Shame Resilience Therapy
Therapy Services for NYC & NYS Residents
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Begin To Feel Better
you may not realize that Shame avoidance is keeping you from having a pleasurable and satisfying life. holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan offers highly-effective Psychotherapy for the experience of Shame and shame defenses using EMDR Therapy, Relational Psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, IFS and CBT Techniques In New York City and Online via Teletherapy.
Shame is a complex, emotional response that usually forms during early childhood development. It shows up differently for people, but typically, people describe feeling “bad” or “unworthy.” Shame makes it difficult to appropriately filter negative, potentially harmful experiences as well as respond to positive experiences in a healthy ways. Unresolved shame can be pervasive and even cause people to shut down globally, severely impacting the quality of one’s life, relationships, friendships, intimacy, productivity, professional endeavors. Shame can play a role in low self-esteem, anxiety, social anxiety and phobia, depression, substance abuse, anger and rage, acting out, sexual problems, aggression and fighting behavior, defensive behaviors, body dysmorphia, eating disorders, and other mental health challenges.
Many who enter therapy are unaware that the source of their longstanding suffering is actually shame. Traumatic experiences such as childhood abuse, childhood neglect, relational trauma, verbal abuse, narcissistic abuse and bullying are a few examples of situations that can lead someone to develop shame responses.
What is it like to experience feelings of shame?
Lack of agency in one’s life, feeling out of control, feeling as if you don’t matter
Unable to access and express true self, feeling like others won’t accept you, keeping feeling to yourself
Hiding, isolating, feeling paralyzed and frozen, avoiding social experiences
Perfectionistic tendencies, fear of failure
Easily led or taken advantage of
Feeling triggered and defensive
Feeling under-appreciated, unvalued, unlovable, inadequate, rejected
Poor eye contact, posture
At their core, individuals who experience shame may feel they are unworthy of love. And many who struggle with shame-related defenses will avoid connecting with others altogether out of fear that others will eventually conclude they are bad.
How does toxic shame interfere with your personal and professional relationships?
Difficulties forming and sustaining close relationships
Feeling unworthy of love
Increased feelings of isolation and loneliness
Struggle to feel open and honest with family, friends and colleagues
Tendency to enter and stay in abusive relationships
Frequently act abusively toward others
Individuals who experience shame will often attempt to manage their shame by engaging in harmful behaviors such as restrictive eating, binge eating and even cutting and self-harm practices., restrictive eating, or binge-eating. According to research, toxic internalized shame is also linked to suicidal ideation.
Many people attempt to cope with unhealthy shame, or seek acceptance and validation through these harmful behaviors:
Substance abuse
Addictive behaviors
Compulsive behaviors
Perfectionism
Self-sabotage
Overworking themselves
Difficulty setting protective boundaries
Codependency
According to recent research, unhealthy shame is often linked to suicidal thoughts. Toxic shame can take a significant toll on your mental health, leading to low self-esteem, sadness, and other mental health concerns. Unfortunately, due to the social stigma surrounding mental illness, many people with internal shame fail to seek help.
About shame 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.
Shame Reduction 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. My goal for you is to use my expertise and extensive training to get you back to living your life as quickly as possible.
Book An Appointment For Shame 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 Shame 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