You could say that Dr. Laura DeMarzo is a trendsetter. Or a soothsayer. Or both. Long before the state of New Jersey enacted the Family Collaborative Law Act, she was using its main principles as a regular part of her practice. She decided to hire therapists and work collaboratively early on in her career, and runs a busy group psychological practice.

Dr. DeMarzo has been a mental health professional for over 30 years, and works as a psychologist and certified divorce coach.

When it comes to divorce, she says, things can get tough for families.

“I work collaboratively and respectfully with all parties to help resolve all the painful issues that come with divorce,” she says. The goal, she says, is to live peacefully and move forward with a positive attitude.

Her Mantra:  Getting a divorce is a difficult, challenging process. If you have guidance on how to navigate the emotional pain through all the decisions that need to be made during the divorce process, you will be happier.  

When both spouses work with a Collaboratively-trained mental health professional, the negative effects that divorce can have on a family–particularly on children–can be minimized.

“I teach the skills necessary to overcome obstacles and to address your spouse in constructive ways,” she says. “Together we can focus on desired outcomes and move forward with a positive attitude rather than rehashing past problems.”

Often this means helping a partner find “their voice” and learn the skills to overcome obstacles in the resolution process.

Strong emotions, she said, are a part of the process, but families need to learn the techniques and strategies that can help them cope with these emotions. Only at that point, can an amicable resolution be reached.

This is much better than “retiring to your respective corners preparing for a fight,” she says. By controlling emotions, she says, “the battle” and ever-escalating legal fees can be avoided. This leaves a divorcing in a better place both emotionally and financially.

Divorce is tough. Bringing in a mental health professional and working collaboratively inspires growth, and promotes healthy relationships while navigating family transitions.

Dr. DeMarzo specializes in interpersonal communication — transforming conflict, strengthening parenting skills, and healing through crisis. Her work involves coaching couples through their divorce process — helping them co-create a satisfying future for themselves and their children.

She helped other professionals–lawyers, financials, and mental health professionals–become Collaboratively trained through the Hunterdon Collaborative Law POD.

When she is not seeing patients, she enjoys taking hikes with family and friends. She considers herself a flea market “picker” and likes to see vintage items brought back to life. She enjoys the beach and spending time at her pool with family and friends.

Dr. DeMarzo has office space in the Princeton and Morristown areas and is willing to travel to see patients as well.

The Details

• Received undergraduate degrees and Doctoral degrees from Rutgers University Graduated Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa.

• On Medical Staff at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital-Somerset Hospital for over 25 years. Worked as a Staff Psychologist and then later took position as the Psychological Director of the Behavioral Health Unit, where she worked for 8 years.

• Is on the speakers Bureau at Robert Wood Johnson and enjoys speaking on mental health topics in the community.

• Founded the Bipolar Support Group at RWJ-Somerset.

• Developed the Partial Day Program at Somerset Medical Center.

• Active committee member for bullying and suicide prevention.

• Trained and certified in divorce mediation.