

I bring over 10 years of experience working with individuals and families in both clinical and non-clinical settings. My background includes work in community mental health, outpatient hospitalization programs, and a domestic violence shelter, where I supported those navigating complex life challenges. I have also led and managed my own nonprofit organization, which has given me a broader perspective on community well-being and leadership.
Beyond my clinical work, I remain actively involved in the community through volunteer efforts, serving on boards, and participating in projects that promote mental health and overall well-being. These experiences allow me to bring a thoughtful, real-world perspective to therapy and a strong commitment to helping people navigate meaningful change in their lives.
I’m Frances Vadas, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Hypnotherapist with over 25 years of experience helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and rediscover their inner strength. I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers University and my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Counseling from Montclair State University.
My approach is person-centered, strength-based, and eclectic, integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and hypnotherapy to support healing and growth. I specialize in helping adults manage anxiety, life transitions, trauma, cancer-related stress, and personality dynamics.
In our work together, you’ll find a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where insight and practical tools come together to help you create meaningful, lasting change.
I'm Catalina Robles-Ayala, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in New Jersey. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life changes. I offer therapy in both English and Spanish, and I welcome clients from all backgrounds. I believe that healing happens when you feel truly safe and understood.
Seeking support takes courage, and I honor the strength it takes to begin this process. You may be navigating grief, major life transitions, identity exploration, or recovering from experiences of harm. Perhaps you are a young adult stepping into new responsibilities, a student balancing multiple pressures, or someone carrying the weight of anxiety or depression. You may simply want a space where you feel seen, affirmed, validated, and supported. A place to make sense of your experiences and move toward the life you envision.
That vision inspired me to create H.O.O.D. Counseling & Consulting — Heritage, Origin, and Our Dopeness. I founded H.O.O.D on the belief that healing is rooted in culture, lived experiences, and strength, reminding us that even in hardship, growth is possible. With 10+ years of experience, I offer a holistic, empowering, and culturally responsive approach. Clients describe me as compassionate, grounding, and direct, fostering an environment of trust and change.
My ideal clients are seeking help with relationship boundaries, anxiety and addictive or compulsive behaviors (substances, internet, shopping, gambling, pornography etc). My clients tend to be helping professionals themselves including physicians, therapists, social workers, nurses, educators, clergy and business owners. Together we explore interactions, identify patterns, define personal narratives, and redefine attachment styles. Goals are aimed at increased stability and a more accepting state of being. I hope to provide you with skills that you can start using as soon as the end of our first session.
I have over 13 years of experience in mental health counseling in both inpatient and outpatient treatment. I offer a calm and supportive virtual environment where clients feel heard, understood and challenged. My approach is experiential, IFS and DBT supported, and Attachment informed.


Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.