Brianna Albanese, LAC

Headshot of Brianna Albanese, LAC, Anxiety Therapist, Couples Counselor, Child Therapist

 

Does this sound like you? You’re struggling. You feel stuck in the same old patterns, as always.You don’t know why this keeps happening, but you know something is just not working for you. You know what you should be doing but can’t figure out what’s getting in the way of what you truly want for yourself. You may have considered trying therapy but you’re not sure if you can open up to someone about your struggles. If you’re a parent whose child is the one struggling, it can feel like you’re standing on the sidelines, not sure how to help them. You’ve probably tried offering advice, guidance, and support, but it still doesn’t seem to make a difference. The thought of therapy might feel daunting. Will they open up to a therapist? Will this really help? It’s completely normal to wonder if therapy will truly make a difference in you or your family’s life.

Therapy For Adults, Couples, And Children In NJ

I’m Bri (she/her), and I guide you in shaping an empowering life story that supports the future you want to create. I’m passionate about giving you a compassionate space to explore what’s keeping you stuck.

Trying Therapy For The First Time

It’s okay if you’re hesitant to try therapy. I’ve spoken with hundreds of individuals and parents seeking therapy for the first time. It can be nerve-racking to open yourself – or to watch your child open up –  to a complete stranger about the most vulnerable parts of life. The things that you don’t even like about yourself sometimes. Or the parts of your child you’re still trying to understand.  An outside perspective can feel intrusive or uncomfortable, especially when you’re fiercely protective of your family. But remember: at the end of the day, you are the expert on you–and when it comes to your child, you’re the expert on them too.Your perspective, your instincts, your lived experiences are all valid and deserve space in the therapeutic process.

Trying Therapy Again

If you’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t quite work out, I understand your hesitation to try again. Maybe you didn’t feel heard. Or maybe your child didn’t connect, and you were left wondering if therapy was even the right move.  Previous experiences might have left you feeling misunderstood or discouraged,– like therapy simply wasn’t effective for your unique situation or your family’s needs. It takes courage to give it another chance.  Know that therapeutic relationships, like any relationship, aren’t one-size-fits-all. Finding the right fit—someone who truly sees you, respects your journey, and has the skills to support your specific needs—can make all the difference. As a parent whose child didn’t connect with their last therapist, the stakes can feel even higher.  You want them to meet with someone they can feel comfortable with.  Indeed, this time could be different because you’re different; you’ve grown, learned more about what you (and maybe your family) needs, and what doesn’t work for you. Before I get to know you/your family, here’s some context about my identity and lived experience. I am a cisgender heterosexual American-Italian woman and proud New Yorker. I’ve been on my own journey of learning what works for me, and now I want to help you find what mental wellness looks like for you.

In Therapy With Me, The Space Is Yours. Take Your Shoes Off. Lay On The Floor. Come As You Are.

Our session is your time. Together we might sit in discomfort, celebrate joyful moments, and everything that comes in between. Our work together will be a safe relationship for you to draw boundaries, fully express your true self, and go to your darkest places. I am here for you. This space—whether you’re here for yourself, your child, or both of you—is yours. You don’t have to struggle on your own anymore. Together we can:

  • Find a path to get to where you (or your child, or your family) want to be
  • Figure out what you want life to look like–individually or as a family
  • Learn about what has helped you (or your child) survive up until now
  • Identify, change, or grow patterns that match the life you want to lead
  • Try out coping skills and find the ones that actually feel right – for you or your kid

Neuroaffirming Therapy in NJ

Each session with me – whether you’re an adult, a teen, a child, or a parent– will be a chance to safely create and explore in ways you may not have been able to in other environments. For children, this might mean expressing through play or art. For parents, it could be about making space for your own story while navigating the complexity of caregiving.  Whether this is by setting new goals, or expressing yourself in new ways, we will find ways to fill your toolbox (or your child’s) with the tools you need, and want, to feel most like yourself. Or perhaps the version of yourself you are looking to unmask. Therapy is going to be a bit uncomfy. I might ask questions that stretch you or invite your child to try something new. We will collaborate together on how far out of your comfort zone you want to go and how quickly. You set the pace and I’ll walk alongside you. 

When Spreadsheets Meet Emotions: Finding Clarity Together

Some clients need to lay on the floor, stare at the ceiling, and just feel their feelings. Others might pull out their phone to show me the spreadsheet where they’ve been tracking their moods, their child’s behaviors, or their family’s routines. Both approaches are welcome here.  If you find yourself creating systems to understand your feelings or tracking patterns in your life, your analytical mind is actually a strength we can work with. We’ll find ways to blend structure with emotional understanding, whether for yourself or your child. You don’t have to leave your analytical brain at the door. It’s a tool—one we’ll use to bring clarity and confidence to the work we’re doing.I’ll help you leverage your organizational skills while also creating space to simply experience your emotions when that’s what you (or your child) need. Your spreadsheet thinking isn’t a problem to fix—it’s a unique part of how you navigate the world– as an individual, or a parent–, and we’ll use it to help you thrive.

Online And In Person Therapy in Scotch Plains, NJ

Subsequent to graduating from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a BS in Psychological & Brain Sciences and a Certificate in Social Work, I spent time in event planning. It was during this time that I became inspired by the connections I witnessed between couples, particularly in the context of weddings. Seeing people come together to celebrate one of life’s most meaningful commitments sparked my passion for supporting relationships. This experience deepened my interest in the emotional and psychological aspects of connection, which ultimately led me to pursue a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling and Wellness from New York University. Outside of work, my happy place is sitting on my balcony in the sun with my dog Henry, a hot cup of coffee and a warm pastry. I also enjoy baking, yoga, video games, and going to the spa. I believe that managing mental health and wellness is not one-size-fits-all as the internet might want you to believe. Who you are and what you’ve lived through shape the path we take together. 

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