Ready to Embark on Your
JOURNEY
Of Self-Exploration?
seen | heard | supported | guided | safe
who do we serve?
lgbtqia+ folx
- Gender Identity (transgender, non-binary, gender fluid, gender expansive)
- Sexual Orientation (lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, asexual and beyond)
- Queer (related to orientation, identity or overall experience)
Loved Ones of Trans, Non-Binary & Gender Expansive People
- Parents & Caregivers
- Partners & Spouses
- Teen & Adult Children
- Extended Family, Family of Choice, Friends & Allies
adults
Ages 25 – 65
adolescents & young adults
Ages 12-24
what do we treat?
Mental Health Concerns
- Social and Generalized Anxiety
- Situational and Chronic Depression
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Various Problematic Addictive Behaviors
- Impact of Trauma-Related Symptoms
Social and Medical Transition
- Psycho-education around various options and potential associated experiences
- Support in determining if you need a “coming out” process and ways that could look for you
- Gender affirmation surgery letter assessments
- Navigating medical system
- Self-advocacy
Relationships
- Bullying, homophobia, transphobia
- Developing, changing or ending friendships
- Parent or caregiver and child
- Parent or caregiver emotions, reactions & adjustments related to their child “coming out”
- Beginning, changing or ending intimate, romantic relationships
Life Transitions and Change
- Living authentically for the first time
- Navigating post Covid-19 pandemic life
- School changes
- Post high school or college graduation decisions
- Becoming an “empty-nester”
how do we help?
be seen
We are all made up of intersecting identities which inform our behaviors and are often rooted in our childhood experiences, culture, ethnicity, race, community, socioeconomic realities, societal & familial roles, gender identity, sexual orientation, and countless other factors. I work alongside and respect the whole person while “seeing” the many parts of who sits in front of me. I genuinely want to learn who you are, as defined by YOU.
be heard
So many of us carry shame, doubt, and beliefs that our experiences are not valid or worthy of being understood by another person. You may have lost your “voice” because of messages you received. Finding that voice and learning its value is where you discover your POWER. I will hear your story and bear witness to how little or how much you are comfortable sharing as this is often where the healing begins and you can start using your power in the service of healing and thriving.
be supported
You have a right to make your own decisions regarding your therapy process. Healthy therapeutic support is not a blind agreement on the part of the therapist but rather is comprised of exploring, challenging, educating, and empathizing. Having a non-judgmental, cultivated, active support provides a consistent safety net for your development of additional healthy supports.
be safe
A sense of safety is crucial to allowing vulnerability which fosters growth. Literal personal safety is paramount and necessary to develop various ways to move forward into what many view as actual therapy – working through beliefs, emotions, memories, discomfort and sometimes unwanted change. This is not only what represents the healing process but can often be a component of your overall progress. Beyond establishing initial personal safety, we will work together to create a relationship and space for you to express your true self, absent of fear of judgment or abandonment.
begin your journey of truth
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu
Your Needs. Your Voice. Your Safe Space.
about me
Shayne Gentile, MSW, LCSW *
Affirming | Inclusive | Supportive | Experienced
As a nonbinary, trans masculine therapist who not only has lived experience but also advanced education & training working with marginalized and oppressed folx in a myriad of settings, I listen first and speak second. Whatever the reason you came upon my site, I welcome you!
As human beings we need connection to develop, cope and thrive. Through an integrative approach tailored to your situation, I work from an attachment-based starting point where judgement has no place in the therapeutic relationship. This allows us to build trust, a sense of necessary safety and a space for you to develop healthy autonomy.
As a passionate therapist who believes in people’s capacity to change, I will hold space for your pain, discomfort, and evolution while using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and person-centered & solution-focused approaches to assist you in developing skills and tools for navigating life’s challenges and changes. Whether you are embarking on a new journey or re-visiting an existing one, we will always celebrate the work you do whether it feels small or significant to you.
It is important to always be learning and growing which is why after graduating Summa Cum Laude from Rutgers University with my master’s in social work (MSW) and becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I continue to attend further education for the express purpose of being the most qualified therapist I can be for my clients. In addition to working with trusted peers, I have completed a year-long post-graduate Affirming Therapy for Transgender Communities Certification Program at Widener University. I am currently licensed to practice in NJ and in the process of expanding into PA.
When recharging from my professional roles I savor time immersed in books for learning and pleasure, writing, watching basketball and most sports, feeling the grass or sand under my feet, exploring music, watching Marvel movies with my young adult son, laughing & loving with loved ones, and building challenging Lego sets.
faq
I offer complimentary 15-minute consultation calls to enable me to learn in your own words your reasons for embarking on your therapy journey, now, in this moment. During this brief time I will explain my down-to-earth but evidence-based approaches to the therapeutic relationship. It may take several sessions to decide we are a “good fit.” If you ultimately determine for any reason you would like to seek services with a different provider, I will always offer to assist you in your search and should you wish, to bridge the gap with a new provider.
In order to better protect the privacy of my clients I am not in-network with any insurance panels. If you have and would like to use your out-of-network benefits, my HIPAA-compliant biller will verify your out-of-network benefits and submit electronic claims to your insurance company to facilitate your reimbursement.
I use a cost-sharing fee model where clients who can pay the full fee help subsidize my ability to offer additional sliding scale sessions. I currently have a waitlist for reduced fees sessions but continually reevaluate space for these openings.
Individual 45-minute sessions: $150 (Extended sessions of 60 or 75 minutes can be scheduled after determining together this would have a positive impact on your care. Extended session fees are prorated from the 45-minute session fee.)
Cash (once in-person sessions have resumed), check, credit card, and Zelle. You can store your credit card information in my HIPAA-compliant client portal for safe, ease of use.
Payment is expected at the time of the session.
If less than 48-hours notice is provided, cancellation fees will apply. Specific policy will be provided in initial paperwork and discussed during your first session.
frequently asked questions
I offer complimentary 15-minute consultation calls to enable me to learn in your own words your reasons for embarking on your therapy journey, now, in this moment. During this brief time I will explain my down-to-earth but evidence-based approaches to the therapeutic relationship. It may take several sessions to decide we are a “good fit.” If you ultimately determine for any reason you would like to seek services with a different provider, I will always offer to assist you in your search and should you wish, to bridge the gap with a new provider.
In order to better protect the privacy of my clients I am not in-network with any insurance panels. If you have and would like to use your out-of-network benefits, my HIPAA-compliant biller will verify your out-of-network benefits and submit electronic claims to your insurance company to facilitate your reimbursement.
I use a cost-sharing fee model where clients who can pay the full fee help subsidize my ability to offer additional sliding scale sessions. I currently have a waitlist for reduced fees sessions but continually reevaluate space for these openings.
Individual 45-minute sessions: $175 (Extended sessions of 60 or 75 minutes can be scheduled after determining together this would have a positive impact on your care. Extended session fees are prorated from the 45-minute session fee.)
Cash (once in-person sessions have resumed), check, credit card, and Zelle. You can store your credit card information in my HIPAA-compliant client portal for safe, ease of use.
Payment is expected at the time of the session.
If less than 48-hours notice is provided, cancellation fees will apply. Specific policy will be provided in initial paperwork and discussed during your first session.
your journey starts now...
You deserve affirming, supportive guidance allowing space for your experiences while feeling heard, seen, and safe.
“I do not want to be tolerated, nor misnamed. I want to be recognized.” – Audre Lorde
Please do not include any confidential health information in this form*
P: (732) 986-9798 (call or text)
A: 1 Straube Center Boulevard, D-2, Pennington, NJ 08534