Meet Simone Waters

The therapist you want, with the support you need:

Simone Waters, LSW Therapist on the New Dawn Therapy Team

About Simone:

Simone Waters graduated from Rutgers University in 2013 with a B.A. in Psychology & English. In 2017, Simone returned to Rutgers University to pursue her Master’s degree in Social Work, which she completed in May, 2020. Since 2010, Simone has worked in the human services field with individuals with Autism and other developmental disabilities. She is currently an administrator at a non-profit agency serving this population. Simone has also completed 2 years of fieldwork experience during her MSW program, ranging from facilitating groups to providing individual therapy, in both a school-based program, and in a clinical outpatient setting.

Simone’s approach to therapy is both process and skill based, with emphasis on treatment that is tailored to the individual’s goals they wish to achieve. She works to help individuals cope with their anxiety, depression, life transitions, daily stressors, and overall mood, so that they are manageable and have a reduced impact on their daily lives. Simone has facilitated groups that cover various areas, such as promoting social skills, well-being, and personal development, as well as addressing anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. She has also facilitated psychoeducation groups focusing on dialectical behavior therapy, and cognitive behavior therapy, with people experiencing a variety of mental health issues.

With regards to working in the with individuals with Autism and other developmental disabilities, Simone has experience in assisting with developing structured routines and building upon social skills, which has been instrumental in assisting to enhance overall wellbeing and functionality in their daily lives.

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A Word from Simone:

"When I was a child, my very first career goal was to work in the mental health field, helping others to overcome obstacles. Growing up, I immersed myself in literature and classes that would continue to lead me toward this passion. During my graduate studies, I have worked with high school students receiving special education services for both developmental and mental health needs, as well as in a clinical setting with children and adolescents experiencing mental health challenges and life transition issues. This has led to build upon my current experience to work with young adults as well. I strive to create a comfortable and welcoming environment where adolescents, teens, and young adults can openly express themselves, and feel fully supported in doing so. I assist individuals in identifying and building upon their inherent strengths, in order to work towards processing the challenges that brought them to therapy, as well as helping them to develop coping skills they can apply to a number of life scenarios. I hone in on each individual’s goals for themselves they want to accomplish, and help them focus on progressing towards their goals, through guidance, psychoeducation, and support.

I have worked with individuals that have experienced years of therapy prior to working with me, as well as those whose first experience in therapy has been working with me. I take care to meet you wherever you are at to lessen any misconceptions or apprehensions you may have about seeking support in this area. Whether it is for you or a loved one, it is important to positively recognize the significant step you are taking in considering therapy, and how much strength that involves in itself. Therapy takes work and commitment, and I am here to support you and/or your loved one in taking the next step down this path of positive change in you and/or your loved one’s life."