- Cognitive behavioral work
- Psychodynamic exploration
- Solution-focused steps
About Stephen
Stephen Carenza is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in New Jersey with eight years of clinical experience. He works with adults on concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, anger, relationship struggles, and sleep problems. He also supports people facing parenting and family-related issues, trauma and abuse, grief, ADHD, and life transitions.
Stephen uses straightforward, evidence-informed methods in sessions. He draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to notice and change unhelpful thinking and behavior. He also uses psychodynamic ideas to look at patterns that repeat over time, and solution-focused steps to set clear, short-term goals.
In the room he helps people name the moments that trigger anger and then practices different responses. Sessions often include small exercises to try between meetings so new habits can form. He pays attention to how past relationships and current stressors shape feelings and reactions.
Stephen has worked in social work for many years before providing individual therapy for adults. That background informs how he approaches family and parenting concerns even when meeting with a single person. He aims to make sessions practical and manageable for busy lives.
People who choose to work with him should expect direct conversation about patterns, short-term strategies to reduce reactivity, and reflection on longer-term changes. To begin, follow the practice's intake steps and schedule an initial meeting to discuss goals and next steps.
How his approaches translate to online work
Stephen uses cognitive behavioral work to help people spot the thoughts and behaviors that feed anger and try new responses. CBT sessions focus on practical exercises and short experiments that can be practiced between meetings. Psychodynamic work looks at repeating patterns and past relationships that shape current reactions; it often involves reflecting on themes that recur in everyday life and relationships.Finding the right style is collaborative. He will work with each person to decide which mix of strategies fits their goals and preferences. That may mean using more action-oriented CBT at first, then adding psychodynamic reflection as patterns become clearer.
Confirm the available session formats before booking. Once confirmed, online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a weekly routine, reduce travel time, and allow for brief check-ins when schedules are tight. Some approaches lend themselves to short skills practice and homework between sessions, which can be especially useful when meeting remotely. Ask about specific scheduling and format options during the intake so sessions match practical needs and goals.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
8+ years
Listed in
New Jersey
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he work with?
He works with adult concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, anger, relationship issues, sleep difficulties, parenting and family-related matters, trauma and grief.
What is his general approach in sessions?
He combines cognitive behavioral methods, psychodynamic thinking, and solution-focused techniques. Sessions mix practical exercises with reflection on recurring patterns.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has eight years of experience providing individual therapy and a longer background in social work prior to that.
What are his credentials and location?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, practicing in New Jersey.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English only.
Does he accept international clients?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.