Our Team
Pauline Bailo, LCSW, Founder, Clinical Director
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.
Grace Taylor, LSW, Associate
Hello, my name is Grace Taylor, and I am a licensed social worker. I support children and adolescents who are experiencing challenges related to autism, developmental differences, anxiety, or changes in their lives. They may be seeking understanding, structure, and tools to better manage emotions, navigate daily demands, and feel more confident in themselves and their abilities.My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and client-centered. I strive to create a warm, supportive space where clients feel heard and respected. From a humanistic perspective, I use CBT, mindfulness, and person-centered techniques to help clients recognize patterns, build coping skills, and grow self-compassion.Seeking support is a meaningful step, and you don’t have to take it alone. If you’re feeling ready to explore your concerns in a safe, supportive space, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can work toward greater clarity, balance, and well-being.Jordan Warner, LSW, Associate
Hi there, my name is Jordan Warner, I am an associate at Dove Counseling Services! Many of my clients are teens, college students, and young adults who feel overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, or big life transitions. You might be juggling school, relationships, family pressure, or the uncertainty of what comes next, and trying to hold it all together on your own. You’re motivated, thoughtful, and self-aware, but you may feel stuck, exhausted, or unsure of how to move forward. My goal is to help you find clarity, build confidence, and feel more grounded in your day-to-day life. I provide couples, individual and group therapy.
I use a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach that blends CBT, motivational interviewing, and supportive, relational therapy. I help clients understand their patterns, manage anxiety, navigate transitions, and build practical tools they can use in real life, not just in session.
Therapy should feel safe, collaborative, and human. I meet you where you are, without judgment, and move at a pace that feels right for you. If you’re ready for support, or even just curious about what therapy might look like, I’m here to help you take that next step.Joseph McNulty, MSW, LSW, Associate
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 .Darla
Meet Darla! She loves to come with me to the office and help people with their feelings. 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.
3.31.2026 Written by Pauline Bailo, LCSW
How to Choose the Right Therapist for You
Written By Pauline Bailo
Starting therapy is a big step—and finding the right therapist can make all the difference. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed scrolling through profiles or unsure who to reach out to, you’re not alone.
The good news? You don’t have to get it perfect—you just need a good fit.
1. Start with What You Need Help With
Before choosing a therapist, take a moment to think about what’s bringing you in.
You might be dealing with:
Anxiety or panic
Depression or low motivation
Relationship challenges
Trauma or past experiences
Life transitions or stress
Many therapists specialize in certain areas. Looking for someone who has experience with what you’re going through can help you feel more understood and supported.
2. Pay Attention to Their Approach
Therapists use different styles and methods. You don’t need to know all the terms, but a general sense can help.
For example:
Some therapists are more structured and skill-based (teaching coping tools)
Others are more exploratory and insight-oriented (understanding patterns and emotions)
Some blend both
There’s no “best” approach—only what feels helpful for you.
3. Connection Matters More Than Credentials
Education and experience are important—but research consistently shows that the relationship you have with your therapist is one of the biggest factors in success.
Ask yourself after an initial conversation:
Do I feel comfortable talking to this person?
Do I feel heard and understood?
Do I feel safe being honest here?
If the answer is yes, that’s a strong sign you’re on the right track.
4. Consider Practical Factors
Sometimes the right therapist is also the one who fits your life.
Think about:
Location or virtual options
Availability and scheduling
Cost and insurance
Session frequency
Therapy works best when it’s consistent—so it should be realistically sustainable for you.
5. It’s Okay to Ask Questions
You’re allowed to interview your therapist, too.
You might ask:
“Have you worked with concerns like mine before?”
“What does a typical session look like?”
“How do you measure progress?”
A good therapist will welcome your questions and want you to feel informed.
6. Give It a Few Sessions
First sessions can feel a little awkward—that’s completely normal.
Try to give it a few meetings before deciding if it’s a good fit. Over time, you’ll get a clearer sense of:
How comfortable you feel
Whether you’re gaining insight or tools
If you feel supported in your goals
7. You Can Change Therapists
This is important: if it doesn’t feel like the right fit, you are allowed to switch.
That doesn’t mean therapy “isn’t working”—it just means the match isn’t quite right. Finding the right therapist can sometimes take a couple of tries, and that’s okay.
Choosing the right therapist doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for support with anxiety, depression, or life stress, finding a therapist who feels like the right fit can make all the difference. If you’re searching for a therapist in New Jersey or near Eatontown, NJ, support is available—and taking that first step can lead to real, lasting change.
