Erica Pass Psy.D .
NJ Licensed Psychologist #5160
Approach to Treatment:
Psychology is my second career (after working as an author and book editor for several years), so I am familiar with what it's like to consider major life transitions. I can help if you are feeling stuck or pondering a change in your life. Because I am a writer, I believe in the power of narrative and often incorporate this into therapy, including expressive writing and other creative approaches. I will help you look at your life as your own story and figure out how you can write the next chapter.
I primarily work with adults of all ages as well as adolescents. My approach to therapy is to work collaboratively with you to figure out a path toward clarity, relief, and empowerment. I listen to each client and identify specifically what will help with the current issues that are getting in the way. Together, we will figure out a plan for treatment, shaping it as we go according to what you are looking for and how we are meeting the goals we set. My theoretical approach is integrative, meaning that I draw from various approaches to tailor the best plan to each individual I work with.
I have ample experience treating grief and loss, as well as adjustment and transition issues.
I completed a pre-doctoral internship at the New Jersey Veterans Hospital and have had training in the treatment of trauma.
I've worked extensively with clients who identify as LGBTQ and am very comfortable dealing with gender and sexual identity concerns.
I have received training in the principles of self-compassion and have found that strengthening self-worth is often an important component of therapy.
I have also received training in ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and will use this approach when treating anxiety and depression, among other presenting issues.
I have experience working with artists and performers and enjoy this work very much.
I also have experience doing testing, having trained at Bellevue Hospital in New York City as well as on a National Institute of Mental Health-sponsored study in autism.
I look forward to meeting you and hearing more about what you are looking for!
Education
May 1994
B.A. in English with a specialization in Creative Writing and Literature, Binghamton University (State University of New York). Magna Cum Laude; Completed Honors Thesis in English.
2002-2003
Postbaccalaureate program in Psychology. Columbia University
2010
Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology. Rutgers University. October 2010.
APA Approved Program. GPA: 4.0.
Related Work Experience:
2015 –present
Strides in Psychotherapy, Somerset, NJ
Conduct psychotherapy with adults and older adolescents in a private practice setting.
2006-09, 2011-12, 2015-present
Answer, a non-profit organization based at the Center for Applied Psychology (CAP), Rutgers University
Develop content for magazine and website intended to provide comprehensive sex education to adolescents.
2011-15
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Rutgers University
Provided individual psychotherapy to undergraduate and graduate students in a busy counseling center setting serving a diverse student population. Facilitated several groups, including Grief & Loss and DBT Skills. Also created and led first Self-Compassion psychotherapy group at Rutgers and created and co-facilitated first psychotherapy group for transgender students at Rutgers. Provided outreach, including acting as a liaison for LGBTQ students and the RU Center for Social Justice. Supervised psychological trainees.
2010-13
Institute for Personal Growth (IPG), Highland Park, NJ
Provided individual outpatient psychotherapy for adolescents and adults at this group practice specializing in LGBTQ and sexual issues as well as general mental health concerns.
2010-11
Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
Co-facilitated psychotherapy groups for breast cancer patients and their partners.
2009-10
Department of Veterans Affairs New Jersey Healthcare System, East Orange/Lyons, NJ
Completed this APA-approved clinical internship program. Provided individual and group psychotherapy to veteran population on a residential Post-traumatic Stress Disorder unit (inpatient and outpatient) as well as residents of a nursing home. Created and independently facilitated writing and narrative group. Conducted testing batteries including projective, cognitive, and neuropsychological measures.
2007-10, 2013
New Jersey Language and Autism Genetics Study (NJLAGS), Rutgers University
Served as a psychometrician on this study conducted by Rutgers University and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) and sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Administered cognitive and language tests to children with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum as well as to members of their immediate and extended families.
2007-08
Neuropsychological Assessment Service, Bellevue Hospital Center, New York City
As Psychology Extern, provided neuropsychological testing to a diverse adult population. Assessments included cognitive, personality, and other measures of general functioning
2006
Princeton House Behavioral Health Women's Programs, Princeton, NJ
As Psychology Extern, participated in several psychotherapy groups at this intensive day treatment program for female trauma patients; conducted biopsychosocial intakes.
2005-06
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Rutgers University
As Psychology Extern, provided psychotherapy to a diverse undergraduate population. Served as Process Observer of a psychotherapy group for survivors of sexual assault.
2004-05
School Based Youth Services Program (SBYSP), Paul Robeson Elementary School, New Brunswick, NJ
As Psychology Extern, provided direct clinical service to urban student population (grades K-8), including individual and group psychotherapy. Participated in the planning and execution of psychoeducational workshops.
2002-03
Children's Day Unit, New York State Psychiatric Institute
This day hospital unit serves as a comprehensive evaluation and treatment program for children
and adolescents with a range of diagnoses; as a volunteer, conducted writing groups with both inpatients and outpatients and aided in unit classroom.
Honors And Writing:
2011
Dissertation chosen as topic of panel discussion at Society for the Exploration of Psychotherapy Integration (SEPI) convention; presented with Stanley Messer, Ph.D. and George Stricker, Ph.D.
2010
Pass, E. R. Combining Expressive Writing with an Affect- and Attachment-Focused Psychotherapeutic Approach in the Treatment of a Single-Incident Trauma Survivor: The Case of "Grace". Pragmatic Case Studies in Psychotherapy, Vol. 8, No. 2.
2007
Graduate Merit Award, Executive Women of New Jersey
2004-2005
Excellence Fellowship, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers University
1994-present
Member, Phi Beta Kappa
*Author of several books for children, published 1997-2009.
Professional Organizations
2015-present
Member, Middlesex County Association of Psychologists
2011-16
Member, New Jersey Psychological Association
2008-2010
Member, New Jersey Psychological Association Graduate Students (NJPAGS)
2007-2009
Student Affiliate, New York State Psychological Association
2007-2009
Member, American Psychological Association Division 56, Trauma Psychology
2004-2010
Member, American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS