi Mindful Somatic Therapist (CHT), life & relationship coach who helps people who are feeling stuck, struggling with relationship issues or just want more out of life.
He specializes in assisting people to free themselves of unresolved emotions and limiting beliefs so they are free to make new choices for a happier and more fulfilling life and create vibrant, loving relationships that last. He specializes in codependency and ACOA issues. Geoff draws from his studies of mindfulness, psychology, compassionate communication, addictions, spirituality and life coaching. He provides coaching in person at his office in Haddon Township, New Jersey or by telephone or Skype call. Geoff offers a wide range of programs and services from individual and couples coaching to webinars and workshops.
Martha Brown

Martha has worked as a school counselor since 1994, primarily at the middle school level, along with some high school experience. Prior to that she was an elementary school teacher for five years. Martha has recently retired from public education after serving 33 years. Martha is a licensed professional counselor. She is also the mother of four children.
As a therapist with a school counseling background, Martha’s approach to counseling is client centered and reality based. Focusing on setting achievable goals and initiating common sense strategies serve her clients well. Helping clients make behavioral change and/or becoming more balanced in attitude and emotion is the basis of Martha’s counseling style.
Martha specializes in working with school-aged children, adolescents, and young adults. Areas of expertise include:
- Academic struggles
- Anger Management
- Behavior concerns
- Family conflict
- Family relationships
- Focus/Attention issues (ADHD)
- Organizational skills
- Peer conflict
- Peer relationships
- School & general anxiety
- Social integration
- School refusal/disengagement
- Self-esteem concerns
- Stress (school related stress/time management)
Martha hopes she can help her clients better manage personal, peer, school and life situations. She wants to help clients make sense out of how they approach and respond to conflict, stress, relationships, and life in general, especially as they navigate their growing years.
Tara Brophy

Tara is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is experienced in assisting clients navigate some of life’s challenges such as anxiety, depression, anger, relationship issues and/or substance abuse. Skilled at providing psych education, she helps clients identify and address self-defeating thoughts, beliefs and behavioral patterns that negatively impact your sense of well-being and health. Whether you have experienced a sudden change or an accumulation of stressors, question your actions or lack of actions that results in self criticism, or ruminate about the past and/or worry about the future Tara can assist you with developing positive self care, increased insight, healthy boundaries, and strategies to function and feel better. She is compassionate, down-to-earth, straightforward, and believes in the benefits of light, purposeful humor. She is also respectful regarding where you are and allows you to move at your own pace. Ultimately Tara hopes to challenge you and encourage you to face your challenges and grow.
Angela K. Baxter

Angela K. Baxter BS, CADC has been involved in the addictions field since April of 2011.
Her background is in Behavioral and Addictions Counseling from Drexel University and she is a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor. Angela utilizes evidenced- based practices to help her patients gain knowledge of the disease of addiction, learn to implement coping strategies, and relapse-prevention skills in their recovery process.
Angela brings positive energy to her patients while being an empathic and compassionate counselor. She is dedicated to help support and guide the patients and loved ones by walking along side of them through the treatment process.