Magdalena Vazquez, MA, LAC, NCC, CTP, Mental Health Clinician

Magdalena (she/her) is a Licensed Associate Counselor and a National Certified Counselor at Joy

Magdalena (she/her) is a Licensed Associate Counselor and a National Certified Counselor at Joy Mental Fitness, which has locations in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Boston, Massachusetts. Magdalena provides telehealth services to clients throughout New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Magdalena is bilingual, proficient in both English and Spanish.

My Personal Journey:

From an early age, I discovered a strong interest in helping and supporting others. It was not until I faced personal challenges within my own family, struggling with addictions and mental health issues, that I began to explore these issues more deeply to grasp an understanding of these afflictions. This motivation led me to pursue a career in Professional Counseling, focusing on co-occurring disorders. Throughout my journey, I relied on my faith in God and the support of loved ones to overcome obstacles and achieve my professional goals.

Transitioning from a long-standing career to a new path in counseling has allowed me to follow my true passion of providing support and hope to those in need. I am committed to serving as a source of guidance and assistance for individuals facing challenges, and I am eager to make a positive impact in their lives.

Clinical Approach and Techniques:

I use an eclectic therapeutic approach tailored to the unique needs of each client. For clients who struggle with irrational thoughts and faulty beliefs stemming from trauma, life experiences, and/or other challenges, I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help them challenge and restructure their thoughts. For clients who have difficulty managing intense emotions, I implement Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to aid in emotion regulation. Additionally, I use a psychoanalytic approach to help clients explore their subconscious and gain a deeper understanding of how their past experiences impact their current situation, fostering a more comprehensive healing process.

During sessions, I employ various techniques such as breathing exercises, mindfulness, role playing, and traditional talk therapy. My experience extends to working with a diverse range of clients, including children, young and older adults, college students, families, premarital couples, and Spanish-speaking individuals. The mental health issues addressed in my sessions encompass anxiety, depression, communication difficulties, relationship conflicts, identity development, multicultural concerns, and trauma.

Clients can expect their sessions with me to be a safe and supportive environment where they can openly express themselves without fear of judgment. Confidentiality is paramount, and I strive to create a compassionate space where clients can be honest, transparent, and vulnerable as they navigate their personal growth and healing journey.

Education & Training

I hold a Master's degree in Counseling and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, with a minor in Latino and Latin American Studies, from Montclair State University. I am certified as a Trauma Professional and Crisis Counselor. My expertise and passion for counseling and mental wellness are applied to support mental health and emotional well-being.

As long as you continue to breathe, there is always hope shining brightly on the horizon. Never surrender and always grant yourself the opportunity to embrace healing and mental wellness!

“There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn't." John Green