Raisa Shams, LAC
Licensed Associate Counselor
Portrait Health Centers
Portrait Health Centers are multi-specialty clinics that employ the most cutting-edge and proven assessment protocols and treatment options available, believing that an Effective Treatment Depends On An Accurate Diagnosis. Individuals should not have to “play doctor” by researching available treatments and then self-selecting which of these treatments has been scientifically validated and would be most appropriate for themselves or their family. At Portrait Health Centers, we provide a comprehensive and multi-specialty assessment to determine the underlying causes of your symptoms and incorporate an appropriate treatment plan.
Bio
Specialties: ADHD, Academic Underachievement, Addiction, Adoption, Alcohol Abuse, Anger Management, Antisocial Personality, Anxiety, Asperger’s Syndrome, Autism, Behavioral Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality, Career Counseling, Child or Adolescent, Codependency, Coping Skills, Depression, Divorce, Domestic Abuse, Domestic Violence, Drug Abuse, Dual Diagnosis, Eating Disorders, Emotional Disturbance, Family Conflict, Gambling, Grief, Infidelity, Intellectual Disability, Internet Addiction, Learning Disabilities, LGBTQ Issues and Identity, Narcissistic Personality, Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD), Oppositional Defiance, Parenting, Peer Relationships, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, Racial Identity, Relationship Issues, Self Esteem, Self-Harming, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Addiction, Sleep or Insomnia, Spirituality, Substance Abuse, Suicidal Ideation, Teen Violence, Trauma and PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, Video Game Addiction, Women’s Issues
I earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology from Rutgers University, as well as a Master of Arts (M.A.) and an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Professional Counseling from Seton Hall University. I have worked with clients of all ages and multicultural backgrounds with varying degrees of mental health diagnoses. I have previously counseled adults in a partial care program who have been diagnosed with severe depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and other psychotic disorders. I have also interned at an outpatient setting counseling children, adolescents, and young adults with behavioral issues, trauma, anxiety, and depression.
Being empathic and genuine with my clients is the best way to create a safe space and non-judgmental environment for them to open up and begin the therapeutic process, which will eventually lead to achieving their goals. I believe that each client has different needs and therefore like to utilize various therapeutic techniques in order to provide the best level of care. Some of the therapeutic approaches I like to draw from are cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and mindfulness.
I am a huge proponent of self-care. I do this by watching thought-provoking films and TV shows, playing piano, singing, and spending time with friends and family.
Helpful Links
Practice Areas/Issues Treated
 Therapy
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Hypnotherapy
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Addiction
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Learning Disabilities
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Adolescents
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Life and Wellness Coaching
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Adoption
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Life Transitions
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Anger Management
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Loneliness
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Anxiety and Panic
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Marriage & Family Therapy
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Arts Therapy (Expressive)
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Marriage Counseling
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Asperger's Syndrome
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Men's Issues
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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
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Neuropsychological Evaluation / Testing
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Bicultural Difficulties
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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Body Image Issues
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Online / Teletherapy
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Caregiver Issues
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Pet Therapy
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Children's Counseling
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Play Therapy
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Chronic Illness
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Pre and Postpartum Mental Health
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Couples
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Premarital Counseling
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Depression
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Problem Gambling
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Divorce
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Psychoanalysis
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Domestic Violence
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Psychological Evaluation / Testing
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Eating Disorders
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Psychopharmacology
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Educational Therapy
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Relationship Issues
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EMDR
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Religious Counseling
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Family Conflict
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Self-Esteem Issues
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Gay or Lesbian Issues
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Seniors and Elder Care Issues
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Gender Identity / Transgenderism
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Sexual Dysfunction
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Gifted / Talented Issues
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Stress Management
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Grief and Loss
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Trauma and PTSD
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Group Therapy
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Women's Issues
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Herpes and STD Counseling
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Work and Career Issues
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Licenses/Certifications
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Licensed Mental Health Counselor (State)
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