Pooja Papneja, LAMFT
Pooja Papneja is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of NJ. Pooja holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Syracuse University, along with a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Child Therapy. She specializes in couples therapy, family systems work, and child and adolescent behavioral concerns.
Her approach is deeply client-centered and trauma-informed, grounded in attachment science and systemic theory. Rather than focusing solely on surface-level conflict, Pooja helps clients understand the relational patterns driving distress beneath the arguments, emotional distance, or behavioral challenges.
Pooja meets clients exactly where they are — whether overwhelmed, guarded, exhausted, or unsure of where to begin. She does not rush the process or impose quick solutions. Instead, she creates a safe, steady space where clients can explore what lies beneath the surface, including attachment wounds, unspoken needs, emotional triggers, and generational patterns.
With couples, she helps shift cycles of reactivity into greater responsiveness and emotional distance into deeper connection. With families, she supports parents and children in building emotional safety, strengthening regulation skills, and improving communication.
Pooja welcomes the opportunity to help you tap into your own resilience, standing as an ally as you move from feeling stuck to feeling empowered in your life and relationships.
Primary Specialties
Couples Counseling
Family Conflict
Parenting
Child and Adolescent Therapy
Trauma
ADHD/ADD
Anger management, high conflict
Behavioral Issues
Types of Therapy
Family Systems - psychodynamic, experiential, narrative
Gottman
EFT (couples) Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
CBT Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, DBT Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Attachment focused
IFS - Internal Family Systems
Somatic therapy
Parent child interaction therapy
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy: Syracuse University
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At The Virtual Counselors, our therapists are committed to providing personalized care that addresses your unique experiences and goals. By integrating these various healing modalities, we can support you on your journey toward overcoming trauma and reclaiming your life.
