Family Therapy in Princeton, NJ

Over the past 20+ years, I have been working with adults, adolescents, and children in individual, couples, and family therapy . I listen closely to my clients to understand their current problems and related symptoms, thoughts, and feelings. I work collaboratively with clients to investigate the history of their struggles and to create a plan for change. Using cognitive, behavioral, and emotion-focused approaches, I aim to facilitate healing, growth, and change. Having spent much of my career as a scientist-practitioner, my clinical work is informed by empirical findings. My treatment approach is reasoned, compassionate, and practical.

Telemedicine Available. Do you find yourself struggling with addiction or relationship concerns? One of the hardest things for people to do is admit that they need help getting through challenging circumstances in their lives. Together we will focus on identifying problems, creating goals and objectives to help guide the therapeutic process. I hope that, once our time has concluded, you will feel confident using the skills you have learned to overcome obstacles you may encounter moving forward.

I have over 20 years of clinical experience working with individuals and couples from different backgrounds. Mental health can be compromised by chronic stress that negatively affects our mind and body. Stress can result from living challenging workplace environments, family difficulties, personal emotional problems, the experience loss or trauma. I have particular expertise in helping those living in intense high pressure environments stressors that may have caused depression and anxiety, identity concerns, relationship problems, workplace conflicts or academic difficulties, family problems, and serious mental health challenges.

I'm an experienced psychologist practicing virtually in New York and online/in person in Princeton, NJ. I work with a wide variety of people, from those who are experiencing mental health difficulties for the first time to those that have struggled with them for years. I am comfortable with meeting in a short term, focused way as well as in longer term, more intensive treatments. I have a special interest in working with new fathers, especially and including trans fathers.

Offering down-to-earth, trauma-informed, affirming therapy services for children through adults in person in Princeton and via telehealth, I help clients feel seen and appreciated for their authentic selves. As we work together to understand current issues, uncover their root causes, and explore possible solutions, client dignity and autonomy are centered. With connection, sensitivity, and curiosity, I utilize a combination of approaches including Internal Family Systems, somatic psychotherapy, mindfulness and self compassion, art, play, and more, to help clients gain insight and make positive changes.

I help individuals navigate immediate challenges in their lives while strengthening the type of insight and self-compassion that is necessary for long-term change.

Are you not feeling or functioning the way you used to? Are you having trouble explaining what you're feeling to others? Has someone told you that you could use some help and support? I am helpful with the process of entering therapy because I respect the significance of that decision and see it as an opportunity for positive change.

Are you looking for a warm and sensible therapist? Are you feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed? Does your family life involve too much arguing and too little fun? Are you worried because your child seems stressed or lonely? There are so many therapists out there; it's hard to figure out who will be right for you. You need someone who will not only understand, but will also help you move forward in ways that matter to you.

I use an integrative and collaborative psychotherapeutic approach, working to nurture the relationship between my clients and myself, with curiosity, warmth, and humor. Some people like to resolve specific issues quickly. Others prefer a slower pace and an emphasis on safety and trust. Still others are eager for in-depth, insight-oriented therapy, delving into the past, searching for new meaning and ways of being. Whatever the intensity and focus, I seek to help people find ways to help lead fuller richer lives, alleviate distress, deal with life's challenges, and improve relationships.

Navigating life can be challenging, especially when we are dealing with emotional pain, relationship problems or addiction. At times the assistance of a therapist is needed to help regain stability. The foundation of therapy is the therapeutic relationship between therapist and client. I am experienced in providing individual, marital/relationship and family therapy . I have extensive experience treating depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, stress, relationship issues (intimacy & sexuality), anger management, compulsive behaviors and sexual addictions.

I am assisting couples (of any ethnic or racial background, gender identity, or sexual orientation) to preserve intimacy and satisfaction during a lifetime together, even after infidelity; I am assisting families to weather the storms of adolescence and to maintain familial closeness; I am accompanying people diagnosed with "mental illness" or addiction on their journey back to wholeness and well being. I welcoming victims of trauma and racial oppression. I am available for phone consultations before or between sessions. I do assessments for immigration and prison release purposes and serve as expert in complex custody trials.

Do you feel misunderstood? Do you have trouble communicating? As a Marriage & Family Therapist , I help couples turn their relationship around by helping them improve their communication and resolve conflicts with videos, personality tests, role plays and other tools to bring about rapid change. Do you need to talk to someone? I work with clients on relationship issues, career choices, and other issues. What sets me apart from other therapists is my ability to keep clients on a systematic approach to change with a focused, short term program to help them achieve their goals quickly. I am working with clients only virtually.

There are times in life when we find ourselves feeling unbalanced, unsatisfied, lonely, or hurt. Healing and change begin when we feel deeply heard. I am a Registered Play Therapist and am skilled at helping children express their feelings, experiences and deep emotions. I meet each client with warmth and genuine curiosity as I am taught about their life experiences. Together we identify and challenge roadblocks to healthy coping, growing and thriving. I approach my therapeutic work with the ability to listen, to play and to be solutions-oriented.

I provide clients with a safe and confidential space to process and manage many of life's transitions. I believe that treatment should be tailored to you and your own unique needs. Therapy can be focused on different areas of your life such as improving your mood, exploring various identities, improving your ability to manage your emotions, exploring family issues, parenting, processing interpersonal problems or just wanting to enhance your quality of life.

Our mission is to create an environment that fosters growth, development and the psychological well-being of our clients. We accomplish this by providing confidential and supportive direct clinical services, education and outreach programs while upholding moral and ethical principles. We honor and respect the uniqueness of each client we meet. We understand that individual identity, family values, religious beliefs and even political beliefs deserve to be treated with the utmost respect. We believe that everyone is undergoing a human experience and the integrity of the therapeutic relationship is paramount.

Princeton Center for DBT and Counseling is a private group practice specializing in comprehensive DBT services for adults and adolescents, as well as other forms of psychotherapy including EMDR and trauma therapies, supportive counseling, family therapy , and parent consultation and support.Our mission is to provide the highest standard of mental health treatment while maintaining an approach that is flexible and customized to meet the unique needs of each individual in the process of achieving meaningful and lasting change. Lona Stranieri, LCSW is the Director and is a DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician

I believe that you have the power and opportunity to change your life through therapy. My specialty entails working with teens, young, and middle age adults who experience difficult and challenging relationships, with family , friends, colleagues, and intimate partners. Working with clients who desire healthy relationships but feel precluded from having them, as well as individuals who experience communication and trust difficulties is something I enjoy. My clients and I collaborate in the exploration of challenging relationships and the related symptoms, with a goal of seeking out solutions to personal hurdles.

You long for peace and clarity in your life but when navigating a major life transition those goals can appear out of reach. Divorce, illness, family and career changes can leave any one of us reeling, feeling beaten down, overwhelmed, confused and alone. A therapist can provide that safe non-judgmental space to explore thoughts, feelings and experiences that may be preventing you from moving forward. I work hard to tailor my approach to meet my client's needs always honoring the fact that this work is collaborative and each client is unique.