Therapists in Claverack, NY

Perhaps you have the things you always thought would bring you happiness, such as family, friends, and a good job, but you still feel like something is missing; that you are not as happy as you “should be.” Life can be challenging at times, resulting in feelings of sadness, anxiety, and stress. We can start to feel like we have lost control of our lives, or that we do not have the power to make positive changes. Genuine happiness feels out of reach, leaving us with a sense of emptiness or lack of social connection. Tackling these issues can be scary, leaving us feeling vulnerable and exposed.

Current Openings Are you currently struggling and seeking help gaining perspective, support gaining skills to maintain a balanced mental health? I am a dedicated and compassionate therapist who is committed to helping individuals find healing, hope, and renewed purpose in their lives. With 8 years of experience in counseling, I have had the privilege of working with diverse individuals, couples, and families facing a wide range of challenges. From anxiety and depression to relationship conflicts and self-esteem issues, and wives healing from marital betrayal due to affairs or other sexual addictions.

I help high-achieving women connect with their vitality, happiness and joy by guiding them to release old trauma and painful emotions that are keeping them stuck. My technique is based in creative arts therapy and trauma-informed care that include a playful, holistic approach to healing that leads to a sense of safety and comfort in your own skin. I also love working with couples who want to deepen their intimacy and connection, improve communication and learn how to play together as a team. Couples therapy will help strengthen your bond and set you up for a harmonious and successful long lasting relationship.

Whether you may be experiencing difficulty, encountering behaviors that keep leading to troubling outcomes, or are dealing with grief, anxiety, sadness, overwhelm, or the weight of the world, I hope you aren’t going through it alone. People who work with me tend to think of me as an ally, helping them to create the lives they want to live. I collaboratively draw upon people’s strengths, values, and competencies to navigate their way towards more fulfillment, freedom, purpose, and joy.

I believe there is a natural tendency toward growth, a desire to be more of ourselves and to enjoy the things we do. For many, that curiosity and vitality has been restricted or shut down. This may lead to feeling depressed, like nothing will change for you. Or anxious it will only get worse. Or perhaps you sense things could be different and are frustrated, not knowing how to access that new way of being. Psychotherapy is a process through which you can understand how these feelings have come about and how to access your natural tendency toward wellness.

I've been a practicing clinician for over 40-years and continue to find my work both exciting and challenging. I offer a comfortable space for clients to reflect on themselves and learn new ways of living and working towards health and personal progress. We will work collaboratively to assure the right pace, methods and progress are achieved. I work effectively with individuals, couples, families and groups. I am at ease with most people regardless of gender, age, spiritual beliefs, sexual orientation as well other unique factors you bring to the session.

My psychotherapy practice is dedicated to helping people overcome difficulties in managing troubling emotions, dysfunctional behaviors, or problems in career, relationship, or life transition. Working primarily in short-term cognitive behavioral models, trouble areas are defined and broken down. Clients are actively encouraged to collaborate on developing new, healthier perspectives, and to generate and practice effective coping strategies and skills. Foundations in psychodynamic and developmental theory, neuroscience, as well as eastern philosophy and mindfulness practice often inform and shape the course of work.

You're in the right place if you've experienced trauma earlier in your life AND you're now going through a big change. After trying regular talk therapy and doing it yourself, you still feel stuck in the same old patterns. Your body has reactions that you can't seem to control. You can't stop thinking about the past. Regular talk therapy and/or doing it on your own (DIY) may have made you feel more hopeless, helpless, stuck and lonely. It’s not your fault, though. The traditional methods are not designed to help you fully heal.

Are you often self-critical, with a negative or harsh voice in your head? Do you experience shame, “not good enough-ness”, and unworthiness? Maybe you’ve had these feelings and thoughts for a long time, learned from past traumatic experiences or an unsupportive environment you grew up in. These experiences are painful and can stop you from living a more rewarding life. If this sounds familiar, I understand and I’m here to help. I specialize in working with anxiety, shame, self-criticism, relationship difficulties, life transitions, sexuality, and gender.

My specialty is treating anxiety and panic disorders but I am also experienced helping with a variety of issues including depression, insomnia and difficulty adjusting to life changes or transitions. For twenty years I've had the privilege of working with clients like yourself, helping them to find solutions and to work toward a more manageable and enjoyable life. Its my experience that providing a genuine, non judgmental, empathetic and caring environment are the most important factors for positive change, as well as an encouraging treatment that is tailored to the individuals unique strengths and resources.

I work with individuals to help them increase self-awareness and lead happier lives. My unique background makes me different than most therapists. In addition to being a licensed therapist, I have a PhD in Philosophy. As a therapist and life coach, I help individuals struggling in particular with relationships, codependency, sexual compulsivity, and substance/alcohol abuse. I also work with adult children of alcoholics, those who grew up in families where emotional chaos and parental addiction may affect their current lives. Unrecognized trauma can result from this. In addition, I work with gay individuals and couples.

If you are looking for guidance with anxiety, ADHD, infertility, relationship and marriage counseling, or parenting, it takes courage to ask for help. Admitting you cannot do everything on your own, is the first step toward achieving wellness in a fast paced, demanding world. The good news is, asking for help gets easier with a little practice. The way in which we cope in the world is greatly influenced by how we see the world. Asking for help, and obtaining a fresh perspective is often the first and most profound step toward developing the mental muscle needed to become stronger.

Anxiety, depression and trauma can be treated holistically. Often, people feel like they have different parts of themselves inside that are pulling in different directions. It can be challenging to sort through it all alone. If you are feeling depleted, tired, confused, or overwhelmed, a good therapist can help you slow down and put the pieces together. If you are feeling reactive and on edge or feeling like running away, or just plain shut down, good therapy can help you restore connection with yourself and others. And if you are feeling like traditional talk therapy is not enough, then you have definitely come to the right place!

My passion in life is to help individuals and couples quickly find solutions to even the most challenging issues, so that they can reconnect with a new sense of possibility and joy for what life can truly be. The short-term, solution-oriented approach focuses on the present and future rather than the past. In our work together you will quickly learn how to shift your perspective from one in which you may feel frustrated, stuck, scared or angry, to one in which you will find the courage, willingness, love, and wisdom you need in any situation to move forward.

Seeking therapy doesn’t mean that there is “something wrong with you”. Perhaps you are looking for support in dealing with everyday stressors, are experiencing a major life crisis, seeking clarity in your life, looking to work through complex emotions or looking to address negative patterns in your life. Whatever your reason, you are taking a courageous first step and I hope to assist you in your journey.

Grief shatters life as you know it; the challenge is in putting it back together. Your healing begins with your story. Tell me what happened, how you feel. Let's look at your relationships and who you are as a result. I will listen, sit with you in compassionate presence as you uncover your own personal skills, and guide you through this transition. You can rebuild your life into a comfortable shape while honoring your connections to the past. I can help you find your way back to wholeness. Loss can be transformed.

CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. Welcome... I look forward to hearing from you to explore whether we might work well together. I view the therapy process as a dynamic and equal partnership. I have experience working with young children to seniors, individuals, partnerships, groups and families. I consider it an honor and privilege to have worked with former clients and look forward to hearing your story. Phone appointments and/or “walk and talk” sessions.

Are you a creative, highly sensitive person? Do you feel things more deeply than those around you? Do you often find yourself overwhelmed by life, more than others? Perhaps you feel "different" or struggle with feeling like you’re never good enough? Whatever challenges you might be facing, I am here to offer you support and a safe space that is filled with kindness, compassion, and zero judgement.

Healing is rarely a linear process, and no one should have to address life's many challenges alone. I hope to assist you in navigating these challenges, and I believe this starts with building and maintaining a supportive and collaborative therapeutic relationship. My goal is to provide a safe space for you to express yourself, free of judgment. I am passionate about empowering others to learn healthy coping and communication skills, manage stress and anxiety, address traumatic experiences, and improve relationships with both oneself and others.