Family Therapy in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, NY

I am particularly energized by using Internal Family Systems (IFS), a transformative model of psychotherapy that uses techniques to harmonize the inner system, which IFS theorizes is comprised of sub-parts or personalities that serve various adaptive functions.

"Are you feeling overwhelmed with life, because of stressors at work, at home, or with your children, or your significant other, or even your past, then that is normal." I am here to listen and help you work through those stressors and those difficult times, especially when you can't turn to friends or your family .

Feeling stuck, unfulfilled, and overwhelmed can be very debilitating, isolating and feel permanent. These challenges can come up in relationships (love, family ) and in your profession. You may have tried just about everything you can think of to address your concerns but still don't know how to move forward and resolve things. I can help you find relief. I have a calm, gentle presence that is perceived by many to be nurturing and inviting.

I approach treatment of my clients and families from a supportive behavioral point of view including psychological evaluations for school or work when needed. Within 3 to 5 sessions, l help my clients explore their feelings and reasons why they are experiencing distress and to develop probleming solving strategies to reduce symptoms and to organize their lives to improve communication with others.

Are you a 20-or-30-something? Are you experiencing huge changes in your life right now, with work, dating, relationships, family , and friends? Perhaps you're new to New York, newly single, newly coupled, or a new parent. No matter what you're facing, you know that as a young adult, this time of life can be one of the most difficult periods we face, as we confront new challenges and responsibilities, answer huge questions about who we are, form new relationships, and make big decisions about our futures, often with little guidance or support.

Therapy is an integral part of self-care and overall health. My goal is to help clients uncover their strengths and passion to live more fulfilling lives. Communicating (with self or others) is a common area of focus, particularly relating to transitions across the lifespan (such as adolescence, young adulthood, middle age, etc.) as well as facilitating meaningful communication both for the individual and the relationship (for example, couples, family members, friends, and coworkers).

The complexities of human nature is something that many of us grapple with. Therapy, although seemingly scary, intimidating and overwhelming at first, can lead to change, growth and a high degree of satisfaction when an individual is willing to look at themselves in a new light. I believe in treatment that is collaborative which encompasses a conversational dynamic. I provide individual, family and couples sessions for various issues, some of which include; anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, communication problems, life transitions, issues with interpersonal relationships, work stress and other stress related issues.

Are you struggling with depression or anxiety? Do you want to feel heard, understood, and challenged in an accepting environment that focuses on your strengths? Have you experienced a trauma, transition, or loss that has made life feel overwhelming? Seeking therapy can be a daunting process but you have the power to begin your journey toward healing and create a positive change in your life. Let's begin the work together.

I'm drawn to Robert Frost's saying "the best way out is always through." It captures a sense of deep suffering and illustrates the type of healing that the process of therapy can bring. I’m a psychotherapist who supports individuals and couples in their process of healing from a variety of emotional, psychological, behavioral, self-esteem, and relationship challenges.

My clients are children, adolescents, adults and parents experiencing life stressors, struggling with relationships, striving for personal growth or seeking change. My work commonly addresses symptoms such as anxiety, depression or general difficulty functioning in one or more areas. I use an eclectic and collaborative style to best serve each client. My highly individualized and integrative approach draws from a variety of techniques depending on specific therapeutic goals and needs. When working with children and adolescents, I find it is important and most effective if I collaborate closely with their parents to support the family system and promote optimal outcomes.

Change can be intimidating. We develop methods of coping that, at one time, perhaps helped to survive, but now prevent us from ultimately thriving. This can manifest in our relationship patterns and our mood, causing disruption in work, love, family , friendships and a healthy identity. My approach to therapy is rooted in helping clients develop a deeper understanding of these patterns and effecting change and empowerment through insight, support, and challenging maladaptive beliefs.

Each client is unique. Crisis, transition, relationship, workplace problems, coming out, depression, anxiety, identity, parenting . . . the list goes on. Nonetheless, the three phrases I'm most accustomed to hearing first are: "I'm completely stuck." "I don't understand why I feel this way." and "I just don't see a way out of this." It is important that we begin exactly where you are. Some of the issues you're bringing to therapy may first need practical attention in order to alleviate your current distress. Subsequently, we'll look for connections to the source of your issues and begin the healing process.

It can be challenging to go through the stages of therapy, but the goal is that you leave the session exhaling with a smile that you took a step towards supporting yourself, that you made yourself a priority, and are on your way to tackling life’s stressors. We can work together to face the struggles that brought you to therapy and find solutions that help you feel inspired and empowered. I have spent much time doing crisis intervention and trauma therapy work. I am also passionate about working with grief/bereavement clients and have recently developed an interest in working with self-esteem building in client sessions.

Dr. Bistrong is licensed psychologist in New York. She is a pediatric neuropsychologist at NYU Langone Rusk Rehabilitation where she provides assessments for children with congenital and acquired brain and central nervous system insults. She also sees assessment clients in her Private Practice, located in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. Dr. Bistrong obtained her Ph.D. at the University of Virginia in Clinical Psychology in 2019. She then completed a residency and two year postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric neuropsychology at Henry Ford Health System in pediatric neuropsychology.

Locating a therapist can be a fearful and daunting process, however, once found can be rewarding as you begin to express your deepest and most personal story. Are you struggling with depression, anxiety or low self-esteem? Are you experiencing marital discord or dealing with a child who presents with attention difficulties, defiancy or truancy? Do you find it difficult to manage your emotions and set limits for your children? Do you often feel overwhelmed and have noone to talk to? I look forward to helping you resolve your varied issues. Most of all I look forward to empowering you.