Every person deserves to realize and enjoy their full potential.
Skilled, Accessible Support
Metis Group is a private practice comprised of licensed clinical social workers with 35 years of experience. We provide independent mitigation services to clients navigating legal systems at the federal and state level.
Our expertise extends to specialized support for attorneys representing clients in military courts.
We provide counseling services to individuals during their most difficult times.
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
MITIGATION SERVICES, LATE ADOLESCENCE, ADULTS,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, New Jersey and Connecticut for over 35 years.
Mitigation Specialist providing defense based services in federal, state and military courts throughout the United States.
Settings include: the criminal justice system, schools for children with special needs, hospitals, residential treatment centers and the child welfare 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
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker 30 years of experience working in private practice with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Throughout my career, I have been committed to creating a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where people feel comfortable sharing their stories. I believe that understanding a person's experiences, relationships, and life history is the foundation for healing and meaningful change.
Mitigation work has become one of the most meaningful parts of my practice because it allows me to look beyond a charge and understand the person behind it. I am passionate about helping others see the full picture of an individual's life, how trauma, family dynamics, loss, adversity, and other experiences can shape development, decision-making, and behavior. I approach every case with curiosity, compassion, and a commitment to conducting thorough, trauma-informed evaluations that tell each person's narrative with accuracy, dignity, and clinical integrity.
My post-graduate training in trauma, divorce mediation, and parent coordination has strengthened my ability to work with individuals and families facing complex challenges and has provided a strong foundation for my mitigation work. Whether I am providing therapy or preparing a comprehensive psychosocial assessment, my goal is the same: to help others understand the factors that have shaped a person's life while identifying strengths, resilience, and opportunities for growth.
As a New Jersey native, I am proud to serve my community and remain deeply committed to advocacy, healing, and the belief that every person's story deserves to be understood before it is judged.
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, federal, and military 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.
