Danielle Spera MS, LAC

(she/her)

Accepting Clients

Helping you reconnect with yourself through honesty, compassion, and grounded support, creating space for clarity and healing.

Counselor in Upper Montclair, NJ
Supervised by Shaleen D. Anderson, LCSW

Services

  • Individual

About My Clients

My clients are often deep thinkers who feel weighed down by anxiety, self-doubt, or the pressure to hold it all together. They want relief, but also meaning, and space to explore who they are beyond the stress. I support them with honesty and compassion, creating a space where they can feel grounded, confident, and true to themselves, while learning to trust their own voice and navigate life with clarity.

My Background and Approach

My path into mental health was shaped by a lifelong passion for self-development and understanding people at their core. I’ve always been drawn to questions of who we are, how we grow, and what it means to live in alignment with ourselves. As a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) with a B.A. from Montclair State University and an M.S. from Walden University, I bring both clinical training and a deeply personal connection to this work. My approach is grounded in honesty, logic, and compassion. I don’t believe in surface fixes or telling people what to do. Instead, I create a space where you feel seen, supported, and encouraged to explore at your own pace. Clients often describe me as calm, open, and intentional. Outside of therapy, I find grounding in nature, music, and reflection. I value authenticity and believe caring for mind, body, and spirit matters. I bring that same depth and presence into sessions—meeting you where you are and walking with you toward growth and clarity.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I believe mental health is inseparable from authenticity, self-trust, and the courage to live life fully. I value honesty, compassion, and boundaries, and I view therapy as a space where people don’t need to perform or pretend. I stand for women’s health, empowerment, and creating safety in spaces where vulnerability is met with care. I see animals as teachers of presence, loyalty, and connection. Spiritually, I’m grounded in reflection and meaning making, not tied to one belief system but open to what feels true and restorative for each person. I also believe caring for ourselves, including our bodies, our energy, and our appearance, matters for mental health. Feeling aligned inside and out fosters confidence and clarity. At my core, I value independence, growth, and connection. I want to inspire others to embrace who they are unapologetically, to live with meaning and trust in themselves, and to know that resilience is always possible even when the path feels uncertain.

Techniques I Use

Specialties

Existential Therapy Humanistic Therapy Trauma Therapy

Other Techniques

  • Existential Therapy

Issues I Treat

Specialties

Abuse Addiction ADHD Therapists

Other Issues

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Client Focus

Languages
English

Qualifications

License
MS, LAC, State of New Jersey · #37AC00875900
Supervision
Supervised by Shaleen D. Anderson, LCSW
Years in practice
1 year

Insurance Plans Accepted

  • Out of Network
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Medicare
  • Oscar
  • Magellan Behavioral Health
  • Medicaid
  • Multiplan
  • Optum
  • TRICARE
  • United Behavioral Health (UBH)
  • Oxford Health Plan
  • United Healthcare
  • Coventry
  • Amerigroup
  • Three Rivers Provider Network
  • Beech Street
  • Wellcare
  • United Community Plan
  • AmeriHealth
  • FedMed
  • Prime Health
  • Devon Health Services
  • Clover Health
  • Consumer Health Network
  • First Trenton Indemnity
  • Health Republic
  • Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
  • Horizon NJ Health
  • Preferred Providers of NJ
  • Qualcare
  • Independence Blue Cross
  • MagnaCare
  • Harvard Pilgrim Health
  • VA Community Care Program
  • Lyra Health
  • Princeton University Student Health Plan (SHP)
  • Evernorth
  • United Healthcare Student Resources - Rutgers University
  • MHC (Mental Health Consultants)
  • Carelon Behavioral Health Plan
  • Braven Health
  • Quest Behavioral Health
  • Anthem EAP - Bank of America
  • Carelon Behavioral Health

I offer online counseling in the following states:

I have experience with the following

  • Agnosticism
  • Atheism
  • Buddhism
  • Christianity

Hours & Availability

New clients welcome
Currently accepting new clients
In-person & Telehealth
Both available

Location

Primary Location

622-624 Valley Road
Suite 5G, 5H
Upper Montclair, NJ 07043
7326749857
Open in Google Maps ↗ · GPS: 40.841999°, -74.2084402°

At A Glance

  • Experience: 1 year of practice
  • Languages: English

Info

Email Danielle
622-624 Valley Road
Suite 5G, 5H
Upper Montclair, NJ 07043
625 Central Ave
Suite 9, 10 & 11
Westfield, NJ 07090

Reach out to Danielle