Hi, I’m Liz.
Choosing a therapist is a pretty personal thing. So I thought you might have a few questions before we talk…
“Do you work with people like me in therapy?”
The short answer is “most likely, yes.” Especially if you:
• Bridge multiple worlds in your life. That is, you belong to two (or more) groups that are defined by culture, race, physical ability, social or economic features, sexuality, gender… (you get the picture). With one foot on each side, you hold things together and try to be true to all the parts of yourself—and the people you love—from each world. (Even when you’re fed up with one, or both.)
• Are focused on self-actualization. It’s an exciting undertaking, but it’s not necessarily for the faint-of-heart, right? Often, you are working against tough old habits of thought and behavior that sabotage your efforts to transform.
• Live with the effects of trauma, working to heal yourself and recreate your life based on what makes sense here and now.
• Struggle with depressed feelings, anxiety, or other overwhelming emotions. Whether the feelings were brought on by specific events, or they built over time, there are ways to manage them, feel relief, and put that energy to use in other ways.
“What is your style as a therapist?”
You and I work as a team, so the tone of therapy depends partly on your style. Our main goal is to understand how your mind works—why certain feelings arise when they do, what defenses you developed in your life to protect yourself, how you cope with difficulty. Within that framework, I use various clinical methods based on what will help you to move toward your goals most effectively.
Part of my job is to make and hold a safe, comfortable space for us to do our work. I will treat you with compassion, acceptance, respect, and understanding.
“What are your strong suits?”
Bridging multiple worlds. Culture-crossing. Being multi-.
Many of us bridge worlds without even realizing it. Those worlds might differ culturally, racially, religiously, socially, sexually, physical ability, or in other ways. And many of us live at intersections of those identities, where they cross over.
I don’t have to tell you: the same cultural differences that make life rich and amazing can also make you feel like you’re stretched in too many directions. And sometimes you wonder if you really belong anywhere.
You’re able smooth communications, clear up misunderstandings, translate, explain, represent. But do you get lost in the shuffle? Can you experience yourself as integral whole, able to create your own way of being in the world? To not represent or reflect, but to just be… you?
The Deep Dive
Transformation—real, lasting change—comes from some profound exploration and understanding of how your mind works. That is no small undertaking. It’s a commitment, an investment of time, effort, courage, money. That investment can reward you with genuine change in your relationship with yourself and others, the way you experience the world and how you navigate your way in it.
Mindfulness
Yes, it’s a catch-phrase these days, but there’s a reason for that. The act of paying attention to—and accepting—your immediate experience in the moment, is surprisingly helpful. Especially in a situation like therapy, where we purposely revisit the past or set goals for the future.
Focusing on here-and-now connects us with reality, gives perspective, lets the swirling of the mind and body settle. And that helps with clarity and insight.
“Are you trained/licensed/experienced as a therapist?
I am indeed. I have a Master’s of Social Work (MSW) from New York University (NYU), and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW—one type of therapist licensure) in the states of New York and New Jersey. I’ve worked in psychotherapy with people of all ages struggling with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, relationship problems, difficult life changes, being a teenager, and other challenges.
“Have you helped other people to make their lives better?”
Psychotherapy is private and sensitive, so I don’t ask my clients for testimonials. I can say that most of my clients have expressed that our work together has helped them to make meaningful changes that have improved their lives.
“Where do we meet?”
There are two options: we can meet through telehealth (video) or in person. The in-person location, in Nyack, NY, is more of a spot in nature than an office.
“What if I have other questions?”
I offer a free 15-minute consultation call. Give me a call (845) 210-6600 or you can schedule it online. I look forward to meeting you.