Brian Colangelo , LCSW

Brian Colangelo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in New Jersey who brings 15 years of clinical experience to his work with people facing stress, anxiety, addiction, trauma, relationship struggles, mood disorders, and life transitions. He approaches therapy with honesty, directness, and a commitment to walking alongside clients as they navigate change and healing. Brian combines evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR with client-centered and motivational approaches, and he draws on specialized training in addiction counseling, rational emotive behavioral therapy, and a three-year Gestalt training at the Gestalt Institute of Philadelphia.

His training also includes work with survivors of sexual assault, where he has provided both individual and group trauma counseling across diverse backgrounds. He teaches part-time at Rutgers University and Camden County College, sharing clinical knowledge with students while maintaining an active practice focused on practical coping strategies, relapse prevention, processing traumatic memories, and strengthening self-worth.

Brian values his personal healing journey and uses those experiences as a source of strength rather than comparison. He sees therapy as a collaborative process built on trust, feedback, and mutual problem-solving - if something in treatment does not feel right, he invites open discussion and adjustment. Outside of his professional role he enjoys the outdoors, running, cycling, pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and a sarcastic sense of humor. He is committed to culturally responsive care and goes further to actively support those harmed by racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, Islamophobia, ableism, and anti-Semitism. Prospective clients are welcome to reach out to learn more and determine whether his approach is a good fit.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Brian uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients identify and shift unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors - this approach is practical and skill-focused, often useful for anxiety, depression, and mood regulation. He also integrates Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) when addressing traumatic memories - EMDR helps process distressing experiences so they feel less overwhelming and can reduce the intensity of trauma-related symptoms. In addition, Brian draws on client-centered therapy principles that prioritize empathy, validation, and the client's own goals, creating a collaborative space for exploration and growth.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Brian works with clients to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and he adjusts the plan over time so therapy remains responsive and effective. That collaborative stance helps clients feel engaged and heard throughout treatment.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect - through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging - making it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules and to access care from different locations. For many people, remote sessions increase convenience and consistency, allowing ongoing work on coping strategies, trauma processing, recovery from addiction, and life changes with licensed professionals who can guide the process.