Hi, my name is Pauline and I am the owner of Dove Counseling Services, LLC. I have 25 years of experience in the field of social work. Throughout my work I have learned many things, however the most important thing is that each person is an individual and should be treated as so. When I am in a session with someone, I treat them with respect, kindness and taylor the sessions uniquely. When working with couples or families, I create a space where everyone can be heard. Whether it is in my office or via telehealth, safety and making sure people are comfortable is a top priority. Therapy can be intimidating and overwhelming so I want to thank you for taking the first step in your journey of self exploration. I have extensive experience working with children with special needs and their families.

Hello! My name is Joe McNulty and I am a licensed social worker at Dove Counseling Services. My ideal client is someone who may be feeling lost, overwhelmed, or emotionally stuck—but still has the desire, even if it's small, to move forward. They might be grieving a loss, navigating a major life transition, dealing with anxiety, or struggling to make sense of difficult emotions.

Shontel Thomas, MSW, LSW, Associate

Sometimes the circumstances in life are too much to handle without some help. You may feel stuck, faced with uncertainty, overwhelmed and stress. I am here to help you during this difficult time in your life. I have over 21 years of experience working with adults, children/ adolescents and their families with a wide range of cognitive, behavioral and emotional issues in various settings.

My areas of specialty are anxiety, depression and other mood related disorders, stress, life transitions, trauma, chronic health conditions, women's emotional health. I have extensive experience dealing with issues affecting individuals emotionally, behaviorally, and socially .

For over 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting children, families, and individuals throughout Monmouth County. My work across multiple agencies has strengthened my ability to meet people where they are and help them move toward the goals that matter most to them.

I believe therapy should feel safe, respectful, and tailored to you. Everyone’s story is different, which is why I adjust my approach to fit your unique needs, strengths, and pace. Life can bring challenges that feel stressful, confusing, or overwhelming—and you don’t have to navigate those moments alone.

In our work together, my goal is to create a space where you feel genuinely heard, supported, and empowered. Through compassionate conversations and meaningful insights, I hope to help you move through the difficult times and toward greater emotional, mental, and physical well-being.

I look forward to walking this part of your journey with you.

Hi, I’m Jordan Warner, a licensed social worker at Dove Counseling Services. I work with children, teens, college students, and adults who are feeling overwhelmed by life’s stressors and are ready for something to change, even if they’re not sure where to start. My clients often come to therapy navigating anxiety, depression, relationship or family conflict, school and work pressures, identity questions, or the emotional impact of big life transitions and chronic stress.

In our work together, you can expect a space that is warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), strengths-based and solution-focused approaches, Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-informed practice. That means we’ll look at how your thoughts, emotions, relationships, and environment all connect, and we’ll build practical tools you can take with you outside of session. I also enjoy bringing in creativity, reflection, and education to help you better understand what you’re going through and feel more in control of your story.

My social work background includes experience in school, community, and university settings, with a strong focus on advocacy, equity, and mental health for young people and families. I completed my MSW at Rutgers University, where I focused on mental health, community practice, and environmental justice. I believe you are the expert on your own life, and my role is to walk alongside you, offering support, curiosity, and skills, as you move toward healing, clarity, and a more sustainable way of living.

I’m honored to be part of your journey.

Therapeutic Approaches:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – to challenge negative thought patterns and build coping skills.

• Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, goal-oriented form of therapy designed to help people resolve ambivalence about change. It’s especially useful when someone is stuck, resistant, or uncertain about making changes in their behavior—even if they know change would be beneficial.

• Solution-Focused Therapy – emphasizes goals and strengths.

• Art or Play Therapy – used with children, adolescents and families.

• Family Therapy – to improve communication and resolve conflicts.

• Strengths-Based Theory is a psychological and social work approach that focuses on identifying, developing, and using an individual's innate strengths, abilities, and resources to overcome challenges and achieve goals. Instead of centering on problems, deficits, or pathology, this theory emphasizes what is working and what can be built upon.

• Self Psychology is a psychoanalytic theory developed by Heinz Kohut in the 1970s that focuses on the development and maintenance of a healthy sense of self. It emphasizes the importance of early relationships—especially with caregivers—in shaping self-esteem, emotional stability, and identity.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Dove Counseling Services, we are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and affirming therapeutic environment for all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, ability, socioeconomic status, or cultural background.

We recognize that systems of oppression and marginalization—including racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and others—impact mental health and well-being. Our practice strives to be aware of these dynamics and to approach therapy through a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed lens.

While we continually work to educate ourselves and reflect on our own privileges and biases, we acknowledge that we may not always get it right. We welcome open dialogue and feedback and are committed to growing in our ability to serve all clients with respect, compassion, and cultural humility.

Meet Darla! She loves to come with me to the office and help people with their feelings.