Labubus and Beyond: How Collectibles May Support Mental Health

Courtney Ng, LAC, is dedicated to providing compassionate and expert mental health care to clients across New Jersey. Specializing in working with individuals struggling with anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression, Courtney creates a non-judgmental space where clients can openly explore their thoughts and feelings. Her practice at LifeStance Health emphasizes a personalized approach, meeting clients where they are to foster growth and resilience. Courtney is passionate about helping clients manage anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), recognizing the profound impact these conditions can have on daily life. Utilizing evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), she supports clients in developing practical strategies to manage symptoms and enhance their quality of life. Her experience extends to those dealing with medical conditions and health psychology, where she integrates her understanding of the mind-body connection to help clients navigate the psychological aspects of chronic health challenges. Courtney works with a diverse range of populations, including adolescents, adults, and seniors, and is particularly skilled in supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community. Whether through individual, group, or couples therapy, she tailors her approach to meet the unique needs of each client, fostering a therapeutic environment that is both inclusive and affirming. Beyond her professional life, Courtney enjoys playing video games, visiting local cafes, and baking. These hobbies reflect her love for creativity and connection, which she also brings into her therapeutic work.

Dr. Grandy is a Licensed Psychologist who strongly believes that curiosity and compassion are at the heart of change and is committed to her own journey of life-long learning and development. She graduated from the University of Akron with a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, where she received extensive training in psychological research, treatment, and assessment. Dr. Grandy works with adults whose concerns range from the stress of normal life to severe and debilitating mood and anxiety disorders. She is passionate about meeting patients where they are by working to deeply understand their current concerns and by exploring alongside them valuable avenues for change. She believes strongly that knowledge is empowering and thus, much of her therapy involves helping patients develop a deeper understanding of their own motivations and behaviors and sharing knowledge regarding the science of human psychology. Areas of specialty include treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and clinical assessment.

Isabella Lombardo, LSW, is a compassionate therapist at LifeStance Health, dedicated to empowering individuals across New Jersey to create their best quality of life. Through empathetic support and a person-centered approach, Isabella helps clients develop emotional validation skills and build a strengths-based mindset. She provides individual therapy to adolescents, adults, and seniors, creating a safe space where clients can explore their emotions, gain clarity, and achieve personal growth. Isabella is particularly passionate about positive psychology and neurodiversity-affirming therapy. She specializes in helping individuals embrace their unique strengths, especially those navigating challenges related to anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Her approach integrates evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to promote resilience and emotional well-being. By fostering a sense of empowerment and self-compassion, Isabella guides clients toward achieving meaningful and lasting change. In addition to her focus on individual therapy, Isabella has extensive experience working with diverse populations, including women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those on the autism spectrum. She is skilled in addressing issues related to PTSD/trauma, bipolar disorder, and grief, tailoring her therapeutic methods to meet each client's unique needs. Her practice emphasizes creating a supportive environment where clients feel seen, heard, and understood. Outside of her professional life, Isabella enjoys creative pursuits such as playing Dungeons and Dragons and exploring various artistic projects. Her passion for creativity and storytelling reflects her commitment to fostering meaningful connections and understanding different perspectives.