Find a Therapist in Westbury, New York.

I use an approach called positive psychology. Our primary goal in working together is guiding you toward a more happy, meaningful and fulfilling life. From work, to marriage, to social relationships, and raising children, you will learn effective emotion coaching kills that you will be able to apply across all areas of your life. Together we will increase positive emotions, engagement, meaning, and relationships in your life. We will conduct a character strengths test and begin working with your strengths across all areas of your life. I will show you how to use self concordant goals in order to achieve desired results in your job, marriage or with your children. Self concordant goals are goals that you choose that are aligned with your deep personal values and interests.

Like most human experiences, I believe that Psychotherapy is a process. It needs a significant investment of time an energy and can be navigated in three stages: 1. Exploration; 2. Identification; 3. Change. My role as a therapist is to create the space for people to explore and identify some areas within themselves that they want to change and take the risk.

The mind, body and spirit are intimately connected to how we asses our overall health and wellness. Most of us can agree that our own mental, physical and spiritual wellness is the single most important priority in our lives. However, how much of our energy and hard work goes into nourishing and improving these areas of our lives? In today's fast paced world, many of us spend too much time and energy on areas of our lives that are draining and depleting and not nearly enough time on the areas of our lives that enrich and nourish our health, wellness and overall sense of joy. The good news is we all have the ability to adapt and change.

I gear the therapy I provide to each individual client or couple based on what I believe will be most helpful. To me, psychotherapy begins when there is safety and a trusting therapeutic relationship. I meet the client where they are at and we work at a pace that feels comfortable for them. I have tremendous respect and admiration for my clients and appreciate their willingness to open up to me and let me into their lives.

Psychotherapy can be an effective tool in providing you with the necessary support and strategies to overcome the challenges you face. By starting therapy, you are taking control and action to change what no longer works in your life. I utilize Utilizing a variety of approaches including Cognitive/Cognitive-Behavioral, Existential/Humanistic, Person-Centered, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and more. I work along side you to create a treatment plan that is customized to meet your unique circumstances.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

When you come to me for psychotherapy, I will listen without interruption until you are ready for input. Then I ask difficult questions that make you think. If you want solutions, we work on those together. Many of my questions though are designed to help you consider your options and further self-discovery. I try not to answer your questions right away, because then it's about me, not you. I will help you to feel less frustrated and hopeful about your future.

Psychotherapy is not anything to be scared of, or intimidated about. Seeking out a therapist or being in therapy isn't an admission of weakness or some kind of character flaw. Therapy is a collaborative process and a partnership with someone who is trained in and experienced with facilitating personal growth. And in this process, you are in the driver's seat. Our minds and emotions and relationships involve complicated machinery just like our bodies do and in the same way a medical doctor helps you stay physically healthy, Psychotherapy is designed to help you be and stay mentally and socially strong, and continually in a position to take on life's many challenges as your best self.