The Fixed Mindset and its Ability to Impact Life and Learning

Dr. Caruso is an Assistant Director with Specialized Therapy Associates (STA), in Paramus, N.J. She began working at STA with over 10 years of experience in practicing psychology, specializing in working with children, adolescents, and young adults. Her specialization has focused on treating a wide variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and other life stressors. Before coming to STA, Dr. Caruso worked as a School psychologist focusing on the learning styles of students with special needs. She also specialized in coping mechanisms for anxiety and depression experienced in the school system by students, teachers, and staff. Some of her research has focused on the impact that mindfulness had on parents of children with special needs. Other research she has focused on looking at the impact that electronics/media have on individuals, both mentally and physically. She thoroughly enjoys this work and is now working on specializing in the care of individuals within the LGBTQ community as well as identification of how individuals learn and their current behaviors. Dr. Caruso practices person-centered psychotherapy and utilizes positive psychology, empowerment, and relational approaches to therapy, as well as Cognitive Behavioral approaches. She values diversity in all forms, including race, ethnicity, sexual identity and gender expression, and sexuality. She looks at each person as a unique individual considering all factors that contribute to the issue at hand and views therapy as a partnership with her client. She focuses on creating a safe and welcoming environment where clients feel as comfortable as possible. She received her Bachelor’s in Psychology at William Paterson University and her Master’s in Psychology and School Psychology Certification from Montclair State University. She received her doctorate in psychology from St. Elizabeth University with a focus on Social Justice. She also is currently an adjunct professor at the St. Elizabeth University working in the Master’s programs focused on Theory development, Psychopathology and Diagnosis, Child Development, and Introduction to counseling. She also works with the undergraduate program on incorporating Mindfulness, and Positive Psychology to achieve a work/life balance. Dr. Caruso has provided numerous training and workshops to professionals on a variety of issues. During the pandemic, Dr. Caruso has worked on completing evaluations virtually to help identify issues with executive functioning, ADHD, and identification of dementia with her patients.