Christine Petrik, LCSW
212-769-1222 / 609-884-5420

Welcome to my web site. I am a psychotherapist with many years of training and experience successfully treating adult individuals and couples. My aim is to create a safe and supportive environment for clients while helping them achieve their goals and objectives. Further information about my work and treatment style is provided on this site.

In addition to my therapy practice, I have created a Pre-martial Counseling Program from couples intending to make this commitment. More on these services is also provided.

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

I hope you find this site helpful.

About Me

I am a Psychotherapist and New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my Master's Degree in Social Work from Fordham University and postgraduate education at NYU Medical Center's Psychoanalytic Institute. I am a certified Imago Therapist and graduate of The One Spirit Interfaith Learning Alliance & Seminary.

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.

What to expect

During the initial consultation, I will spend some time taking a brief history of your relationship and inquire about the current problems or areas of concern. Then we will immediately focus on creating the skills you need to address these issues and heal your relationship.

Through dialogue based exercises couples learn how to move through frustrations, pain, and power struggles into an understanding and acceptance of one another so they can respond with appropriate loving behaviors.

As a couple, together, you can deepen your understanding of yourself and your partner. You can improve your communication, repair trust, and develop deeper intimacy. You can feel again, or for the first time, truly connected and happy.

For more information on Imago Therapy go to:
gettingtheloveyouwant.com

Other Services for Couples

Private Cape May Weekend Intensive

This program is designed for couples to experience their own private intensive weekend workshop/retreat in beautiful Cape May, NJ.
It’s a great opportunity to work deeply, and make great progress, on the issues that are getting in your way of having the kind of partnership you want, or to just reconnect and recommit to your relationship.

Couples participate in a two-day series of private Imago based sessions while still having time to relax and enjoy this beautiful Victorian Seaside resort. Sessions are held Saturday from 10:00am-12:30pm and 3:00pm-5:00pm, and on Sunday from 10:00am-1:00pm.

Whether you are coming to address some of your most troubling issues or rekindle the romance, this weekend focused on you and your relationship can be one of the most valuable investments you can make.

Premarital/Commitment Planning

This package makes a great gift for you and your partner or for another couple. The 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.

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For information on officiating wedding or civil union ceremonies, go to www.ToJoinTogether.com

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