"My work begins with the awareness that each person is unique and has a narrative worth sharing. There is no Truth with a capital T; what matters is your experience and that something about your experience has brought you to the point where you are reading this. Our work together is to find patterns of behavior which have led to distress and difficulties, and, examining such patterns together, come to an understanding which will make change possible. I am an active participant in the process, providing an empathic and supportive environment in which to explore often difficult or painful issues."

"The decision to begin therapy takes a great deal of personal integrity and courage. These qualities, which have led you here, will enable you to make positive changes in your life and relationships. As your psychotherapist, I will work with you to create lasting change through insight, support, and the opportunity to deepen your understanding of yourself. My approach is relational and person-centered, and I emphasize each individual's potential for empowered change and growth. After clarifying your objectives, we will work in collaboration to achieve your goals by addressing and transforming the painful emotions and obstacles in your life."

"I approach therapy from the perspective that we all have inner wisdom, courage, and resilience. Sometimes, however, these strengths are blocked, forgotten, or have been inaccessible to you. I encourage you to become compassionately curious about yourself so that you can develop insight into these block and plans of action to overcome them. I work from a "strength-based" perspective which encourages you to focus and hone in on your strengths, while carefully and objectively addressing and confronting the factors keeping you from living a full, authentic, peaceful, inspired, and empowered life."

"There are many reasons why people seek therapy. Despite the difficulties that accompany our lives there is great potential for happiness, positivity and growth no matter what circumstances arise. I offer individual therapy and couples counseling for folks looking to make change happen in their lives. My specialize in relationships and sex. "

"It can be an overwhelming and painful decision to seek help. We so often find ourself feeling stuck, unmotivated, anxious or depressed. We fall back on unhealthy or unsuccessful habits and poor coping skills. Therapy provides an opportunity to heal from past wounds and work towards your goals in a supportive and collaborative environment."

"Many people believe that post traumatic stress is something they have to learn to live with. This is unfortunate! And untrue. We now have treatments that reduce/ resolve symptoms of PTSD, Complex PTSD, and Combat Trauma. As a solution-focused therapist, my goal is to help you resolve past traumas so that you can lead a life that is worth celebrating. Utilizing cutting-edge therapeutic approaches we can not only resolve big traumatic events, but can alter and heal long-standing behavior patterns and negative perceptions that may be interfering with your capacity to experience a more fulfilling and meaningful life."

"Rita Gazarik has more than 25 years of training, and clinical experience in health care. Currently she is the organizer and clinical director of Life Cycle Mental Health Associates. This organization provides mental health services to individuals and families. Formerly in her work as clinical and administrative supervisor for an NYC Health and Hospital Corporation, Governour Diagnostic Treatment Center. Rita established and coordinated the Family Studies unit and developed the award winning training program for social work interns. Rita created an education series for staff and supervised to provide necessary health and mental services to the Lower East Side Community."

"A deep connection between therapist and client is key to forming the trust necessary to overcome challenges in one's life. These blocks keep us from realizing our potential and can manifest in a variety of ways, from depression and anxiety, to relationship issues and job dissatisfaction. My approach to therapy is to use self understanding and awareness as a mechanism for change. Treatments could include psychoanalytic and psychodynamic techniques to access unconscious material or a more problem focused, short term approach depending on the issues at hand. I also work with Trauma using EMDR."

"I believe everyone has their own unique experience in therapy, and that one approach or theory does not fit all. Having said that, I believe the therapeutic relationship is central. We are hurt in relationships, and we are healed in relationships. A therapist's job is to provide an open space so that the client can express thoughts and feelings, and have the experience of being listened to without judgment. For children, it is to play freely in a safe space and be able to express without interruption or interpretation, and for the therapist to accompany them with genuine interest."

"No matter how fortunate you may be, still human life is difficult. Despite your best efforts, at times life's stresses can be too much: you may be overwhelmed. Hurt, fear, guilt, anger, shame, grief: feeling bad can alert you to where the trouble lies, or add to your emotional burdens. Confusion, isolation, loneliness, restlessness, worry, despair, or addictive attempts to find relief - all of these painful states are attempts to ward off problems or fix what's wrong, but they can also make things worse."

"I individualize treatment to fit each of my clients' needs. I have the ability to be direct yet gentle and serve as a guide for my clients through the healing process. My warmth and genuine caring, as well as my enthusiasm about each client allows them to trust and create a close therapeutic alliance with me. I will help my clients to recognize their inherent strengths and to use them in order to heal themselves. I believe that it is an honor to work with my clients in their time of life transition. To my eating disorder clients; I believe that full recovery is possible."

"As a psychotherapist I am committed to creating a warm, emphatic environment where you will feel comfortable expressing your thoughts and feelings, and engage in the collaborative process of self-exploration. I work with adolescents, adults, couples and families to address concerns including trauma, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, relationship issues, parenting challenges and stage of life transitions. My therapeutic style is psychodynamic, supportive and relational. Together we will work toward identifying the interpersonal dynamics and pattens of thoughts and behaviors that may be keeping you feeling stuck and distressed."

"Talking to an experienced therapist can help improve your life. I welcome the opportunity to work with you in a collaborative and nonjudgmental way to better understand what is getting in the way of having the life you want."

"Many of my clients come to see me out of frustration with their personal relationships or work roles. Such frustration can manifest in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and negative coping. I provide a supportive, yet challenging environment that fosters emotional well-being, new insights, and change. With a positive approach that focuses on individual and contextual strengths, my goal is to help clients develop the self-awareness, self-confidence, and skills necessary to overcome perceived obstacles and improve their relationships and work satisfaction."

"We have the capacity to live life with more presence and passion, to rewire our minds to navigate our lives with more peace, confidence, and happiness. Are you looking to learn more about yourself, your mind, and your potential? If you seek personal growth in the form of a deeper and more compassionate relationship with yourself and others, if you are looking to better manage emotions and stress, or if you are striving to move toward a more fulfilling and rewarding career of purpose in an enjoyable and authentic way, I can help you get there with evidence-based practices, time-tested tools, and a healthy dose of encouragement!"

"Every one of us is deeply valuable. But we easily forget that, and then we get depressed or anxious, or realize that our relationships are in trouble. The healing process consists of two parts: to understand ourselves better, and to get back in touch with our core value - the deep inner worth and goodness that each of us possesses. These are the two pillars of expanding consciousness, for couples as well as individuals. When we can embrace our own innate power and self worth, we will move into a future full of joy and possibilities."

"I believe people come to therapy because something isn't working for them. They need someone to listen to their story, hear the deeper meanings and make meaningful connections for them. They may be depressed over a relationship, experiencing a loss of self esteem, mourning a loved,seeking a deeper meaning in life, or becoming aware of a past trauma. Sharing their concerns with an experienced therapist can help connect past history to present allowing one tp gain meaningful insights into your life. Therapy is a place to share, unburden and grow toward the fullfillment you long for."

"To view a short video intro of my work right now, copy and paste the following link (when you're done, hit the Back button): http://tinyurl.com/5xubp2 Sometimes, life means change. I can help you manage that change so that it doesn't manage you. You will find me most helpful if you're in a transition in your love or work life, or if you're stuck in a rut. Also, as a respected Dating Coach (recognized by The N.Y. Times) I can help you find a relationship, or help you end one and move on. Visit me: www.TheRelationShop.com"

"Choosing a therapist is all about the fit. We work as a team to uncover what is blocking you--whether in the present or the past--from achieving your goals. My style blends compassion with directness. I am active, both when I am listening intently to your story and its meanings, and when I am giving you feedback. I have 20+ years and a diverse range of experience in the mental health field in California and New York City. My goal is to collaborate with you in making your life more fulfilling."