How to Find A Staten Island Therapist

Choosing a Staten Island Therapist That’s Right For You

At some point in your life, you may feel overwhelmed and in need of support. It is estimated by the National Institute of Mental Health that more than 30 million US citizens require assistance in dealing with problems and emotions that feel beyond their control.

Whether these problems are related to family situations, divorce, the loss of a job, grieving a loved one, stress, substance-abuse, burnout, anxiety or depression, the feelings are often debilitating. Deciding to work with a licensed therapy professional can be an excellent way to resolve these dilemmas. Therapy helps individuals live satisfying and happier lives.

If you’re looking for a therapist on Staten Island, the following guidelines may help you choose a professional who fits comfortably with you and your specific issues.

You Should Consider Therapy if:

Considerations when deciding on therapy

  • You’re frequently worrying
  • Your behavior is harmful to yourself or to others
  • You feel prolonged and overwhelming feelings of sadness and hopelessness
  • You  find it difficult to carry on with every day activities: for instance you are not able to focus on work assignments and people have noticed that your job performance is suffering

Therapists are healing professionals who specialize in providing psychotherapeutic treatment. They are highly trained professionals expert in many dimensions of human behavior, assessment, diagnosis and treatment. They are also equipped to help you modify your behavior.

Specifically, therapists are able to use scientifically vetted techniques that enable individuals to modify their thoughts, behaviors and emotions. Therapy is a collaborative relationship which occurs between client and therapist. It creates a safe space and a supportive environment where speaking openly and confidentially about the individuals feelings and concerns is both welcome and expected.

Confidentiality is extremely important to therapists, so you’ll be able to feel secure in the knowledge that the information you share with your therapist will not leave the office.

How do I Find a Staten Island Therapist?

Typically, there are several ways you can find a quality therapist.

  • You can ask your physician for a referral.
  • You can contact your local psychological association. 
  • You can call up a local university and speak with their Department of Psychology to see if they offer referrals.
  • Many people ask their family and friends for referrals to therapists and psychologist that they have seen. 
  • More and more, people take to the Internet and Google for a local service provider. Using the Internet to source a therapist is a really great option because there are many sites providing reviews of therapists in your area.
  • As well, if you would like to work with me, click here and submit the contact form or give me a call at 718-816-9075.

Considerations When Choosing a Therapist

  • Because  therapist and client works in such intimate collaboration, chemistry is an important consideration. I take the time to speak with my  clients before scheduling the first appointment. This gives us time to address specific concerns before proceeding further.
  • When you decide to connect with a therapist, ask if you can schedule an introductory call and use the time to ask a couple of questions to help you determine if the therapist you’re speaking with feels like a comfortable fit for your personal requirements.
  • Another important consideration is understanding what credentials the therapist you are choosing to work with has.  I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
  • Sometimes people have a gender preference for the therapist that they are hoping to work with. There is nothing wrong with preferring a specific gender.   It is important that you feel as comfortable as possible with the practitioner you decide to work with.

Theoretical Orientation

There are many psychological practice orientations. The most modern therapeutic approach is cognitive-behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy refers to a common style of psychotherapy. It focuses on developing an awareness of  inaccurate or negative thinking, enabling you to address difficult situations in a more clearer, and more effective way. Psychodynamaic and Insight Oriented Therapy are other popular ways of understanding human thought and emotion.

What questions should you ask?

Try asking these questions of the therapist

  • Ask if they are licensed, and how long they have been practicing.
  • Ask  what their expertise is:  for example, whether they work with couples.
  • Ask about the types of insurance that they accept.
  • Provide a rundown of the symptoms you are experiencing; if you can be specific about your personal therapy requirements, there is a good chance the therapist will be able to respond meaningfully regarding how they can help you.

Will seeing a therapist help?

Many research studies have demonstrated that psychotherapy, specifically cognitive-behavioral therapy, can be tremendously effective in reducing a client’s experience of anxiety, depression, and even associated symptoms like nausea, fatigue and pain. With more and more studies demonstrating the mind body connection, the notion that therapy can have a positive effect on physical health is no longer considered a remote possibility.  Everyone’s experience is unique;  there is a tremendous amount of research supporting the health benefits of using therapy to treat mental and physical problems.

How can you tell if therapy is succeeding?

Therapy success criteria

When you start therapy, it’s a good idea to establish some goals with your Staten Island therapist. If you’re seeing a therapist because you are feeling depressed and hopeless, you may want to set goals related to those particular challenges. You can also discuss a timeframe at which point you will assess whether you have achieved the goals, or how closely you have come to achieving them.

You must remember, however, that therapy does not provide an overnight cure. It is a process which requires your effort towards the changes you wish to create in your life.  Sometimes, when people see therapists, they often experience difficulty dealing with painful feelings.  As trust and confidence develop in therapy, these arising emotions can be brought to light and addressed.

It is important to set goals; the responsibility for healing and recovery rests with the client as well as  the therapist.

In Conclusion…

I hope that this guide has been helpful to you. When looking for a Staten Island therapist, it can be challenging to sort through the referrals from friends and family and advertisements on the Internet. I have been working in the Staten Island community for over 30 years. I’d be happy to speak with you on the phone about the challenges you are facing. I can also provide referrals to other practitioners.

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