Every person deserves to realize and enjoy their full potential.
Skilled, Accessible Care
Metis Group is a private practice comprised of licensed clinical social workers with 30 years of experience in independent behavioral health and counseling services as well as the New Jersey and New York court systems.
We provide counseling to individuals, couples, and families during their most difficult times. Our expertise also extends to offering specialized support for attorneys with clients navigating the legal system.
A safe space that honors where you are—and who you are.
We believe that everyone's narrative has value, and that's where our work together begins. Seeking help for anxiety shouldn’t be anxiety-provoking. It’s the first step toward healing. Our approach uses a strengths-based, cognitive-behavioral perspective and trauma-informed care. You are invited into a warm and welcoming environment for you to start to explore your emotional self.
Meet Our Team
LATE ADOLESCENCE, ADULTS, MITIGATION SERVICES, TRAUMA-INFORMED LENS
Regina Schaefer, LCSW
My approach is a strength-based and client-centered focus on you, as an individual, in your environment. We work in partnership to identify and explore the path toward reaching your personal goals. I provide individual therapy utilizing cognitive behavioral techniques, behavior modification, motivational interviewing, psycho-educational and supportive counseling approaches in a respectful, affirming, and culturally-sensitive manner.
My Training and Background
Practicing social worker, supervisor, and manager in New York and New Jersey for over 30 years.
Settings include: schools for children with special needs, hospitals, residential treatment centers, child welfare system, and the criminal justice system.
Published articles focusing on educational issues impacting children in foster care and juvenile justice.
Develop and deliver management training and leadership workshops to professionals in legal, government and non for profit settings.
Current adjunct faculty member at Montclair State University with twenty years of experience teaching both undergraduate and graduate level coursework at schools of social work in the tri-state area.
Master of Social Work from Adelphi University.
Certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Cerificate in Grief Therapy Services.
MITIGATION SERVICES, LATE ADOLESCENCE, ADULTS, COUPLES, FAMILIES
Daniela LaValva, LCSW
As a licensed clinical social worker in private practice for over 20 years providing treatment to children, adolescents, couples and families, I pride myself on providing a safe, nonjudgmental space for individuals to be open, learn about themselves, understand and explore their history, patterns, and choices. My goal is to move toward solutions to help heal. My post-graduate training in trauma, divorce mediation, and parent coordination guides my work with individuals in crisis. I’m also a New Jersey native.
My Training and Background
Held numerous clinical and managerial positions in the criminal justice system, child welfare, and school based settings.
Clinical supervision to LSW and LAC seeking licensure.
Mitigating forensic evaluations for criminal, family, and federal courts.
Volunteer with Juvenile Justice Committee and school-based education academic and athletic programs.
Conduct trainings on crisis and stress management, conflict resolution, suicide awareness, and de-escalation.
Master of Science in social work from Columbia University with postgraduate coursework in divorce mediation and parenting coordination.
Developed and implemented a successful internship program for in-prison treatment.
Adjunct professor at Montclair State University.
