My job as a psychotherapist is essentially to help the folks
who come to see me, get out of their own way. I recognize that my clients
ultimately know what is best for them and what they want for themselves. I also
recognize that with increased clarity and self-acceptance, the correctness of
their personal decisions will be evident to them. My expertise is in how to get
this done.
I am a Licensed Psychologist, a Licensed Clinical Alcohol
and Drug Counselor and a Certified Sport Psychology Consultant. I am also listed
in the United States Olympic Committee Sport Psychology Registry.
Over the twenty-five years that I have been in private
practice, my two areas of clinical specialization have spanned both the darker side
and the enlightened potential of being human: the treatment of addiction
(alcohol & drug abuse and other compulsive behaviors) on one end of the
spectrum, and sport & optimal performance psychology (athletic, academic,
artistic, and career effectiveness) on the other end. I also work with a general
cliental to help them grow as individuals and increase their self-esteem and
self-acceptance. I particularly enjoy working with couples and helping these
two-person systems to increase their effectiveness in communication, satisfaction
and mutual respect.
Addiction and substance abuse exacts a tremendous toll on
the lives wasted and the heartbreak brought to those who love individuals
afflicted with this problem. It is important to remember that while it is not
easy to successfully address abuse and addiction, is not impossible. Among the
people I find myself admiring most are those individuals who have fought this
battle and have come out on the other side. They are not merely “dry” in that
they are no longer using substances or engaging in dysfunctional behaviors,
rather they are truly “sober”. By sober I am referring to the genuine display
of insight, honesty and directness that characterizes a person who is not
pulling any punches. Some people describe these individuals as being “real”.
The sense of responsibility and forthrightness displayed by sober people makes
encounters with them always a refreshing experience.
In my work with adolescents and young adults, I seek to
utilize any area of their interest
(sports, music, art) to help them develop a sense of mastery and self-efficacy. The athletes I work with frequently seek help for anxiety or other causes of under-performance.
In my work with them, I am always mindful to use how they approach their sport to foster sound character
development. It is my belief that victory without honor is no victory at all. I
seek to encourage the development of the noble warrior — the scholar-athlete
who maintains a sense of humility and is tireless in his or her pursuit of
excellence.
I have written several books: Really Winning, in which I make a case for using sports as a medium
for developing character and integrity in boys (although it applies to both
genders); Strong Enough for Two, which
is a guide to overcoming codependency and other enabling behavior; The ACOA’s Guide to Raising Healthy Children,
a parenting handbook for adult children from alcoholic and other dysfunctional
family systems; and Images of America:
Lambertville and New Hope, is a pictorial history of an area of New
Jersey that I love and which gave outlet to my interest in history.
The bottom line of what I do in my psychotherapy practice is
to apply the common sense and pragmatic principles of sport psychology in a
humanistic approach to helping adolescents and adults experience the
satisfaction of achieving their life goals. My clients’ aspirations are
frequently academic, career based, relationship oriented, athletic, or centered
around personal growth and self-acceptance. I don’t mean to be corny, but I am
honored when clients trust me enough that they are receptive to my honest
feedback. Their growth as individuals is frequently the result.
Dr. Jim Mastrich Reaches
Princeton NJ