Lance Stern LCSW, BCD
Lance Stern LCSW, BCD
Therapist in New Jersey & New York
Therapist in New Jersey & New York
Welcome to a space where we will explore the “why” behind your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Using a psychoanalytic approach, I help adults, emerging adults, couples, and parents understand themselves on a deeper level. We move beyond symptom management to discover lasting change and growth.
When people hear the term psychoanalyst, they often ask, “Are you analyzing me right now, Lance?” The reality is, I have never analyzed anybody. My goal is to help you analyze yourself and find the “why” behind your thoughts and actions. I am simply your guide to understanding yourself better in order to create lasting change in your own life.
Hello, I’m Lance
I’m a Board Certified Psychotherapist, licensed in both New Jersey and New York. For many years, I’ve been privileged to work alongside individuals seeking a deeper understanding of themselves. My approach is rooted in psychoanalysis, which means we’ll work collaboratively to uncover the underlying patterns driving your experiences.
Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, anger, depression, relationship challenges, or simply feeling stuck, we’ll explore not just what you’re feeling, but why to create space for meaningful, lasting change.
I offer both in-person sessions at my Upper Saddle River office and virtual therapy through a secure, HIPPA compliant video platform for clients throughout New Jersey and New York. Together, we’ll create a warm, judgment-free environment where you can speak openly about your thoughts and experiences and begin working toward the life you envision.
The Psychoanalytic Difference
Many therapeutic approaches focus primarily on symptom management and behavioral change. While these can be valuable, my psychoanalytic approach goes deeper. We explore the unconscious or subconscious patterns, early experiences, and internal conflicts that trigger our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Rather than simply addressing the “what” of your experience (anxiety, anger, relationship patterns, work struggles), we explore the “why” behind these patterns. This deeper understanding allows for for more meaningful and lasting transformations.
In our work together, you’ll develop:
- Greater self-awareness and understanding of your internal world
- Recognition of recurring patterns in relationships and behaviors
- Insight into how past experiences influence present reactions
- Increased capacity to manage difficult emotions
- More authentic connections with yourself and others
This approach takes time and commitment, but the results run deeper than quick-fix solutions, hopefully creating change that extends to all areas of your life.
My Practice Areas
My practice focuses on providing specialized support for adults, emerging adults, couples, and parents. Each therapeutic journey is as unique as the individual or couple I’m working with, but is always grounded in mutual respect, curiosity, and a commitment to understanding.
Therapy for Adults
Working with adults navigating life transitions, relationship patterns, career changes, anxiety, anger, depression, ADHD, and any other challenges you may be dealing with. I help you understand yourself more deeply and develop new ways of engaging with your world.
Therapy for Teens
Supporting young adults as they navigate identity formation, career beginnings, relationship shifts, and the complex emotions that come with this pivotal life stage. Together, we’ll explore the “why” behind overwhelming feelings and behaviors.
Couples Therapy & Marriage Counseling
Helping couples understand recurring patterns, improve communication, rebuild trust, and deepen connection. We’ll explore both individual histories and relationship dynamics to create more fulfilling partnerships.
I work with couples, married or not, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity to help them understand and repair their relationship dynamics.
Parenting Counseling
Supporting parents in understanding their reactions to parenting challenges, exploring how their own upbringing influences their parenting style, and developing strategies that align with their values and their children’s needs.
I also work helping parents to find the balance between being consistent, strong parents and being emotionally supportive allies and mentors.
Therapy for Adults
Working with adults navigating life transitions, relationship patterns, career changes, anxiety, anger, depression, ADHD, and any other challenges you may be dealing with. I help you understand yourself more deeply and develop new ways of engaging with your world.
Therapy for Teens
Supporting young adults as they navigate identity formation, career beginnings, relationship shifts, and the complex emotions that come with this pivotal life stage. Together, we’ll explore the “why” behind overwhelming feelings and behaviors.
Couples Therapy & Marriage Counseling
Helping couples understand recurring patterns, improve communication, rebuild trust, and deepen connection. We’ll explore both individual histories and relationship dynamics to create more fulfilling partnerships.
I work with couples, married or not, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity to help them understand and repair their relationship dynamics.
Parenting Counseling
Supporting parents in understanding their reactions to parenting challenges, exploring how their own upbringing influences their parenting style, and developing strategies that align with their values and their children’s needs.
I also work helping parents to find the balance between being consistent, strong parents and being emotionally supportive allies and mentors.
Therapy for Adults
Working with adults navigating life transitions, relationship patterns, career changes, anxiety, anger, depression, ADHD, and any other challenges you may be dealing with. I help you understand yourself more deeply and develop new ways of engaging with your world.
Therapy for Teens
Supporting young adults as they navigate identity formation, career beginnings, relationship shifts, and the complex emotions that come with this pivotal life stage. Together, we’ll explore the “why” behind overwhelming feelings and behaviors.
Couples Therapy & Marriage Counseling
Helping couples understand recurring patterns, improve communication, rebuild trust, and deepen connection. We’ll explore both individual histories and relationship dynamics to create more fulfilling partnerships.
I work with couples, married or not, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity to help them understand and repair their relationship dynamics.
Parenting Counseling
Supporting parents in understanding their reactions to parenting challenges, exploring how their own upbringing influences their parenting style, and developing strategies that align with their values and their children’s needs.
I also work helping parents to find the balance between being consistent, strong parents and being emotionally supportive allies and mentors.
A note to the LGBTQ+ community and other self-identified communities such as neurodivergent:
First I would like to say that I work with all people regardless of marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or neurodivergence. But more importantly, I think it is imperative for all potential patients to understand that I approach everyone as an individual who has their own unique life experiences that shape and inform who they are today, without judgment.
I also understand and respect that some individuals who identify as belonging to certain communities would prefer to find and work with a therapist who also identifies with their community. While I do not share which, if any, community I might identify with, I welcome all members of my broader community; the human race.
I look forward to having an opportunity to speak with you and to discuss what you might be seeking.
In-Person & Virtual Therapy Options
My Practice in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey
For those who prefer the in-person connection, my office provides a quiet, comfortable space for our work together. I’ve intentionally created an environment that feels both professional and welcoming, a place where you can feel at ease as we explore challenging topics.
The office offers:
- Complete privacy and confidentiality
- Comfortable seating arranged for conversation
- A calm, distraction-free atmosphere
- Easy access from surrounding Bergen County communities
- An abundance of convenient parking
My hope is for this space to become a consistent anchor in your therapeutic journey, a dedicated environment for self-exploration and growth.
My office is located at 345 Rte 17 S, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey and I welcome people from any location throughout New Jersey, and even New York. If you want to make the drive, I would love to have you in my office.
Virtual Therapy Throughout New Jersey & New York
Distance and busy schedules shouldn’t stand between you and quality therapy.
As a licensed therapist in New Jersey and New York, I offer secure, confidential virtual therapy sessions through a HIPPA compliant platform for clients throughout these states to bring the same depth and quality of care directly to you, wherever you are.
Convenient & Efficient
Virtual therapy eliminates commute time and offers flexible scheduling options, making it easier to prioritize your mental health amid a busy lifestyle.
Comfortable Environment
Many clients find they open up more easily from the comfort of their own space. Virtual therapy allows you to engage in deep therapeutic work from an environment where you already feel secure and at ease.
Consistent Support
Weather, illness, or travel plans no longer mean missed sessions. Virtual therapy ensures continuity in your therapeutic journey, even when life circumstances change or unexpected situations arise.
Convenient & Efficient
Virtual therapy eliminates commute time and offers flexible scheduling options, making it easier to prioritize your mental health amid a busy lifestyle.
Comfortable Environment
Many clients find they open up more easily from the comfort of their own space. Virtual therapy allows you to engage in deep therapeutic work from an environment where you already feel secure and at ease.
Consistent Support
Weather, illness, or travel plans no longer mean missed sessions. Virtual therapy ensures continuity in your therapeutic journey, even when life circumstances change or unexpected situations arise.
Convenient & Efficient
Virtual therapy eliminates commute time and offers flexible scheduling options, making it easier to prioritize your mental health amid a busy lifestyle.
Comfortable Environment
Many clients find they open up more easily from the comfort of their own space. Virtual therapy allows you to engage in deep therapeutic work from an environment where you already feel secure and at ease.
Consistent Support
Weather, illness, or travel plans no longer mean missed sessions. Virtual therapy ensures continuity in your therapeutic journey, even when life circumstances change or unexpected situations arise.
How We’ll Work Together
Initial Contact
Fill out the contact form with some basic information. I’ll reach out as soon as possible to schedule a brief phone consultation.
This gives us a chance to discuss your needs and determine if my approach is a good fit for you.
You are also welcome to give me a call or email to set up our initial meeting.
First Session
Our first session allows us to dive deeper into what brings you to therapy and what you hope to gain from our work together.
I’ll ask questions about your current situation, relevant history, and goals. This is also your opportunity to ask any questions about my approach.
Ongoing Therapy
Most clients find weekly, and even bi-weekly, sessions to be the most effective, especially in the beginning.
This consistent schedule helps build momentum in our work and allow us to dive deep into why patterns are appearing in your life.
As we progress, we’ll continually assess and adjust our focus based on your evolving needs and insights.
I offer once or twice per week sessions to ensure we can keep the momentum going with what we are working on.
Since my practice focuses on diving deep into underlying patterns, it is important that we can quickly address what has been happening in your life and start uncovering how it is affecting you and why these patterns are appearing.
How We’ll Work Together
Initial Contact
Fill out the contact form with some basic information. I’ll reach out as soon as possible to schedule a brief phone consultation.
This gives us a chance to discuss your needs and determine if my approach is a good fit for you.
You are also welcome to give me a call or email to set up our initial meeting.
First Session
Our first session allows us to dive deeper into what brings you to therapy and what you hope to gain from our work together.
I’ll ask questions about your current situation, relevant history, and goals. This is also your opportunity to ask any questions about my approach.
Ongoing Therapy
Most clients find weekly, and even bi-weekly, sessions to be the most effective, especially in the beginning.
This consistent schedule helps build momentum in our work and allow us to dive deep into why patterns are appearing in your life.
As we progress, we’ll continually assess and adjust our focus based on your evolving needs and insights.
I offer once or twice per week sessions to ensure we can keep the momentum going with what we are working on.
Since my practice focuses on diving deep into underlying patterns, it is important that we can quickly address what has been happening in your life and start uncovering how it is affecting you and why these patterns are appearing.