Dr. Carissa Ferguson-thomas, LCSW

Dr. Carissa Ferguson-thomas is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 22 years of experience. She combines a background in clinical psychology and social work to help people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship concerns. Dr. Ferguson-thomas meets people where they are and focuses on clear, practical steps for change.

She often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help people spot unhelpful thoughts and develop different behaviors. She also draws on a person-centered, trauma-informed approach to fit the pace and needs of each person. Sessions are collaborative and focused on real-life problems and solutions.

Her work covers a wide range of issues including panic and anxiety, family and relationship problems, parenting concerns, grief, and challenges with self-esteem and life purpose. She helps people manage anger, control issues, and caregiver stress while addressing the effects of trauma and abuse when they arise.

Dr. Ferguson-thomas has worked in multiple clinical settings over two decades and brings that practical experience into sessions. She emphasizes building a warm, trusting relationship as the foundation for change. Together with each person she creates concrete plans to reduce distress and move toward their goals.

Sessions are offered from New Jersey and conducted in English. People who prefer online options can meet by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit changing schedules and needs.

How CBT and Online Care Work Together

Dr. Ferguson-thomas frequently uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and practicing different behaviors. CBT can be useful for anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and managing stress by giving concrete tools to test and change thinking patterns.

She also integrates a person-centered, trauma-informed stance that attends to personal history and current needs. This means sessions move at a pace the person finds manageable and focus on safety, trust, and practical steps rather than rushing to solutions.

Choosing the right approach is collaborative. She will work with each person to decide whether CBT, a more exploratory person-centered method, or a trauma-informed focus fits best based on goals and preferences. The plan can be adjusted as progress is made.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to provide flexibility. Video is helpful when visual connection matters, phone calls can fit into a busy day or use less bandwidth, and chat or text work for brief check-ins or when writing helps express thoughts. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent around work, caregiving, and other commitments.