Johnathan Kraus, PhD

Johnathan began his journey in the mental health field as a social worker in 2010, working closely with families. In 2016, he earned his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and became a certified life coach. Additionally, he pursued advanced training at Harvard Medical School, earning certificates in Trauma-Informed Care Practice (TIC) and Mediation and Psychotherapy. Before transitioning to mental health, Johnathan was a NJ State Certified 5th grade teacher until 2010, serving children and families at a private school, and later worked as a social worker for a humanitarian organization, supporting children of all ages and their parents.

Johnathan’s passion for helping individuals overcome trauma and lead fulfilling lives is at the core of his practice. He emphasizes relational therapy, fostering an engaging and collaborative environment where clients set their own goals and actively participate in their therapeutic journey. Drawing on techniques such as CBT, DBT, Trauma-Responsive and Resilience-Informed Care, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Johnathan tailors his approach to meet the unique needs of each client.

Known for his grounded, empathetic nature, Johnathan creates a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals feel comfortable opening up, even strangers. He excels in communicating complex mental health concepts in a relatable and compassionate way, making treatment accessible and empowering. His continuous pursuit of growth through research, mentoring, and professional development speaks to his dedication to the field.

With extensive experience working with children of all ages, Johnathan recognizes the uniqueness of each child, applying lessons learned from his greatest teachers—the children themselves. His background as a former elementary teacher and social worker has shaped his belief in the importance of building strong bonds with parents. By demonstrating his authentic commitment to their child’s well-being, he earns their trust and support, making the therapeutic process a true partnership.

In his personal life, Johnathan enjoys attending Rutgers University football and basketball games and traveling—Italy, Hungary, and India are among his favorite destinations. Above all, he treasures spending time with his two children, who are the heart and soul of his life.

Johnathan leads with compassion, empathy, and commitment, deeply understanding each family’s unique circumstances. He offers emotional support, tailors his approach to their needs and goals, and empowers families by engaging them in the decision-making process. Through collaboration, resilience-building, and celebrating progress, he helps families navigate challenges and achieve lasting positive change.