Find A Psychologist in Elmwood Park, NJ.

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the founder of Creating Stronger Bonds Psychology. I specialize in couples therapy, but I also work with individuals. As a therapist, my goal is to listen to you and your needs so that I can give you the tools and understanding to move past old hurts and to flourish as an individual and within your relationships. Through years of experience, I know that through building awareness we can overcome our problems and become the best possible versions of ourself. When you're ready to get to work, let's talk.

My approach is mainly psychodynamic and psychoanalytic. Treatment is focused on your goals, which we will clarify. Afterwards, we will diagnose what internal factors are preventing you from achieving peak relational, work success and innovation in your life. I work with couples, relationships, addiction, anxiety and work/career. It is often most difficult to focus on the things that we aren't fully aware of or don't like about ourselves - although if we can do that, change is possible. I work very hard for my patients and look forward to dreaming your big dreams with you.

Psychologists are unique in that they are trained in research skills and how to evaluate the efficacy of their work. I am results driven. Every week parents are asked to rate their children's progress in terms of behavior, schoolwork, and social responsibility. This feedback is shared with the child or teen in a safe, friendly, and encouraging environment. Research shows that unless therapists and child clients such receive feedback therapy is less likely to succeed.

After earning my Masters of Science in Bilingual School Psychology and a Masters of Social Work, I began a career in early childhood education at a special education preschool, where I worked full time as a Bilingual School Psychologist for 6 years. I have been in my current position as a School Psychologist and Social Worker for the city of New York for the past 12 years, and am fortunate to teach a number of courses at DRS High School, including AP Psychology. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Leadership. I am an avid participant and lecturer in the emerging field of Positive Psychology, I wrote and developed a curriculum called "The Science of Happiness" which is geared toward increasing an individual's optimism, sense of self...(view profile to read more)

Training to become a doctoral-level psychologist typically involves completing a rigorous program of study, which includes coursework, supervised clinical experience, and research. This process usually takes around 5 to 7 years beyond the undergraduate level. Doctoral programs often emphasize both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in areas such as assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and research methodology. Trainees also gain supervised experience working with diverse populations in various clinical settings. Additionally, doctoral students typically complete a dissertation, which involves conducting original research in their area of interest under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

Nominated for the past 4 years as one of the Top 3 Psychologists in New York and recognized by Continental Who's Who as a Pinnacle Professional in the field of Psychology, I dedicate myself to helping you out of feeling stuck, down and anxious. I have been practicing and teaching psychotherapy for more than a decade. I am sought after nationally and internationally for my skills and have been the recipient of many awards.

I am a clinical psychologist who has extensive training and experience working with children, adolescents and adults. I provide individual therapy and group therapy to help children clients reach their goals. The therapeutic process begins with a comprehensive assessment which strives to determine clients’ individual needs, motivation for change, personal strengths, support system, and cultural and religious values and ethnic identity. Utilizing information about clients’ preferences and past therapeutic experiences, I work with clients to develop a personalized treatment plan that identifies reachable goals that can bring about tangible and powerful improvements. I am committed to using evidence-based techniques that have been shown to produce measurable results.

My professional orientationis total mind and body approach to health and wellness. We explore psychoanalytic perspectives, nutrition, lifestyle, and integrative medicine. Utmost respect and attention is given to individual needs and goals. Most psychological states of mind have a physical component as well. Mind and body are treated as one continuum.

As a postdoctoral psychology resident, my approach to therapy is integrative and eclectic, drawing on elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and a Humanistic approach. I specialize in working with adults seeking help with anxiety and depression, interpersonal difficulties, and career and workplace stress. As a postdoctoral psychology resident, I am highly trained, and strive to create a safe and supportive environment. I believe that each relationship is a unique interaction, and tailor my approach to each client’s needs, integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and a Humanistic approach.

I am problem focused. I help you identify specific emotions you would like to reduce (depression, anger, anxiety or shame) or feelings you want to have more often (satisfaction, confidence, joy). We target behaviors you want to increase or decrease, and situations and people you would like to handle more effectively. I show you how your beliefs about the problems you face largely determine your emotional upset and your self-defeating behavior. Together we modify your beliefs. This allows you to effectively handle difficult situations, perform the way you would like and attain your personal goals. Your thinking about the past, present and future determines how you feel and function.

I am a Licensed Psychologist and the CEO of Create Outcomes and have over 20 years of experience helping people of all ages from a variety of backgrounds. I have also supervised other clinicians for over 10 years. I co-host What It Takes To Heal, a podcast that aims to demystify the therapeutic process and details what successful therapy looks like. I've served as a director in a variety of clinical settings, including inpatient facilities, outpatient clinics, non-profit organizations, and in juvenile justice programs. The CREATE Outcomes model was informed by this work as a way to provide care that is self aware and aligned with the client's values, while also systematically tracking progress.

As licensed and board certified clinical-psychologists and couples-counselors--private practititioners for 40 years, Dr. Joel Stukalin and Dr. Sara Mandelbaum offer refined and specialized approaches for resolving your issues. We have proudly served our Queens community, helping thousands of deserving clients from diverse cultures and religions. Dr. Joel and Dr. Sara have worked supportively and effectively with clients pertaining to depression, anxiety, relationships, school, work, addictive tendancies, child & family consultation and finances. As psychodynamically trained master-psychologists, we flexibly utilize other approaches for your individualized needs, e.g. CBT, life-coaching