Meet Philomena Hagighi, MSW, LSW

Philomena is a warm, hard-working licensed social worker who believes in the importance of creating an individualized approach and treatment plan for each client that she serves. Philomena completed her Masters degree in Social work from Monmouth University through a program specializing in practice with children and families. Philomena understands that no two individuals are alike and considers how different systems and intersecting identities impact the lives of all her clients. She uses methods such as CBT, motivational interviewing, DBT, and mindfulness approaches to help clients achieve a desirable mindset that is conducive to seeking their true identity and creating goals for themselves based upon their individual values.

Philomena has had years of experience working in a private, non-profit special needs high school, as well as a private, non-profit inpatient drug rehabilitation program for adolescents, and also has worked in an outpatient private practice. Philomena understands that adolescence is a challenging, transitional phase where teenagers may often feel lost, misunderstood, and struggle with their self-esteem and developing identity. She has worked with adolescents who struggle with mental illnesses, mental and physical disabilities, trauma, and substance abuse, and is dedicated to advocating for and serving this population. Philomena has also conducted family counseling sessions within a school setting and an inpatient setting to help families to support their children in need, and overall improve communication to create healthy boundaries among family members.

 Philomena believes in the importance of connecting with nature and the outdoors, and spends her free time hiking in the woods, going to the beach, and spending time with her cats and dogs. Philomena is able to incorporate these personal hobbies into her practice by encouraging clients to utilize nature and the outdoors for therapeutic purposes.