Brian Colangelo, LCSW

Brian Colangelo is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people facing stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma, and low self-esteem. He also supports those dealing with grief, sleep problems, parenting strain, career transitions, and mood concerns. He works in English and practices from New Jersey. Brian describes therapy as a straightforward conversation that focuses on what matters to the person in the room. He values openness and direct feedback. If something in sessions feels off, he invites clients to say so and together they adjust the approach. He uses practical methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness to address unhelpful thoughts and daily habits. He also offers EMDR when trauma memories are a core issue, and uses motivational interviewing to help people move toward change. Sessions tend to mix skills work, emotional processing, and real-life planning. Brian earned a Master of Social Work from Temple University and holds the LCSW credential. He has about 15 years of clinical experience, including trauma counseling for survivors of sexual assault. He also teaches part time at Rutgers University and Camden County College. His own history with healing informs his style but does not replace clinical methods. He aims to be honest and human in sessions, drawing on both professional training and personal growth. Outside of work he enjoys running, cycling, and time outdoors. Brian is committed to addressing social harms like racism and homophobia as part of therapy. He encourages prospective clients to ask questions and learn more about his approach before deciding to begin.

How Brian adapts therapeutic approaches online

Brian commonly uses cognitive behavioral therapy, client-centered therapy, and EMDR in online work. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and trying new behaviors to reduce anxiety, depression, and panic symptoms. Client-centered therapy emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental conversation where the therapist follows the client's pace and priorities. EMDR helps people process distressing memories related to trauma through structured bilateral stimulation and guided recollection when trauma memories are central.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Brian will talk with the person about their goals, symptoms, and how they prefer to work. Together they try methods, check what helps, and change course when something does not fit.

Online sessions offer practical flexibility. Video calls allow face-to-face work and guided exercises, phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited, live chat suits short check-ins or while on the go, and text-based messaging supports ongoing reflection between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and to use approaches like CBT and EMDR in ways that match a person's routine.