Photo of Linda Garcia-Rose & Associates, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New York, NY
Linda Garcia-Rose & Associates
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10007
We are a Practice of 6 highly talented Psychotherapists. We believe in real, practical Transformative Psychotherapy focusing on more than just symptoms, helping each client live his/her happiest life through Positive Psychology. We use Mindfulness Techniques to help understand your thoughts and feelings and how these manifest in your body: yesterday, today and projecting into the future. Our team has deep training and experience in a wide range of specialties: Trauma and PTSD, Eating Disorders, Panic Attacks, Sex Therapy, Bio Feedback, Chronic Pain, IVF/Surrogacy, Spirituality, LGBTQA, Death/Dying/Hospice, and Business Coaching. We work with Children, Couples, Individuals and Families.
We are a Practice of 6 highly talented Psychotherapists. We believe in real, practical Transformative Psychotherapy focusing on more than just symptoms, helping each client live his/her happiest life through Positive Psychology. We use Mindfulness Techniques to help understand your thoughts and feelings and how these manifest in your body: yesterday, today and projecting into the future. Our team has deep training and experience in a wide range of specialties: Trauma and PTSD, Eating Disorders, Panic Attacks, Sex Therapy, Bio Feedback, Chronic Pain, IVF/Surrogacy, Spirituality, LGBTQA, Death/Dying/Hospice, and Business Coaching. We work with Children, Couples, Individuals and Families.
(646) 362-8705 View (646) 362-8705
Photo of Jeffrey T. Wentzel, Psychologist in New York, NY
Jeffrey T. Wentzel
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10011
My specific areas of expertise include relationship problems, identity issues, anxiety, depression, and a range of psychophysiologic conditions--chronic pain, GI issues, and hypertension--that can often benefit from improved self-awareness, more flexible and effective ways of coping with stress, and increased security and stability in one's relationships.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and have worked extensively with individual adults, adolescents, and couples in New York City for more than 20 years. I work collaboratively with each of my clients to strike the right balance between providing relief in the short-term from the types of symptoms and difficult circumstances that may have led to an interest in psychotherapy, while also attempting to facilitate an ongoing process that promotes greater self-awareness and an increased sense of self-confidence in defining and achieving a more productive and satisfying life.
My specific areas of expertise include relationship problems, identity issues, anxiety, depression, and a range of psychophysiologic conditions--chronic pain, GI issues, and hypertension--that can often benefit from improved self-awareness, more flexible and effective ways of coping with stress, and increased security and stability in one's relationships.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and have worked extensively with individual adults, adolescents, and couples in New York City for more than 20 years. I work collaboratively with each of my clients to strike the right balance between providing relief in the short-term from the types of symptoms and difficult circumstances that may have led to an interest in psychotherapy, while also attempting to facilitate an ongoing process that promotes greater self-awareness and an increased sense of self-confidence in defining and achieving a more productive and satisfying life.
(646) 553-4203 View (646) 553-4203
Photo of Sue Hecht, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New York, NY
Sue Hecht
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10001  (Online Only)
Life can be overwhelming, and with chronic pain, it. can feel like you're barely hanging on instead of really living. As a therapist specializing in mental health, trauma, PTSD, restorative and sensory-enhanced-yoga, holistic treatment, and chronic illness/pain, I strive to help individuals manage their own unique challenges. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, substance use, or something else, I can help navigate these issues with you to help you achieve more peace, calm, and fulfillment.
Life can be overwhelming, and with chronic pain, it. can feel like you're barely hanging on instead of really living. As a therapist specializing in mental health, trauma, PTSD, restorative and sensory-enhanced-yoga, holistic treatment, and chronic illness/pain, I strive to help individuals manage their own unique challenges. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, substance use, or something else, I can help navigate these issues with you to help you achieve more peace, calm, and fulfillment.
(929) 543-6544 View (929) 543-6544
Photo of Erin Collins, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New York, NY
Erin Collins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10022  (Online Only)
My focus is on understanding the psychological, emotional, and social impact of childhood illness, grief, pregnancy loss, fertility struggles, family discord, and adapting to life changes.
As a dedicated Pediatric Medical Social Worker serving esteemed hospitals in New York City, my passion lies in supporting children, adolescents, and families as they navigate the challenges of chronic and life-threatening illnesses, as well as grief and bereavement. With a comprehensive grasp of the psychological, emotional, and social impact of these experiences, I place great emphasis on collaborative partnerships with clients, crafting personalized and family-centered therapeutic strategies.
My focus is on understanding the psychological, emotional, and social impact of childhood illness, grief, pregnancy loss, fertility struggles, family discord, and adapting to life changes.
As a dedicated Pediatric Medical Social Worker serving esteemed hospitals in New York City, my passion lies in supporting children, adolescents, and families as they navigate the challenges of chronic and life-threatening illnesses, as well as grief and bereavement. With a comprehensive grasp of the psychological, emotional, and social impact of these experiences, I place great emphasis on collaborative partnerships with clients, crafting personalized and family-centered therapeutic strategies.
(347) 580-5453 View (347) 580-5453
Photo of Jonathan Kent, Psychologist in New York, NY
Jonathan Kent
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New York, NY 10022
I specialize in the use of evidence based therapies in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic, OCD, trauma, chronic pain and othe medical conditions.
Balance is fundemental to a life well-lived. I believe that we all strive for harmony within ourselves, our world, and our expectations for our future. We strive for self-fulfillment within these areas but at times, reaching them can beceome overwelming. Deciding to begin therapy is an important and extremely personal choice. I am a clinical psychologist who specializes in scientifically validated psychological treatments including cognitive behavior therapy, rational emotive psychotherapy, and dialectical behavior therapy. I work with adults, children, couples, to help them in their pursuit of a life well-lived.
I specialize in the use of evidence based therapies in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic, OCD, trauma, chronic pain and othe medical conditions.
Balance is fundemental to a life well-lived. I believe that we all strive for harmony within ourselves, our world, and our expectations for our future. We strive for self-fulfillment within these areas but at times, reaching them can beceome overwelming. Deciding to begin therapy is an important and extremely personal choice. I am a clinical psychologist who specializes in scientifically validated psychological treatments including cognitive behavior therapy, rational emotive psychotherapy, and dialectical behavior therapy. I work with adults, children, couples, to help them in their pursuit of a life well-lived.
(516) 916-5603 View (516) 916-5603
Photo of Howard S Cohn in New York, NY
Howard S Cohn
BA-, MS
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10005
As an active therapist, I help individuals, couples, families, and children identify and transform the story that has been governing their life. It is my belief, that with the right support everyone has the innate capability to show up and transform their life. Past or present circumstances may have created pain or a belief of powerlessness, but these circumstances do not define you. You can reclaim your power and sense of authorship over your own life. In the words of Marianne Wiliamson, " Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."
As an active therapist, I help individuals, couples, families, and children identify and transform the story that has been governing their life. It is my belief, that with the right support everyone has the innate capability to show up and transform their life. Past or present circumstances may have created pain or a belief of powerlessness, but these circumstances do not define you. You can reclaim your power and sense of authorship over your own life. In the words of Marianne Wiliamson, " Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."
(646) 907-6309 View (646) 907-6309
Photo of Karen Landmann, LCSW, PC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New York, NY
Karen Landmann, LCSW, PC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BA, MPhil, LCSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10025  (Online Only)
I am an extensively published, world-travelled expert on trauma and chronic illness. I conduct therapy in English, Spanish, French, Russian, Portuguese, German, and Dutch. For the past 25 years, I have been assisting individuals with ADHD/behavioral challenges, trauma, PTSD, dissociation, depression, bipolar disorder, and physical illness. My clients range in age from 3 to 103. Early in my career, I developed a support group curriculum for AIDS orphans now available in 35 countries. Review of my work as a therapist are available online. Kindly employ email to contact me initially if possible. Thank you.
I am an extensively published, world-travelled expert on trauma and chronic illness. I conduct therapy in English, Spanish, French, Russian, Portuguese, German, and Dutch. For the past 25 years, I have been assisting individuals with ADHD/behavioral challenges, trauma, PTSD, dissociation, depression, bipolar disorder, and physical illness. My clients range in age from 3 to 103. Early in my career, I developed a support group curriculum for AIDS orphans now available in 35 countries. Review of my work as a therapist are available online. Kindly employ email to contact me initially if possible. Thank you.
(646) 846-2620 View (646) 846-2620
Photo of Daring Bliss Therapy, LCSW, PLLC - Dalia Bautista, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New York, NY
Daring Bliss Therapy, LCSW, PLLC - Dalia Bautista
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMSW, MSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10001  (Online Only)
I’m a Bilingual Licensed Clinical psychotherapist. I offer a safe, caring, professional & therapeutic environment where we can co-create a relationship essential for your healing & growth. I aid individuals with depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, anxiety, chronic illness, medical trauma, food allergies, difficulty forming or maintaining relationships, & life transitions (I.e. college, aging.) I strive to aid my patients in cultivating greater self-acceptance & compassion for themselves. I have extensive experience with Latinx, people of color & LGBTQIA+. Mis servicios son ofrecidos 100 % en Español. www.daringblisstherapy.com.
I’m a Bilingual Licensed Clinical psychotherapist. I offer a safe, caring, professional & therapeutic environment where we can co-create a relationship essential for your healing & growth. I aid individuals with depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, anxiety, chronic illness, medical trauma, food allergies, difficulty forming or maintaining relationships, & life transitions (I.e. college, aging.) I strive to aid my patients in cultivating greater self-acceptance & compassion for themselves. I have extensive experience with Latinx, people of color & LGBTQIA+. Mis servicios son ofrecidos 100 % en Español. www.daringblisstherapy.com.
(917) 905-3872 View (917) 905-3872
Photo of Elizaveta Alexandrovna Shneyderman, Pre-Licensed Professional in New York, NY
Elizaveta Alexandrovna Shneyderman
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10036
Using a psychoanalytic lens, I provide a nurturing environment to explore past and present, desire and fantasy, lack and pain.
Navigating the labyrinth of contemporary life can feel overwhelming, leaving us adrift in a sea of uncertainty, anxiety, and existential questioning. As we begin to understand the unconscious - what our symptoms communicate to us and how they have come to structure us - we shed the abounding sense of lack that we've carried and endured for years. Through this process, a novel way of being in the world emerges.
Using a psychoanalytic lens, I provide a nurturing environment to explore past and present, desire and fantasy, lack and pain.
Navigating the labyrinth of contemporary life can feel overwhelming, leaving us adrift in a sea of uncertainty, anxiety, and existential questioning. As we begin to understand the unconscious - what our symptoms communicate to us and how they have come to structure us - we shed the abounding sense of lack that we've carried and endured for years. Through this process, a novel way of being in the world emerges.
(347) 991-8551 View (347) 991-8551
Photo of Melanie Berkowitz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New York, NY
Melanie Berkowitz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
New York, NY 10014
My practice is rooted in the wisdom that we cannot grow, or face our challenges and pain alone.
Do you struggle to know what you want? Is it hard to commit? In a time of so much uncertainty, it can be difficult to make decisions.  Maybe you feel blocked professionally or creatively. Or, like a lot of us, your struggles show up in your closest relationships. Maybe you’ve dealt with the weight of other people’s expectations and find it hard to listen to yourself or trust your own voice. Or maybe you worry you’ll be misunderstood. Sometimes you wish someone would just tell you what to do, but that leaves you feeling constrained and inauthentic. 
My practice is rooted in the wisdom that we cannot grow, or face our challenges and pain alone.
Do you struggle to know what you want? Is it hard to commit? In a time of so much uncertainty, it can be difficult to make decisions.  Maybe you feel blocked professionally or creatively. Or, like a lot of us, your struggles show up in your closest relationships. Maybe you’ve dealt with the weight of other people’s expectations and find it hard to listen to yourself or trust your own voice. Or maybe you worry you’ll be misunderstood. Sometimes you wish someone would just tell you what to do, but that leaves you feeling constrained and inauthentic. 
(929) 296-8531 View (929) 296-8531
Photo of Ashley Duquette, Counselor in New York, NY
Ashley Duquette
Counselor, LPC, LMHC, BC-DMT
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10025  (Online Only)
When life gets hard, I believe the bravest, most effective thing we can do is face our own emotions and allow ourselves to receive support. If you are feeling lost, unfulfilled or overwhelmed, you can find relief. Unresolved shame can keep us stuck in fear and frozen in old patterns. Within the container of our therapeutic relationship, we can integrate pain from the past and access connection in the present. Healing can happen in a safe, nonjudgemental interpersonal space where we can replace confusion and self-blame with understanding and compassion.
When life gets hard, I believe the bravest, most effective thing we can do is face our own emotions and allow ourselves to receive support. If you are feeling lost, unfulfilled or overwhelmed, you can find relief. Unresolved shame can keep us stuck in fear and frozen in old patterns. Within the container of our therapeutic relationship, we can integrate pain from the past and access connection in the present. Healing can happen in a safe, nonjudgemental interpersonal space where we can replace confusion and self-blame with understanding and compassion.
(718) 683-5774 View (718) 683-5774
Alice Garfinkel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PLLC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10120
I work in addictions, chronic illness, mood disorders, stress, grief, relationship issues, workplace problems, transgender to name a few.
It is important to have physical and mental well-being.Therapy is a process of self discovery and healing. I believe in the process and help people understand that we do it together. It takes time to work on one's issues but I believe in the process of growth and positive change. I help people recognize that you have to love oneself , feel you deserve to be happier and do the work to make that happen.I believe that people are survivors and can overcome obstacles. I look up insurance benefits for patients and do all billing to lessen patient worry over this. I provide telehealth therapy for those who work from home or are disabled
I work in addictions, chronic illness, mood disorders, stress, grief, relationship issues, workplace problems, transgender to name a few.
It is important to have physical and mental well-being.Therapy is a process of self discovery and healing. I believe in the process and help people understand that we do it together. It takes time to work on one's issues but I believe in the process of growth and positive change. I help people recognize that you have to love oneself , feel you deserve to be happier and do the work to make that happen.I believe that people are survivors and can overcome obstacles. I look up insurance benefits for patients and do all billing to lessen patient worry over this. I provide telehealth therapy for those who work from home or are disabled
(917) 688-2326 View (917) 688-2326
Photo of Grace Slifkin, Licensed Master Social Worker in New York, NY
Grace Slifkin
Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10023
Grace works with clients to translate her deep expertise into tangible tools for a life with less worry and more presence, confidence, and connection. She has received exceptional training in CBT, DBT, ERP, ACT, and SPACE at leading hospitals and private practices. She specializes in supporting pre-teens, teens, and adults facing anxiety disorders such as OCD, panic, social anxiety, ARFID, emetophobia, body dysmorphia, perfectionism, and anxiety related to chronic illness and gastrointestinal issues. Grace also works with caregivers of children with behavioral issues, OCD, and anxiety using evidence-based parenting interventions.
Grace works with clients to translate her deep expertise into tangible tools for a life with less worry and more presence, confidence, and connection. She has received exceptional training in CBT, DBT, ERP, ACT, and SPACE at leading hospitals and private practices. She specializes in supporting pre-teens, teens, and adults facing anxiety disorders such as OCD, panic, social anxiety, ARFID, emetophobia, body dysmorphia, perfectionism, and anxiety related to chronic illness and gastrointestinal issues. Grace also works with caregivers of children with behavioral issues, OCD, and anxiety using evidence-based parenting interventions.
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Photo of Grace Slifkin, Licensed Master Social Worker in New York, NY
Grace Slifkin
Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10012
Grace works with clients to translate her deep expertise into tangible tools for a life with less worry and more presence, confidence, and connection. She has received exceptional training in CBT, DBT, ERP, ACT, and SPACE at leading hospitals and private practices. She specializes in supporting pre-teens, teens, and adults facing anxiety disorders such as OCD, panic, social anxiety, ARFID, emetophobia, body dysmorphia, perfectionism, and anxiety related to chronic illness and gastrointestinal issues. Grace also works with caregivers of children with behavioral issues, OCD, and anxiety using evidence-based parenting interventions.
Grace works with clients to translate her deep expertise into tangible tools for a life with less worry and more presence, confidence, and connection. She has received exceptional training in CBT, DBT, ERP, ACT, and SPACE at leading hospitals and private practices. She specializes in supporting pre-teens, teens, and adults facing anxiety disorders such as OCD, panic, social anxiety, ARFID, emetophobia, body dysmorphia, perfectionism, and anxiety related to chronic illness and gastrointestinal issues. Grace also works with caregivers of children with behavioral issues, OCD, and anxiety using evidence-based parenting interventions.
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Photo of Grace Slifkin, Licensed Master Social Worker in New York, NY
Grace Slifkin
Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10014
Grace works with clients to translate her deep expertise into tangible tools for a life with less worry and more presence, confidence, and connection. She has received exceptional training in CBT, DBT, ERP, ACT, and SPACE at leading hospitals and private practices. She specializes in supporting pre-teens, teens, and adults facing anxiety disorders such as OCD, panic, social anxiety, ARFID, emetophobia, body dysmorphia, perfectionism, and anxiety related to chronic illness and gastrointestinal issues. Grace also works with caregivers of children with behavioral issues, OCD, and anxiety using evidence-based parenting interventions.
Grace works with clients to translate her deep expertise into tangible tools for a life with less worry and more presence, confidence, and connection. She has received exceptional training in CBT, DBT, ERP, ACT, and SPACE at leading hospitals and private practices. She specializes in supporting pre-teens, teens, and adults facing anxiety disorders such as OCD, panic, social anxiety, ARFID, emetophobia, body dysmorphia, perfectionism, and anxiety related to chronic illness and gastrointestinal issues. Grace also works with caregivers of children with behavioral issues, OCD, and anxiety using evidence-based parenting interventions.
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Photo of Avi Klein, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New York, NY
Avi Klein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
New York, NY 10003
Are you living the life you want? Is your relationship a source of pain for you? Are you arguing more, trusting less, or finding yourself not looking forward to spending time together? Maybe your relationship feels stuck, like you're just replaying the same disagreement over and over again. Do you not like the person you are when you're in a relationship or wonder why you keep repeating patterns in the type of person you date? Human beings are wired for connection, yet somehow the people we are closest with also seem to cause us the most pain.
Are you living the life you want? Is your relationship a source of pain for you? Are you arguing more, trusting less, or finding yourself not looking forward to spending time together? Maybe your relationship feels stuck, like you're just replaying the same disagreement over and over again. Do you not like the person you are when you're in a relationship or wonder why you keep repeating patterns in the type of person you date? Human beings are wired for connection, yet somehow the people we are closest with also seem to cause us the most pain.
(646) 759-9686 View (646) 759-9686
Photo of Grace Slifkin, Licensed Master Social Worker in New York, NY
Grace Slifkin
Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10165
Grace works with clients to translate her deep expertise into tangible tools for a life with less worry and more presence, confidence, and connection. She has received exceptional training in CBT, DBT, ERP, ACT, and SPACE at leading hospitals and private practices. She specializes in supporting pre-teens, teens, and adults facing anxiety disorders such as OCD, panic, social anxiety, ARFID, emetophobia, body dysmorphia, perfectionism, and anxiety related to chronic illness and gastrointestinal issues. Grace also works with caregivers of children with behavioral issues, OCD, and anxiety using evidence-based parenting interventions.
Grace works with clients to translate her deep expertise into tangible tools for a life with less worry and more presence, confidence, and connection. She has received exceptional training in CBT, DBT, ERP, ACT, and SPACE at leading hospitals and private practices. She specializes in supporting pre-teens, teens, and adults facing anxiety disorders such as OCD, panic, social anxiety, ARFID, emetophobia, body dysmorphia, perfectionism, and anxiety related to chronic illness and gastrointestinal issues. Grace also works with caregivers of children with behavioral issues, OCD, and anxiety using evidence-based parenting interventions.
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Photo of Daniel Frazer, Licensed Master Social Worker in New York, NY
Daniel Frazer
Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10001  (Online Only)
Daniel's clinical work focuses on clients who may be neurodiverse (Autism/ADHD), men's issues, and those facing chronic illnesses and pain. He has extensive experience working within higher education settings with college students and with those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. He uses a psychodynamic perspective with focus on the everyday symbols and narratives which construct individuals lives. Daniel has received post-graduate training in cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma interventions.
Daniel's clinical work focuses on clients who may be neurodiverse (Autism/ADHD), men's issues, and those facing chronic illnesses and pain. He has extensive experience working within higher education settings with college students and with those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. He uses a psychodynamic perspective with focus on the everyday symbols and narratives which construct individuals lives. Daniel has received post-graduate training in cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma interventions.
(332) 263-3949 View (332) 263-3949
Photo of Grace Slifkin, Licensed Master Social Worker in New York, NY
Grace Slifkin
Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10022
Grace works with clients to translate her deep expertise into tangible tools for a life with less worry and more presence, confidence, and connection. She has received exceptional training in CBT, DBT, ERP, ACT, and SPACE at leading hospitals and private practices. She specializes in supporting pre-teens, teens, and adults facing anxiety disorders such as OCD, panic, social anxiety, ARFID, emetophobia, body dysmorphia, perfectionism, and anxiety related to chronic illness and gastrointestinal issues. Grace also works with caregivers of children with behavioral issues, OCD, and anxiety using evidence-based parenting interventions.
Grace works with clients to translate her deep expertise into tangible tools for a life with less worry and more presence, confidence, and connection. She has received exceptional training in CBT, DBT, ERP, ACT, and SPACE at leading hospitals and private practices. She specializes in supporting pre-teens, teens, and adults facing anxiety disorders such as OCD, panic, social anxiety, ARFID, emetophobia, body dysmorphia, perfectionism, and anxiety related to chronic illness and gastrointestinal issues. Grace also works with caregivers of children with behavioral issues, OCD, and anxiety using evidence-based parenting interventions.
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Photo of Kerry Donelli, Counselor in New York, NY
Kerry Donelli
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New York, NY 10018
I address problems with a focus on results, not intentions. Resolve that if what you're doing isn't working, you'll be willing to change it. Do you want to live purposefully, or will you continue complaining about what you don't have? While I work with past issues, I'll help you live in the now in a purposeful and rewarding present onto a satisfying future. Resolve that you'll no longer allow your choices to cause you pain and fear rather than peace and joy. If you can say "I'm sick of this. I am ready" then give me a call.
I address problems with a focus on results, not intentions. Resolve that if what you're doing isn't working, you'll be willing to change it. Do you want to live purposefully, or will you continue complaining about what you don't have? While I work with past issues, I'll help you live in the now in a purposeful and rewarding present onto a satisfying future. Resolve that you'll no longer allow your choices to cause you pain and fear rather than peace and joy. If you can say "I'm sick of this. I am ready" then give me a call.
(646) 783-2136 View (646) 783-2136
Chronic Pain Therapists

How does chronic pain therapy work?

Engaging with a psychotherapist to help treat chronic pain does not mean that one’s pain is all in their head. Therapy for chronic-pain patients has been shown to benefit both the mind and the body, targeting physical symptoms and increasing daily functioning. In other words, for many, addressing their emotional health through therapy affects their physical health. A therapist can help a client challenge unhelpful thoughts about pain and develop new ways to respond to it, such as distraction or calming breathing techniques. Studies have found that therapy can be as effective as surgery for certain cases of chronic pain and many doctors recommend trying psychotherapy in advance of considering invasive surgery.

What are the most effective treatment options for chronic pain?

Stress, anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, ruminating, lack of activity, and social withdrawal all make chronic pain worse. Addressing these issues, research shows, can help people gain control over their pain symptoms. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness-based stress reduction, along with greater pain-management education, have been found to help people reduce fear and disability.

Are there new treatments for chronic pain?

Many cases of chronic pain, particularly those involving back pain, remain medically unexplained. But there is evidence that changes in the brain or nervous system are caused by previous physical ailments such as tissue damage; in such cases, the brain may continue to send out pain signals despite the physical cause having healed. To aid patients under these circumstances, a recently developed treatment known as pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) is designed to help the brain “unlearn” this response. A PRT practitioner helps individuals to reduce the “threat value” of their ongoing pain signals until they can reappraise them as less threatening and fear-inducing. They also help an individual to develop new emotional regulation skills.

How long does therapy for chronic pain take?

There is no set timeline for recovery from chronic pain, especially as there may be a range of physical and psychological causes for any individual’s discomfort, but most patients should expect to see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions. Studies of pain reprocessing therapy found that many individuals’ experience of pain lessened in eight sessions over four weeks.