Find a Therapist in Clifton, New Jersey.

I look at thoughts and feelings what is important to you to give you a clearer approach to your path in life and what may be getting in the way. You may have an idea of how you want to be helped, and I will formulate a specific idea of how I can best help you. The reason that I like doing this kind of therapy is it is deep work that can be life changing.

The term "psychotherapy" comes from ancient language which literally means "soul healing". Many people see this as going beyond religious conceptions, and refer to it as healing of the inner person. There are many tools, approaches, and methods that can be effective in the healing process and I would like to help in that journey. With support and challenge, positive change can happen!

Psychotherapy is something that can help you understand yourself better, and how you function in the world. It can help you understand patterns in your life that may be troubling for you and help to create positive change. I work with people to help them understand their belief systems, the meanings they make of experiences, as well as understanding messages they received from their families. People need a safe place to open up and explore these issues with confidentiality, which is something I provide for my clients.

As experienced, highly-credentialed clinical psychologists and couples counselors, Dr. Joel Stukalin and Dr. Sara Mandelbaum have the necessary background to conduct short-term or psychoanalystic psychotherapy with clients. This means that clients can decide to work on direct symptom-relief or more comprehensive therapy that may lead to a deeper understanding of inner-conflicts, self-aspirations and unconscious processes. In order to do our psychotherapy compassionately and effectively, Dr. Joel and Dr. Sara collaborate closely with clients to understand their initial motives and unfolding goals within the psychotherapy process. Clients often benefit from this higher standard of care.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) targets maladaptive thoughts and behaviors, promoting change through cognitive restructuring and behavioral techniques. ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) focuses on reducing anxiety by gradually exposing individuals to feared stimuli without engaging in compulsive behaviors. EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) aims to strengthen emotional bonds in relationships by fostering empathy and communication skills. Each approach offers unique strategies for addressing psychological issues, empowering clients to overcome challenges and achieve greater well-being through evidence-based interventions.

I want you to know that you will get through this season and that healing is possible. My clients often see significant improvement within two months of starting therapy, though many are also looking for longer-term support. I’ll start off by hearing your story and walking you through a set of questions to help me understand your symptoms and your therapy goals. Depending on your goals, I will suggest the best treatment approach, possibly dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or Mindfulness-Based Stress Relief. In session we'll do things like talk about your experiences, practice meditation, and take small steps to change and heal.

Prioritize your wellness with psychotherapy in conjunction with medication management. Psychotherapy can offer a place to look at your current and past experiences from new perspectives and receive support as you move into the next chapter of your life. Let’s look at your wellness beyond just the biology. I want you to feel in control of your own wellness. As your doctor, I am committed to equipping you with the information you need to make clear, informed choices about your health.