Psychotherapy

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post traumatic stress disorder, usually known as PTSD, is an anxiety disorder that can develop in reaction to a significant trauma. PTSD is only diagnosed if the symptoms last at least one month and interfere with daily functioning. It is important to know that it is normal to have stress reactions for a short time period after a trauma. It is when an individual is unable to move ahead and function in one’s daily life that intervention may be needed. PTSD is made up of three categories of symptoms: re-experiencing, such as having intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or flashbacks about the event, avoidance of thoughts or feelings about the event, or reminders of it, and hyperarousal symptoms, such as irritability or hypervigilance. PTSD symptoms can also include depressive symptoms of decreased interest in one’s usual activities, feeling detached from others, or feeling numb.

Over the past 20 years, I have developed a great interest and expertise in working with traumatized individuals. I have led numerous group and individual therapies and conducted research with Holocaust survivors and their families both in New York and Montreal. I have worked with war veterans, rape victims, and victims of automobile and other accidents. I was especially privileged to be a part of the New York City Consortium for the Treatment of Trauma in response to the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks. In this capacity, I was one of a select group trained in specialized treatments developed specifically to treat individuals and family members who had been traumatized by 9/11. I have implemented these lessons in my subsequent work with individual clients in my private practice.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a well-known and effective type of mental health treatment. Cognitive behavioral theory believes that psychological symptoms are the result of the interaction between thoughts, behaviors, and feelings. In CBT, the therapist and client work as partners in a structured manner. The goal is for the client to become aware of inaccurate and negative ways of thinking and behaving so that s/he can view challenging situations in a clearer manner and respond to them more effectively. While CBT can be very useful in treating psychological disorders, such as anxiety and depression, it can also be highly effective in helping any individual learn how to better manage stressful life situations. Some of the strategies commonly used in this therapy include stress management, breathing retraining, thought stopping, and mindfulness training.