Addiction & Substance abuse Therapy NYC, NY 

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You can identify and Heal the root cause of Addictive behaviors with Psychotherapy and counseling for Addictions, Substance Abuse and Compulsions. A multi-modal approach using highly-effective therapies such as CBT, DBT, Internal family Systems, and EMDR Therapy can support you on your healing journey.

What is addiction?

Addiction can be defined as the continued use of a substance or behavior despite negative consequences.

Common signs and symptoms of addiction

  • Strong desire or urge to use the substance, also known as “craving”

  • Substance is taken in larger amounts and over a longer period

  • Tolerance or the need for larger amounts to get the same effect, or experiencing little effect with continued use of the same amount

  • Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control substance use

  • Substance use interferes with family life, friendships, or usual activities

  • Unable to meet occupational or relationship commitments because of substance abuse

  • Relationships have been damaged because of an addiction to substances or behaviors

  • Experience of withdrawal symptoms or continued use of the substance to avoid withdrawal symptoms

Helpful information About Addictions

Many individuals do not seek treatment because they cannot imagine a life without their drug of choice. An addiction to a substance or behavior has become, and replaced, their primary relationships in life. As such, addicted individuals believe it offers a reliable source of comfort. As with many experiences, they become hard-wired in the brain and nervous system with pleasure and pleasurable experiences, and with pain. De-coupling these experiences from the substances and behaviors is the important work of addiction recovery.

You may see signs in yourself or someone you care about that drugs, alcohol, or certain behaviors are interfering with many aspects of your life, including work and relationships. There are highly effective therapies to help you recover from addiction.

How therapy helps addictions

Our goal in addiction counseling is to identify and heal any early trauma wounds, develop healthier coping skills to support life in the present, and develop the capacity for healthier interpersonal relationships that can replace what was the primary relationship with a substance or behavior. Addiction counseling can help you explore healthier coping mechanisms to manage your emotions and heal your pain. Many addiction therapists feel that addiction is best resolved using an integrative, multimodal approach.

Other problems that occur alongside addiction

I view addictive behaviors as symptoms of other underlying, unresolved issues. Addictions such as substance abuse and process addictions are complex problems and are successfully treated when other co-occurring difficulties are also addressed such as trauma, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Common examples of co-occurring disorders include the combinations of major depression with cocaine addiction, borderline personality disorder with episodic, poly-drug abuse, alcohol addiction with panic disorder, and trauma or PTSD with a variety of substance and process addictions. Many may have more than two mental health concerns that contribute to maladaptive coping responses. What follows are common mental health concerns that accompany addictions and substance abuse:

  • Anxiety and mood disorders

  • Schizophrenia

  • Bipolar disorder

  • Major depressive disorder

  • Conduct disorders

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder

  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

What follows are some common types of addictions and addictive & compulsive behaviors:

  • Alcohol

  • Drugs

  • Gambling

  • Internet

  • Video Games

  • Sexual Addiction

  • Food (binge eating)

  • Shopping

  • Plastic Surgery

  • Risk-Taking Behavior

  • Anger and Aggression

  • Nicotine

  • Work

Medications and other treatment modalities for addictions

Research studies tell us that a multimodal approach to therapy for addictions includes not only psychotherapy and behavioral approaches, but medications such as an opiate antagonist, and an antidepressant. With certain addictions, detox and rehab are the appropriate treatment options to begin recovery. Therapists with addiction training are in the best position to access when a higher level of care is needed and to provide appropriate referrals.

Successful treatment for addictive behaviors may involve an integrative approach that includes some combination of psychotherapy and behavioral treatments. EMDR therapy using addiction protocols, psychodynamic psychotherapy dialectical behavior therapy or DBT skills and Somatic Experiencing are very effective forms of addiction treatment.

About addiction Therapy NYC

This practice provides a range of psychological & wellness services in NYC and throughout NY state. The goal is to individualize treatment to your unique physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual needs. I have experience working with a broad range of symptoms and approaches in psychotherapy, including but not limited to EMDR Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Holistic Mind-Body Medicine. Therapy begins with a therapeutic consultation, where you will gain a wealth of information about your difficulties. Many people feel better after the first session. The initial consultation also lays the groundwork for future treatment as we determine the best modalities to help you heal.

addiction & compulsion Therapist with nearly 20 years of Experience

This practice offers supportive, compassionate and comprehensive care and also stays current on research related to mental health. I use my expertise and extensive training to get you back to living your life as quickly as possible.

Book an Appointment for addiction Therapy Today

To get started, book an appointment or text at 212-529-8292. Integrative Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan can help you in your healing journey toward optimal mental health. 

Effective Therapy For Addictions & Compulsions NYC


Exquisitely-Tailored Therapy & Experienced Guidance

You are a unique human, and your therapy should reflect your need for Compassion, agency, change, responsiveness and empowerment. Our work together will include:

  • Increasing your energy and vitality

  • Improving and balancing your mood

  • Managing your stress and anxiety

  • Improving your motivation and focus

  • Managing your movement, nutrition and sleep needs

  • Reducing or eliminating unnecessary medications when desired

Healing Modalities Used In This NYC Therapy & Wellness Practice

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

Psychodynamic psychotherapy, also known as Insight-oriented therapy, is based on the theory that by increasing awareness of our unconscious drives, conflicts and experiences, we can live less reflexively and more consciously, creating new life… MORE

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented type of talk therapy. It can help patients manage mental health concerns, such as anxiety, PTSD and depression. It focuses on modifying dysfunctional emotions, behaviors, thoughts… MORE

EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. EMDR Therapy uses bilateral stimulation to help people process… MORE

Internal Family Systems

Internal Family Systems is a powerfully transformative and evidence-based model of psychotherapy that focuses on our multiple inner parts that contain valuable information, and our core Self that knows how to heal and integrate for wellbeing… MORE

Somatic Experiencing

SE is a body-oriented therapeutic model that helps heal trauma and other stress disorders. It is a multi-disciplinary study of stress physiology, psychology, ethology, biology, neuroscience, indigenous healing practices, and medical biophysics… MORE

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

SFBT concentrates on finding solutions in the present and exploring one’s hope for the future in order to find a quick and practical resolution of one’s problems. This method takes the approach that you know what you need to do to improve your… MORE

About Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan

I’ve been in the holistic wellness & psychology field for nearly twenty years. As a licensed psychotherapist with a private psychotherapy practice in New York City, I blend what I’ve found to be the most effective practices in psychology, neurobiology, attachment, alternative medicine, nutrition, coaching, and mind-body medicine practices. I believe that lasting change and transformation is possible when given the right tools to thrive. I’ve received extensive training and certification in a range of innovative, effective, and evidence-based therapies to offer comprehensive care.

As a holistic psychotherapist, I believe it’s important to address the root cause of emotional and somatic suffering. As a trauma-trained therapist, I am influenced by humanist and existential philosophy, relational theory, attachment theory, psychoanalytic concepts, mindfulness, and somatic, mind, and body psychology. I have received extensive post-graduate training in EMDR Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Somatic Experiencing (SE), Nutrition and Integrative Medicine For Mental Health, and more. In marriage and couple counseling, my work is influenced by the Gottman Method, Internal Family Systems, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).

As neuroscience demonstrates, the brain can heal, and the body and mind are inextricably linked. My 20+ years of experience with mindfulness, yoga therapy, and meditation greatly influence my work as a mental health provider. A Holistic therapy model ensures that you thrive in the many aspects of your life—including your relationship with yourself and others. Together, we work with practices designed to create an environment that supports optimal physical and mental health well-being. Lasting change and transformation is possible when given the right tools to thrive.

Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan Therapy Modalities

  • Psychoanalytic, Relational & Interpersonal Psychotherapy

  • Attachment-Focused Couple Therapy (traditional, non-traditional, non-monogamy, alternative lifestyle couples), Sexual Counseling

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT Skills

  • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

  • Advanced level EMDR Therapy, Parts Therapy, Integrated Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing

  • Positive Psychology, Positive Neuroplasticity Coaching

  • Transformational, Peak Performance& Wellness Coaching

  • Urban Zen Integrative Therapy, Reiki, Energy Medicine, Yoga Therapy

  • Nutrition & Integrative Medicine For Mental Health, Nutritional Amino Acid Protocols (using precursor amino acids, fatty acids, herbal medicine, supplement recommendations for mood, anxiety, ADHD, addictions, cravings, brain fog, PTSD, and more)

  • Clinical Hypnosis

Kimberly Seelbrede: Post Graduate Training & Certifications

  • New York University - Advanced CBT Certification, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Advanced Clinical Practice, Clinical Approaches to the Addictions, Clinical Practice with Adolescents

  • Somatic Experiencing® International (in progress)

  • Eating Disorders, Compulsions & Addictions (EDCAS) Certification

    William Alanson White Institute of Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis & Psychology

  • EMDR Advanced Level EMDR Practitioner - Laurel Parnell PhD

  • Brainspotting - Lisa Schwarz, MEd

  • Positive Neuroplasticity Training Certification - Rick Hanson PhD

  • Nutrition and Integrative Medicine for Mental Health - Leslie Korn PhD

  • IFS Immersion: Integrating Internal Family Systems Across Clinical Applications - Frank Anderson, PhD

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy - Behavior Tech Institute

  • Mindful Self-Compassion Training - Christopher K. Germer, PhD & Kristen Neff PhD

  • Executive Life Coaching - New York University

  • Institute for Life Coach Training

  • Urban Zen Integrative Therapy Training Program

    Additional Professional Training: Gottman Institute for Couples, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Hypnosis for Trauma & PTSD, Focusing Institute, Whole Body Focusing with Glenn Fleisch, Ph.D. EMDR & Trauma Treatment with Jennifer Sweeton, PsyD, MS, MA. Ongoing workshops: Ester Perel, Bessel van der Kolk, MD, Dan Siegel, MD, Peter Levine, Ph.D, Gabor Mate, MD, Richard Schwartz, PhD, Sue Johnson, IFS, Somatic Experiencing, Trauma-Focused Treatment, Yoga Therapy, Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy

Clinical practice Expertise & Specialties

  • Depression (major, postpartum depression, SAD, bipolar disorder, atypical depression, dysthymia, situational, chronic sadness)

  • Anxiety (panic, generalized, phobias, social, PTSD), fear, worry, stress management, insomnia, work/life balance

  • Women’s hormonal health, perimenopause and menopause mental health assessment/coaching, chronic pain

  • Trauma resolution, obstacles, blocking beliefs, self-sabotage, problem patterns, and habits

  • Crisis counseling, life challenges, transitions, grief, loss and bereavement

  • Dysfunctional relationship dynamics, professional and personal relationships, communication difficulties, divorce, separation

  • Shadow work, energetic blocks, boundary work

  • Addictions, behavioral addictions, substance abuse, alcoholism and compulsions

  • Family of origin, codependency, family conflict resolution, submissiveness and recovery from family enmeshment, ACOA

  • Recovery and post-rehab support (step-down support, wellness planning, new habit maintenance, and self-care)

  • Celebrity mental health expertise and high-profile, VIP clients, therapy for entrepreneurs, executives, creatives, medical professionals

talk therapy not enough? Find lasting Healing & Transformation with EMDR

If traditional talk therapy has not yielded the desired healing results, it might be time to consider a different model of care. I’ve been trained in many effective therapies, but I find myself consistently returning to EMDR. EMDR Therapy changed my practice years ago because it works and it changes lives. It is the one treatment method that is consistently powerful and transformative for my patients, especially when other highly effective therapies such as IFS, CBT, and Somatic Experiencing are integrated into sessions. Therapy is highly individualized, and depending on your unique needs, chosen therapy modalities may include: EMDR, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, CBT, Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness, and Somatic Experiencing®. I completed EMDRIA-approved EMDR advanced Levels I & II training and supervision many years ago and I’ve used it in my New York City psychotherapy private practice consistently and with excellent results.

EMDR therapy is highly effective in addressing underlying beliefs, patterns, and blocks that can hinder progress in traditional therapy or life coaching. EMDR treatment can help transform mere survival into thriving, leading to a life free from disruptive symptoms. By reprocessing difficult or traumatic memories, EMDR can boost resilience and vitality in the nervous system. EMDR is not only for trauma; it is also valuable for enhancing performance in athletes, creatives, and work-related endeavors. During the pandemic, many of us discovered that EMDR can be effectively offered to many patients virtually. Virtual EMDR can be a powerful addition to your therapy journey, whether used in conjunction with your existing therapy or as a standalone solution. learn more about EMDR Therapy

Create An Hour Of Refuge And Focus On Your Emotional Wellbeing

Expert, experienced Online Therapy Serving NYC & NY State Residents

faqs about online therapy in nYC: how does Virtual therapy/video therapy work?

The technology for telemedicine has been available for decades, but the pandemic made virtual therapy a necessity. It's surprising how many people have benefitted from online virtual therapy. Like many therapists in NYC, I've been conducting virtual sessions for some time, so I'm comfortable working with technology. It's important to note that teletherapy isn't suitable for everyone seeking counseling, as many people prefer conducting psychotherapy sessions in person.

How does Online therapy work?

This holistic psychotherapy and wellness practice in New York City understands that many people have busy schedules and may find it difficult to commute to therapy sessions. That's why I offer virtual therapy and telephone therapy as modern options for counseling. This is especially convenient for individuals who work, travel, have young children with different schedules, are young adults, college students, or expats. After scheduling an online session, you will receive a secure session link from the HIPAA-compliant platform SimplePractice. You can access the virtual therapy office using your computer, iOS/Android phone, iPad, or any other tablet-enabled device. Most laptops have a built-in camera and microphone, making it easy to participate in the sessions. Creating an emotionally safe space in your home or office for virtual sessions is also important, and all you need is a strong internet connection.

What kind of therapy is offered virtually?

Online sessions are treated the same way as face-to-face sessions, using the same evidence-based therapy modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), trauma therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, somatic psychotherapy, life coaching, wellness coaching, and stress management. Remote EMDR has been found to be just as effective for trauma resolution and other concerns as in-person EMDR. However, not everyone or every situation should be treated remotely, so it’s important to contact potential therapists to determine if virtual therapy is appropriate for your situation. Research now demonstrates that therapy sessions conducted by teletherapy are just as effective as face-to-face therapy. Read the research.

Who can benefit from virtual therapy?

Anyone can access high-quality therapy in a private, confidential, and convenient manner. Seeking therapy with an experienced NYC psychotherapist can lead to healthier relationships, new perspectives, reaching goals, and building resilience. Therapy can provide support during stressful and challenging times, helping you feel less alone with your problems. Living in New York City comes with unique challenges, including a fast-paced lifestyle and high levels of stress. If you're experiencing feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness, loss, substance use, or unresolved trauma PTSD, know that you're not alone. Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan offers evidence-based counseling and an integrative psychotherapy philosophy tailored to your unique needs. As a licensed psychotherapist in New York, I can see you whether you live in the NYC metro area or anywhere in New York State. There are various modern therapy options available, such as BetterHelp, TalkSpace, and the numerous licensed psychotherapists and psychologists on Psychology Today who provide high-quality therapy in the US and worldwide. Interested in receiving therapy in New York using your health insurance benefits? Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan is In-Network with BCBS & Aetna, and Out-of-Network with most health insurances. I have also been reimbursed by Aetna, Cigna, BCBS, Emblem, Oxford, United, and many more for out-of-network mental health services. Most of my clients are compensated about 50-100% of my fees.

How can Integrative Psychotherapy & Wellness NYC enhance your life?

  • Gain support through a personal crisis, transition, loss, trauma, or challenging situation that causes personal or relational distress

  • Heal codependency and feel empowered, autonomous, safe, and secure in your life as self-esteem naturally increases

  • Find relief for sadness, depression, and chronic depression with interpersonal psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and EMDR

  • Uncover unconscious conflicts, patterns and blocking beliefs that may be sabotaging your success and happiness

  • Address dissociation, body image, eating disorders, compulsions, addictions, substance use or abuse, and obsessions

  • Learn to identify important thoughts, feelings, emotions, motivations, and unconscious internal conflicts with insight-oriented therapy

  • Develop enhanced self-awareness as well as empathy and compassion for self and others with relational therapy

  • Break through blocks in intimacy, detach from unhealthy relationships, and break patterns of repetition in significant relationships

  • Learn to identify triggers that lead to anger, confusion, and relationship dysfunction in couple and relationship counseling

  • Develop effective, assertive communication skills to benefit personal and professional relationships

  • Learn more adaptive coping skills, self-care rituals, self-acceptance, and mindfulness to create a healthy work-life balance

  • Uncover patterns of crippling perfectionism that interfere with achievement, success, and personal happiness using EMDR

  • Process and heal painful feelings of loneliness, disappointment, sadness, loss, grief, guilt, shame, anger, envy and fear

  • Resolve trauma and abuse symptoms, develop healthier boundaries, and heal early attachment wounds with EMDR Therapy

  • Discover protocols using precursor amino acids, fatty acids, herbal medicine, supplements for mood, anxiety, ADHD, addictions, cravings, brain fog, PTSD

  • Identify hormone-related (peri-menopause, menopause) anxiety, depression, insomnia, brain fog, low energy, pain, migraines, fibromyalgia

  • Learn self-care, meditation, breathing techniques, energy medicine & somatic therapy practices to regulate your nervous system

  • Obtain consultations for referrals to psychopharmacologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and other allied professionals