Modern Psychotherapy for New York professionals

Expert psychotherapy for the unique issues of modern life

Managing mental health challenges on your own can negatively impact your life and your relationships, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and depleted. Your struggles are real and can steal your life force, leaving you less available for the parts of your life that should nourish you. This private therapy practice offers challenging, compassionate, and evidence-based therapy to help you gain the skills you need to make meaningful changes in your life and relationships.

“You have within you the innate power to heal. Your body holds both the symptoms and the wisdom.”

Many of my New York City clients and other are talented, successful, high-functioning individuals. They also struggle with a range of stress-related mental health issues, including challenging life events, anxiety, depression, lack of fulfillment, relationship concerns, addiction, loss, and troubling patterns that are repeated.

The way they present to the world often doesn’t match how they feel on the inside. Many don't know the source of their distress, but they suffer greatly. Many New York City clients, like individuals in many fast-paced, high-pressure environments, can struggle with asking for help or seeking therapy. In a city where success is often measured by independence, achievement, and self-sufficiency, there may be a strong cultural expectation to handle everything on your own. This can lead to feelings of shame or fear of vulnerability when considering therapy, as seeking help may be seen as a sign of weakness or failure. Additionally, with the busy nature of city life, individuals may feel overwhelmed by the time commitment or intimidated by the process of finding the right therapist. However, therapy can be a powerful tool for personal growth and healing, and with the right support, clients can break through these barriers, realize that seeking help is a sign of strength, and start addressing their emotional needs with professional guidance. Imposter syndrome and the desire to compete with everyone can deplete you. When you don’t feel perfect, you feel anxious and unfulfilled.

The way you present to the world rarely matches how you feel on the inside…

• You fear your “flawless” facade is crumbling

• Your perfectionism leads to energetic depletion

• Your stress and overwhelm is tanking your mood

• You’re using substances in ways that are not healthy or supporting your life goals

• Your high-functioning anxiety is finally taking a toll on your well-being

• Your unresolved trauma symptoms are resurfacing increasingly

• You and your partner are experiencing less connection and more conflict and hostility

• You regularly experience paralysis and feel trapped in your life

• You can no longer navigate the transitions and challenges of everyday life

• You have new and increased somatic complaints

• You find yourself in messy entanglements or you repeat and recreate the same troubling dynamics

Effective Therapy and counseling has been shown to alter the chemicals in your brain, which means it rewires your neural pathways …

you may have an underlying fear that if you work with a therapist, you will lose important parts of your identity that you value, like your edge, your drive, or your sharpness…

It's common for high-functioning individuals in competitive environments to have concerns about how therapy might impact their performance or edge. It’s my experience that individuals become even more effective and efficient. Holistic therapy can actually be a strategic investment in your overall well-being and performance. Finding a therapist who aligns with your needs and goals can help you navigate these concerns effectively. Ultimately, therapy is about improving your overall well-being and helping you function at your best, rather than taking away from your strengths.

Together we consider the many dimensions of wellness, including identity, health, body, love, spirituality, play, career, money, time, home, family, friends, and community, as examples. We also pay attention to the positive aspects of your life, what’s good, and what’s working, in addition to the areas that you’d like to improve, because identifying and bolstering strengths enhances resiliency. A therapist who practices holistic psychotherapy integrates traditional psychotherapeutic techniques with complementary and alternative therapies, focusing on the interconnectedness of various aspects of an individual's life. The goal is to create a fuller integration between mind, body, and spirit by using an approach that honors your physical and emotional health.

How Integrative and holistic therapies help you function better

• Holistic Approach - Holistic therapy often focuses on integrating various aspects of your life—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—to achieve balance and well-being. It doesn't necessarily mean diluting your competitive edge but rather enhancing your overall resilience and effectiveness.

• Managing Stress and Anxiety - Addressing stress and anxiety through therapy can actually sharpen your edge. By learning effective coping strategies and improving emotional resilience, you may find yourself better equipped to handle challenges and perform at your peak.

• Optimizing Performance - Therapists experienced with high-functioning individuals understand the importance of maintaining peak performance. They can help you develop strategies to optimize your productivity, manage stress, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

• Self-Awareness and Insight - Therapy can deepen your self-awareness and provide valuable insights into your strengths and areas for growth. This self-understanding can empower you to make informed decisions and excel in competitive environments.

• Personal Growth - Investing in your mental health and well-being can lead to personal growth and a deeper sense of fulfillment. It doesn't necessarily mean compromising your edge; rather, it can help you achieve a more sustainable and satisfying level of success.

• Choosing the Right Therapist - Finding a therapist who understands your goals and values, and who has experience working with high achievers, is crucial. They can tailor their approach to support your ambitions while addressing your stress and anxiety.

What practice orientations are used in this practice?

I utilize top-down (cognitive), and bottom-up (somatic) approaches in my practice, which includes evidence-based treatment modalities and somatic therapies, such as:

• 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

What is Holistic therapy?

Holistic therapy is a transformative approach to healing that embraces the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. It recognizes that true well-being is not just the absence of illness, but a harmonious balance between physical health, emotional resilience, and mental clarity. Through various practices such as energy healing, meditation, aromatherapy, and gentle movement, holistic therapy seeks to address the root causes of ailments, rather than merely masking symptoms. This approach encourages self-awareness and personal empowerment, guiding individuals to cultivate a deeper understanding of their own unique needs and rhythms. By fostering a sense of inner peace and harmony, holistic therapy helps individuals reconnect with their innate ability to heal, offering a more profound, lasting sense of wellness that radiates through every aspect of life.

Holistic therapy helps a wide range of individuals, particularly those seeking a more balanced, personalized approach to their health and well-being. It benefits people dealing with chronic health conditions, stress, anxiety, and emotional imbalances, offering tools to address the root causes rather than just symptoms. Those who feel disconnected from their bodies or overwhelmed by modern life's fast pace can also find healing through holistic practices, as they foster a deeper mind-body-spirit connection. Individuals recovering from trauma or those looking for a path of personal growth and self-awareness often benefit from the supportive, non-judgmental environment holistic therapy provides. Ultimately, it serves anyone open to exploring alternative healing methods and seeking a more integrative approach to wellness.

Therapy With A holistic Therapist looks like this…

• The integration of somatic therapies such as EMDR or Somatic Experiencing in addition to cognitive, behavioral, or insight-oriented therapies to release trauma(s) and long-held patterns in the body and nervous system

• Cognitive and behavioral skills to address faulty thinking, motivation, adherence

• The addition of amino acids, supplements, or nutraceuticals into your diet and lifestyle

• Breath work and relaxation skills training

• Support for increasing movement and exercise

• Referrals for hormonal assessments, functional medicine, acupuncture, reiki, reflexology, massage

• Encouragement for animal and human relationships and community

• Support for enhancing nutrition and digestion using culinary medicine

• Acceptance for the range of your experience, including adaptive coping strategies, emotions, and behaviors

• Understand your various parts, such as protectors, managers, firefighters, perfectionists, inner critics, bullies, and more

What follows are some important aspects of holistic psychotherapy:

• Integration of Mind, Body, and Spirit - Holistic psychotherapy acknowledges that mental, emotional, and physical health are interconnected. It considers how thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, and spiritual beliefs influence overall well-being.

• Individualized and Comprehensive Approach - Therapists in holistic psychotherapy take into account the unique experiences, values, and goals of each client. Treatment plans are personalized to address the whole person, rather than just symptoms or specific problems.

• Focus on Root Causes - Rather than solely addressing surface symptoms, holistic psychotherapy aims to explore and understand underlying issues and root causes of distress or imbalance. This may involve examining past experiences, relationships, lifestyle factors, and belief systems.

• Mindfulness and Self-Awareness - Practices such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, or relaxation techniques are often integrated to enhance self-awareness, self-regulation, and stress management skills.

• Complementary Therapies - Holistic psychotherapy may incorporate complementary therapies such as acupuncture, nutrition counseling, herbal medicine, art therapy, or bodywork (e.g., massage therapy). These approaches are used alongside traditional talk therapy to support healing and well-being.

• Emphasis on Prevention and Wellness - Beyond addressing immediate concerns, holistic psychotherapy promotes proactive approaches to maintaining mental health and achieving optimal well-being. It encourages clients to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, cultivate resilience, and nurture supportive relationships.

• Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity - Practitioners of holistic psychotherapy often recognize and respect cultural diversity, integrating culturally appropriate practices and understanding the impact of cultural factors on mental health.

• Collaborative and Empowering - The therapist-client relationship in holistic psychotherapy is collaborative and empowering. Clients are encouraged to take an active role in their healing process, exploring and integrating insights and practices that resonate with them personally.

Does Holistic Psychotherapy & wellness nYC offer Online Therapy?

You may enjoy visiting your therapist's office, and for many, this is the best fit, but it's not necessary. More and more, my busy New York Clients with hectic work/life schedules prefer to meet Using online therapy. Teletherapy, Telehealth, or Telemedicine, more simply known as remote or video therapy, is proving to be as effective and helpful as face-to-face psychotherapy and more convenient for many clients. I provide online therapy and phone therapy, to busy New Yorkers and couples, and therapy and counseling face-to-face with clients in Bozeman Montana. Learn more about NY Online Therapy

What is integrative psychotherapy?

There are many different ways for a therapist to receive training and conduct their practice. Some therapists prefer to work with a single model, while others work using more than one theoretical model. Integrative therapy, also known as integrative psychotherapy, is an approach that combines elements from different therapeutic techniques and theoretical frameworks into a unified and cohesive treatment plan. The goal of integrative therapy is to create a tailored and flexible approach that meets the unique needs of each client. Here are some key aspects of integrative therapy:

• Integration of Different Therapeutic Models - Integrative therapy draws from various psychological theories and therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, existential therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, EMDR therapy, somatic therapy, and more. Therapists may blend techniques and interventions from these models based on what is most effective for the client.

• Holistic Approach - Similar to holistic psychotherapy, integrative therapy considers the whole person—mind, body, emotions, and spirit—in understanding and treating mental health concerns. It addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of distress, aiming for comprehensive healing and personal growth.

• Flexible and Individualized - Therapists practicing integrative therapy are flexible and often creative in their approach, adapting techniques and interventions to fit the individual needs, preferences, and goals of each client. This customization allows for a more personalized therapeutic experience. For example, a therapist might integrate cognitive restructuring techniques from CBT with exploration of unconscious dynamics from psychodynamic therapy, as well as EMDR for negative beliefs.

• Focus on Therapeutic Relationship - The therapeutic relationship between the therapist and client is central in integrative therapy. A strong alliance is seen as essential for facilitating trust, openness, and collaboration in the therapeutic process.

• Evidence-Based Practice - While integrative therapy encourages flexibility and creativity in treatment approaches, it also emphasizes the importance of using techniques and interventions that have empirical support for their effectiveness.

• Treatment of Complex Issues - Integrative therapy is well-suited for addressing complex psychological issues that may benefit from a multifaceted approach. It allows therapists to draw on a range of tools and perspectives to address the nuances of the client’s concerns.

• Promotion of Client Empowerment - Integrative therapy often empowers clients to take an active role in their healing process. Clients are encouraged to explore and integrate insights, skills, and practices that resonate with their values and preferences.

Who benefits from Integrative psychotherapy?

In my work with clients who have experienced trauma, talk therapy does not restore them to a state of wellness. I have studied EMDR therapy, focusing, and somatic experiencing techniques to work with clients on a deeper level—healing, and restoration at the level of the nervous system. Honoring the wisdom and symptoms held in the body is an important part of mind-body psychotherapy and healing. Exciting advances in the field of neuroscience and positive neuroplasticity deepen our understanding of developing and reinforcing resources that lead to enhanced resilience.

More helpful information about the process of Psychotherapy:

Psychotherapy is a collaborative process between a trained therapist and an individual or group. It aims to help the client(s) understand their feelings, thoughts, behaviors, and relationships more deeply. Here’s a general overview of what typically happens in psychotherapy:

• Building Rapport - Initially, the therapist and client establish a trusting relationship. This foundation is crucial for creating a safe space where the client feels comfortable sharing personal experiences and emotions.

• Assessment and Goal Setting - The therapist works with the client to identify issues they want to address and goals they want to achieve through therapy. This phase involves gathering information about the client’s history, current challenges, and desired outcomes.

• Exploration and Insight - Therapy sessions involve exploring the client’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in depth. This exploration often uncovers underlying patterns and triggers that contribute to the client’s difficulties. Insight gained from therapy can help clients understand themselves better and make positive changes.

• Techniques and Strategies - Depending on the therapeutic approach (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, etc.), the therapist introduces specific techniques and strategies to help the client manage symptoms, change unhelpful behaviors, and improve coping skills.

• Emotional Processing - Therapy provides a supportive environment for clients to express and process difficult emotions, such as sadness, anger, guilt, or anxiety. This emotional processing can promote healing and alleviate emotional distress.

• Skill Building - Therapists often teach clients practical skills for managing stress, improving communication, setting boundaries, enhancing self-esteem, and fostering healthier relationships.

• Feedback and Reflection - Throughout therapy, therapists provide feedback, validation, and alternative perspectives. They encourage clients to reflect on their experiences and consider new ways of thinking and behaving.

• Support and Validation - Therapists offer empathy, validation, and non-judgmental support as clients navigate challenges and work toward their goals. This support can help clients feel understood and motivated to make changes.

• Progress Evaluation - Periodically, therapists and clients review progress toward therapy goals. This evaluation helps track improvements, identify areas that still need attention, and adjust treatment plans as necessary.

• Closure and Integration - When therapy goals are met or when clients feel they have gained sufficient insights and skills, therapy sessions may focus on summarizing progress, discussing future plans, and preparing for the conclusion of therapy. This phase emphasizes integrating new learnings into everyday life.

Exceptional holistic Therapy to help you achieve your goals: What can i expect?

I view the initial consultation as an opportunity to know you better, and for you to learn more about me. The “fit” between you and your therapist has more to do with successful outcomes than the skills of your therapist. Finding the right therapist can help you gain clarity and “reframe” or discover new ways to think about a situation or even change a long-standing negative self-concept. Psychotherapy helps you better understand the emotions that drive you and behaviors that interfere with health and well-being. The support you receive during psychotherapy can help you develop better coping skills and uncover conflicts and obstacles that may be holding you back. Gaining the necessary insight to make changes and increase self-awareness can greatly enhance your life. The therapy process can help you have healthier relationships, gain new perspectives, reach your goals, and remain resilient during stressful and challenging times. Therapy can help you feel less alone with your problems as well as feel supported as you work to improve your circumstances.

Working with a licensed New York psychotherapist can help You:

• Identify important thoughts, feelings, and motivations that are denied, repressed, or suppressed

• Understand strong emotions

• Gain necessary insight and self-awareness

• Learn to break through blocks in intimacy and detach from unhealthy relationships

• Develop healthier personal boundaries

• Recognize obstacles and reduce negative patterns and self-defeating behaviors

• Gain professional support through a personal crisis, transition, or challenging situation

• Identify problem thoughts and triggers that lead to anger, confusion, and relationship dysfunction

• Become more confident, effective, and assertive in personal and professional relationships

• Uncover hidden blocking beliefs that may be sabotaging success and happiness

• Learn more adaptive coping skills, self-care rituals, and habits for change

• Address body image, eating disorders, compulsions, addictions, substance reliance and obsessions

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

• Develop enhanced attention and awareness through moment-to-moment, daily mindfulness practices and radical acceptance

• Resolve trauma, abuse, and PTSD symptoms as well as heal early attachment wounds

• Develop self-care rituals and balance personal and professional demands

How to find a therapist or psychologist in nYC

When searching for a licensed therapist in New York, you have numerous options available to you. Finding an experienced therapist in New York City involves several steps to ensure you find someone who meets your needs and preferences. Here are some tips to help you in your search:

• Identify Your Needs - Determine what you're looking for in a NYC psychotherapist or psychologist. Consider factors such as specialties (e.g., anxiety, depression, couples therapy), therapy approach (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, EMDR therapy), location preferences (e.g. Flatiron, Wall Street, Upper East Side), and availability.

• Research Therapists - Use reputable resources to search for therapists in NYC. Some useful platforms include:

  • Psychology Today's therapist directory (psychologytoday.com)

  • GoodTherapy.org

  • TherapyDen.com

  • Zocdoc.com (for healthcare providers including therapists)

• Check Credentials - Please make sure your psychotherapist or psychologist is licensed and in good standing with relevant professional organizations. In New York, psychologists are licensed by the New York State Education Department, and social workers are licensed by the New York State Office of the Professions. Look for advanced degrees (LCSW, Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D.) from accredited institutions and certifications in specialized areas if relevant. Many large group practices charge full fees for therapists still training and accruing hours, for example, the LMSW designation.

• Online Therapy Platforms - Consider exploring online therapy platforms that connect you with licensed psychologists who provide remote therapy sessions. This option can be convenient if you have a busy schedule or prefer the flexibility of virtual sessions. Some popular choices are Talkspace and BetterHelp.

• Consider Specialties and Experience - You want a therapist with good training and experience, and If you have specific concerns (e.g., trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, relationship problems), look for therapists who specialize or have experience in those areas. Many therapists list their specialties and areas of expertise on their profiles.

• Evaluate Fit - Contact potential therapists to ask about their approach to therapy, availability, fees, and any other questions you may have. Many therapists offer free initial consultations or brief phone calls to help you determine if they are a good fit for you.

• Consider Accessibility - Consider practical factors such as location (whether they have an office convenient for you), availability of teletherapy options if needed, and fees (including insurance coverage if applicable).

• Trust Your Instincts - Trust your gut feeling or intuition about whether you feel comfortable and understood by the therapist during your initial interactions. A good therapeutic relationship or good fit is essential for successful therapy outcomes.

• Consult Referrals - Ask trusted friends, family members, or healthcare providers for recommendations. Personal referrals can sometimes lead you to therapists who are a good match for your needs.

• Verify Insurance Coverage - If you plan to use insurance to cover therapy costs, verify with the therapist's office whether they accept your insurance plan and if they are in-network or out-of-network providers. For instance, this practice can be reimbursed out of network by all insurance carriers however we are in network with BCBS & Aetna.

By following these steps and taking the time to research and interview potential psychotherapists and psychologists, you can increase the likelihood of finding a therapist in NYC who is well-suited to support you in your therapeutic journey.

the wisdom of Mind-body psychotherapy

Therapy with the dual focus of integrating mind and body Psychotherapy

Top-down refers to therapies that deal primarily with the cognitive aspects of how we function, and make changes to support more positive mental health. Top-down therapy utilizes parts of the brain, mainly the frontal lobes and pre-frontal cortex, and relies heavily on language and logic. Top-down therapy approaches tend to focus on changing the way we think about things, to change how we feel. Top-down approaches also rely on an individual’s ability to be able to apply learned strategies in the future. An example of top-down would be Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), which is considered the gold standard in psychiatric care. It tends to help people make changes quickly, however, many believe that CBT is a bandaid approach, and does not heal the root cause of mental and emotional distress. Approaches like CBT also completely ignore what happens in the body. There are problems with CBT. Research has demonstrated that the brain’s ability to regulate arousal through cognition (applying CBT skills) becomes compromised, and can even be deactivated by acutely stressful situations. During times of stress, what likely happens is that the “reason” part of the brain that controls emotion regulation goes offline altogether, and this is when fight, flight, and freeze becomes the dominant state. It then becomes very difficult, if not impossible, to apply reason, logic, problem-solving and impulse control until the lower, emotional seat of the brain feels safe enough to allow the upper part of the brain to come back online.

When stress and trauma occur, energy is diverted to the lower, more primitive parts of the brain known as the limbic system. When stressed, many have an amygdala that becomes either hyper or hypo-aroused. When the fight/flight/freeze activation response occurs, thinking and reason go offline. A therapeutic approach that utilizes a top-down and bottom-up approach seeks to encourage dual awareness, that is both thinking and feeling, to heal the root cause of mental distress. To completely heal emotional/mental distress, many therapists rely on an integrative approach that addresses the whole brain: left, right, top, and bottom. Mind-body integration is key to healthy regulation and optimal mental health. Some therapies that safely address the negative experiences and trauma(s) held in the body, or bottom-up therapy approaches, are Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing (SE), and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).

Holistic & Integrative Psychotherapy Practices address your symptoms in the following ways:

• Identify problem habitual behaviors, habits, and patterns

• Resolve anxiety & depression symptoms

• Address attentional issues, memory, ADHD

• Improve emotion regulation

• Address poor diet, nutrition, and systemic inflammation

• Recommend supportive herbs, supplements, and amino acids

• Gain support for reducing or discontinuing prescription medications if desired and safe

• Improve neurotransmitter dysfunction

• Improve immune dysfunction

• Address and assess hormone imbalance and autoimmune dysfunction

• Support healthy sleep hygiene habits

• Address relationship concerns and connection with others

• Support exercise and movement for improved physical and psychological health

• Address work and life balance issues that perpetuate difficulties

• Process unresolved grief

• Address unresolved trauma symptoms

• Suggestions for stress management, grounding, meditation, self-soothing skills

This process transforms the way you process information about yourself and the world. Because mind and body are exquisitely connected, therapy has even been shown to powerfully and positively impact physical health and disease. Whatever your challenges, our goal is to help you find your strength, clarity, and purpose so you can cultivate the kind of resilience that will support you as you face future challenges and circumstances.

Nutrition & Integrative Medicine for mental Health

Many of my patients find relief from symptoms using holistic protocols and nutritional medicine, herbs, supplements and amino acids to improve their symptoms of anxiety, mood, PTSD, and ADHD.

As a licensed mental health professional, I know that helping people achieve optimal mental health is not one size fits all. I acknowledge that there are many highly effective approaches to wellness. Some individuals do exceptionally well with mainstream medicine, others do not. Many who seek therapy and counseling do so because they are suffering from anxiety, depression, or trauma symptoms that have overwhelmed their ability to have a productive and satisfying life. We also have the opportunity to make referrals to other healthcare workers who can better support our patients’ mental health needs. If a patient has not been able to improve their anxiety, concentration, or depression symptoms through traditional psychiatric practices, there are other options. Licensed mental health professionals trained in alternative protocols are well-positioned to offer their patients support from emerging research in the field of Functional and Integrative Medicine, aimed at naturally optimizing mental health through the use of nutrition supplements, herbs, and amino acid therapy. Learn More.

Has traditional psychiatry failed to help you improve your mental health?

Natural remedies offer powerfully effective help for people who have not yet achieved the full alleviation of mental health symptoms from prescription medicine. It’s also a sound choice for people with mild symptoms, and for those who wish to avoid conventional psychiatry. Together, we work to identify the “root cause” underlying many common psychiatric symptoms such as ADHD, motivation, memory, anxiety, and depression.

Research reveals that some of the well-known biological factors that can create or intensify mental health symptoms include: chronic inflammation, low levels of nutrients and minerals, neurotransmitter dysfunction, poor gut health, food sensitivities, low thyroid, sex hormonal imbalances, and numerous other factors. For some individuals wishing to reduce or withdraw from prescription medications, herbal remedies, and supplements have been an integral part of this process. As well, some natural remedies are shown to support and reduce cravings for individuals who struggle with substance misuse and addictions. Explore scientific research and the latest articles on nutrition and Integrative medicine in psychiatry at Psychiatric Times.

How can natural medicine help heal your brain?

• Improve systemic inflammation

• Improve anxiety symptoms (eg. generalized anxiety disorder, panic)

• Improve and balance mood (eg. depression, seasonal affective disorder, bipolar)

• Improve energy

• Improve chronic pain

• Improve PTSD and trauma-related symptoms

• Improve attention and concentration

• Improve insomnia

Psychotherapy For negative experiences With EMDR

Can EMDR for trauma be integrated into my regular psychotherapy sessions?

Yes, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can be integrated into psychotherapy. EMDR is a therapeutic approach primarily used to treat trauma-related disorders and distressing memories. It involves a structured eight-phase process that includes elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other psychotherapeutic techniques.

Therapists who are trained in EMDR often integrate it into their practice alongside other therapeutic modalities. For example, EMDR can be combined with traditional talk therapy, CBT techniques, mindfulness practices, and psychodynamic approaches, among others. The integration of EMDR into psychotherapy allows therapists to tailor treatment to the specific needs and goals of the client.

Furthermore, EMDR can complement and enhance other therapeutic techniques by addressing trauma and its associated symptoms in a unique way. It helps individuals process and reprocess traumatic memories and experiences in a more adaptive manner, potentially reducing the emotional distress and negative beliefs associated with those memories.

However, it's important for therapists to have appropriate training and certification in EMDR to ensure they can effectively and safely integrate it into their practice. This ensures that clients receive the full benefits of both EMDR and other therapeutic approaches within a cohesive treatment plan.

how Can Holistic & Integrative Therapy practices help you resolve your Trauma symptoms?

Yes, because your body holds both the symptoms and the wisdom to heal. Changing thoughts and problem behaviors is integral to successful therapy, which is why some therapies, such as CBT, play an important role in the therapy process, to a point. We now know from our trauma-focused training, and research, that experiences are held in the body, specifically the nervous system. In our work with clients who have experienced trauma, research tells us that cognitive and talk therapies, or top-down approaches, do not fully restore them to a state of well-being. Bottom-up approaches integrate bodily awareness, sensations, and the information held there as a source of healing. An integrative practice blends a range of helpful strategies, including bottom-up approaches to ensure healing and restoration at the level of the nervous system. Exciting advances in the field of neuroscience and neuroplasticity deepen our understanding of developing and reinforcing resources that lead to enhanced resilience. Learn more about EMDR.

Working with a Trauma-Informed Psychotherapist can help you:

• Resolve trauma, abuse, and PTSD symptoms as well as heal early attachment wounds

• Feel supported while navigating a painful transition or life-challenge

• Identify and free yourself from messy entanglements, or the tendency to recreate patterns that cause personal or professional distress.

• Gain new skills to help you manage symptoms of PTSD, ADHD, anxiety and depression

• Feel less stuck in your life and identify the ways you hold yourself back

• Identify important thoughts, feelings, and motivations that are denied, repressed, or suppressed

• Understand strong emotions and manage them in healthier more adaptive ways

• Gain better insight and self-awareness of yourself and others

• Learn to break through blocks in intimacy and detach from unhealthy relationships

• Develop healthier personal boundaries that protect yourself and your relationships

• Recognize obstacles and reduce negative patterns and self-defeating behaviors

• Identify problem thoughts and triggers that lead to anger, confusion, and relationship dysfunction

• Become more confident, effective, and assertive in personal and professional relationships

• Learn more adaptive coping skills, self-care rituals, and habits for change

• Address body image, eating disorders, compulsions, addictions, substance reliance and obsessions

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

• Develop enhanced attention and awareness through moment-to-moment, daily mindfulness practices and radical acceptance

• Develop self-care rituals and balance personal and professional demands

• Improve physical health and reduce chronic pain by addressing trauma symptoms

Medication Management & Therapy

If you see a psychiatrist for medication, you can still see me for therapy and I will be happy to coordinate care with your doctor or psychiatric provider. According to research, combined therapy and medication effectively treats many mental health symptoms, including depression and anxiety.

Many of my New York therapy patients work with me in therapy and also see a prescriber for the treatment of their symptoms. I can work with your provider to ensure coordinated care. Studies show that the most effective treatment for many mental health concerns includes a comprehensive approach, which may include medication management, in addition to psychotherapy and counseling. For many individuals, a combination of treatments is the safest and most effective path to feeling well. I work closely with trusted psychiatrists, naturopaths, psychiatric NPs, and psychopharmacologists, and make appropriate referrals if we decide you would benefit from this approach. If you are already in treatment with a psychiatrist, we closely monitor your well-being and progress during therapy sessions. I also believe that many natural remedies in the form of light therapy, supplements, and amino acids can help alleviate the symptoms of mild depression or dysthymia and some anxiety symptoms. If this is a philosophy of interest to you, we can explore together your options for holistic mental health care.

Therapy for millennials & Young adults

Many Emerging adults struggle with stress, uncertainty, anxiety, fear, depression, substance misuse emotional underachievement, coping Challenges, and an inability to have meaning connections with others.

Young adults face significant existential dread and angst in their efforts to transition to life outside the family. Additionally, they must navigate the necessary changes related to career, identity, and the looming mandate for independence. Many millennials struggle with intense anxiety, fear, depression, and hopelessness, managing chronic sadness and emptiness daily.

Young adults are presented with new generational challenges such as student debt, economic uncertainty, and career concerns. Many are delaying beginning a family because of economics and dwindling salaried jobs. Their relationship with social media has created additional stressors as they battle their “reality” versus a carefully “curated” presentation from their peers, and this modern complication impacts their relationships and overall life satisfaction.

Millennial & quarter life crisis issues that i see in my nYC private therapy practice:

• Stress, fear, chronic worry, anxiety disorders

• Unhelpful lifestyle habits

• Depression and chronic sadness

• Image concerns, body dysmorphia, preoccupation with appearance, eating disorders

• Social media anxiety

• Emotional underachievement

• Trouble with conflict resolution

• Feeling lost, confused, misunderstood, and uncertain

• Lacking adaptive coping skills

• Inability to discern and build real relationships and a support network

• Concerns about having chosen the wrong education or career

• Worries about recovering from debt and earning enough money to support themselves

• Fear that they may never own a home or have a life similar to how they were raised

• Prolonging marriage and having children because of economic problems

• Economic uncertainty, job uncertainty

• Relationship problems with friends

• Intimacy, sexual concerns, and dating

• Helicopter mom recovery

• Recovering from being over-indulged and given too much

• Problems related to being de-skilled by parents

• College and work adjustment, trouble with colleagues at work

• Break-ups, roommate conflicts, cyberbullying, and mean peers

• Managing alcohol and drug consumption

• Managing ADD/ADHD

• Sexual trauma, abuse, and sexual shame

• Self-harm and cutting

• Social skills deficits

• Surviving divorce and family conflicts 

About Holistic 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 gather 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.

Holistic Therapist With Nearly 20 Years Of Experience

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

Book An Appointment For Holistic Therapy NYC Today

Book an appointment directly or text 212-529-8292 to get started. Integrative Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan can help you with your healing journey guiding you towards optimal mental health.