Author: Dr. Sara Teichman, PsyD

May 28th, 2014

Most children who are brought to therapy have typical run-of-the-mill issues like low self-esteem or poor peer relations. Sometimes, however, parents bring in a really difficult, out-of-control child who is what we used to call a “problem child.” This child may be angry, moody, aggressive and undisciplined. He has difficulty learning and is unmanageable in school. Often the parents are at the end of their rope, having exhausted their …
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Author: Sararivka Liberman, LCSW

May 28th, 2014

Once known as “the common cold of mental illness,” depression has been recognized throughout history. Dovid was summoned to the court of Shaul to alleviate the king’s depression with music. The Rambam, himself a physician, provides an explicit treatment for depression. In his writings, Rav Nachman of Bratzlav offers support and encouragement to anyone suffering from the low self-esteem – “falling in one’s own e …
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Author: Sara Pinkesz, MHC, CASAC-T

May 28th, 2014

Chavy looks at her son with frustration. He has just told her that he is sick of yeshivah and wants to go to work. She wonders, why can't he just be a “normal yeshiva boy”? Where did she go wrong? Why wasn't she capable of passing on her beliefs to her own son? Chaim argues with his daughter who doesn't want to go to seminary. She feels that it's a waste of time since she's not planning to teach. She wants to work, make some money, an …
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Author: Hannah Rozenblat

May 28th, 2014

The question of how to parent one's children once they have grown up is a much-discussed topic in our community. Naturally, parents' concern for their children does not stop once the children become legal adults, and if anything, increases when parents feel they are losing control over the child's life. After investing so much effort into their children all these years, it is difficult for parents to take a step back and allow these new adults to …
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Author: Esther Fuchs, LCSW

May 28th, 2014

We are living in difficult and turbulent times. Never in history has it been harder or more challenging to raise children. As a result, parents of even physically and emotionally healthy children are constantly seeking guidance. Seeing and reading how much can go wrong, parents understand that they need to set the right environment in their home. They want to know what kind of soil to cultivate to raise children as happy and successful human bein …
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Author: Dr. Pamela P. Siller, MD

May 28th, 2014

I do not have OCD. I just need to work on my middos... Many people are familiar with the publicized symptoms of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). These stereotyped symptoms generally include excessive hand washing and turning lights on and off multiple times. Although this is correct, these are not the only ways that OCD can manifest itself. Bracha entered into my office reluctantly, stating that she came because she needed to work on her midd …
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Author: Chana Kaiman, LCSW and Miriam Yerushalmi, MS

May 28th, 2014

The quality of our closest relationships profoundly affects how we feel about ourselves. Our relationships have real and measurable consequences on our lives and those around us. The way we communicate both verbally and non-verbally affects the emotional, cognitive and physical development of our children, as well as our physical and mental health. Child-rearing is complex. Any parent can attest to the many rewards and equally distressing moments …
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Author: Dvorah Levy, LCSW

May 28th, 2014

Ideally, for a couple to work on their marriage, it is best to have both partners come in to therapy. Unfortunately though, that doesn’t always happen. Many times one spouse cannot convince his/her partner to join him/her, and that’s when one partner ends up in my office alone. What happens then? Can couple therapy actually work with just one partner? Sara felt very criticized by her husband. He tended to point out the very thing that …
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Author: Mark Staum, LCSW

May 28th, 2014

Consider the following exchange between Jack and his mother: Jack: I would really like to go to Brian’s house for a sleepover. A few other kids in the class will be going as well. Mother: Well, I don’t really like Brian so much. I don’t like it when you guys are together! Jack: Why, what are you talking about? He is a really good friend of mine! Mother: It doesn’t matter, you are just not going! In the above example, we s …
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Author: Audrey Grazi, LCSW

May 28th, 2014

As a graduate social work student in 2008, my vision for helping people was exhilarating and somewhat idealistic. My favorite part of the school semester was going to the NYU bookstore to purchase the required books for my classes and browse through some of the other sections to see what the future would bring for the other courses that would be coming my way. I didn’t know what to expect from the group therapy course I was about to begin, …
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Author: Marlene Greenspan, MA, LPC

May 28th, 2014

Death, at any age, means painful finality. Whether the deceased was a friend, spouse, sibling, parent or child, the loss of this dear person is permanent and the ones left behind feel abandoned and alone. There is no further opportunity to share thoughts, experiences, ideas and apologies. No further opportunity to be companions along the way. The loved person is here no longer and that conclusiveness is all-encompassing. This realization of final …
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Author: Joel Verstaendig, PhD

May 28th, 2014

“Don’t trust anyone over 30!” This was one of the battle cries of the “Baby Boomer” generation during the 1960’s. It is sobering to realize that these same people have reached or will soon reach the age of retirement. While the media is saturated with information and recommendations for the baby boomers regarding the need for an adequate retirement income, little or no thought is given to the emotional needs an …
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Author: Shevy Moser, LMSW

April 14th, 2014

The Hagaddah speaks of the Four Sons at the Seder table and expounds briefly on what they will ask and what we should tell them. But what about the Fifth Son, the one not mentioned in the Haggadah because he’s not at the Seder Table? He’s in his room or out with friends, refusing to come down or ignoring his place in the family unit. What does the Haggadah say about this Son? The Nesivos Shalom asks a basic question regarding Yetzias …
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Author: Elisheva Liss LMFT

April 14th, 2014

Four children- raised in the same home, by the same parents- with vastly different personalities and needs… it’s so familiar. But we, the generation raised in the post “labeling theory” and “self-fulfilling prophecy” research, we feel uncomfortable tagging our kids with designations such as “wise” or “wicked”… right? And yet… we need to have some idea of who they are and w …
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Author: Steven Walfish, Ph.D.

April 1st, 2014

The word entrepreneur conjures up images of high stakes deals, bold and audacious dealings with high rollers. Of course it can be that way for people like Donald Trump, Richard Branson or Sara Blakely (think Spanx!). But an entrepreneurial mindset is the way that group practices or even solo practitioners can build and sustain an excellent practice. Research has suggested that entrepreneurs are more likely than others to recognize opportunities b …
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Author: Allan J. Katz , M.S., CRC, ASAT

March 19th, 2014

Psychosocial Report:   Axis I:             305.00           Alcohol Abuse             291.5               Alcohol Induced Psychotic Disorder with Delusions           &nb …
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Author: Ettie Bersson, LMSW

March 19th, 2014

Axis I-IV:           I.            Substance-Induced Mood Disorder (291.8); R/O Bipolar Disorder (296.80) Alcohol Abuse (305.00) Bereavement (V62.82) Sleep Disorder, Insomnia type (780.52)         II.            R/O Borderline Personality disorder     III …
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Author: Asher D. Lipner, Ph.D.

March 18th, 2014

Name: Achashverosh Date of Birth: Unknown Date of Evaluation: March16, 2014 / 14 Adar 5774     Identifying Information and Presenting Problem and Social History:   Achashverosh was presented for a psychological evaluation by Frum Therapists to assess his psychological and cognitive functioning. He is a 2000 year-old man of Persian descent who lived in Shushan, and was employed in a government job as the King of the Persian Empire …
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Author: Shuli Sandler

March 18th, 2014

Axis I:  303.90 Alcohol Dependence             R/O 307.42 Primary Insomnia Axis II: 301.6 Dependent Personality Disorder and Borderline Traits Axis III: None reported Axis IV: Relationship Problems Axis V: GAF = 45   Mr. A.* is a Persian adult male who is currently employed as the king of a large, Middle-Eastern empire*. A. initially presents with a tendency toward severe alcohol de …
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Author: Reizl Kessin, MHC

February 25th, 2014

Oftentimes we believe that it is enough to just say “I’m sorry” when we have hurt someone. Perhaps in some cases that is sufficient, but when it comes to more intimate relationships, such as a spouse, sibling, parent or child, we need to make amends in a deeper, more substantial way. The reason is simple: Acts of hurt and disrespect and careless disregard occur on a daily basis. No one wants to hurt someone they love, ever, but …
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Author: Sarah Kahan, LMSW

February 25th, 2014

What do women and men want? Lo tov heyos adam levado. As human beings we seek connection – with people, with parts of ourselves that we repressed, and with the world around us. How can we experience life to the fullest? When we have an intimate relationship with another human being, our lives feel more complete. Many couples fail in relationships because they did not receive it in childhood, so the healing done in the intimate relationship …
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Author: Chaya Berger

February 25th, 2014

Non-suicidal self-injury, the act of deliberately harming one’s own body without suicidal intent[1], has been called a “silent epidemic.”[2] Affecting upwards of 13% of adolescents[3], this phenomenon challenges us with its apparently anti-human quality. Human nature is to protect oneself in every sense at all costs – so why do many elect to engage in self-violence? More relevantly, is this something that has reached the f …
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Author: Avi Shteingart, LMSW, CASAC

February 25th, 2014

Last night, an educator in a prominent high school called me after her son had dropped out of treatment. She has always projected a strong and confident demeanor, but our conversation suggested a different side to her. She struggled to hold back tears as she asked, “What do I need to do?” She explained that her position required offering solutions for parents and students: She needs a math tutor… Your daughter will not receive …
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Author: Shimmy Feintuch, LMSW

February 25th, 2014

It’s midnight before the big exam, and you’re just pulling out the book to study. The garage is full of junk, and you’ve been promising to clear it out since the Mets won the World Series. There are so many things to do, they need to get done right now, and yet they linger on the list. What’s going on here? Why can’t we just get things done? The concept seems simple enough. Something needs to get done, so do it! But …
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Author: Dr. Sara Teichman, PsyD

February 25th, 2014

It is worrisome when our children are less than truthful; however, for ages six and under, what is perceived as lying by the adult is simply childish immaturity. In fact, it would be best for parents to avoid the term “lying” lest it turn into a self-fulfilling prophesy. Let me explain what I mean. Children, particularly those younger than six, have a very hard time differentiating between fantasy and reality. So, for example, a child …
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Author: Susan K. Gardin, Dr.PH, MPH, MS, MA, MHC

February 25th, 2014

Many years ago, when I was a relatively new parent, I struggled with getting my 3-year-old son to pick up his toys. At the end of the day when my son and his friend had spent hours building forts from couch pillows and battling mythical creatures from the Evil Empire, I would survey the carnage of my den/battlefield with dismay. While I was grateful that the boys had entertained themselves with imaginative play (not electronic devices!) all day, …
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Author: Lisa Twerski, LCSW

February 25th, 2014

Dear Readers,   When I think about the phrase “ one step at a time,” I think of a process that someone goes through to get from point A to point B. This certainly could include the process of making changes in your life. The problem is that while this may sound straightforward, simple even, it is not. Deciding that something in your life needs to change is actually fraught with so many possibilities at different stages, that peop …
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Author: Dr. Deb Hirschhorn, Ph.D., LMHC

February 25th, 2014

Victims of bullying face lowered self-esteem, depression, and even suicide. Bullies, as adults, tend to have higher divorce rates, domestic violence, job loss and criminal records. They tend to underachieve in life or misuse power. However, it is possible for schools, communities and parents to work together to reduce and prevent bullying. The problem is not bigger than they are. For parents, stopping their bullying child will take some effort, b …
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Author: Mindy Hajdu, MS, LCSW

February 25th, 2014

Your friend asks you for a favor. “Would it be okay to drive Chani to school until busing starts up again? Yanky has to be at work early, and it’s just too hard to get out with the baby. You know, weather and all…” “Sure!” you find yourself saying. A lady from the shul Sisterhood calls to let you know that Sarah just had a baby. “Can you make a meal for her tomorrow? I know it’s short notice, but s …
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Author: Dr. Michael J. Salamon, Ph.D.

February 25th, 2014

Reverberating circuits in the nervous system are bundles of nerves that return their signals to the original source, creating a positively reinforced structure. While this connecting loop happens among certain neurons within our bodies, there is increasing evidence that this type of circuitry can occur between two individuals who are attracted to one another. These reverberating circuits seem to jump across the space between two people. How this …
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Author: Chana Kaiman, LMSW and Miriam Yerushalmi, MS

February 25th, 2014

Parenting is a tough journey, but it's especially hard if you're the parent of a child with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Strong-willed, active children can become "challenging" when their caregivers run out of the energy and patience needed to deal with their behaviors. Most children can be difficult at times, but some are more challenging than others. Dr. Ross Greene, author of The Explosive Child and Lost at School, has in …
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Author: Kalman Canant, LCSW

February 25th, 2014

Bracha showed up late to her job late that morning on September 11, 2001. To her shock, nothing was left of her coworkers and acquaintances. Everything was destroyed by the terrorists. By the time Bracha made her way to my office 10 years later, it was still a struggle to even leave her residence. In addition to teaching Bracha coping tools of how to manage her PTSD symptoms, a main healing factor was her developing a belief perspective about the …
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Author: David Rosmarin, Ph.D.

February 25th, 2014

According to the Gallup Poll and Pew Forum, more than 90% of Americans believe in G-d, and religion is “very important” to more than 50% of the population. In fact, even in the least religious enclaves of the country (e.g., New Hampshire), nearly a quarter of residents attend religious services weekly and more than two-fifths pray on a daily basis. Furthermore, even in this increasingly secular period of history, spirituality continue …
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Author: .

January 24th, 2014

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Author: Sarah Kahan, LMSW

November 27th, 2013

The definition of empathy is the ability to mutually experience the thoughts, emotions, and the direct experience of others. It is commonly described as the ability to “walk a mile in someone else’s shoes” or “see things from another perspective.” It goes beyond sympathy, which is a feeling of care and understanding for the suffering of others. Psychologists today are studying the complex pathways of human development and pinpointing …
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Author: Sara Teichman, PsyD

November 27th, 2013

We’ve all been there. A loved one says “sorry” and we feel uneasy and confused. On one hand, it seems ungracious to refuse an apology, but on the other, the apology feels empty and insincere. But because the other person has apologized, he feels that the matter is closed and so, unsettled as we may feel, we let it go… and the resentment begins to build.   For those of you who have trouble recognizing this pattern in your life, go …
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Author: Martin E. Friedlander, Esq.

November 27th, 2013

Nowadays, it seems like not a week goes by in which we don’t see headlines of someone being charged or arrested for abuse. Sometimes it is a teacher or a person in a position of power, at times even a parent, who was molesting or abusing a child. Other times, it is a story of domestic violence and abuse. Either way, abuse has been a plague that has increased with time. When I say increased, I mean that victims are now finding the courage to c …
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Author: Mindy Hajdu, MS, LCSW

November 27th, 2013

Parent: Avi, please do your homework. Avi: I don’t want to! It’s so dumb! Parent: Avi, how many times do I have to ask you to do your homework?! You’re gonna fail the fifth grade if you don’t get started! And don’t talk like that – it’s not nice! Avi: I hate school and I hate this house! (Avi pushes his books across the table) Parent: (Pulse racing) That’s it, go to your room! You are grounded for the next month! (Avi goes …
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Author: Marlene Greenspan, MA, LPC

November 27th, 2013

Payback time, the time period when the parent/child relationship changes and the roles reverse, is a very difficult experience when dealing with an elderly parent’s final illness. The original parent-child relationship plays a big role in this new experience for parent and child. When children are young, parenting requires structuring and nurturing the child in many ways so the child can learn appropriate behaviors that lead to his or her suc …
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Author: Sarah Kahan, LMSW

November 27th, 2013

Malka’s mother approached me about her daughter. A few acquaintances and friends have expressed an interest in setting her daughter up on a date and she doesn't know what to do. Malka keeps begging her mother to set her up since she wants to get married just like her friends. She keeps asking her mother many questions about what kind of boy she should date, what will it be like for her as a married woman, etc.   Is this scenario routin …
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