Jewish Therapists in 17201
Joseph Levenstein
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Not accepting new clients
When people come for therapy, they are feeling uncomfortable. Usually, they are experiencing feelings such as depression, anxiety, or anger. The source of those feelings lies in how they think about themselves or in how they cope with problems in their lives. So, change involves learning new thoughts and behavior. People need to learn self-enhancing ways to think about themselves and what happens to them. They need to change their behavior in order to better meet the challenges of life.
When people come for therapy, they are feeling uncomfortable. Usually, they are experiencing feelings such as depression, anxiety, or anger. The source of those feelings lies in how they think about themselves or in how they cope with problems in their lives. So, change involves learning new thoughts and behavior. People need to learn self-enhancing ways to think about themselves and what happens to them. They need to change their behavior in order to better meet the challenges of life.
See more therapy options for 17201
Jewish Therapists
Why is it important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive?
Therapists and clients don’t need to share the same background to be able to work together, but a therapist whose training includes a focus on cultural competence may be better able to form a therapeutic bond with individuals from a range of backgrounds, as they will have experience tailoring their approach to each client—and will be prepared to acknowledge and consider the effects of cultural forces, such as discrimination, that may contribute to that client’s concerns. With a professional who has such training, a client should feel comfortable discussing sensitive issues without feeling that they need to self-censor.
How can I recognize an effective Jewish therapist?
As with members of any religious or ethnic group, just because two people happen to be Jewish does not guarantee that they will share the same values, knowledge, or experiences. A Jewish client seeking a therapist who shares their cultural identity, or for whom it’s important that a therapist share their religious beliefs, may want to discuss a professional’s Jewish background with them before beginning therapy. For someone who seeks justification for major life changes in their religious tradition, or in biblical writings, finding a therapist who is comfortable framing guidance in that context may be especially valuable.
Would a Jewish therapist have unique training?
No, but they should have the same training and certification as any other mental health professional, as well as experience with a range of evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or mindfulness-based therapy. A therapist with this type of experience should be able to help any client feel comfortable and safe, which is essential for a therapeutic alliance. Once this is established, a potential client may want to find out more about the therapist’s Jewish background.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with Jewish clients?
A client can directly ask a therapist if they have extensive experience working with Jewish clients and if so, whether these individuals sought counseling for faith-related issues or marital or familial issues in which their Jewish background was a factor. A client may also wish to ask a potential therapist whether they incorporate Jewish teachings and values into their own professional work.
Who is included in Psychology Today’s directory of Jewish therapists?
The directory of Jewish therapists includes professionals who have opted to share their cultural background on their profiles. However, not all therapists choose to disclose their background, and they may not appear in search results for this reason.The directory also shows therapists who indicate that they have extensive experience working with Jewish clients and/or communities.