Meet Our Team

Meet the clinicians who turn empathy into action, helping you rewrite your story with courage and clarity.

Maria Pipitone LCSW, LCADC

Founder/Therapist/Clinical Supervisor
LCSW NJ 44SC05794000 LCADC NJ 37LC00218300 Telehealth Waiver LCSW SC TLS 37 CP

At Pipitone Counseling, our handpicked therapists help you navigate challenges with expertise and heart. As a dual-credentialed therapist with 19+ years’ experience, I specialize in CBT, solution-focused therapy, and addiction care for teens and adults.

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Maria Pipitone

Life can be difficult. Perhaps you just need a caring person to listen and help you navigate the hills and find refuge in the valleys of everyday life. I welcome the opportunity to help you obtain your goals. At Pipitone Counseling Service you will not just be listened to, you will be heard. I commend you for taking the first step and searching for a therapist. I hope you continue to move forward and select a therapist so you can improve the quality of your life. Sometimes being able to voice your thoughts, without fear of judgement, can bring relief. Sometimes gaining insight into how perceptions guide decisions and having someone assist with providing guidance on how to look through a different lens can provide a new outlook. I am a dual-credentialed mental health/addictions therapist with 19+ years in the field. I've worked with adolescents ages 13-18 and adults, of all ages, who are experiencing a variety of issues. I'm proficient in Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client Centered Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Seeing people work through their challenges and move forward without continued need of my services has brought me great joy.
Having started in the field as a drug and alcohol counselor and a program manager for 10 years, I later rose to higher supervisory positions. I realized how much I learned from the excellent supervisors I had. I decided to pay it forward and teach other clinicians what I have learned over my years in the field. My handpicked team of clinicians are carefully selected, because it takes time to find the right fit. With that said, perhaps I am not the right fit for you. I welcome you to select one of our other therapists or find a therapist at a different practice. Your needs come first.

Ashley Cutonilli

Practice Manager

18+ years transforming lives—from refugee resettlement to behavioral health leadership. She builds systems that empower providers and expand access to compassionate care.

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Ashley Cutonilli

Ashley Cutonilli brings over 18 years of program management expertise to her mission of empowering vulnerable communities, beginning her career in refugee resettlement where she led teams dedicated to rebuilding lives and fostering stability. Today, as a behavioral health practice leader, she merges her social services background with a relentless drive to improve mental health access, designing systems that prioritize both compassionate care and operational efficiency. Her work bridges gaps between providers and communities, ensuring sustainable support for those in need while equipping professionals with the tools to deliver impactful, equitable care.

Richard Speiser LSW

Therapist /Office Manager
LSW NJ 44SL06950300

Life’s weight can feel crushing—but you don’t have to carry it alone. Together, we’ll untangle the stress, reshape unhealthy patterns, and reclaim your strength.


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Richard Speiser

The pressures and stress of being alive and the burden of modern life are enough to negatively influence anyone. Couple this idea with additional stressors - relationship issues, financial concerns, mental illness, addiction, grief, loss - and navigating daily life can seem overwhelming and unbearable. It is entirely understandable why you are seeking professional help, and I applaud you for taking the first step toward addressing your needs. Through authenticity and urgency, we will create a space where your concerns and worries can be explored earnestly without fear of judgment or stigma. We will identify needs and consider the changes that can be implemented to avoid maladaptive behavior, negative thinking patterns, and the various ways emotional distress can manifest and impact your life. We will develop strategies that will be tailor-made to benefit your issues and consider the various pathways that can lead toward a more manageable life. Change is difficult and scary, but when you’re ready to consider the issues causing you emotional distress, I’m ready to help you. Give me a call today so we can schedule our first session and get you on the road to feeling more in control of your life.

Erin Brophy LAC

Therapist
LAC NJ 37AC00735300

Seeking help takes courage—I provide a safe space to navigate life's challenges, from anxiety and grief to relationships and self-esteem. Using tailored approaches like CBT and DBT, we'll work together to heal and grow. You have the strength to change; I'll help you find it.

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Erin Brophy

Taking the courageous step to seek therapy is an important part of the healing process, and I am here to guide you through it. I strive to provide a safe and supportive space where individuals can openly explore their feelings, acknowledging the complexities of life's stressors and responsibilities. I specialize in working with clients navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, self-esteem, and body image concerns. Together, we will address the challenges you face, and I will offer compassionate support as you work through these difficulties and find new pathways to healing and personal growth. I understand that every client's needs are different, which is why I take an eclectic approach to therapy, drawing from techniques such as person-centered therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). This allows me to tailor the therapeutic process to suit your unique experiences and goals. My approach is rooted in empathy, understanding, and a belief in your capacity for change. Whether you are coping with a significant life change, struggling with feelings of inadequacy, or dealing with the weight of stress, depression and anxiety, I am here to help you find balance and reclaim your well-being.

Abigael Coughlin LSW

Therapist
LSW NJ 44SL06935000

Working with children & teens is my passion. I use creative, age-appropriate methods to help young people express themselves, build resilience, & develop healthy coping skills in a supportive environment. My approach is rooted in empathy, & evidence-based practices to help you navigate life's challenges.

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Abigael Coughlin

Working with children and teens is my passion. I use creative, age-appropriate methods to help young people express themselves, build resilience, and develop healthy coping skills in a supportive environment. My approach is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based practices to help you navigate life's challenges. I provide affirming, inclusive therapy. My office is a safe space where you can explore identity, relationships, and mental health with compassion and respect. I specialize in trauma-informed care, helping individuals heal from past wounds and reclaim their sense of safety and self-worth. Together, we’ll work at your pace, using gentle, effective techniques to support your healing journey. I integrate mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral techniques to help you reduce anxiety, and live more in the present moment. Whether you're navigating anxiety, grief, relationship challenges, or simply feeling stuck, I’m here to walk alongside you. With me, you’ll find a safe, compassionate space where your story is heard, and your experiences are honored. You do not have to go through this alone, let's take the first step together. I invite you to reach out when you are ready!

Justine Arrigo LSW

Therapist
LSW NJ 44SL06872000

Compassionate counseling for teens, adults & families healing trauma, resolving conflicts & navigating life’s toughest transitions.



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Justine Arrigo

I provide compassionate, individualized counseling for adolescents, adults, and families, integrating my clinical expertise to support healing and personal growth. With a focus on generational trauma, family conflict, relationship issues, life transitions, and grief counseling, I help clients navigate challenges, build resilience, and foster emotional well-being. My tailored approach empowers individuals to break cycles, strengthen relationships, and create lasting transformation.

Amanda Szajko

Amanda Szajko LAC

Therapist
LAC NJ 37AC00880400

Navigating through life can often feel daunting and overwhelming. These experiences can come with many emotions that can feel difficult to manage. I see therapy as a journey that we will walk together, as it is important to remember that you are not alone in these experiences.

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Amanda Szajko

Navigating through life can often feel daunting and overwhelming. These experiences can come with many emotions that can feel difficult to manage. I see therapy as a journey that we will walk together, as it is important to remember that you are not alone in these experiences. I believe that the root of success in therapy is the therapeutic relationship. I provide a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment where you will feel safe, comfortable, and seen. Through my gentle, empathetic, and person-centered approach, we will work through the emotions and challenges that life brings your way and build resilience and coping skills. Together, we will work towards growth you can feel proud of. I especially have a passion for working with children and teenagers. I believe it is so important to meet the client where they are at, for all ages. I look forward to going on this path with you!

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Maria Pipitone

Life is a journey, not a destination. Too often we worry about the destination without taking time to acknowledge the lessons or beautiful moments while on the path. There is so much to learn during these moments in our lives. We welcome the opportunity to accompany you on some of your journey. Many of us prepare for things, such as retirement, but then do not take the time to reinvent ourselves to fit this new role. As a team we will highlight lessons learned, consider new paths, try to make sense of paths taken and find enlightenment in others.
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