Pauline Bailo, LCSW

A Passion for Helping Others, a Heart for Children, and a Mission Built on Love

Pauline Bailo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and the Founder, Owner, and Clinical Director of Dove Counseling Services. With a passion for supporting children, adolescents, and families, Pauline has dedicated her career to helping individuals navigate life's challenges, develop resilience, and discover their strengths.

Pauline believes that everyone deserves access to compassionate, individualized mental health care in an environment where they feel safe, understood, and supported. Her vision for Dove Counseling Services grew from a desire to create a welcoming practice where children and teens could receive the emotional and behavioral support they need to thrive.

The Heart Behind Dove Counseling Services

For Pauline, Dove Counseling Services is much more than a business—it is a deeply personal mission built on love, friendship, and the desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

The name Dove Counseling Services was chosen in loving memory of Pauline's best friend, who was tragically killed in a car accident. Naming the practice after her friend was a way to honor her memory while creating something meaningful that could bring hope, healing, and support to others.

What began as Pauline's vision to provide quality mental health treatment to children and teenagers has grown into a practice dedicated to serving individuals and families throughout New Jersey.

For Pauline, every client helped and every family supported represents another step toward fulfilling the mission that inspired Dove Counseling Services.

Professional Experience and Clinical Leadership

Pauline holds specialized certificates in play therapy, autism, and clinical supervision, reflecting her commitment to providing developmentally appropriate, evidence-informed care and supporting the professional growth of other mental health clinicians.

Her passion for working with children and adolescents is rooted in the belief that early emotional support can make a lasting difference in a young person's life. She recognizes the importance of helping children develop healthy coping skills, build confidence, strengthen relationships, and learn to navigate difficult emotions.

As Clinical Director, Pauline is equally passionate about mentoring and supervising developing therapists. She strives to create a collaborative environment where clinicians can continue learning, strengthen their clinical skills, and provide compassionate, ethical, and effective mental health treatment.

Pauline believes that a strong clinical team is essential to providing exceptional care and is committed to fostering a practice culture built on professionalism, encouragement, and genuine connection.

A Little About Pauline

Pauline grew up in upstate New York, near what is now LEGOLAND New York. She later spent four years living in Maryland, where she developed a lasting love for the Baltimore Ravens. She remains a proud Ravens fan!

Outside of her work as a therapist and practice owner, Pauline enjoys staying active, exploring new places, and spending quality time with family.

She loves traveling and experiencing different cultures, working out at F45, and spending time on the water—whether boating, sailing, or simply enjoying a beautiful day outdoors.

Pauline is also an enthusiastic soccer fan who enjoys attending professional soccer matches. Above all, she values time spent with her family and creating meaningful memories with the people she loves.

Her appreciation for travel, adventure, physical wellness, and family reflects her belief in the importance of maintaining balance, embracing new experiences, and finding joy in everyday life.

Pauline's Greatest Accomplishment

Of all her personal and professional achievements, Pauline considers founding Dove Counseling Services her greatest accomplishment.

Building the practice has allowed her to combine her passion for mental health, her dedication to children and families, and her desire to honor someone who meant so much to her.

Watching Dove Counseling Services grow into a place where clients can find support and clinicians can develop professionally continues to be one of the most meaningful experiences of her life.

Pauline's Personal Philosophy

“A failure is not always a mistake; it may simply be the best one can do under the circumstances. The real mistake is to stop trying.”

— B. F. Skinner

This quote reflects Pauline's belief in perseverance, resilience, and the importance of continuing to move forward, even when life presents unexpected challenges.

She believes that setbacks do not define us and that growth often comes from our most difficult experiences. Whether supporting a client through a challenging time, mentoring a developing therapist, or navigating the responsibilities of running a practice, Pauline values determination, compassion, and the courage to keep trying.

At Dove Counseling Services, Pauline's mission is simple: to create a place where hope, healing, and personal growth are possible—and where every individual feels valued, supported, and empowered to move forward.