Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonora Foster.
Hi Sonora, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I earned my Master of Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania in 1989 and began my career with a deep passion for helping others. Shortly after, I made the intentional decision to step away from professional work to focus on raising my five sons—a role that became one of the most meaningful chapters of my life.
In 2012, with my children growing into independence and while navigating a divorce after 25 years of marriage, I made the courageous decision to return to my career. I joined a small counseling practice, where I spent several years rebuilding, learning, and growing under the guidance of a mentor who was gradually transitioning toward retirement.
By 2020, I was ready to take the next step and launch my own practice. I signed a lease for my own office—only to have the world shut down due to COVID shortly after. Faced with uncertainty, I adapted quickly, beginning my private practice virtually and continuing to support clients during a time when mental health services were needed more than ever.
As soon as it was safe to return in person, I opened my office and began to grow steadily. What started as a solo practice has since evolved into a thriving counseling center. Today, I am proud to lead a team of four therapists, with continued plans for growth. We are credentialed with most major insurance companies and are committed to serving the Manasquan community with compassionate, high-quality care.
This journey has been one of resilience, reinvention, and purpose—and I am honored to do this work every day.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all. Like many people, my path has had its share of twists and turns. Returning to work after raising my family, going through a divorce, and opening a practice during COVID were not easy moments.
On top of that, I was learning how to run and grow a business in real time—navigating staffing changes, building a team, and continually working to bring in new clients while trying to stay grounded in the work itself. It was a constant balance of learning, adapting, and pushing forward.
But those experiences gave me empathy, perspective, and determination—qualities that now guide the work I do every day.
We’ve been impressed with Manasquan Counseling Center, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At its core, my practice is built on the belief that meaningful, high-quality mental health care should be both accessible and deeply personal. What began as a solo practice has grown into a counseling center serving the Manasquan community, with a team of dedicated therapists who share a commitment to compassionate, client-centered care.
We provide therapy for individuals, couples, and families, supporting clients through life transitions, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and personal growth. Because I returned to this work after navigating significant life changes myself, I bring a level of understanding and real-world perspective that resonates with many of our clients.
A core value of our practice has always been accessibility. We are in-network with most major insurance companies because I strongly believe that everyone should have access to quality mental health care. Making therapy more attainable—without sacrificing the quality of care—is something I have prioritized from the very beginning.
What sets us apart is the balance we strive to create between professionalism and genuine human connection. While we operate with high clinical standards, we also ensure that every client feels seen, heard, and supported in a warm and welcoming environment.
As we’ve grown, I’ve been intentional about building a team that reflects these values—therapists who are not only highly skilled, but who lead with empathy and authenticity. Creating a supportive environment not just for our clients, but also for our clinicians, has been a cornerstone of our brand.
What I am most proud of is the community we’ve built—both within our practice and with the clients we serve. Our growth has been organic, driven by trust, relationships, and word of mouth. That, to me, is the strongest reflection of the care we provide.
Above all, I want people to know that when they come to us, they are not just another appointment. They are entering a space where they will be met with respect, understanding, and a genuine commitment to helping them move forward.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I was fortunate to find my mentor through a recommendation from a trusted colleague and friend. From the very beginning, our philosophies aligned almost immediately, and it was clear that we shared similar goals and values in our work.
She brought a depth of experience that I deeply respected, but what stood out most was how encouraging and supportive she was. She truly believed in me—sometimes before I fully believed in myself—and that made all the difference.
Her guidance helped me grow not only as a professional, but also as an individual. The foundation she helped me build continues to influence the way I practice, lead, and support others today.
My advice for finding a mentor would be to use your network to find someone whose goals and philosophies are aligned with yours
Pricing:
- 200.00 for an individual counseling session but is most always covered by insurance
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sonorafoster.com
- Instagram: Manasquan Counseling Center
- Facebook: Manasquan Counseling Center
