Joan Lavender, Psychologist in New York, 10024

Joan Lavender, PsyD

Profession(s):
Psychotherapy, Psychology
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
Clinical Psychologist - 010767

My Approach to Helping

If you are looking for a psychotherapist, here a few pointers to guide your search:

Since each of us is different, no two psychotherapy treatments should be the same. A good therapist listens closely and helps you develop a compassionate and hopeful perspective about your life situation. Then, they find a way of working with you that feels right to you. A seasoned therapist knows that you are much more than the symptoms, problems or diagnoses that are troubling you. A skilled therapist not only recommends that you get more in touch with yourself, but shows you how to do this.

What kind of changes can you make in psychotherapy?

* Relief from the pain of symptoms.

* Change from self-defeating patterns to satisfying ones.

* Growing confidence, self-respect, and wisdom.

* Less depression, anxiety, guilt, fear, isolation and unsatisfying relationships

* Developing realistic expectations without being compromised.

* Cultivating emotional courage.

* Turning toward life changes and transitions

* Cultivating patience when it is needed: taking wise action when it is called for.

* Increasing your vitality, trusting your intuition.

* Turning talent into real accomplishment.

* Decreasing envy, jealousy and unproductive competition.

* Achieving a satisfying balanced life based on your deeply held values.

Here are a few comments from past clients who gave me permission to share their thoughts with you:

'This is a healing. I haven't allowed myself to heal. I didn't really understand it. I mean I heard what people said when they said this, but I didn't understand it - until now. Independent filmmaker

"I think about you a lot, and use the work we did regularly. I'm amazed at how helpful it's been long term. Thanks again for everything. I just can't say that enough. Writer

"I used to feel invisible. Now I can see my Self without needing a real mirror! Fashion Professional

More Info About My Practice

There is more information on my website. In fact, you can download my page on insurance advice and use it to get your insurance questions answered BEFORE you start therapy.

How My Own Struggles Made Me a Better Therapist

There is no doubt that working deeply on my own struggles has made me a sensitive and emotionally honest person/therapist who has compassion for a broad range of people and issues. Many people who have the courage to enter therapy have endured painful life situations alone - without anyone really appreciating what they have survived. Often, they need to make a healing relationship that decreases their loneliness and inspires them to create a better life. If my life experience can reduce your shame I am happy to share it with you. This is what makes psychotherapy the deeply humane and human experience that makes it truly transformational. After all these years, I am still astonished by the gentle power of a psychotherapy experience. It is creative, beautiful work, and of great practical value. Good or great psychotherapy is worth the time, money and effort. It is a life-altering experience”.

What I Say to People Concerned about the Therapy Process

There are very specific ways of working with your fear of becoming overwhelmed. I tend to use an approach called Experiential Focusing because it is gentle yet deep, and has served as the foundation for other approaches such as Somatic Experiencing. I am very sensitive to each person's needs for safety. Central to this is the deepening trust and authenticity that we will create with each other over time. So, although there are many techniques out there, and I am familiar with many of them, it is our therapeutic relationship - not techniques- that always comes first.

Services I Provide

Individual Therapy & Counseling
Marriage, Couples, or Relationship Counseling
Family Therapy
Group Therapy
Consultation
Clinical Supervision

Ages I Work With

Teens
Adults
Elders

Languages I Speak

English

Groups I Work With

Relationship issues of all kinds, trauma survivors, transition to young adulthood, problems of envy, midlife and beyond, women's issues, men who have difficulty expressing their feelings, being alone in the city, eating disorders, body image, see my websites for more details.