IFSTherapists

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

LMFT

Dr. Norja Cunningham, LMFT

  • Experience21 years
  • LocationConnecticut
  • Focus areasRelationship, Grief, and Self esteem
  • Therapy approachesInternal Family Systems and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Continue with Norja

Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.

About Norja

Dr. Norja Cunningham brings a practical, adaptable approach that centers on helping clients move from understanding to meaningful change.

Background and approach

She frames therapy as collaborative work and may shift roles between therapist, coach, and teacher to meet each person where they are, while keeping professional boundaries that support progress. Her practice emphasizes translating insight into action so clients can notice patterns and develop skills to interrupt them.

With 21 years of clinical experience and an LMFT license, Dr. Cunningham draws on a mix of evidence-informed methods including Internal Family Systems, CBT, DBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and client-centered techniques.

She integrates trauma-informed perspectives, mindfulness, and attention to cultural context when shaping interventions. Based in Connecticut, she addresses a wide range of concerns such as relationship struggles, grief, self-esteem, stress and anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, and issues related to identity and intimacy.

Outside of her clinical work she enjoys singing, creative writing, sports, weightlifting, and travel, interests that reflect a life engaged in both reflection and action.

Integrative Approaches and Online Therapy

Dr. Cunningham commonly applies Internal Family Systems and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy alongside client-centered principles to guide online work. Internal Family Systems helps people explore inner parts and the roles they play, which can be useful for addressing trauma, self-criticism, and complex emotional patterns. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy focuses on clarifying values and taking committed action while learning to relate differently to difficult thoughts and feelings, often supporting concerns like anxiety, depression, and life transitions.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and she collaborates with clients to determine what fits best for their needs, goals, and preferences. Sessions begin with assessment and discussion, then evolve based on what proves most helpful; clients are active partners in choosing techniques and pacing that feel right for them.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for varying schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to maintain continuity of care across life changes and provide multiple ways to practice skills between sessions, supporting steady progress regardless of location.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist commonly address?
She works with a broad set of issues including relationship difficulties, grief, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, ADHD, stress, intimacy-related and parenting concerns, and workplace or social anxiety challenges.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
The approach blends therapist, coach, and teacher roles tailored to client needs, emphasizing actionable steps and skill building alongside insight.
What is her clinical background?
Dr. Cunningham has 21 years of experience integrating trauma-informed care, mindfulness practices, and several evidence-based modalities to guide treatment planning.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is licensed as an LMFT with licence CT LMFT 27.001594 and practices from Connecticut.
Does she work with clients who speak other languages or internationally?
Sessions are offered in English, and she is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are available for working together?
Available formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences.
How is cost and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin therapy with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling based on the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Relationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue

Also works with

Stress, AnxietyLGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementDepressionADHD

Additional focus areas

Attachment issuesBody imageCommunication problemsIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMood disordersPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Mindfulness TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family SystemsSystemic Therapy

Experience

21+ years

Licensed

Connecticut

Languages

English