Meet Our Team
Our Approach
Human beings are complex and have many elements to them. We feel that looking through one lens and not focusing on all aspects of a person is a disservice. All the years of learning have taught us to learn about a person, really learn and understand their complexities and all parts of them mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically The client is the center of our work. We develop our treatment to address all aspects of a person. We adapt our treatment to fit what the client needs as opposed to the client fitting into what we know. All of these elements are incorporated into our treatment together. We believe the client is the authority on their life. We are just here to walk the journey with them to reach their potential, whatever they want that to be.
Meet Our Therapists
Kerri Russell-Russo, MSW, LCSW, CCS
“I want to be a therapist when I grow up”…these were the words in my eighth grade yearbook. For as far back as I can remember, I have been fascinated with the brain, human behavior and anything related to the topic of psychotherapy. After working several years at a financial company on Wall Street in NYC’s financial district, I decided to pursue my dream. I graduated from Monmouth University with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a minor in Psychology followed by a Master’s degree in Social Work with a concentration in children and families. I was a member of the National Honor Society, Phi Alpha.
I have worked in numerous facets including hospitals, schools, group homes and private practice. My love for this work grew and continues to grow daily. Coming to the realization that there was more than traditional talk therapy to heal trauma and treat many diagnoses, led me to seek post-graduate training in an array of modalities. I began working in private practice over 15 years ago and realized most of us will experience at least one traumatic event in our lifetime
I went on to learn everything I could and feel as happy as my clients when I see them process trauma and become free from its hold. I went on to get my certification in EMDR. Further research led me to Brainspotting and receiving my certification as well.. I spent several years intensely studying Sandplay therapy.
I specialize in trauma and treat children through adults. I am a Certified Anxiety Trauma Professional and a Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional. In the Spring of 2023, I became a certified KAP (ketamine assisted therapy) Provider.
My passion is to truly help others to heal on a deep level utilizing both traditional “talk therapy” as well as modalities that treat issues that cannot be resolved by talk therapy alone. Seeing someone heal while reaching a place they never thought possible is such an amazing thing to witness and be a part of.
I am an LCSW and have been in the mental health field for 15 years. I earned my Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University. My background includes working with children, adolescents, and adults with various issues including: depression, anxiety, anger issues, social skills, communication skills and general coping skills. I bring many years of experience working with adults who have experienced trauma, substance use and severe mental health diagnoses. Through my years of experience, I have provided services in multiple settings in the field including schools, intensive in-home therapy and community work. I utilize a variety of different approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy, person centered, motivational interviewing and harm reduction. I am also trained in Brainspotting to assist clients heal from the effects of trauma. My goal is to help my clients develop confidence in coping with the ever-changing world around them. In my spare time, You’ll find me reading on the beach, playing with my children, boating or relaxing by a fire.
Lauren Velazquez, MSW, LCSW
Scott Gerson, MSW, LCSW
I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the past twenty-five years. I obtained my Master’s Degree in Social Work from Rutgers University. I have extensive experience counseling children, adolescents and adults in a variety of settings. As a therapist, I utilize treatment modalities including DBT, CBT and Attachment Theory, among others. Some of my specialties include anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD and family therapy. I most enjoy spending time on the beach and golfing.
As a therapist, my philosophy toward the therapeutic process is that of collaboration. I join with my clients to assess their goals and work alongside them to optimize the therapeutic experience. I strive to create a space for my clients to process issues in an empathetic and non-judgemental setting.
I am an LPC and received my undergraduate degree in Psychology and my graduate degree in Mental Health Counseling from Monmouth University. I have been working in the counseling field for over eight years. My experience extends over a variety of populations including children, adolescents and adults. I also provide family and group psychotherapy. My experience includes treating clients with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, familial issues, grief and bereavement, trauma and PTSD, substance use and addiction, personality disorders, and severe and persistent mental illness. My philosophy to treatment is to utilize the treatment modality that is best for my client and what they need. My expertise includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) and EMDR.
My desire to work in the field came early on in life and I continue to be excited and enthusiastic when working with clients. I provide both in-person and telehealth services that focus on the specific needs of my client. My goal is to always provide a safe and comfortable space for anyone that needs it. I believe that the therapeutic relationship should resemble a partnership and that together, we can work through whatever your journey may be.
In my spare time, I enjoy reading, traveling, hiking and spending time with family.
Lacey Holovacko, LPC
Caitlin Banz, MSW, LSW
I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology and Women & Gender Studies at TCNJ and my masters degree from Rutgers University. I work with clients who are experiencing a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief and/or general difficulty coping with life’s stressors. My goal is to provide a supportive, non-judgmental and safe environment throughout each client’s journey towards emotional wellness and self love/acceptance.
In general, my approach is collaborative, person-centered and strengths-based. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness and motivational interviewing. My main focus is to provide individualized therapy based on you and your personal goals. This is your journey, you have ownership and I am here to guide you. In my free time you will find me reading, using my Peloton, or spending time with my loved ones.
My name is Tatiana Negron and I am the office/billing manager for Self Elements Psychotherapy & Wellness. I have over ten years of experience and expertise in all aspects of mental health billing. My main goals are to help the practice run smoothly and efficiently as well as provide assistance to clients regarding insurance or billing questions. In my spare time, I love traveling to the Caribbean and spending time with my dog, Apollo.
Tatiana Negro - Office Manager
Contact Us
Office Address
35 Beaverson Blvd., Ste. 8A (side entrance)
Brick, NJ 08723
Email Us
info@Self-Elements.com
Office Hours
Mon - Fri 8:00am - 9:00pm
All Hours By Appointment Only
Call Us
908-373-1059