Gottman Method Therapists in Smithtown, NY

Have you experienced an event or many events that have completely changed your life and view of the world? Do you feel anxious, afraid, and alone? Are you finding it difficult to “relax” despite feeling fatigued? This can be very difficult and it’s also incredibly common for people who have experienced trauma. Trauma creates physical and emotional effects on the mind and body. As such, working with a trained trauma therapist can change your life! We offer effective trauma therapy and utilize EMDR throughout the practice. It helps people heal from trauma and have healthier, happier relationships and a more meaningful life.

People are occasionally presented with circumstances that tax their ability to effectively cope with life's challenges. A central aspect to helping clients is my belief in the unique qualities and strengths of each person. In a warm and empathic environment these core strengths can be drawn out, amplified and enlisted to solve their problems and meet life challenges. The goal is to help people enhance understanding and develop new skills that create a sense of competence, balance and well being. This process provides the foundation for personal growth and positive change in one's life.

My name is Francis and I welcome you on this ride we call life. My professional background is heavily invested in youth services and community outreach programs. My passion for helping and providing support is deeply rooted in my personality and personal lived experiences. After years in social services, I was driven by curiosity and longing to better understand relationships, so I became a Marriage and Family Therapist. My hope is to hone on my lived experiences coupled with clinical insight to further support individuals, couples, families, and communities to build healthier attachment bonds.

Do you feel like you’re in a constant struggle with worry, ​low motivation, panic, unpredictable moods, or with your past? Is the daily struggle​ dragging down your quality of life like an anchor? Are you in a relationship where you feel you’re not being heard, or you’re tired of the same issues coming up, or someone has been unfaithful​ and you agonize over how could you ever rebuild what you two had before? I approach every client with an open mind without assumptions about your life. I will help relieve those struggles, forming a trusting, collaborative relationship with you on this journey towards peace.

Congratulations on taking the first step toward wellness! My approach to therapy is to create a supportive, empathetic and collaborative relationship that will meet your counseling goals. I believe in tailoring a treatment plan that fits the needs of each client. This is accomplished by incorporating several therapeutic modalities such as CBT, Solution Focused, and psycho-dynamic techniques to facilitate growth and wellness.

I understand that choosing a therapist may be one of the most important decisions you can make. As a caring and effective clinician, I will help you work through your problems in a warm, non-judgmental and supportive environment, where you can comfortably explore feelings and concerns in an open and honest manner. Most importantly, I help my clients heal, change and make a difference in their lives. I am also committed to providing a safe space for BIPOC and LGBTQi clients.

Relationships in Crisis: We Have Several Private Couples/Marriage Workshops & Individual Sessions, in order to Rapidly Accelerate Your Healing & Your Communication Process (Traditional 45 min. session Simply Does Not Work). During these 2 to 4 weeks, we will see both of you Together & Individually, as well as Help each of you Learn the Art of Empathy, Sensitivity & Compassion. These Workshops are Informative & Powerful, in order to Accelerate the Healing Process & Stop any further Damage from Occurring. In Addition, Our Success RATE is 85% of Our Couples that have Successfully Completed Our Couples Workshops or Alcohol Treatment.

With over 20 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker, I work with clients from ages 12 - adult. I provide individual, couples and family counseling. I use different elements of many therapeutic models, and I will work with you to design a treatment plan that addresses your individual needs. My approach is interactive, working at a pace that is comfortable for you. Seeking help can be a daunting task, and oftentimes it is difficult to reach beyond the problem and put your trust in someone to work through the process. It takes courage to attempt change. But, like everything, it starts with taking the first step.

I've always thought that life is extraordinarily beautiful, but also exceedingly difficult and even brutal at times. As a therapist, my goal is to make the therapeutic process comfortable, meaningful, and productive. I've worked with all walks of life, but I think the kinds of people who might benefit the most from my services are those that are looking to gain insight and use that insight to create lasting change. My approach is simple, 50% bottom up - How did we get here? & 50% top down - What can we do about it? Over time, we'll work to put the pieces together, establish a plan of action, and create hope for a better tomorrow.

Thank you for visiting my page, and welcome to my practice! It takes a tremendous amount of courage and wisdom to recognize the need for change and to take the first step. I am a very open, supportive, compassionate individual. I believe in the power of human connection and feel that therapy is most effective when a genuine, trusting, and collaborative dynamic exists between us. As your therapist, I will help you feel empowered to take the next steps to improve your life. I look forward to connecting!

Are you tired of working so hard in life but feel frustrated, overwhelmed, and unfulfilled? On the outside, things may look like everything is going well. But inside, your emotions, personal struggles and/or relationship challenges are bringing you down. You may be feeling exhausted, stressed out and sad by painful memories, life experiences or marital problems. You want things to be different and realize it’s time to do something different. You want to heal the pain you’ve been experiencing and feel more optimistic about your future. You deserve to have more satisfaction and enjoyment in the life you worked so hard to achieve.

I know how difficult life can be and how changes can be challenging. Helping clients build strong relationships with themselves and others throughout the lifespan using a strengths-based perspective is the foundation of my work. When times get difficult, I work with clients to get them back on track using their proven strengths and talents while utilizing a collaborative approach to facilitate healing. If you are between the ages of 0 and 150 and are looking for support and encouragement in a therapeutic setting, give me a call or send me an email. I would love to help!

I was born in Colombia and moved to the United States at a young age, where I became bilingual in Spanish and English. As a first generation immigrant, I quickly learned and understood the challenges many of us can face. Also, at a young age my parents divorced and like many households, a lot changed for us. Our roles and responsibilities were different, my weekends were spent at “my second home”; and unfortunately I experienced 'parental alienation' by both parents.

Have you ever experienced an event that completely changed your view of the world? Do you feel afraid, alone and unsure of where to turn? Are you experiencing intrusive thoughts, when you least expect it or even nightmares? Trauma has lasting physical and emotional effects that can leave you tired, jumpy, anxious, feeling ashamed, exposed, insecure and wondering who you can trust. Do you find yourself wondering why you haven't found the love you want in your relationships? Do you believe no matter what you say or do for your significant other, it's never the "right thing" or "good enough"?

I specialize in working with adults presenting with anxiety and OCD. I understand that letting go of anxiety can at times feel insurmountable, and I work with you to develop the tools to free yourself from worry and better connect with what is important to you.

While life alone can be chaotic, it doesn't make it any easier if you're having difficulties in your personal relationships too. This can lead to negative thoughts, depression & anxiety. Are you feeling unhappy in your relationship? Feeling disconnected from your partner, or there was an affair, maybe communication is difficult. Looking to reconnect, improve communication, resolve, or add a newness & freshness to the relationship? Know that it is possible. Time to feel good again & get rid of the heaviness of an unhappy & unhealthy relationship. Time to create a new you & a new relationship! Life will feel so much better!

Finding a therapist that matches your style and needs can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack! Perhaps my training & experience will help you end that search. Please review my website at www.drschlee.com for more info. I primarily use cognitive-behavioral methods to help clients gain insight re: areas in their lives that need a "tune-up." Getting started can feel overwhelming. After 21 years in practice, I'm equipped to get you over that hurdle & ease the process for you. Want a more satisfying life? Let's figure out how to get you there.