Welcome to my Site

As a Psychotherapist and New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker I treat adults in individual therapy and couples counseling.  More information on my treatment style with Individuals or Couples is provided on this site.

In addition, I have developed a Pre-marital Planning Program for couples intending to make this commitment; I also officiate weddings and civil union ceremonies. More information on these services is provided.

My offices are located on Manhattan's Upper West Side of New York City and in Cape May County, New Jersey. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please contact me at: 212-769-1222 / 609-884-5420.

I hope you find the information on this site helpful.

About Me

I received my Master's Degree in Social Work from Fordham University, postgraduate education at NYU Medical Center's Psychoanalytic Institute, the One Spirit Learning Alliance & Seminary, and supplementary training from Imago Relationship International.

In addition to my private practice, I was Clinical Director at Psych Systems of Manhattan, a psychiatric partial hospitalization program; served as supervisor of the Intensive Outpatient Program at Hazelden New York, a substance abuse treatment facility. I created the Committee on Addictions Practice for the Metropolitan Chapter of The New York State Society for Clinical Social Work and served as Chairperson.

Other affiliations include: The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, the Association for Spirituality and Psychotherapy, and The Psychoanalytic Association of New York.

Individual Therapy

At some point in many people’s lives, things aren’t going the way they’d like. Maybe they wish to be in a happy committed relationship, but are alone. Perhaps they’ve not been able to find the type of work that is satisfying. Or, they can’t seem to resolve an old conflict with a friend or family member.  These are not unusual occurrences for most adults.  However, if these feelings persist and the ability to make the necessary changes does not occur, it is an indication that the problem will not just go away by itself.  A common feeling associated with this state is that of "being stuck". Therapy can help.

Psychotherapy generally refers to "talk therapy".  The client and therapist explore past and current relationships and events in the client's life in order to gain insight and a deeper understanding as to why they think, feel, and behave the way they do.  This is also significant in helping a person understand why others in their life treat them as they do and why particular patterns continue to repeat themselves.

Not only is it important to understand how and why maladaptive behaviors occur in the first place, stopping the problem is critical to continued well being. Behavior modification and other exercises specifically designed to target the issue are often indicated. When it is necessary I will incorporate skills and exercises that help develop and increase ones ability to modify these negative behaviors.

If there is a need for medication while you are working with me, I can refer you to a medical doctor who can prescribe it accordingly. 

For many people, individual spiritual beliefs and practices are an essential part of their healing. I am very comfortable with, and welcome, clients bringing their personal faith and practice to the treatment process so it may be part of the work we do.

Individuals respond differently to different approaches.  Therefore, I combine what is needed from several of the most effective treatment modalities. It is an interactive process where the client and I work together to find the best ways of providing relief and help resolve problematic issues.

Again, staying flexible and having an eclectic approach means I am fitting the treatment to a person and not the person to a particular treatment. If this type of approach to therapy sounds like something you would be comfortable with, please contact me.

We all want to be able to handle our own problems, but most people find that they can resolve them faster and better when they have some support and guidance. Asking for help is often the most courageous thing someone can do. It is the first step in changing your life.

Couples Counseling

Whether you are just beginning to sense problems occurring in your relationship or you’re already considering ending it, it's never too late or too early to try and get help.

So often couples have gotten themselves into repetitive negative patterns of relating and can’t seem to find a way out. They appear to be having similar fights over and over again but never really resolve the underlying issues that cause them. For example, many couples who fight over money may actually be arguing about deeper core issues such as security and/or respect.

During the initial session I spend some time getting a brief history of each partner and inquire about the current problems or areas of concern. Then we immediately focus on creating the skills you need to deepen your understanding of one another and improve communication, thereby improving your connection.

Once issues become painfully obvious, the next step is learning how to stop them by redirecting the communication toward a constructive dialogue - designed to create genuine resolve. Most couples have never learned these basic skills necessary in maintaining this type of healthy exchange.

I am trained in Imago Relationship Therapy and use those dialogue based exercises to help couples get to the route cause of their conflicts and then beyond them.

With a combination of verbal exploration and specific applied exercises, couples can develop the skills necessary to deepen their understanding of themselves and each other. The result is improved communication and cooperation; deeper intimacy, and a healthy partnership.

Premarital/Commitment Planning

This five session program is designed for couples who are preparing for marriage or a life-long commitment. Unlike couples counseling, which is necessary for any couple whose relationship is not working as a healthy and productive partnership, this program is much like preventative medicine.

Not only is premarital planning designed to help couples avoid the more common pitfalls that can lead to separation and divorce, it also provides the opportunity for you to discover what it is you do well. After completing the course, many couples state they have deepened their understanding of their partner and in turn feel even more connected.

Together we will explore a deeper level of understanding between you and your partner’s core beliefs about marriage and commitment; learn healthy communication skills; address matters of family responsibility and child rearing; discuss sex and intimacy; and tackle the big issue of finances and money.

Remember, pre-marital counseling is an exciting experience. Yes we address some important and often difficult topics, but we also explore all the things that make your individual relationship so special.

Officiating Your Ceremony

Every couple wants to have a ceremony that reflects their own beliefs and traditions. So whether you are planning a service that is non-denominational, inter-religious, or something in-between, I will create and perform a ceremony that is personally designed for you.

As an Ordained Interfaith Minister I preside over marriage ceremonies, civil union services, and vow renewing ceremonies that honor and respect each couple’s personal values, cultural backgrounds, and spiritual practices.

My many years of experience as a licensed psychotherapist enables me to quickly assess the nuances of your individual personalities and your relationship as a couple so your service reflects these qualities.

You can have the type of ceremony you’ve always dreamed of.

For more information on these services, please contact me. I would be happy to discuss any of your questions.

Additional Resources

Imago Relationship International
www.gettingtheloveyouwant.com

NYS Society for Clinical Social Work
www.clinicalsw.org

Assoc for Marriage & Family Therapy
www.aamft.org

Hazelden Foundation
www.hazelden.org

The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
800-950-6264
www.nami.org