Find a Therapist in Inwood, New York.

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.

We are charting a new path that brings outcomes focused therapy to you. We simplify over 100 years of proven psychology and make it meaningful to your needs, goals, and journey. Our approach is adapted to fit your specific needs. Together, we map your path forward with our LifeMAP — a unique set of tools we have developed to clarify your goals, transparently track your progress, and move you towards your destination, so you can see and feel the progress being made.

Psychotherapy allows you to explore your struggles, issues, conflicts and insecurities in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. I work with you to assist you in finding ways to navigate and cope with your stressors. I utilize a solution focused approach, behavioral techniques and mindfulness, as well as other tools and techniques. Sessions are interactive.

Talk is powerful. Through talk we can learn how to listen, how to better understand ourselves and those around us, and begin the process of change. As a therapist, my goal is to listen to you and your needs so that I can give you the tools to move forward in your life and towards the goals you want to accomplish. In my practice I have helped individuals and couples deal with anxiety, depression, infidelity, and many life changes and challenges, and I know that no problem is too great too overcome. When you're ready for a real conversation, let's talk.

Psychotherapy works best when it goes beyond talking about your problems and into the deeper patterns underneath them. My practice in Stuyvesant Town, Manhattan serves individuals throughout New York City and virtually across New York State. Using EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and Cognitive Processing Therapy, we work with the parts of you still living in the past. The goal is not just feeling better — it is understanding yourself at a level where lasting change becomes possible.

My practice is based on an Integrative approach to psychotherapy and health and lifestyle. Expanded creativity and general ability for one to make positive changes is the goal. Neuro scientific research has shown that psychoanalysis evokes lasting change. Psychoanalysis makes use of metaphor, dreams, art, writing, and poetry for individual expression.

At its best, psychotherapy is a place to come back to our authentic selves. Life tends to be filled with responsibilities and busyness; we often forget how to get quiet and connect. My approach is rooted in the belief that you have all the inner wisdom you need to feel better and heal. I will help you gain the clarity and direction you need to find your way back to your authentic self. I am not an "uh-hm" therapist. My style is interactive and engaged. I seek to hear your story and provide a safe space in which you can tell it. We will explore patterns with curiosity and learn how to outgrow ones that once protected you. You will feel more emotional resilience and balance in your life!