Our Team
Moving forward, together.
Where Clinical Meets Performance Psychology- backed by a network of specialists committed to your growth, healing, and next chapter.
Vanessa Chafos, Ph.D., CMPC
Welcome! I am the owner and founder of the Center for Counseling and Mindful Living, LLC. As a licensed psychologist in New Jersey and Massachusetts, and a Certified Mental Performance Consultant® (CMPC) through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, I bring a unique blend of clinical expertise and performance psychology to my work. In my practice, I integrate mental health expertise with performance psychology to help individuals navigate high-pressure demands, overcome obstacles, and achieve meaningful growth. While my early background in sports helped build my drive, dedication, and resilience, achievement is only one chapter of a much larger story—for me, and for the clients I serve. I am passionate about helping high achievers embrace every part of themselves, both in their professional pursuits and in their personal lives.
You are more than your achievements, and honoring your full identity matters, especially during challenging times. Real growth happens when you connect who you are today with who you want to become. By releasing mental blocks, you can handle pressure with confidence and find your flow in everyday life.
Founder
Jennifer Barbieri, M.A., LPC
Hello! I’m Jenn. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I believe therapy is an opportunity to better understand yourself, navigate obstacles, and build lasting change. I earned my Master’s degree from New York University (Steinhardt) and work as a psychotherapist in New Jersey and New York. For the past six years, I have worked primarily with adolescents and young adults experiencing OCD, depression, ADHD, and anxiety-related concerns. I specialize in OCD and anxiety treatment, helping clients navigate intrusive thoughts, compulsions, perfectionism, and the desire for certainty or control. I recognize how these challenges can affect relationships, academics, athletics, and everyday life. In my work with high-achieving individuals and athletes I help clients navigate the mental and emotional demands of performance, including overthinking, fear of failure, and pressure to meet high expectations. Together, we work toward building confidence, tolerating uncertainty, and developing a healthier relationship with achievement either on the field, in the classroom, or in the office. My approach is individualized and collaborative, incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). With OCD, I help clients face fears, reduce avoidance and compulsive behaviors, and build confidence in tolerating uncertainty. I believe in showing up alongside my clients and being in the work with them as they build resilience, develop self-trust, and move through challenges. I strive to create a warm, supportive space where clients feel understood, encouraged, and empowered to grow, while staying connected to who they are beyond their achievements.