My approach in therapy is collaborative, supportive, and goal oriented.

I am a warm, straightforward therapist focused on providing effective treatment. I work to connect genuinely with each of my patients because I believe the first component of effective treatment is the formation of a trusting, nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship. With this relationship as the foundation, we can then collaboratively determine your goals and take measurable steps toward achieving the change you want in your life.

Are you feeling depressed, anxious, or frustrated with yourself? I help individuals understand why they fall into self-defeating patterns and then help them choose more empowering ways of living. It's not always easy for people to learn to like themselves better or to forgive themselves for their mistakes. As a formerly harsh self-critic, I know how to guide people to become happier and freer by using gentle humor and self-compassion to rediscover their fundamental self-worth. I want to help you and your relationships thrive. Has poor communication or betrayal turned your relationship with your loved one into a battlefield? I can teach you to communicate more effectively with each other and to rebuild shattered trust, so that both of you feel heard and respected. I can also help you resolve conflicts that arise from differences in financial, personal, and parenting styles. Do you feel a need to achieve more in your career or other life areas? I can enable you to reach your full potential by discovering new possibilities for growth and step by step strategies to meet your goals. Then, I can show you how to make consistent progress by making changes stick - even in tough times. I invite you to call to see how I can help.

Christopher utilizes a variety of therapeutic approaches. These approaches are brought together in different ways depending on the person or people that he is working with. The root of his therapeutic style is pastoral counseling, whereby he helps the client incorporate spiritual dimensions of both the problem(s) and the ways to move forward. He also completed an advanced specialty in behavioral health during his clinical pastoral residency at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana. He is experienced working with people from a wide variety of faith backgrounds. His approach is also usually rooted in a systems understanding of the client's situation.

From a heartfelt place, I mirror back each person's beauty and potential. With intention, attention, skill and humor, I facilitate the process that allows each person to become more of her/his authentic self and to manifest that self into the world.

Empowerment, empathy, compassion, and trust are the pillars upon which I build a safe healing space for clients to overcome obstacles. Along with a secure therapeutic relationship, I use interventions proven effective such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). I have completed Level 1 & Level 2 training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. When working with couples, I channel these skills towards building a platform to increase relationship intimacy through healthy communication, conflict resolution, building love maps, and making life dreams come true. For several years I have worked with individuals, couples, groups, and families from diverse backgrounds, propelling all towards their full potential. Ethically, I use only evidence-based practices supported by groundbreaking research, which provide clients with interventions demonstrated to work best for their unique struggles. I look forward to providing an engaging, educational, and life-altering experience in all sessions, increasing mental strength and providing a smoother ride ahead in life.

When a relationship is in crisis, or a family is fractured, you need more than just a listener—you need a clear path forward. My practice is built on objective, research-based interventions designed to bring clarity to high-stakes situations. A Scientific Approach to Couples Therapy As a Gottman-trained therapist, I don’t rely on intuition alone. We begin with a formal Gottman assessment that serves as a blueprint for your treatment plan. By using this data-driven approach, we remove the guesswork and move objectively toward your goals, often achieving results in less time. In my office, the relationship is the client. By focusing on the bond, rather than the individuals, I eliminate bias and ensure that our work remains dedicated to the health of the partnership. Specialized Family Services: Alienation and Reunification I provide expert intervention for families navigating the most difficult transitions, including: Family reunification: I specialize in working with families experiencing estrangement or alienation. My goal is to facilitate healing and restore healthy parent-child dynamics through structured, therapeutic reunification. Court-involved evaluations: I conduct comprehensive family evaluations designed for legal contexts. These assessments provide the court with an objective, clinical perspective on family functioning. Professional Disclaimer: Please note that my role is defined by the specific service requested. To maintain clinical integrity and avoid a conflict of interest, I do not simultaneously serve as a neutral evaluator and a treating therapist for the same family. Evaluations are conducted as a neutral third party for the court's consideration. All court-related services, including testimony and evaluations, are subject to specific fee schedules and retainer agreements.

I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all solution. My therapeutic style is deeply client-centered, meaning the patient and I work as a team. I blend evidence-based techniques with an eclectic mix of methods tailored specifically to your unique life story. These approaches are particularly effective for those processing PTSD or trauma-related challenges. My ultimate goal is to provide a safe, compassionate space where you can regain control of your life. Whether we are working through a difficult season of depression or building resilience against stress, I am here to guide you toward a healthier, more balanced state of well-being. You do not have to walk the path to healing alone and I am looking forward to assisting you in your journey.

Dawn M. Hughes, Ph.D., ABPP, is a clinical and forensic psychologist whose private practice is based in New York City. Her area of expertise involves helping people who have experienced interpersonal violence, trauma, and anxiety issues. She has provided effective treatment for traumatic stress, sexual assault, rape, intimate partner violence, childhood abuse, and other adverse issues for more than 20 years. Dr. Hughes holds a faculty appointment as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychology at New York-PresbyterianWeill Cornell Medical Center, was President of the Women's Mental Health Consortium from 2009 to 2017, was a founding member of the Trauma Psychology Division of the American Psychological Association, and is a member of several other trauma and professional organizations. Dr. Hughes received certification in forensic psychology from the American Board of Professional Psychology in 2005 and has been qualified as an expert witness in State and Federal Courts in several states.

My approach in working with patients is based on my clinical training and experiences. As well I provide unconditional positive regard. I never judge my patients and the advice I give comes completely from my heart and soul. I have total love of mankind and therefore I truly believe in bringing a piece of mind as well as hope and power to my patients. I believe that ANY problem can be solved.

The decision to begin psychotherapy can be a life-changing one. I work with each person collaboratively to address everyday problems as well as long-standing issues and concerns with a focus on understanding underlying causes. We will uncover patterns and beliefs that no longer serve you, opening the way toward understanding and growth. In addition, I have experience with infertility and reproductive disorders. I am an experienced psychologist and psychoanalyst and work with adults and adolescents. My goal is to increase self-awareness, and develop healthy coping skills to become the best person you can be and live a more fulfilling life. Therapy is a collaborative journey, and our work will be tailored to your unique needs, goals, and pace. I offer both short and long term treatment.

I am a Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist. I offer an warm and compassionate approach that allows individuals, couples and families to explore issues that they feel they are getting suck in and interfere with their ability to navigate life challenges. I am also trained in AEDP and IFS as well as Somatic Experienced therapy.