Photo of Dr. Sharon H. Press, Psychologist in 08542, NJ
Dr. Sharon H. Press
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08542  (Online Only)
My approach to therapy is practical With over 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults I focus my energy with clients on the present. I help my clients identify their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are creating difficulties for them. I will help you use skills you already have or develop new techniques for managing difficulties in your life. If issues from the past are keeping you from managing your present life we will work together to neutralize issues from the past, so you can manage current life stresses with current, more effective techniques.
My approach to therapy is practical With over 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults I focus my energy with clients on the present. I help my clients identify their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are creating difficulties for them. I will help you use skills you already have or develop new techniques for managing difficulties in your life. If issues from the past are keeping you from managing your present life we will work together to neutralize issues from the past, so you can manage current life stresses with current, more effective techniques.
(609) 459-0172 View (609) 459-0172
Photo of Pamela Farrell, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 08542, NJ
Pamela Farrell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Princeton, NJ 08542
Not accepting new clients
One size never fits all. Using a collaborative approach, I work to help clients identify goals and areas for change. Building on your unique strengths and resilience, we will work to integrate and enhance skills needed to manage anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship and sexual issues. My goal is to help clients explore past interpersonal patterns and relational dynamics in a safe therapeutic setting, in order to create more positive and fulfilling experiences for the future. Additionally, I use psycho-education to deepen an understanding of healthy communication skills, boundary management, emotion regulation and increased distress tolerance.
One size never fits all. Using a collaborative approach, I work to help clients identify goals and areas for change. Building on your unique strengths and resilience, we will work to integrate and enhance skills needed to manage anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship and sexual issues. My goal is to help clients explore past interpersonal patterns and relational dynamics in a safe therapeutic setting, in order to create more positive and fulfilling experiences for the future. Additionally, I use psycho-education to deepen an understanding of healthy communication skills, boundary management, emotion regulation and increased distress tolerance.
(908) 287-2067 View (908) 287-2067
Culturally Sensitive Therapists

How does culturally sensitive therapy work?

A culturally sensitive therapist will tailor their approach to therapy based on the individual client’s background. This may include changing their style of interaction (asking open-ended questions vs. being the “expert” voice), their affect (seeming warm or “neutral”), how much personal information they disclose about themselves, and more. It’s also important for a culturally sensitive therapist to acknowledge larger societal forces that may impact their client due to the client’s background.

How effective is culturally sensitive therapy?

Some professionals have expressed concern about highlighting cultural differences in therapy, suggesting that it might promote stereotypes and harm the therapeutic bond; however, many experts agree that cultural sensitivity tends to strengthen the connection between therapist and client and help clients feel heard and understood. A culturally sensitive approach to therapy can be especially helpful for those not in the cultural majority, especially when combined with proven therapies like Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

What are the limitations of a culturally sensitive approach to therapy?

While being culturally sensitive is generally a valuable skill to have, a therapist cannot treat every client from a similar background the same way. Each client is an individual with their own values, personal preferences, and life experiences that will need to be explored during therapy. In addition, it’s rare for a therapist and client to have identical backgrounds, so there may be some cross-cultural differences to navigate during therapy, but a culturally sensitive therapist can do so with empathy and respect.

Can culturally sensitive therapy be done online?

Yes, online therapy using a culturally sensitive approach can be beneficial. Therapy can sometimes be difficult to access for clients from diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic standing. The array of mental health support available through the internet makes it possible for clients to find a good therapist match regardless of where they live.