Addiction & Substance abuse Therapy
Therapy Services for NYC & NY Residents
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You can identify and Heal the root cause of Addictive behaviors with Psychotherapy and counseling for Addictions, Substance Abuse and Compulsions. A multi-modal approach using highly-effective therapies such as, CBT, DBT, Internal family Systems, and EMDR Therapy can support you on your healing journey.
What is addiction?
Addiction can be defined as the continued use of a substance or behavior despite negative consequences.
Common signs and symptoms of addiction
Strong desire or urge to use the substance, this is called a “craving”
Substance is taken in larger amounts and over a longer period of time
Tolerance or the need for larger amounts to get the same effect, or experiencing little effect with continued use of the same amount
Unsuccesful attempts to cut down or control substance use
Substance use interferes with family life, friendships or usual activities
Unable to meet occupational or relationship commitments because of substance abuse
Relationships have been damaged because of an addiction to substances or behaviors
Experience of withdrawal symptoms or continued use of the substance to avoid withdrawl symptoms
Helpful information About Addictions
Many individuals do not seek treatment because they cannot imagine a life without their drug of choice. An addiction to a substance or behavior has in fact become, and replaced, their primary relationships in life. As such, addicted individuals believe it offers a reliable source of comfort. As is the case with many experiences, they become hard-wired in the brain and nervous system with pleasure and pleasurable experiences, and with pain. De-coupling these experiences from the substances and behaviors is the important work of addiction recovery.
You may see signs in yourself or someone you care about that drugs, alcohol or certain behaviors are interfering with many aspects of your life, including work and relationships. There are highly-effective therapies to help you recover from addiction.
How therapy helps addictions
Our goal in addiction counseling is to identify and heal any early trauma wounds, develop healthier coping skills to support life in the present and develop the capacity for healthier interpersonal relationships that can replace what was the primary relationship with a substance or behavior. Addiction counseling can help you explore healthier coping mechanisms to manage your emotions and heal your pain. Many addiction therapists feel that addiction is best resolved using an integrative, multimodal approach.
Other problems that occur alongside an addiction
I view addictive behaviors as symptoms of other underlying, unresolved issues. Addictions such as substance abuse and process addictions are complex problems and can be successfully treated when other co-occurring difficulties are also addressed such as trauma, ADHD, anxiety and depression. Common examples of co-occurring disorders include the combinations of major depression with cocaine addiction, borderline personality disorder with episodic, poly-drug abuse, alcohol addiction with panic disorder and trauma or PTSD with a variety of substances and process addictions. Many may have more than two mental health concerns that contribute to maladaptive coping responses. What follows are common mental health concerns that accompany addictions and substance abuse:
Anxiety and mood disorders
Schizophrenia
Bipolar disorder
Major depressive disorder
Conduct disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
What follows are some common types of addictions and addictive & compulsive behaviors:
Alcohol
Drugs
Gambling
Internet
Video Games
Sexual Addiction
Food (binge eating)
Shopping
Plastic Surgery
Risk-Taking Behavior
Anger and Aggression
Nicotine
Work
Medications and other treatment modalities for addictions
Research studies tell us that a multimodal approach to therapy for addictions includes not only psychotherapy and behavioral approaches, but medications such as an opiate antagonist, an antidepressant. With certain addictions, detox and rehabs are the appropriate treatment options to begin recovery. Therapists with addiction training are in the best position to access when a higher level of care is needed and to provide appropriate referrals.
Successful treatment for addictive behaviors may involve an integrative approach that includes some combination of psychotherapy and behavioral treatments. EMDR therapy using addiction protocols, psychodynamic psychotherapy and dialectical behavior therapy or DBT skills and Somatic Experiencing are very effective forms of addiction treatment.
About addiction Therapy NYC
This practice provides a range of psychological & wellness services in NYC and throughout NY state. The goal is to individualize treatment to your unique physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual needs. I have experience working with a broad range of symptoms and approaches in psychotherapy, including but not limited to EMDR Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems and Holistic Mind-Body Medicine. Therapy begins with a therapeutic consultation, where you will gain a wealth of information about your difficulties. Many people feel better after the first session. The initial consultation also lays the groundwork for future treatment as we determine the best modalities to help you heal.
addiction & compulsion Therapist with nearly 20 years of Experience
This practice offers supportive, compassionate and comprehensive care and also stays current on research related to mental health. I use my expertise and extensive training to get you back to living your life as quickly as possible.
Book an Appointment for addiction Therapy Today
To get started, book an appointment or call/text at 212-529-8292. Integrative Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan can help you in your healing journey towards optimal mental health.
Effective Therapy For Addictions & Compulsions NYC
HOLISTIC PSYCHOTHERAPY & WELLNESS NYC
Philosophy
For nearly twenty years, this holistically-oriented NYC Psychotherapy & Wellness Practice has blended what I’ve found to be the most effective practices in psychology, neurobiology, attachment, alternative practices, nutrition, coaching and mind-body medicine working with individuals and couples. As a holistic psychotherapist, I believe it’s important to address the root cause of emotional and psychological suffering. It’s important to know that we all make the most therapeutic progress in a compassionate and non-judgmental environment. I make every effort to ensure patient comfort and ease. Countless studies have shown that finding the right "fit" with a therapist is more important than the technique that is used. As a trauma-trained therapist I am influenced by humanist and existential philosophy, relational theory, attachment theory, psychoanalytic concepts, mindfulness, and somatic, mind and body psychology. My couple and marriage counseling work is influenced by Gottman Method, Internal Family Systems and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). As neuroscience now shows us, the body and mind are inextricably linked—my 20+ years of experience with mindfulness, yoga therapy, and meditation greatly influence my work as a mental health provider. A Holistic and comprehensive therapy model ensures that you thrive in the many aspects of your life—including your relationship with your self and others. You will enjoy a more satisfying, rewarding, and joyful life, no matter your struggles, challenges, or diagnoses. I enjoy continuing education, and I’ve received extensive training and certification in a range of evidence-based and cutting-edge approaches to offer you this holistic model of care. Together, we work with practices designed to create an environment that supports optimal physical and mental health wellbeing. Lasting change and transformation is possible when given the right tools to thrive.
Training
Somatic Experiencing® International (in progress)
Eating Disorders, Compulsions & Addictions (EDCAS) Certification
William Alanson White Institute of Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis & Psychology
EMDR Advanced Level EMDR Practitioner - Laurel Parnell PhD
Brainspotting - Lisa Schwarz, MEd
Positive Neuroplasticity Training Certification - Rick Hanson PhD
Nutrition and Integrative Medicine for Mental Health - Leslie Korn PhD
IFS Immersion: Integrating Internal Family Systems Across Clinical Applications - Frank Anderson, PhD
Dialectical Behavior Therapy - Behavior Tech Institute
Advanced CBT Certification - New York University
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Certification - New York University
Advanced Clinical Practice Certification - New York University
Clinical Approaches to the Addictions - Certification New York University
Clinical Practice with Adolescents - Certification New York University
Mindful Self-Compassion Training - Christopher K. Germer, PhD & Kristen Neff PhD
Executive Life Coaching - New York University
Institute for Life Coach Training
Urban Zen Integrative Therapy Training Program
Institute For Integrative Nutrition
Additional Professional Training: Gottman Institute for Couples, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Hypnosis for Trauma & PTSD, Focusing Institute, Whole Body Focusing with Glenn Fleisch, Ph.D
Ongoing workshops: Ester Perel, Bessel van der Kolk, MD, Dan Siegel, MD, Peter Levine, Ph.D, Gabor Mate, MD, Richard Schwartz, PhD, Sue Johnson, IFS, Somatic Experiencing, Trauma-Focused Treatment, Yoga Therapy, Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy
Expertise
Depression (major, postpartum depression, SAD, bipolar disorder, atypical depression, dysthymia, situational depression, chronic sadness)
Anxiety (panic disorder, generalized anxiety, phobias, social anxiety, PTSD, fear, worry, insomnia, emotional regulation), stress management, insomnia
Women’s hormonal health, perimenopause and menopause mental health assessment/coaching, chronic pain
Trauma resolution and PTSD therapy
Crisis counseling, life-challenges, transitions and overwhelm
Obstacles, blocking beliefs and feeling “stuck” in your life
Dysfunctional relationship dynamics and patterns in professional and personal relationships, communication difficulties, divorce, separation
Fear of success and fear of failure, harshly critical of oneself and others
Spiritual or existential concerns, shadow work, life purpose, energetic blocks, boundary work
Difficulties with work and life balance
Addictions, behavioral addictions, substance abuse, alcoholism and compulsions
Performance blocks, perfectionism, self-blame, negative self-image and self-sabotage
Feeling unworthy, undeserving, “not enough”, personal empowerment, identification of needs and trouble saying “no”
Compliance, accommodation, conflict avoidance, communication difficulties and impasses
Narcissistic abuse identification and recovery
Empath and highly sensitive person (HSP) coaching
Codependency, family conflict resolution, submissiveness and recovery from family enmeshment, ACOA adult children of alcoholics
Grief, loss and bereavement
Recovery and post-rehab support (for individuals in all stages of recovery from addictions, alcohol, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, pre-rehab, post-rehab, residential step-down support, wellness planning, new habit maintenance and self-care)
EMDR Therapy, Trauma Resolution, Unblocking & Manifesting
Celebrity mental health expertise and high-profile, VIP clients, therapy for entrepreneurs, executives, creatives, medical professionals
Modalities
Psychoanalytic, Relational & Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Attachment-Focused Couple Therapy (traditional, non-traditional, alternative lifestyle couples)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT Skills
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Consultation
Advanced level EMDR Therapy, Parts Therapy, Integrated Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Couple Therapy (Traditional, Non Traditional Couples)
Sexual Counseling (Traditional & Alternative Lifestyle)
Somatic Psychotherapy
Positive Psychology, Positive Neuroplasticity Coaching
Nutrition & Integrative Medicine For Mental Health
Transformational & Wellness Coaching
Urban Zen Integrative Therapy, Reiki, Energy Medicine
Nutrition & Integrative Medicine For Mental Health, Nutritional Amino Acid Protocols (using precursor amino acids, fatty acids, herbal medicine, supplement recommendations for mood, anxiety, ADHD, addictions, cravings, brain fog, PTSD, and more)
Clinical Hypnosis
Transform
If traditional “talk” therapy has not been enough to resolve your distressing symptoms, it might be time to try a different model of care. I’ve trained in many modalities, but I find myself returning to EMDR again and again. EMDR Therapy changed my practice years ago because it works and it changes lives. It is the one treatment method that is consistently powerful and transformative for my patients, especially when other highly-effective therapies such as IFS, CBT and Somatic Experiencing are integrated into sessions. Therapy is highly-individualized, and depending on your unique needs, chosen therapy modalities may include: EMDR, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, CBT, Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness and Somatic Experiencing®. I completed EMDRIA-approved EMDR advanced Levels I & II training and supervision many years ago and have used it in my New York City psychotherapy private practice consistently and with excellent results.
EMDR therapy is highly-effective at getting to the root cause of underlying beliefs and blocks that cause many to not benefit from traditional therapy or life coaching. EMDR treatment can elegantly help you transform surviving into thriving so you can lead a life without disruptive symptoms. Reprocessing difficult, disturbing or traumatic memories with EMDR leads to enhanced resiliency and vitality in the nervous system. EMDR treatment is an extensively researched and evidence-based method to help people recover from distressing life experiences, trauma, anxiety, panic, phobias, accidents, medical trauma and much more. EMDR is not just for trauma, it is also an excellent technique to enhance performance for athletes and creatives, or work and professional endeavors. It is especially helpful for clients who have worked hard in therapy or coaching, and find themselves wrestling with the same obstacles and patterns that initially led them to find a therapist or coach. We learned during the pandemic that EMDR can be offered to many patients virtually. Virtual EMDR is an effective and powerful tool to add to your therapy healing journey, as an adjunct to your existing therapy or as a stand-alone solution. LEARN MORE ABOUT EMDR
Teletherapy
faqs about online therapy in nYC: how does remote therapy/video therapy work?
While the technology for telemedicine has been available for decades, the pandemic made virtual therapy a necessity. Never did we imagine that so many individuals would benefit from online virtual therapy, but they did. Like many NYC therapists, I’ve been conducting virtual sessions for some time now, so I’m quite comfortable working with technology. Teletherapy is not a good fit for every person seeking counseling, and many simply prefer to conduct psychotherapy sessions in-person.
How does Online therapy work?
This New York City holistic psychotherapy and wellness practice understands that busy New Yorkers can’t always take time out of their day or week to commute to NYC therapy suites. Virtual therapy, as well as telephone therapy, is a modern option that has become the preferred way to conduct therapy and counseling for many, especially those who work or travel, couples with young children and different schedules, young adults, college students and expats. Online sessions make therapy easier for individuals struggling with social anxiety, agoraphobia, chronic illness, physical disabilities and those who reside in various parts of New York. After scheduling your online virtual session, I’ll send you a session link from my secure, HIPPA-compliant platform SimplePractice. You click on the link to my online waiting room and I admit you to my private virtual therapy office. It’s up to you to create an emotionally safe space in your home or office for our conversations. All you need is robust access to the internet. You can use your computer, IOS/Android phone, iPad, or any other tablet-enabled device. Most laptops have a built in videocam and mic, which makes it very easy.
What kind of therapy is offered virtually?
Online sessions are treated the same way as face-to-face sessions, using the same evidence-based therapy modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), trauma therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, somatic psychotherapy, life coaching, wellness coaching and stress management. In fact, we’ve learned that remote EMDR can be just as effective for trauma resolution and other concerns as in-person EMDR. Of course, not everyone or every situation should be treated remotely, therefore, it’s important to reach out to potential therapists to determine if your situation is appropriate for virtual therapy. If you feel hesitant about discussing issues over video, you can even turn your webcam off, so that you can see your therapist but not be seen. Research now demonstrates that therapy sessions conduced by telehealth are just as effective as face to face therapy. Read the research.
Who can benefit from virtual therapy?
Just about anyone can enjoy private, confidential and convenient access to high-quality therapy. The decision to seek therapy with a highly-experienced psychotherapist can help you have healthier relationships, gain new perspectives, reach your goals and remain resilient during stressful and challenging times. Therapy can help you feel less alone with your problems, as well as feel supported as you work to improve your circumstances. Life in New York City offers a unique set of challenges. A fast-paced lifestyle and hectic schedules lead to high levels of stress and little time for rejuvenation and restoration of the nervous system. If you are experiencing feelings of anxiety and depression, loneliness, loss or are struggling with substance use or unresolved trauma PTSD, you are not alone. Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan offers highly-effective, evidence-based counseling and therapy practices, as well as an integrative psychotherapy philosophy that incorporates a range of helpful, healing strategies, individualized to meet your unique needs. Because I am a licensed psychotherapist in New York, I can see you whether you live in the NYC metro area or anywhere in the state. You have many modern options to help you get the therapy you need, including BetterHelp, TalkSpace, and of course, all the licensed psychotherapists and psychologists on Psychology Today who continue to offer high-quality therapy in the US and worldwide.
Using you health insurance benefits to assist with the cost of therapy
Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan is In-Network with BCBS & Aetna, and Out-of-Network with most health insurances. I have also been reimbursed by Aetna, Cigna, BCBS, Emblem, Oxford, United and many more for out-of-network mental health services. Most of my clients are compensated for about 50-100% of my fees. Your insurance will refund a large portion of each session, as long as you have met your Out-of-Network deductible. If you have an Out-of-Network plan and have met your Out-of-Network deductible, your health plan will mail the partial refund in the form of a check to your home within a few weeks after each appointment.
How can an Integrative Psychotherapy & Wellness Practice enhance your life?
Gain support through a personal crisis, transition, loss, trauma or challenging situation that causes personal or relational distress
Heal codependency and feel empowered, autonomous, safe and secure in your life as self-esteem naturally increases
Find relief for sadness, depression and chronic depression with interpersonal psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR
Uncover unconscious conflicts and blocking beliefs that may be sabotaging your success and happiness
Address dissociation, body image, eating disorders, compulsions, addictions, substance use or abuse and obsessions
Learn to identify important thoughts, feelings, emotions, motivations and unconscious internal conflicts with insight-oriented therapy
Develop enhanced self-awareness as well as empathy and compassion for self and others with relational therapy
Break through blocks in intimacy, detach from unhealthy relationships and break patterns of repetition in significant relationships
Learn to identify triggers that lead to anger, confusion and relationship dysfunction in couple and relationship counseling
Develop effective, assertive communication skills to benefit personal and professional relationships
Learn more adaptive coping skills, self-care rituals, self-acceptance and mindfulness to create a healthy work-life balance
Uncover patterns of crippling perfectionism that interfere with achievement, success and personal happiness using EMDR
Process and heal painful feelings of loneliness, disappointment, sadness, loss, grief, guilt, shame, anger, envy and fear
Resolve trauma and abuse symptoms, develop healthier boundaries and heal early attachment wounds with EMDR Therapy
Recommendations for protocols using precursor amino acids, fatty acids, herbal medicine, supplements for mood, anxiety, ADHD, addictions, cravings, brain fog, PTSD
Diagnose & identify reproductive hormone-related (peri-menopause, menopause) anxiety, depression, insomnia, brain fog, low energy, pain, migraines, IBS, fibromyalgia
Learn self-care, meditation, breathing techniques, energy medicine & somatic therapy practices to regulate the nervous system
Obtain consultations for referrals to psychopharmacologists, psychiatrists, psychologists and other allied professionals