Dr. Carissa Ferguson-thomas

Dr. Carissa Ferguson-thomas is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 22 years of clinical experience. She trained in clinical psychology and social work and brings a blend of approaches to help people manage stress, anger, anxiety, and life changes. She works at a pace that feels comfortable for each person and focuses on practical steps to reduce symptoms and improve day-to-day functioning.

Her background includes work across multiple settings helping people with depression, panic, phobias, and obsessive thoughts. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, alongside a person-centered and trauma-informed outlook. That means sessions often combine skill building, thought work, and attention to how past experiences affect current patterns.

In sessions she aims to make conversations straightforward and constructive. She helps people identify unhelpful thoughts, try new behaviors, and test small changes between meetings. She emphasizes a warm, trusting relationship and clear plans people can use outside the therapy room.

Dr. Ferguson-thomas also supports people through grief, difficult relationship patterns, parenting strain, family-origin issues, and problems like guilt, shame, jealousy, or isolation. She encourages exploring strengths and setting realistic goals. Her approach balances short-term tools with deeper work when needed.

She is based in New Jersey and works in English. Before booking, readers should confirm current session formats and scheduling details to match their needs.

How CBT and a Person-Centered Approach Work Online

CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, focuses on the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It teaches practical techniques to test unhelpful thoughts and try new actions, which can help with anxiety, panic, anger, and depressive symptoms.

The person-centered element means the therapist listens closely to priorities and tailors work to each person's needs. A trauma-informed lens adds attention to how past events shape current reactions and relationships.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their goals, preferences, and daily life. Goals and techniques are reviewed and adjusted as progress is made.

Confirm the current session options before booking so you know what formats are available. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, reduce commuting time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Many people find remote sessions help them keep consistent momentum while working on thought patterns, emotion regulation, and practical behavior changes.