Lance Stern, LCSW, BCD

I am a Board Certified licensed professional psychotherapist regarded as intuitive, patient and kind. My diverse professional background in combination with my lifelong dedication to guiding others through emotional challenges has informed my unique empathetic approach to psychotherapy. Most issues lie deep and it takes time for clients to work them through to find lasting relief. However, others may be situational and only need short-term treatment. In these cases, I address presenting problems in order to offer more immediate relief. My goal is to assist each client in finding comfort, perspective, stability and strategies to resolve inner conflicts. I take a primarily psychodynamic approach, integrating evidence based and short-term techniques when appropriate. This integrative approach offers my clients early relief and opportunity to work on deeper exploration of core issues. Through collaboration with my clients, they discover that relief from depression, anxiety or feeling alienated from themselves is fully obtainable. 

 Most of my clients are adults and emerging adults struggling with depression, anxiety, mood disorders or psychosis. I also work parents and couples. Parents come to me to find the balance between being consistent, strong caregivers and emotionally supportive allies and mentors. Couples come to me when life has become complicated, and each has lost sight of the other’s needs. Sometimes a breach or loss of trust and makes repairing a relationship elusive, but one thing is certain: if two people are willing to work on repairing a marriage that has lost its way for whatever reason, their relationship already has a foundation to build on. I have been an effective guide for many now symbiotic couples. I have also had success addressing video game and cyber addition and abuse. These are relatively new phenomena with many complex drives. With my clients suffering from these addictions, we uncover underlying motives for escape. Once we understand the old patterns that have developed and resulted in problematic, destructive behaviors, we can effectively work on developing new, healthier behaviors.

 Deciding to seek psychotherapy is the first and hardest step. Once you have made that choice, the time has come to choose the right therapist for you. Many new clients find it helpful to read many bios before reaching out. It is paramount that you feel comfortable with your therapist’s approach in order to develop a relationship based on trust. I hope that this bio has given you some insight into the way I practice. If you would like to know more, please call me and we can address your questions over the phone before you make a final decision. I look forward to hearing from you.