Mind-Body Support for Life’s Challenges

Online Mental Health Therapy that Fosters Healing, Reconnection and Meaningful Growth —
Serving New Jersey & New York residents.

Therapy offered in English and Spanish.

Therapist Shirley with long black hair sitting in her office chair in her home therapy office smiling.

Welcome!

I’m Shirley Hernandez, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker serving adults across New Jersey and New York. I also offer therapy sessions in English and Spanish. I’ve been in clinical practice since 2016, following 20 years supporting individuals and families in other social work roles that deepened my understanding of how life changes can affect both the body and emotional wellbeing.

I became a therapist because I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure why your body feels the way it does, especially when living with debilitating chronic health conditions. Finding a therapist who truly saw me — who listened with intention and offered steady, practical guidance — changed the course of my life and continues to shape how I approach my work as a therapist today. I bring that same grounded, compassionate presence to the people I work with.

In my work, how I show up in the room matters. I’ve sat with clients in the quiet shock after a diagnosis, in the heavy quiet grief no one else sees, and in the anxiety and confusion of symptoms that don’t make sense. I know this work takes courage, and I honor that with steadiness and care.

My Approach

My approach to therapy is grounded, steady, and collaborative. I integrate trauma-informed care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and a mind–body perspective shaped by my training as a certified TraumaInformed Yoga Teacher (RYT200). Sessions are a blend of thoughtful listening, gentle exploration, and practical tools you can use between sessions.

This became the inspiration for creating Beautiful Synergy Therapy and Wellness LLC. It reflects how I understand healing. My work has been shaped by years in social work case management, clinical practice, and lived experience that deepened my understanding of the connection between emotional pain, physical experience, and mindful awareness. Over time, mindfulness and the mind-body connection became central to how I learned to stay grounded — and how I now support others.

My goal is simple: to support your emotional healing and meaningful growth while honoring where you are right now.

Services + Specialties

Individual online therapy for adults (18+) in New Jersey and New York.

I specialize in supporting adults who are experiencing:

  • Anxiety, chronic worry, and emotional overwhelm

  • Depression and persistent sadness

  • Chronic health conditions 

  • The emotional impact of chronic pain, including financial strain, work disruptions, and relationship stress

  • Grief and loss

  • Reproductive and fertilityrelated emotional challenges (including IVF and medical trauma)

  • Burnout, emotional exhaustion, and longterm stress

  • Alcohol or substance use concerns

  • Mind–body symptoms or physical experiences that feel confusing or hard to explain

I work especially well with individuals who feel emotionally overwhelmed and want a therapist who listens closely, understands the mind–body connection, and offers steady, practical support.

I’m in Network with:

  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of New York

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

  • Carelon Behavioral Health

  • Cigna

  • Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield (NJ)

  • Independence Blue Cross Blue Shield (PA)

  • Quest Behavioral Health

Private Pay Rates

  • Intake Session ($200)

  • Individual Therapy ($150)

  • Sliding Scale Rates are available depending on individual need and circumstances. Schedule a consultation to learn more.

Your Questions, Answered

  • The phone consultation is a brief, complimentary 15minute call to ask questions and see if scheduling a first therapy session feels like a good fit. It is not a therapy session or intake.

  • Your first therapy session is a full intake appointment, typically about an hour. We’ll talk about what brought you in, what you’ve been experiencing, and what you hope to work on. I’ll ask some background questions and review basic policies. There’s no pressure to share everything at once.

  • You may feel aligned with my approach if you’re looking for a therapist who is steady, attentive, and understands the mind–body connection. The phone consultation can also help you decide.

  • Yes. I provide telehealth therapy for adults in New Jersey and New York through a secure video, HIPPA-compliant platform.

  • Yes. Therapy sessions are confidential, with limited exceptions required by law. I’ll review confidentiality and answer any questions you may have during your first therapy session.

  • I ask for at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations or noshows are charged the full session fee.

  • Most clients meet weekly or biweekly, depending on their needs and goals. Sessions are typically 50 minutes.

  • Yes. I work with individuals who have concerns related to alcohol or substance use, often connected to stress or emotional pain. My approach is supportive and nonjudgmental.

  • Yes. I support clients coping with the emotional impact of chronic pain or health conditions, including stress related to work, relationships, and daily life. While I don’t prescribe medication, I provide therapy that can complement medical care.

  • Yes. I support clients in processing the emotional and relational impact of fertility related stress and uncertainty. Support is tailored to each individual, and when appropriate, therapy can take place alongside but separate from medical care. 

  • That’s completely okay. I’ll guide you through the process and move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

Book an appointment

If you’re interested in working together, the best way to get started is by scheduling a free 15 minute phone consultation. This gives us a chance to talk about what you’re looking for, answer any questions, and see whether working together feels like a good fit. After the consultation, I’ll guide you through the next steps based on your needs.

Small Shifts Create Meaningful Change