Find a Therapist in Plandome, New York.

Life can be hard. Help is here for you. Challenges and problems are part of life. It's good to reach out for help. You are the expert in your life, in your goals, values and aspirations. I am here to provide tools, accountability, support, encouragement and help in revealing to you all your inner awesomeness. I have unwavering confidence in your capabilities and potential, even when you find it hard to see them. Together we create a place to step back and gain perspective, test ideas, create solutions and move towards a life that is fulfilling, meaningful and connected.

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.

Psychotherapy has been proven to relieve symptoms of stress. Stress comes in many forms, feelings, expressions and feels different for each person. My goal in psychotherapy is to hold a safe space for you to explore what it is that brought you here, so that, together with you, I can help you improve your life, reduce your stress symptoms as well as discover and experience meaning in everyday life.

I care deeply about the people I work with and offer a personable and warm approach to psychotherapy. I integrate a variety of therapeutic techniques, including CBT and Insight Oriented Therapies, and I tailor my sessions to meet your unique needs. My clients learn coping skills to address daily stressors, and how to alter negative self-talk that exacerbates anxiety, depression, and feeling out of control of their life. I help my clients explore patterns of thoughts and behaviors, and to address the root of what is troubling them. I center our work on building a strong therapeutic relationship where clients feel at ease, and are fully seen, without fear of judgement or rejection.

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!

Psychotherapy or counseling is an important and proven form of talk therapy that can help you navigate your feelings of anxiety, depression or difficulty adjusting to a new phase in life. I will use multiple theoretical and practical basis based upon you as an individual to help you achieve your goals. These including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, mindfulness and action commitment therapy. Together we will approach your concerns in a safe and compassionate but motivating way.

We strive to help individuals reach their highest potential and connect with their inner strength through the process of psychotherapy. Using a collaborative and supportive approach, we help you explore your roots in order to understand why an issue may be occurring and combine these insights with evidence-based interventions (e.g. positive reinforcement, relaxation training, mindfulness, coping skills) to help improve overall emotional health and wellness. We help you experience greater joy, peace and positive interactions with your loved ones.