About Brian
Brian Colangelo is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people facing stress, anxiety, addiction, trauma, low self-esteem, and mood struggles. He works with issues like grief, sleep problems, parenting strain, career changes, and the emotional effects of living with bipolar or other mood disorders. Brian also offers support around identity concerns, LGBT issues, and compassion fatigue.
He keeps things direct and honest in sessions. He asks clients to speak up if something does not feel helpful so they can change course together.
Background and approach
Brian values trust and clear communication as the foundation of therapy. His background includes a Master’s degree in Social Work from Temple University and 15 years of clinical experience. He teaches part time at Rutgers University and Camden County College, and has led trauma counseling for survivors of sexual assault in both individual and group formats.
Brian draws on several therapy methods to meet practical needs. He uses somatic work to help people notice how stress shows up in the body, cognitive behavioral approaches to change unhelpful thoughts and habits, and mindfulness to build present-moment skills. He also uses EMDR and motivational interviewing when those approaches match a person's goals.
Outside the office he lives in New Jersey and spends time outdoors running and cycling. He describes himself as genuine, occasionally sarcastic, and committed to learning from mistakes. His practice emphasizes cultural awareness and a stance against oppression as part of supporting clients’ healing.
Approaches that translate well to online therapy
Somatic work helps people notice physical signs of stress and tension in the body and learn gentle ways to shift those sensations. It can be useful for trauma responses, anxiety, and patterns that feel stuck in the body. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening, empathy, and building a safe working relationship so clients can find their own solutions and feel heard. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful patterns.Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with each person about their goals, needs, and preferences and recommend approaches that fit. Sessions may combine somatic noticing, CBT skill-building, and client-centered listening based on what helps most in that person's life.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which offer flexibility for busy schedules and different comfort levels. These options make it easier to attend regularly, try short check-ins between sessions, and keep therapy consistent during life changes or travel. Licensed professionals can use these formats to adapt methods and support progress without requiring travel to an office.
Frequently asked questions
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Specialties and expertise
Top specialties
Also works with
- Avoidant personality
- Bipolar disorder
- Career difficulties
- Codependency
- Compassion fatigue
- Coping with life changes
- Depression
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Emptiness
- Fatherhood issues
- Forgiveness
- Grief
- Guilt and shame
- Impulsivity
- Isolation / loneliness
- LGBT
- Men's issues
- Mood disorders
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Parenting issues
- Personality disorders
- Post-traumatic stress
- Self esteem
- Self-harm
- Self-love
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Sexuality
- Sleeping disorders
- Smoking / vaping cessation
Therapeutic approaches
- Experience
- 15 years
- Licensed
- New Jersey
- Languages
- English