HOW DOES THERAPY HELP?

People come to therapy for different reasons. Often people seek psychotherapy when feeling stuck in a life script or with repetitive patterns that no longer work. You might be feeling anxious, depressed, angry, lonely, or numb. Perhaps you have low self esteem or feel unloved. Or maybe you have relationships that feel destructive or unfulfilling. You might find yourself struggling with alcohol, drugs, sex or food issues or simply have a vagues sense that something doesn't feel right. I can help you with these concerns.

Therapy can provide a safe environment in which you can be heard and understood. It is a place to find insights, to learn strategies, and to make sense of the past. It is a place to see things differently, make better choices, and feel relief. Ultimately it is a laboratory with the goal of taking what you've learned in therapy to use in the outside world.

WHERE ARE YOU LICENSED?

In addition to being a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York, New Jersey and Florida, I have certifications and advanced training in: Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Alcoholism Treatment, and EMDR therapy levels, 1, 2 & 3.

Professional Affiliations:

  • New York State Society of Clinical Social Work

  • EMDR International Association

  • Psychworks NY

  • Psychotherapy and Training Collective of NY

WHERE ARE YOUR OFFICES?

I currently split my time between two offices. I see clients in New York City May through September, and in Florida October through April. This also allows for continuity of treatment for New York City “snowbirds”, who spend winters  in Florida.

WHAT SERVICES ARE OFFERED?

  • Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for adolescents and adults which is experiential, and insight oriented, informed by attachment theory.

  • Couple counseling including any sexual orientation, whether married or unmarried.

  • EMDR therapy for reprocessing big T traumas:  physical and/or sexual abuse, accidents, war, and terrorist attacks, all of which often cause PTSD

  • EMDR therapy for reprocessing little t traumas, or relational trauma: those repetitive familiar patterns that cause a negative belief about oneself.

  • EMDR therapy often combined with psychodynamic psychotherapy for addictions, and maintaining sobriety, as well as using it as treatment for other issues.

  • Telehealth therapy uses a HIPPA compliant platform to provide psychotherapy on a computer from the comfort of your home, or any location. This allows for continuity of treatment when there is illness, travel from home, or inclement weather. Currently and continuing throughout the pandemic teleheath therapy is offered for everyone.

  • Consultation and supervision available for colleagues.

WHAT DIFFICULTIES DO YOU TREAT?

People seek therapy for many different reasons. Some of the issues that may trouble you are:

  • The aftermath of physical, emotional or sexual abuse. These may cause PTSD symptoms: intrusive memories of the event, feeling jumpy or on edge, experiencing  avoidance or numbness.

  • The painful inter-generational problems which can cause relational trauma

  • The experience of being a spouse and/or the adult child of an alcoholic, or having a family member with any addiction.

  • Recovery from alcoholism or other addictions.

  • Relationship issues including parent/child, pre-marriage, couple communication difficulties, considering divorce, or wanting a relationship “tune-up”.

  • Depression and other fluctuating mood states.

  • Anxiety and panic attacks.

  • Regulating self-esteem.

  • Dealing with life transitions:  new relationships, pregnancy and parenthood, unemployment or job search, coming out of the closet, death of a family member or grieving a loss, retirement

  • Dealing with all the feelings stemming from the Covid 19 pandemic. These may include: isolation, anxiety, loss, grief and sense of vulnerability.

I will hear your particular story through a relational lens, and understand your pain. Importance will be given to understanding the quality of early family relationships, and level of security in early attachments.  These  become the foundation on which later relationships are developed.  Together we will help you know yourself better.  Repetitive patterns that don’t give you what you want will be explored, and insights will be gained, providing you with more options to make better choices.

IS THERAPY COVERED BY MY INSURANCE?

Depending on what kind of health plan you have, you may be eligible for financial reimbursement toward your therapy bills. I am not currently an in-network provider for any insurance companies other than Medicare.  If you have out-of-network mental health benefits, you may be able to submit claims to cover a large portion of your payment after you meet the deductible.  It is best to check with your insurance company.

WHAT IS YOUR THERAPEUTIC STYLE ?

My work is primarily informed by attachment theory and object relations theory, both of which posit   the need for human connection. The quantity and quality of those early familial connections determine how safe, protected and secure we feel.  When there are misses, gaps or trauma in those early connections, we may feel depressed, anxious, lack confidence, have difficulty with intimate relationships, suffer from PTSD, or turn to alcohol, food or substances to fill those gaps.

My clients often tell me they appreciate my warmth and the level of my empathy.  They sense my sincere desire to sit with their pain and help them feel relief.  They also value my interactive style, which includes questioning, making observations and connections, and often employs humor.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

Psychotherapy works best if you come to your sessions on a regular basis.  I will hold a particular day and time for you.  Sometimes circumstances arise that necessitate a change.  I ask that you give me at least 24 hours notice if you have to cancel or reschedule your appointment, in order to avoid financial responsibility for the session.

HOW CAN I GET STARTED?

Call or email to arrange a convenient time to talk. Some basic information will be gathered, and then we will arrange a time to meet.  If we both feel that working together is beneficial, we will set up a regular appointment time.  If for some reason you need something different, I will be glad to refer you to a colleague.