Our Doctors
Dr. Stella Stempel PHD

Meet Dr. Stella Stempel PHD

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Stella Stempel is a clinical psychologist and an LCSW with over a decade of clinical experience and dual licensure in New York and New Jersey. She completed her master’s training at New York University, specializing in psychodynamic relational dynamics, followed by a fellowship at the Ackerman Institute for Family Therapy. Dr. Stempel continued to advance her academic career by earning her doctorate from Walden University while concurrently conducting research at the Harkness Eye Institute at Columbia University Medical Center, focusing on neuroplasticity and the brain’s ability to rewire neural pathways.

Individual Therapy

Dr. Stella Stempel takes an eclectic, integrative, and evidence-based approach to individual therapy, tailoring her interventions to meet each client’s unique needs. She incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques from her training at the Beck Institute, helping clients identify and reframe negative thought patterns that contribute to distress. She also utilizes Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) strategies to enhance emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness. Dr. Stempel integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS) techniques to help clients explore and heal different parts of the self. In addition, she has specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which she employs to support individuals in processing traumatic experiences and alleviating distressing symptoms. Through this multifaceted approach, Dr. Stempel empowers clients to build resilience, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and create meaningful change in their lives.

Couples Therapy

Dr. Stella Stempel is a dedicated couple’s therapist with specialized training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which she received under the guidance of renowned EFT trainers George Faller and Ryan Rana. Rooted in attachment theory, EFT helps couples identify and reshape negative interaction patterns, fostering secure emotional bonds and deeper connections. Dr. Stempel applies core EFT concepts such as de-escalating conflict cycles, restructuring emotional responses, and strengthening attachment security to help couples navigate relational distress. Through her work, she guides partners in recognizing underlying emotions and unmet needs, facilitating more open, vulnerable, and meaningful communication. Her approach empowers couples to break free from reactive patterns and cultivate a more resilient, fulfilling relationship. 

Family Therapy

Dr. Stella Stempel is a skilled family therapist who integrates concepts from the Ackerman Relational Approach, drawing from her extensive training at the Ackerman Institute for the Family. This approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of family members, recognizing that relational patterns and generational influences shape individual behaviors and family dynamics. Dr. Stempel applies key principles such as systemic thinking, which considers the Family as a whole rather than focusing on isolated issues, and relational resilience, which helps families navigate challenges by fostering empathy, flexibility, and mutual support. She also incorporates the importance of exploring cultural and social contexts, helping families understand how external factors influence their internal relationships. Dr. Stempel works collaboratively with families through this integrative framework to strengthen communication, resolve conflicts, and build healthier, more cohesive relationships.

Professional Memberships

• National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
• American Psychological Association (APA)

Licenses

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker, State of New York
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker, State of New Jersey

Affiliations