About Pooja Papneja
Focus areas
Adolescent / Teen Issues
Couples Therapy
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Family Therapy/ Marriage Therapy
Behavioral Therapy
Parenting Counseling
Clientele seen
Children (<13)
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Teenagers (13-17)
Seniors (65+)
Families
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Groups
Treatment approaches
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Family Systems
Somatic
Gottman Method
Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT)
Identity
Gender
FemaleLanguages spoken
English, Gujarati
Getting to know Pooja Papneja
Pooja Papneja is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who earned her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Syracuse University, along with a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Child Therapy. Her clinical experience includes partial hospitalization (PHP) programs, outpatient settings, and work in couples and family therapy clinics.
She takes a relational and systemic approach, understanding that people are shaped by their relationships, environments, cultures, and lived experiences. In her work, she focuses on the whole person and the context that surrounds their struggles and strengths.
Clients often describe her as warm, grounded, and deeply present. She listens closely to both words and silence, creating space for what is difficult to say out loud. Her style is steady and attuned, with a gentle use of humor.
Pooja does not view people as “too much,” “broken,” or in need of fixing. Instead, she believes individuals are doing the best they can with what they have experienced. Her goal is to create a space where clients feel understood, supported, and less alone.
What should a new client know about working with you?
I believe that every person has a unique story, and I take time to understand the full picture of your life, including your relationships, experiences, strengths, and challenges. Together, we look beyond symptoms to understand the patterns and experiences contributing to your current challenges.
With adults, I remain trauma informed, grounded and compassionate as we work through difficult life stressors.
With couples, I stay attuned to both partners, helping make space for each voice to be heard.
With children, I stay playful and engaged, meeting them in their world.
With families, I collaborate within the system to support understanding and connection.
My hope is that you leave sessions feeling a little lighter, more connected to yourself, and more supported than when you walked in. Together, we move at a pace that feels right for you—building insight, skills, and the confidence to create meaningful and lasting change.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
The therapeutic process begins with an initial consultation and intake session, where we discuss your concerns, goals, strengths, and what has brought you to therapy. I take time to understand not only the presenting issue but also your relationships, personal history, family dynamics, and other factors that may be contributing to your current experiences.
Together, we develop treatment goals that reflect what is most important to you. From there, sessions are tailored to your individual needs.
With adults, I takes a trauma-informed, holistic approach that recognizes the connection between mind, body, relationships, and life experiences.
For couples, therapy is an opportunity to slow down and better understand one another beyond the conflicts or challenges that may have brought them to treatment. I work with partners to identify recurring patterns, improve communication, deepen emotional connection, and develop skills for navigating disagreements in a healthier way.
When working with children, I collaborate closely with caregivers and often incorporate family sessions, parent coaching, and developmentally appropriate interventions such as play-based techniques.
For families, treatment may focus on improving communication, strengthening relationships, and creating practical strategies that support positive change at home.
Throughout treatment, we regularly review progress, adjust goals as needed, and celebrate growth along the way. My aim is for clients to leave therapy with a deeper understanding of themselves, strong
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.
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Syracuse University, Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Syracuse University (Bachelor's)
NPI number
1437003282
How soon can I make an appointment with Pooja Papneja?
Generally, Pooja Papneja has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Pooja Papneja's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Pooja Papneja accepting new patients?
Pooja Papneja generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Pooja Papneja's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Pooja Papneja accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Pooja Papneja is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Pooja Papneja online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Pooja Papneja using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Pooja Papneja work with?
Pooja Papneja works with Online Virtual Counselors.
What are common reasons for patients to see Pooja Papneja?
Pooja Papneja frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Pooja Papneja on their profile.
What languages does Pooja Papneja speak?
Pooja Papneja speaks English, Hindi, and Gujarati.