ABOUT

DR. NORMAJEAN CEFARELLI, PHD, LMFT

I have spent the last two decades exploring, researching, writing, absorbing information and teaching in order to create an environment where people can learn, grow, and become more content and congruent with who they are.

Life can be difficult at times; I understand this. I have been working with individuals, couples and families for a myriad of years. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with the knowledge and expertise you deserve to help you become the best version of yourself.

My approach is warm, inviting, and one sprinkled with hope. I hold the belief that everyone deserves a little grace at the lowest moment of their life. My life passion and vocation are sitting with those who need guidance, empathy, and compassion. Please know that I am here to assist you with the utmost respect for your current situation and your emerging emotions.

My education consists of a Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy (PhD); Master of Family Therapy with a Concentration in Structural/Systems Theory and Certified in Gestalt Therapy (MFT); Bachelor of Arts with a major in Psychology and minor in Theory and Counseling (M.A.); Associate of Science with a major in Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Counseling (A.S). 

For ten years, I taught as an adjunct instructor at Southern Connecticut State University in the Psychology Department and in the Marriage and Family Therapy Department as an adjunct lecturer and clinical supervisor in their Family Clinic. 

I currently teach at NYU at The Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development in the Department of Applied Psychology, Master of Arts Program in Mental Health and Wellness. My education and teaching experience coupled with practical and life experiences contribute to my unique tapestry of services.

I bring knowledge, skills, and myself to your sessions in order to nurture and guide the undeveloped pieces which keep you stagnant or stuck in old patterns of relating to yourself, your life partner, friends or family. I will share new ways of responding to old situations, resources to guide in those changes and encouragement to tap into your natural resources from within.

My formal training is in Systemic Theory which views the entire family system; meaning we do not exist in isolation. All parts need to be considered. Theoretical foundations I use to examine and intervene might consist of Intergenerational, Structural, Strategic, and Gestalt therapies. The families we originate from bring insurmountable energy from past and current generations. We usually, even unknowingly, are quite loyal to these generations. Awareness and understanding of our beliefs, values, thoughts and feelings can assist in finding our genuine self. Once you are able to find this authentic self, it will help you become congruent with who you are and your reactions to others.

Perhaps you would like to learn how to set clear boundaries, healthier ways of expressing anger or other heightened emotions, expressing love, or understanding how your partner expresses love. These are all ways that impact our relationships on a daily basis.

I am skilled, qualified, and educated in these arenas. My work with individuals, single parents, premarital couples, couples, different family structures, divorced individuals, anger management groups, supervised visitation research, and stress reduction for over a decade has provided me with both the experience and knowledge to work with you. I am proficient working with a myriad of cultures and religious convictions.

LINKS

    • CCAR Recovery Coach Academy

    • Greenwich Psychology Year Long Marriage & Family Studies and Supervision

    • Being Human; Human Being - 6 week Meditation Course

    • Golden Key International Honour Society

    • National Honor Society – Alpha Chi

    • National Honor Society – Phi Theta Kappa

    • Letters of Achievement

    • Army Commendation Medal

    • Good Conduct Award

    • Overseas Ribbon

    • Secret Clearance: 1982-1987

    • American Psychological Association

    • American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, clinical membership

    • American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Approved Supervisor

    • Connecticut Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (Past) Board of Directors

    • Connecticut Association for Marriage and Family Therapy membership

    • International Reiki Association, Master level membership

    • Jin Sin Do® Foundation for Bodymind Acupressure® membership

    • New York City Shambhala Meditation Center membership

    • World Tang Soo Do Organization, Dan (Blackbelt) and Instructor membership

  • Author: Cefarelli, N. An assessment of services for custodial parents during supervised visitation, Journal of Family Trauma, Child Custody & Child Development. 2020; 17(2), 135-160. DOI: 10.1080/26904586.2020.1760166

    An assessment of services for custodial parents during supervised visitation

    • Author: Cefarelli, N. An intimate exploration of the process of divorce, Part I, Psych Central Professional. 2020, August 13. pro.psychcentral.com

    • Author: Cefarelli, N. An intimate exploration of the process of divorce, Part II, Psych Central Professional. 2020, August 29. pro.psychcentral.com

    • Author: Cefarelli, N. He treats me like his girlfriend but doesn’t want a relationship. Deep Soulful Love. 2021, January 4. deepsoulfullove.com

    • Author: Cefarelli, N. He stopped texting me after we slept together. Deep Soulful Love. 2020, November 13. deepsoulfullove.com

    • Author: Cefarelli, N. He is confused about his feelings for me. Deep Soulful Love. 2020, October 15. deepsoulfullove.com

    • Author: Cefarelli, N. What to do when I am not in love with my boyfriend? Deep Soulful Love. 2020, August deepsoulfullove.com

    • Author: Cefarelli, N. Feeling like an option in a relationship? Deep Soulful Love. 2020, August 24. deepsoulfullove.com

    • Chapter(s) review for Becoming a Clinical Mental Health Counselor: A Guide to Career Development and Professional Growth textbook (Chapters 1, 7, & 8) at Rowman & Littlefield, Louisville, CO. September 2020

    • Manuscript review for Theories of Counseling textbook, by Ed Neukrug at Cengage Publishers, New York,New York. May 2009.

    • Science Publishing Group; Humanities and Social Services (ISSN: 2330-8184); June 21, 2023

    • American International Journal of Social Science (AIJSS); December 1, 2023

 TEACHING EXPERIENCE

  • Adolescent Development (200 level); Southern Connecticut State University Psychology Department

  • Personality Theories (200 level); Southern Connecticut State University Psychology Department

  • Counseling and Theories (400 level); Southern Connecticut State University Psychology Department

  • Legal and Ethical Issues in Marriage and Family Therapy (600 level); Southern Connecticut State University Marriage and Family Therapy Graduate Program

  • Marriage and Family Therapy Practicum I and Marriage and Family Therapy Internship (500 & 600 level); Southern Connecticut State University Marriage and Family Therapy Graduate Program

  • Marriage and Family Therapy Practicum I and Marriage and Family Therapy Internship for Supervised Visitation Center (500 & 600 level); Southern Connecticut State University Marriage and Family Therapy Graduate Program

  • Individual Counseling: Practice (Lab I) for Counselors Online (500 & 600 level); New York University, The Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, Department of Applied Psychology, Master of Arts Program in Mental Health and Wellness

  • Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling – Online (500 & 600 level); New York University, The Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, Department of Applied Psychology, Master of Arts Program in Mental Health and Wellness

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, State of Connecticut (#001259)

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, State of New York (#000713)