Find a Therapist in Riverdale, New York.

When clients graduate from treatment, they take with them a box full of "tools", such as effective anger management techniques, avoiding confrontations that lead to negative expressions of anger, resolving conflict peacefully and quietly, making the right decisions in every aspect of life, and perseverance to always build skills against life's problems and apply them consistently.

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 is a highly effective treatment for individuals, couples or families experiencing emotional turmoil. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one type of psychotherapy that looks at how negative thoughts and feelings effect behavior. The C.B.T. approach teaches you techniques that can change these negative thoughts. Why struggle with feelings of depression, low self worth, poor body image and more when there may a treatment that can help you change your negative outlook.

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 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.

When I work with clients in psychotherapy my focus is on careful listening to their emotional experience and responses. I am especially attuned to listening and learning about the quality of their closest connections. Oftentimes when an individual, couple or family is in pain it is nearly always an indication that their most important relationships are suffering in some way. My listening and responses are focused on the clients experiences with those that matter most to them and to help them find ways to express what they truly need and want from those that they are most emotionally dependent upon. I help them connect with that vulnerable place within them.

One of the most life altering actions when seeking to gain traction in the struggle to live a satisfying life is the choice to work with a therapist. It signals a ground-breaking change in our approach to meeting the challenges we face; demonstrating a shift that embraces the possibility of tapping into knowledge and support outside our own skull. Most of us have a better ability to see and understand the actions and motivation of others than our own. We all have personal blind spots. This is evident early in therapy, when one experiences striking progress as a result of new insights gained in therapy.

Couples tell me that I am unlike most other therapists because I work in-office. Many of my clients are high-net-worth individuals and expect a common sense approach tailored to their busy lives. Couples tell me that they feel supported and challenged in our sessions and they like that accountability is part of the process. I have the ability to keep track important details and help you move through our process faster. Our work pays dividends to you as you develop lifelong tools to: manage conflict, increase intimacy and pleasure, improve communication, lower stress, and reduce anxiety and depression.

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 am honored to work with individuals and couples from many different walks of life. My approach is rooted in respect, authenticity, and collaboration — always holding you as the expert in your own story. In our work together, I strive to create a space that feels safe, supportive, and genuinely affirming, where you can explore challenges honestly and move toward healing, growth, and deeper connection.

Together we will explore the roots of your unhappiness and sources of stress. We will formulate a plan to address these issues by making new choices, challenging unhealthy beliefs which may hold you back from living a more peaceful life. In changing your beliefs and behaviors, you will grow into a new sense of empowerment and regain a joy in living.

Psychotherapy is an umbrella term for the work I do with clients. With couples psychotherapy involves the Gottman method and with individuals it involves many different approaches that are best suited for the individual at hand. Through psychotherapy, I provide a safe space for clients to share what they've been going through as well as their goals and guide them in reaching those goals.

My approach to psychotherapy and counseling is to form an alliance with the client where they feel safe to share thoughts feelings, and behaviors. While providing psychotherapy to numerous clients In Westchester and Putnam County, they feel empathy and caring that I'm trying to help. Solutions oriented counseling helps clients achieve their goals. Whether its individual or couples psychotherapy, Chris Colasuonno, LCSW-R, MBA, CASASC has treated numerous clients with diverse issues such as couples therapy, mental health, addiction, anger and stress.