Family Therapy in Stony Brook, NY

Are you or your children going through a difficult time; feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed or angry? Is your family, work or relationship suffering? We can help you process and understand these emotions and show you how to overcome the obstacles that are preventing you from feeling happy.

My work involves helping my patients develop both insight and understanding regarding the difficulties or struggles he or she is having negotiating life transitions such as relationships, family issues, aging, and alcohol abuse. As a former director of a psychotherapy and psychoanalytic program I have trained and supervised clinicians in the field.

Is anger interfering with your life, relationships, family, or job? Sometimes it can feel as though it is impossible to control your anger, but it is possible, you just need to learn anger management skills. We will teach you these skills and help you manage your anger and gain control of your life. Our innovative, realistic program teaches you how to define your anger, explore its process, understand how it influences your overall functioning, and identify new ways to manage your anger and build a healthier life.

Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, mood swings, or high levels of stress? What about rocky family dynamics, behavioral issues, loss of a loved one, boundaries, or communication? Are you a first responder battling the stressors of your duties? Do you want support processing your feelings, to learn effective coping mechanisms to better manage symptoms, to improve your relationships, and live a happier life? If so, I am happy to help! Therapy is currently available in person and via telehealth with flexible scheduling.

I want to help you be in charge of your feelings, rather than your feelings be in charge. I want to help you feel better about yourself and enjoy life and work and all it has to offer. I want to help you enjoy family and friends and get along with them as best you can. I will be committed to helping you attain your goals.

I specialize in helping women, couples and families who are experiencing anxiety, relationship, and/or divorce issues. I help to motivate you to release what's keeping you stuck, and to bring in more of what you want in life - balance, peace and fulfillment. I also provide tools and resources for your continued growth and care. Due to the delicate nature of these issues, I address topics such as self-confidence, self-esteem, anxiety, mood disorders, family dynamics and mental health issues.

Something might have happened or be happening in your life and you feel that it is not easy to deal with; You might be suffering from depression, anxiety, or other psychological problems; You might have found that some areas of your life, certain aspects of yourself or your relationship/family are not that satisfying; You might be concerned about your child or your loved one... Those are some of the situations when people come to me and benefit greatly from our contacts. I believe that each individual is uniquely different and I always adjust my approach accordingly to meet your specific needs.

I'm a licensed clinical psychologist and certified school psychologist, specializing in treating children, adolescents, and families using Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) in homes, schools and the community. CBT treatment is highly recommended for anxiety, impulse, and conduct disorders. While it is well-established that CBT within real-world settings significantly improves functioning compared to office-based treatment, few professionals accept the challenge! As a professional with 20 years of experience traveling to families throughout Long Island, I understand that intense emotions, troubled relationships and significant avoidance cannot simply be discussed away in therapy, but mindfully experienced and addressed when and where they occur.

In practice for 23 years, I am a trauma informed therapist and Level III Attachment Focused EMDR therapist trained through the Parnell Institute for EMDR. I am passionate about using therapeutic modalities that get more of the brain and nervous system working on problematic issues to directly access people's adaptive functioning and strengths. My work with children/teens and adults includes mood & anxiety disorders, relationship & self-esteem difficulties, grief and loss, and PTSD. I have extensive expertise in treating trauma and eating disorders in children and adults.

With more than 25 years of success operating a Clinical Social Work practice with high-impact results, Counseling Services of Long Island is a highly regarded and trusted resource for clients and therapists alike throughout the region. We are known for our professional skills, and our compassionate and non-judgmental approach in helping clients achieve positive change, happiness and emotional well-being. We accept many insurance plans, and provide individual, family, group and specialized counseling for couples. We also have a special, copyrighted ADHD program - 'From Distraction to Action' for teens and their parents.

I am best able to assist those who struggle with competitive relationships, and feelings of being on the losing side in their interactions with those they love. I have seen couples, individuals, and entire families struggling with attempts to force one another to 'win' arguments, only to find that they never seem to go away fully. Many times, other issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders,sexual dysfunction or substance abuse becomes the main issue which families show to others the competitive nature which occurs within the family system, and are most concerned when they call for an initial session.

'Hearing with understanding is perhaps the better part of wisdom.' (-R. Lawhead). Each of us is on a personal journey. The goal is to stay on our path, nurturing and connecting to our wholeness and sense of self. When learned behaviors work against our desires we often become frustrated and depleted leaving little to give to ourself and others. Our situations are always unique, whether we are faced with depression, anxiety, couple or family problems, loss, parent-child issues, or transitional life challenges. A supportive therapeutic relationship can be a wonderful way to rediscover inner strength and regain perspective.

I view therapy as a collaborative process that facilitates communication, problem-solving and self-exploration, which leads to lasting change in relationships and life. As a clinical psychologist in practice for over 27 years, I have learned that while no single type of therapy works for everyone, a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship is essential to achieving growth and change. We use this relationship to learn about how you feel and behave in other significant relationships. Therapy becomes a place to try new ways of communicating and to develop new ways of seeing things. Ultimately, therapy leads to taking healthy risks in relationships and life.

For the past 27 years, Dr. Kim Lehnert has been applying Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, trauma, substance abuse, high-functioning autism, eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, and self-harm/suicidal behaviors. Dr. Lehnert works with pre-adolescents, adolescents, college students, young adults, and adults providing individual therapy, leading several weekly DBT skills groups, and teaching weekly Multi-Family DBT Skills workshops. Dr. Lehnert has completed two 10-day DBT intensive trainings and has served as a national trainer for Behavioral Tech, LLC.

I have helped people with almost every problem that you can think of. I have worked at Crossings, Madonna Heights and Kings Park Psychiatric (back in the day). I keep up with new research and techniques because I teach psychology at SCCC I know you'll feel comfortable because I am warm and non- judgmental which helps our relationship work. I have been working with the Veterans Administration for the past ten years and I can offer most Veterans no cost psychotherapy. Lets get the job done.

My practice includes the treatment of the full spectrum of psychiatric disorders, marital therapy and family therapy. If you are depressed, have moodswings, struggle with obsessive-compulsive behaviors or habits as well as other types of anxiety, help is available. In addition, couples having marital problems or those considering separation or divorce can discuss their concerns privately here. Business executives and managers are also welcome to come in to work out their professional concerns in confidence.

Our growth brings positive change! Today you are one step closer to a new you as you reach out for support and guidance with the realization that something isn't working effectively in your relationship with yourself and others. In a safe, caring and respectful environment I work with individuals, couples, and families toward creating more fulfilling lives. When we seek compassionate professional help at difficult times in our lives we are valuing ourselves and our relationships so that we can get what we need and deserve.

If you’re frustrated having spent lots of time and money on quick fix programs that promised the world, I get it. Life is messy and uncertain. Does it seem like many of the ways you feel inadequate are hard to hide, especially from yourself? What’s holding you back? Are you trying to improve or leave difficult relationships? Are you stressed and want to overcome the hidden affects of trauma and family secrets? If you answered yes, often the answers are in the shadows. When you shine light on your darkness, anxiety and not feeling enough recede. Then you can reclaim your confidence having a vibrant and fulfilling life.

Passages Wellness & Counseling for Women is a group practice specializing in women's health and wellness. Our focus is on the unique needs of women, helping to empower individuals to create balance and fullfillment in their lives. Working with women through the life cycle, we address issues related to self-esteem, relationships, anxiety & mood disorders, body image, work life balance, parenting, family, mental health and chronic health issues. At Passages, our goal is to create a safe and nurturing environment to support women and couples through their journey to self discovery and provide tools for ongoing self-care.