Marriage Counseling Therapists in Rochester, NY

Life can be so stressful and difficult to manage, especially if you feel anxious, depressed, have suffered a loss or just feel unsatisfied in life. Having these emotions and feelings can impact work, relationships and have you feeling disconnected. Things can get better. I have worked for over 30 years helping people find a “life worth living”, supporting and helping people to learn different ways of thinking and coping. I know you want to feel better and more connected… you deserve it!

Whatever you're carrying, I want to hear about it. In my therapy room, you're allowed to take up space. I have proudly partnered with people from many different statuses and groups, and I derive great pleasure from working with people who are both alike and different from myself.

Understanding how your behavior impacts your family and relationship with your spouse or partner is an important step towards change. From the start, I intend to establish a strong relationship that empowers you to believe in your ability to transform. Our work together is a journey to find meaning in life and make sense of the struggles you face. By finding strength in these challenges, I allow you to realize and embrace the actions that will fuel your growth and healing.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS! Are you feeling deep pain, but there's no one who really understands? Are your emotions so powerful that you are beginning to feel like they're in control? Are you feeling unsure about your purpose and unclear about your identity? Are you feeling stuck and unsure how to become free? I am here for you! I understand that beginning therapy can be anxiety-provoking. My goal is to create a safe place for you to explore your emotions, experience healing and grow in understanding your purpose and identity. You can expect to gain perspective and feel empowered after each session.

If you are having anxiety and depression, if you have experienced trauma, I can help you sort out the things that are missing to gain or restore meaning, energy and joy to your life and relationships. I believe in the potential for growth, that our lives can be better, that change is possible, that relationships can be deeply satisfying. If you are having difficulty in your life, relationships or work, you will find me a respectful, empathic listener. Connecting with your feelings, finding your voice and making the life and relationships you want are outcomes my individual and couple clients find in therapy with me.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and earned my masters in the Family Therapy Training Program at the University of Rochester School of Medicine. Since graduating, I have worked in community mental health, helping clients on issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships and specialize in grief work. I am trained in EMDR and Complicated Grief Treatment.

Relationships in Crisis: We Have Four 75 Minute Private Couples/ Marriage Workshops & Individual Sessions, in order to Rapidly Accelerate Your Healing & Your Communication Process (Traditional 45 min. session Does Not Work). During these 4 to 6 weeks, we will see both of you Together & Individually, as well as Help each of you Learn the Art of Empathy, Sensitivity & Compassion. These Workshops are Informative & Powerful, in order to Accelerate the Healing Process & Stop any further Damage from Occurring. In Addition, Our Success RATE is 85% of Our Couples that have Successfully Completed Our Couples Workshops or Alcohol Treatment.

I am Dr. LaVern Cole-Ristuccia. I received my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Nova-Southeastern University (NSU). I am a NY State Licensed Psychologist and have been in the field for over 20 years. I completed my internship at the University of Rochester Department of Psychiatry in 1990. I specialize in working with Adolescents, Adults, Couples & Families. I am experienced in treating depression, anxiety, marital /relationship issues, divorce, sexual dysfunction, anger management & parenting strategies. I do a great deal of work with blended families. Therapy is goal oriented/insight oriented, utilizing a cognitive-behavioral approach with a psycho-educational emphasis.

Life should be Better than it often is. You know that your life isn't quite where you want it to be. I am committed to helping you achieve high quality answers to your deepest questions. I work with individuals, couples and families to get what you truly want. My therapy is engaging, useful and a powerful support for positive change in your life. Some Testimonials: Just a note to say that you were such a breath of fresh air when I needed it most. I have totally enjoyed talking with you, so affirming and perspective adjusting. Thanks, Meghan! -KW

FYI: Limited daytime availability for new clients (March, 2023). Welcome! At times when life presents challenges – relationship concerns, illness, anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, and other stressors – therapy can offer you support. You are the expert in your life, and I will collaborate with you to help you identify what you want to change and gain insights about how to make progress toward your goals.

Sometimes life's challenges become unmanageable and we need someone to help us navigate until we can once again find our way. Whether you are having difficulty in relationships, adjusting to life changes, struggling with depression or anxious feeling, or can't take care of life's daily activities the way you'd like to, therapy can help. I hope to create a comfortable, safe and confidential environment where you feel understood and accepted. I will help you explore your life stressors and create an environment to help you look at your concerns from an unbiased perspective, helping you to find your unique path.

Are you struggling with understanding your emotions? Do you have a hard time identifying your source of trauma? I am here to help, encourage, and empower you on this journey. I have over 15 years of experience working with boys, adolescents and men from all different backgrounds and cultures. I utilize a collection of therapy approaches that place high value on helping clients understand their thoughts and feelings that influence their behaviors. You can expect to gain greater clarity and feel empowered after each session.

I have been helping individuals, couples and families for over 30 years. Clients & colleagues describe me as experienced, effective, direct, honest, kind, compassionate, genuine & caring. Strengths are my empathy & ability to connect with others in a therapeutic way as to help facilitate growth, change and movement in their lives & acceptance of self. I use an eclectic approach: cognitive-behavioral, experiential, relational, solution-focused, supportive, trauma informed, and insight-oriented psychotherapy. Expertise working with couples, families & adolescents. An Addiction Specialist and an OASAS-DMV Provider for drug & alcohol evaluations, assessment and treatment. I am also certified by EAPA as a Employee Assistance Specialist-Clinical(EAS-C).

Thank you for visiting my site and for your interest in professional counseling. If you are ready to feel better, please call me for a free telephone consultation and to talk about how therapy can help. If you want to strengthen your marriage , repair a damaged relationship, manage anxiety and depression more effectively, or change bad habits, and if you are motivated to change your life, then you are looking in the right place. After nearly 30 years of practice, I know that psychotherapy works and I encourage you to explore how therapy might work for you.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). I provide psychotherapy or psycho-educational therapy for those with or without ADHD, serving individuals, couples and families seeking treatment. People get tired of feeling frustrated and stuck in ways difficult to explain, yet can feel motivated by an empathic approach that helps develop ways to support cognitive, emotional and behavioral factors that impact their decisions. When stress becomes easier to manage, the hope for a more balanced and manageable life can begin to materialize.

Do you feel overwhelmed by your thoughts or feelings? Do you suffer from excessive worry, panic attacks or feeling like you’re not enough? Have you had a damaging experience that you are unable to put behind you? You have the ability to take control and create change in your life. I would be honored to help you navigate a new pathway where the clouds can be lifted and the waves will settle; YOU can begin to believe in yourself again.

Healing and growth happen when you feel safe and supported. In our therapeutic space, you can expect to feel heard, respected, and understood. I will partner with you and draw upon your strengths in a warm, nonjudgmental, and curious way to achieve lasting, meaningful change. Being trained in Marriage and Family Therapy helps me appreciate that relationships matter and impact your well-being. I will use the context of your family and other important relational systems such as school, work, and your community to get to know you better and help you reach your goals.