BERGEN COUNTY MOMS

By Dr. Anne Marie Valinoti There are certain conversations between a woman and her doctor that cannot be rushed. In over 25 years of clinical practice, two topics that frequently concern my patients as they enter their forties and fifties are the effects of perimenopause and how to approach cancer screening as they age. The traditional doctor’s office, where time is a limited commodity, may not be conducive to having these important conversations. Practicing medicine in a sm

Couples therapy works for most people who commit to it — decades of clinical research consistently show that structured, evidence-based approaches help partners reduce conflict, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional connection. Whether you’re facing communication breakdowns, infidelity, or growing apart over time, therapy gives couples the tools to change patterns that aren’t working. Key Takeaways Research-backed success rates: Studies show that approximately 70% of couple

A student-athlete’s mental health depends on three interconnected factors: their developmental stage, the emotional environment parents create, and how well the adults in their life respond when things get hard. Understanding all three can make the difference between a young athlete who thrives and one who quietly struggles. Key Takeaways Development drives what your child needs: Kids ages 7–11 need adults who reinforce effort and build self-esteem; teens ages 12–18 need spa

By Dr. Karen Hart Since I moved to Harley Street Medical and began scheduling longer visits with patients, I’ve noticed a shift in our conversations. They want to understand their results, not just to be told that everything looks “fine.” They’re thinking about the next decade, not just the visit in front of them. And their trust in the traditional care system — one that feels designed to minimize these conversations and get them out the door — has been evaporating. A growin

If you’re a parent in Bergen County, your calendar probably feels like a competitive sport. Between school drop-offs, sports practices, work meetings, errands, and remembering which form needs to be signed for which child, the days fill up fast. Somewhere in the middle of all that, you’re also supposed to find time to take care of your own health—like scheduling doctor’s appointments you’ve probably been putting off. That’s why we created One Bergen Health . Healthcare That

If you’ve ever searched for mental health support, you’ve probably come across the terms “therapy” and “psychotherapy” used almost interchangeably. It’s easy to assume they mean the same thing — and in many cases, they do. But there are important distinctions worth understanding, especially when you’re making decisions about your own mental health care. Whether you’re exploring options for the first time or looking to better understand your current treatment, this guide break

Many people wonder at some point whether what they’re going through is “bad enough” to justify professional support. The truth is, there’s no threshold you have to hit before therapy becomes appropriate. But there are clear signs that talking to a mental health professional could be one of the most important decisions you make. At the Lukin Center for Psychotherapy , Northern New Jersey’s largest psychotherapy practice, we believe that recognizing the signs you need therapy

Understanding attachment styles can transform how you navigate relationships, resolve conflicts, and build emotional intimacy. If you’ve ever wondered why certain relationship patterns keep repeating in your life, the answer may lie in your attachment style. Research shows that approximately 50% of adults have secure attachment, while the remaining half experience either anxious or avoidant patterns that can create challenges in romantic relationships, friendships, and even p

Spring is just around the corner — and with winter sports wrapping up and the warmer months ahead, it’s a season that naturally invites reflection. New beginnings. Fresh starts. A chance to finally make progress on the things that matter most to you. But before you set another goal, it’s worth asking: why do so many goals fail? And more importantly, what can you do differently this time? The answer, in most cases, isn’t a lack of motivation or willpower. It’s a flawed goal-se

There is a common phrase in our society that women do “thankless work.” Do we manage most of the thinking and planning around our households? Traditionally. Do we carry heavy burdens? Often. Are our good natures exploited to the benefit of capitalism’s bottom line? (You didn’t hear me say that…) Are we overworked, overtired, and sometimes just over it ? Many of us are. Because caregiving comes naturally to many women, all women are seemingly expected to somehow step up and f

Children don’t always have the words to express grief—but it often reveals itself through their behavior, thoughts, emotions, and bodies. Recognizing these signs is the first step toward offering meaningful support, understanding, and care. The Lukin Center has partnered with Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss , to help support children and families navigating grief. Together, they aim to bring awareness to the many ways loss can impact young people and to ensure familie

Many parents find themselves exhausted trying to navigate the school system while advocating for their child’s needs. When something doesn’t feel right—academically, emotionally, or behaviorally—the process of getting answers can quickly become overwhelming. School jargon, meetings, timelines, evaluations, and questions about eligibility often leave families feeling confused, intimidated, and alone. Dr. Dinah Braude Kremberg is a licensed psychologist at Lukin Center for Psyc

Why do most New Year’s resolutions fail by February? It’s not a lack of willpower — it’s a lack of understanding how behavior change actually works. Most people focus on outcomes (“I want to lose weight”) instead of the specific behaviors required to get there. Effective goal setting for 2026 isn’t about motivation; it’s about aligning with how the brain actually changes habits. Neuroscience research, including work by Elliot T. Berkman, shows the brain is wired for the path

“Comparison is the thief of joy." We have all heard the quote, yet we still find ourselves stuck in loops of self-doubt. We often catch ourselves thinking that others have it better or that we are simply not enough. Research shows that comparison is not a character flaw. It is a hardwired mental process and a core part of the human experience. While it once served a vital purpose for our ancestors, it has become a source of stress in a world dominated by social media highli

When a child experiences anxiety, a parent’s natural instinct is to step in and make the discomfort disappear. While this response comes from a place of love, certain accommodations can unintentionally reinforce the anxiety cycle over time. S.P.A.C.E. Therapy (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) empowers parents with practical, evidence-based tools to respond differently—helping children build confidence, independence, and long-term emotional resilience with

Living with Borderline Personality Disorder can feel like being on an emotional rollercoaster—intense feelings that shift rapidly, relationships that feel unstable, and a persistent sense of emptiness that’s difficult to describe to others. If you or someone you care about is experiencing these challenges, you’re not alone. BPD affects approximately 1.4% of the adult population in the United States, according to the National Institute of Mental Health , and effective treatmen

A new year brings a fresh start, and the perfect opportunity to refocus on you. After a busy holiday season, many of us step into January feeling off balance, low on energy, or not quite like ourselves. The good news? You don’t have to push through it alone. This is the year to prioritize your health from the inside out. True, lasting change starts with understanding your body, which is why our comprehensive medical health assessment takes a personalized, whole-body approach—

Living with social anxiety disorder can feel isolating, especially in New Jersey’s bustling communities from Jersey City to Chatham. At Lukin Center for Psychotherapy, we understand that social anxiety is more than just shyness—it’s a treatable mental health condition that affects millions of people across the United States. Social anxiety disorder (also called social phobia) causes intense fear and anxiety in social situations where you might be judged, embarrassed, or scrut

With the season of giving upon us, you’re likely searching for thoughtful gifts that build connection and resilience rather than just adding to the toy clutter. As a licensed psychotherapist specializing in child development, I’ve compiled my top ten therapeutic resources that make excellent holiday gifts while supporting your child’s emotional growth and mental health. These aren’t just books and toys—they’re evidence-based tools that help children develop crucial skills lik

Key Takeaway Sex therapy is specialized talk therapy that helps individuals and couples address intimacy challenges, sexual dysfunction, communication barriers, and emotional disconnection. At Lukin Center, our relationship therapists provide compassionate, evidence-based support for intimacy concerns across New Jersey. You don’t need to know exactly what’s wrong—we help you understand what’s happening and develop practical solutions. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and y