Life Stages
COUNSELING & FAMILY THERAPY
"To provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy and counseling that empowers individuals and families to build resilience, cultivate strong relationships, and navigate
life's transitions with confidence."
OUR MISSION
-OUR COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES
Support for individuals, couples, and families — at every stage.
People seek therapy for many different reasons. You may be facing a difficult transition, feeling overwhelmed, struggling in an important relationship, or simply recognizing that something in your life needs to change. We work collaboratively with individuals, couples, and families to better understand the challenges they are experiencing and develop meaningful, practical ways forward.
Child & Adolescent Counseling
We support young children within the context of family therapy, thoughtfully integrating creative therapy techniques with a family systems approach. Through play, children can express themselves in ways that feel natural and safe, while families develop greater understanding, connection, and healthier patterns of interaction. With adolescents, we provide a supportive space where they can slow down, tune in to their thoughts and feelings, and express themselves more openly. We help teens strengthen the coping, emotional regulation, and interpersonal skills they need to navigate the challenges of adolescence and family life with greater confidence.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy offers a supportive, collaborative space to explore difficult emotions, relationship concerns, stress, and patterns that may be keeping you from feeling fulfilled. People seek therapy for many reasons, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and the desire to learn and implement effective coping skills. Our person-centered approach is tailored to your unique needs and draws from psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapies to help you gain insight, and make meaningful changes that reflect your goals.
Couples & Marriage Counseling
Couples therapy can help partners better understand one another, improve communication, work through recurring conflict, and rebuild connection. We provide a balanced and respectful environment where each partner can feel heard while the couple works toward healthier and more satisfying ways of relating. Our approach is informed by evidenced based theories such as The Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Imago theory.
Family Therapy
Families often face challenges involving communication, conflict, changing roles, parenting, and important life transitions. Family therapy helps family members understand the patterns affecting their relationships, communicate more effectively, and work together toward greater connection and stability.
Individuals and Group Behavioral Skills Training
Drawing on the principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), our private and group skills training helps clients develop mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. These practical tools can benefit teens and parents, couples, and individuals seeking healthier ways to manage emotions, navigate challenges, and strengthen relationships.
-OUR APPROACH
Grounded in systems theory. Tailored to you.
6+
Evidence-based modalities
woven into a plan built
around you
No single therapeutic approach is right for every person, couple, or family. We integrate evidence-based and systemic approaches according to each client's concerns, strengths, and goals. Therapy is a collaborative process, and we welcome ongoing conversation about what feels helpful and meaningful in your work with us.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Develop self-awareness, heal emotional wounds, and understand the different "parts" of yourself.
Imago Relationship Therapy
Supports couples in improving communication, increasing empathy, and strengthening emotional connection.
The Gottman Method
Decades of research help couples build trust, manage conflict effectively, and deepen intimacy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors contributing to anxiety, depression, and more.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Practical skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and healthier relationships.
Solution-Focused Therapy
A strengths-based, goal-oriented approach that builds on what's working toward meaningful change.
-GETTING STARTED
Three steps toward a more balanced life and healthier, more connected relationships.
01
Explore Our Services
Learn about our therapeutic approach and the areas we support, all online.
02
Contact Us
Reach out for a consultation. We'll answer your questions and find the right fit.
03
Begin Your Journey
Start therapy in a warm, collaborative space built around your goals.
-MEET OUR TEAM
Licensed clinicians, one
collaborative practice.
Our clinicians bring a range of specialties united by a shared commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care.
Founder of Life Stages Counseling
Teresa Grella, M.A., LMFT
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and co-founder of Life Stages Counseling, a private practice with offices in Babylon Village and Westbury, New York. Life Stages has provided comprehensive mental health services to individuals, couples, and families for over 20 years. I feel privileged to partner with my clients to increase and expand their understanding of themselves, their experiences, and their relationships, as they navigate life’s challenges. I hold a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Hofstra University and an Advanced Certificate in substance abuse counseling from the School of Social Work at Stony Brook University. I also received intensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) at Columbia University through Behavioral Tech, Inc. I am passionate about incorporating the philosophy and practical skills of DBT into my work. My integrative approach also draws from family systems theory and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. In addition to my work at Life Stages Counseling, I am the Director of the Counseling and Mental Health Professions Clinic at the Joan and Arnold Saltzman Community Services Center at Hofstra University. I serve as a clinical supervisor in the Dialectical Behavior Therapy Doctoral Clinic and as an adjunct professor in Hofstra's Marriage and Family Therapy program. I am also a Clinical Fellow in good standing with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
Limited Permit Professional
Elisabeth McGuire, Limited Permit Professional, MFT
I am an associate Marriage and Family Therapist at Life Stages Counseling. Before becoming a therapist, I had a long and rewarding career as a business executive in New York City. That experience helps me understand the pressures, demands, and transitions that many people face in their personal and professional lives. I hold a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Hofstra University, where I served as a clinical intern, training family therapist, and skills group leader on the Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) team in the Psychological Evaluation, Research and Counseling Clinic. I am a member in good standing of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT). I believe that meaningful change is possible at any age or stage of life. My approach is solution-focused, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practice. I draw from family systems theory and behavioral approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I work with individuals, couples, and families to develop insight, strengthen relationships, and build practical skills that support the lives they want to create.
-COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Is therapy right for me? Therapy is not only for times of crisis. It can also provide support when you feel stuck, notice the same difficulties recurring, or want to better understand yourself and your relationships. You do not need to have everything figured out before beginning. Therapy can help you clarify what you need and identify the changes you would like to make.
What types of therapy do you offer? We provide therapy for individuals, couples, and families. Whether you are navigating relationship challenges, family conflict, life transitions, anxiety, depression, parenting concerns, or communication difficulties, we work collaboratively to help you build healthier relationships with yourself and the people who matter most.
What is your approach to therapy? Our practice is grounded in systems theory — we work to understand the patterns and interactions that contribute to challenges, rather than focusing solely on symptoms. Every client and family is unique, so therapy is tailored to your specific goals, strengths, and circumstances rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Privacy & Confidentiality Your privacy is extremely important. Information shared in therapy is confidential except in situations where therapists are legally or ethically required to disclose information, such as imminent risk of harm, abuse or neglect, or when otherwise required by law. Limits of confidentiality are reviewed during your first appointment.
What issues do you help with? Relationship and marital conflict, family communication, parenting challenges, anxiety and stress, depression, life transitions, emotional regulation, grief and loss, trauma, self-esteem and identity, premarital counseling, blended family adjustment, and boundaries and interpersonal relationships.
What happens during the first session? Your first appointment is an opportunity for us to get to know one another. We'll discuss what brings you to therapy, explore your goals, review relevant history, and answer any questions about the process. Together, we'll begin developing a plan that reflects your needs and priorities.
Do you only work with couples in crisis? Not at all. Many couples seek therapy before problems become overwhelming — to strengthen communication, deepen emotional connection, prepare for marriage, navigate parenting, or simply invest in maintaining a healthy relationship.
How long does therapy take? The length of therapy varies depending on your goals and circumstances. Some clients find that a few months of focused work meets their needs, while others benefit from longer-term therapy. We regularly review your progress together and adjust treatment as your needs evolve.
What if my partner or family member is hesitant to come? It's common for one person to feel uncertain about therapy. We encourage openness and curiosity rather than pressure. Sometimes beginning with an individual session can help clarify goals and reduce anxiety about the process.
How do I know if your practice is the right fit? Our practice is a good fit for individuals, couples, and families looking for a compassionate, collaborative, evidence-based approach. We strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental environment where every client feels heard, respected, and empowered to grow. If you're unsure, we welcome you to reach out.
Contact Us
-GETTING STARTED
Beginning therapy does not require you to know exactly what to say or what kind of help you need. The first step is simply to contact us.
We will arrange a brief phone consultation so that you can tell us a little about what is bringing you to therapy, ask questions, and learn more about our practice. We will also consider which therapist may be best suited to your needs. If we believe we may be a good fit, we can discuss scheduling an initial appointment and what you can expect next.
-FLEXIBLE WAYS TO MEET
Life Stages Counseling offers in-person therapy at our offices in Babylon Village and Westbury, New York, as well as telehealth appointments for clients located in New York State. Contact us to learn more about current therapist availability and appointment options.