My Approach to Helping
In sessions I am active, verbal, involved, ask questions, and share relevant personal experiences if I feel they will be helpful to you. I am not one of those stuffy therapists who just sits there and lets you talk on and on. I am an active partner in the process.
I enjoy the deep personal engagement, mutual discovery, and growth which this work demands if done well. I struggle with myself and grow as much as my patients do. We're in it together, and generally both come away the better for it.
More Info About My Practice
Dr. Gracer is a seasoned, senior-level Psychologist and Psychoanalyst who received both her Ph.D. in Cllinical Psychology, and Post-Doctral Certificate in Psychoanalysis & Psychotherapy from the prestigious Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies at Adelphi University.
She is an Adjunct Clinical Professor in the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program at Adelphi University's Derner Institute, as well as an Adjunct Psychotherapy Supervisor in the Clinical Psychology Program at Pace University.
She was a founding Board Member of the Association of Queens Psychologists, runs professional practice workshops and consults with peers on professional practice issues, and is well known and respected by her peers for her advocacy regarding insurance issues.
In addition to working with Private-Pay patients, Dr. Gracer also participates with Aetna (except Insurance Exchange Plans), the Northwell Health Employee Health Plans (CIIPA- Value & Buy-Up Plans, Northwell Direct Network- High Deductible Health Plan), FDNY-CSU 9-11World Trade Center Program, and traditional Medicare.
Please call to confirm current insurance plan participation.
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
I work especially well with those struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder and other serious difficulties. I enjoy this work because it requires a high level of challenge and personal engagement.
I also work well with more every day difficulties such as panic attacks, social anxiety, worries, depression, and adjustment issues.
I work with Orthodox Jews and religiously committed individuals of all faiths. Religion and cultural issues have always been a special interest of mine.
I am comfortable working with lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals.
Important Factors for Choosing a Therapist
I believe it is important to find a therapist with top rate graduate (preferably doctoral) and post-graduate professional training, as well as someone who you feel comfortable with and whose personality you "click" with. Ultimately, once you make sure the therapist has highly respected credentials, you have to meet for a few sessions and see if it feels right.
I have earned a Ph.D. as well as a 4 year post-doctoral certificate in psychotherapy & psychoanalysis from the highly regarded Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies at Adelphi University.
My style is active, down-to earth, with a touch of humor.
Theoretical Influences that Guide My Work
My approach integrates insight and action. This combination helps people effect the changes they desire, while simultaneously addressing the deeper issues that cause problematic patterns to repeat over and over unless they are understood and worked through.
