Staff

Brian Stemetzki, LCSW and owner of ABTCS

Brian Stemetzki is a LCSW specializing in individual, couples and family therapy, and maintains a private practice in Turnersville, NJ. Brian is the director and main therapist for A Better Tomorrow Counseling Services.With over 15 years experience in social work, and as a graduate of Rutgers University specializing in counseling therapy, he is currently serving as private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients. Among his areas of expertise are Hypnotherapy, Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Brian also has extensive training in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) working with children with behavioral issues and those on the autism spectrum. Brian uses various therapeutic interventions depending on the clients needs. His therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. He integrates complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, he works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.

Linda Case, LPC

Linda is a Licensed Professional Counselor.  She earned a Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from Millersville University and ABD Ph.D in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute.

Linda has over 15 years counseling experience with a diverse group of individuals.  Her counseling focus is on individuals and couples experiencing life transitions, addictions, depression/anxiety and financial stress.  Linda employs an eclectic approach utilizing Mindfulness-based Cognitive therapy, Solution-focused therapy, Psychodynamic therapy and energy psychology (Emotional Freedom Technique)

Linda has combined her education and experience in financial services and clinical psychology to work with individuals experiencing financial stress.  Her approach integrates neuroscience and counseling to help clients overcome limiting beliefs and habits that keep them stuck.  Clients often experience decreased depression and anxiety and a renewed sense of hope.  She counsels, teaches and coaches clients to help them improve the quality of their lives.

Brian Lehrer, LCSW and Assistant Director of ABTCS.

Brian Lehrer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who began his career in Social Work in 2001; he received his Master of Social Work degree in 2006 from San Diego State University. He is also a licensed Elementary School Teacher and worked in the school system as a teacher for 5 years before attending graduate school. Brian utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, and relaxation techniques as his primary approaches. Brian enjoys working with tweens, teenagers, young adults, and up. As the Assistant Director at A Better Tomorrow Counseling he has written the curriculum and facilitates the Anger Management Group as well as created other new programs. Brian has developed ways to incorporate technology into his therapy sessions with evidence based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), relaxation, and Mindfulness apps so clients can continue their personal growth goals at home in between sessions. With tweens Brian has been utilizing a new therapy based software to make therapy more exciting for the client but also incorporates ways to build coping skills that alleviate depression and anxiety. Brian worked as a therapist in the homes of chronically ill patients for many years which lead to him developing and spearheading a Home Visit Therapy Program for those unable to leave their home who are in need of therapy. Brian adds, “I am a firm believer that most people possess the capacity for change if it is what they truly desire. I am a kind and empathetic person whose career chose him, not the other way around. I will work with you to find a starting point in your therapy and work with the goals you hope to achieve. I look forward to meeting you!”

Shannon Yates, LPC

Shannon Yates is a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor.  She has a Master of Science degree in Counseling and Clinical Health Psychology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.  Shannon has devoted her career to helping those in need understand how to take control of their thoughts and emotions.  Shannon has worked with diverse populations with varying needs.  She has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in individual, group, and family settings.  Shannon prides herself on her ability to build relationships with her clients and views a strong rapport as an essential component to successful treatment. Shannon takes a holistic approach to treatment by addressing the whole person.  She utilizes her background in Health Psychology, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to help her client’s achieve their therapeutic goals.  Shannon is also a certified yoga instructor which allows her to utilize breath work, meditation, and mindfulness to help her clients achieve an inner peace.

Gwendolyn Kent, LPC

Gwendolyn earned her bachelor’s degree from Gwynedd Mercy College in Psychology and went on to Rider University where she received her master’s degree and license in counseling. Gwendolyn has over ten years experience working with victims of trauma. Gwendolyn holds NJ state certifications in domestic violence and sexual violence. Gwendolyn focuses on empowering the client using a client centered approach. Specialty areas: Domestic violence, sexual violence, bereavement, applied behavioral analysis, mood and anxiety disorders. Modalities: Gwendolyn utilizes various trauma modalities including Cognitive Processing Therapy or CPT and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT.  Client Focus: Gwendolyn works with adolescents, adults, couples and families

Megan Habbershon, LCSW

Megan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Widener University in 2008. Megan has worked predominately with children in school settings using Applied Behavioral Analysis to bring about meaningful change in behavior. She has also worked with individuals, couples, families and groups using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Structural Family Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. Megan’s approach is strengths- based, supportive and focused on facilitating positive change.

Jared Levine, LCSW

Jared earned his master’s from New York University and completed post-graduate training at the Ackerman Institute for the Family, one of the premier family and couples training programs in the U.S. Jared incorporates psychodrama techniques, such as role-reversal, to help clients resolve past trauma. He provides a safe and comfortable space to engender trust and promote healing, helping clients gain greater insight to manage life’s hurdles. Calling on his 15+ years of experience, Jared’s therapeutic philosophy involves empowering clients to work through past traumas and self-defeating behaviors to lead more fulfilling lives.

Rita Taylor, LCSW

Rita is a licensed clinical social worker who received a Masters in social work from Rutgers University, and started practicing in 1995. She provides marital/couple, and individual therapy, utilizing CBT and solution focused therapies. Rita enjoys working with adults ,couples and senior populations.

Deborah Brown, LPC

Deborah Brown is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been working with clients of all ages for over ten years. She holds a Master of Science Degree in Mental Health Counseling, a Bachelor’s degree in Education, and is a doctoral candidate in the field of Public Health. Deborah utilizes Cognitive Behavioral approaches integrated with mindfulness techniques to support clients experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety and trauma-related issues. Deborah focuses on holistic health care for clients, recognizing the value of the integration of mental and physical health in healing and personal growth. Deborah works with persons who identify as LBGTQI, providing support navigating life stressors and important transitions. Deborah incorporates creative approaches including elements of Dialectical Behavior therapy to support women who are struggling with work/home balance, self-esteem issues and challenges unique to women. Also, Deborah provides couples counseling that incorporates skill development in active listening and other supports to develop changes that heal relationships.

Diane Gruszewski, LCSW

Diane Gruszewski is a Clinical Social Worker who became licensed in 1995. She received her MSW from Rutgers University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Towson University. Diane is trained in Family Systems Therapy. Diane is also a trained in PCIT (Parent Child Interactive Therapy) and Trauma Focused Therapy therapist. Diane works with populations across the lifespan and does individual, family, couple and group therapy.