Professional Counseling

Dr. Alwin E. Wagener, PhD, LPC, NCC is an expert on working with dreams and nightmares and treats clients in New Jersey (Lic# 37PC00948000) and Pennsylvania (Lic# PC016381) as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Additionally he is Board Certified through the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) (cert# 303179).

Dr. Wagener has over a decade of experience counseling, teaching graduate counseling students, and researching with a focus on dreams and nightmares. He has published numerous articles on the topic and educates students on how to understand and support client healing through dreamwork in combination with other counseling approaches. For more information see the Dr. Alwin E. Wagener Bio section of the website.

I believe dreams are deeply connected to our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. They serve as powerful tools for self-discovery, personal growth, and healing. Because of this, I integrate dreamwork and nightmare treatment whenever possible, tailoring my approach to each client’s unique needs.

My work is guided by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), helping clients develop psychological flexibility while navigating life’s challenges. I also incorporate Culturally Responsive Dreamwork (CRD) and the Embodied Cognition Theory of Dreaming (ECTD) to ensure that dream exploration is meaningful, personally relevant, and grounded in both scientific and culturally attuned perspectives. Gestalt techniques further enhance this process, fostering deep insight and experiential engagement with dreams.

Above all, I prioritize your beliefs and values, ensuring that our work aligns with your goals and lived experience. Whether you're struggling with distressing nightmares, seeking to understand your dreams, or navigating mental health challenges, I invite you to set up an appointment and explore how dreamwork can support your healing journey.

Who I am and my Qualifications

Nightmares can be distressing and disruptive, often linked to trauma, anxiety, or other psychological challenges. Yet, despite their impact, addressing nightmares directly is not a common focus in traditional counseling and psychotherapy. I specialize in nightmare treatment, helping individuals reduce the frequency and intensity of distressing dreams while improving overall well-being.

To address nightmares, I often use Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT)—an evidence-based method with studies showing it can decrease nightmare severity, reduce PTSD and anxiety symptoms, and promote more restful sleep. Through IRT, we work together to reshape distressing dream content, empowering you to take control of your sleep and regain a sense of safety.

If nightmares are interfering with your life, treatment can help. Reach out to learn more about how we can work together to restore restful, restorative sleep.

Nightmare Treatment

My Approach to Dreamwork

Session Details

As a board certified professional counselor, licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, I offer in-depth support for a range of mental health and wellness concerns, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and grief. My work begins with seeing you- the whole you- someone with strengths, challenges, pain, and potential. Drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and often incorporating dreamwork to reveal deeper patterns, I’ll work with you to clarify your values and move toward meaningful goals. When appropriate, I also use Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT), an evidence-based treatment shown to reduce nightmares and improve PTSD and anxiety symptoms.

If you’re interested in counseling or targeted nightmare treatment, feel free to reach out. If you’re already in therapy, I can collaborate with your provider to offer coordinated IRT nightmare support—typically 2–4 sessions, tailored to your needs.

  • Session Fee: $150 for a 50-minute Telehealth session

  • Availability: Ongoing and short-term counseling options are available

  • Out-of-Network Provider. As such, I do not accept insurance, and payment is required prior to each session. However, I strive to make my services as accessible as possible and can provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement from your insurance provider.

  • If you have any questions, please call 908-777-1393. We can discuss the services I offer and schedule a session, or if you prefer you can schedule an initial session using the button below.

Dr. Alwin E. Wagener, PhD, LPC, NCC

Personalized Counseling using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dreamwork, and Nightmare Treatment for Healing, Growth, and Wellness

Counseling Approach

As a professional counselor, I work collaboratively with you to explore your challenges and develop a plan tailored to your personal growth and goals. With 13 years of experience in clinical counseling and counselor education, I create a safe, supportive environment that fosters self-exploration and meaningful change. My background includes work in community counseling agencies, integrated care clinics, and college counseling centers, where I have supported clients with diverse diagnoses and concerns. I integrate a range of evidence-based approaches, with a special focus on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT), and dreamwork—helping clients harness their dreams for insight, growth, and healing. My work also draws on Gestalt techniques and a humanistic perspective, ensuring a holistic, client-centered approach.