Laurie Sloane   Licensed Clinical Social Worker

psychotherapist-nyc-college-children-young-adults-veterans-counseling-1Over the past 30 years, a combination of diverse professional experiences and extensive training have made me the therapist I am today. In addition to a Master’s Degree in Social Work, I have participated in continuing education courses and seminars to ensure that I am incorporating the latest in psychoanalysis into treatment plans.

I joined the faculty of the Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Study Center (PPSC), a post-graduate training institute, and served as the Executive Director for 10 years. During my tenure, I taught and supervised candidates, developed an internship program for graduate students, and worked to establish guidelines for training and licensure in New York.  My expertise is broad and far-reaching.

 

Current Areas of Specialty

Therapy for Young Adults

Of late, more attention has been focused on the well-being of anxious, depressed and suicidal students on college campuses. I have worked with many students trying to adjust to life away from home. The social and academic pressures of college can bring about the emergence of major mental illness and addiction that needs to be addressed with the proper treatment. In addition to individual sessions, I also offer group treatment to college students and young adults.

Therapy for Women of All Ages

I have extensive experience in counseling women of all ages who suffer from eating disorders. Today, there are a variety of treatments available; I’m able to help navigate through the options and figure out which will work best on a case by case basis.

As baby boomers are aging, they are learning that menopause no longer spells the end. Life after 65 continues to be an important, yet often overlooked part of adult development. I’m able to offer support in either individual or group therapy sessions for women navigating midlife and beyond.

Therapy for Veterans

I am affiliated with Here to Help Military and Families, a Long Island group that offers free counseling to returning veterans and their families. I offer a holistic approach to treatment; for both veterans returning from combat, suffering from the effects of trauma and PTSD, as well as their families, who are struggling to understand how difficult reentry into civilian life can be.

What Can You Gain from Therapy?

Connection to others

Over the past 30 years, I’ve learned a lot about relationships and the value in sharing our thoughts and feelings with friends and partners. Knowing we are being listened to, valued and understood is crucial to emotional wellbeing.

Hope for the future

Therapy is a process. Though there is often no simple, quick solution, it provides a safe space to explore emotions, thoughts, and actions in an in-depth and meaningful way, to eventually bring about change.

Growth and change

Through continued treatment, therapy can be an incredibly powerful tool in helping to significantly improve your quality of life and outlook.

Call me today at 212-413-7088 for a free 15 minute phone consultation.

Support Group for Midlife Women 50-70 Forming Now

I will be conducting a weekly midlife support group for women 50-70 now and throughout the winter. We will be meeting virtually in the afternoon or evenings depending on everyone’s schedules.

Life changes as women head towards menopause and beyond. These changes are reflected in body and mood fluctuations as well as accompanying shifts in lifestyles and goals for the future. In a safe and supportive atmosphere, women will be able to share their emotional and physical upheaval and develop their unique plan for midlife and beyond.

If you’d like to discuss this further, please feel to reach out to me.

Laurie Sloane
516-697-7252
laurie.sloane@gmail.com

Category Archives: Depression

Why Are College Students Getting Anxious and Depressed?

It appears that 1 out of every 5 college students in the US suffers from anxiety or depression. With the statistics showing that there are over 20 million college students in America, that equates to at least 4 million who are unhappy enough to be anxious or depressed. What causes this is a matter of huge debate, as the percentage of students suffering has increased in the last few years.

Prescription Drugs

We are not talking illegal drugs at this point, but prescription drugs that students, and their parents request. Often, they will approach their doctor for stimulants to help them get through exam times. They want something to keep them awake for longer hours so they can revise more, as they are starting to feel anxious about their grades.

This creates a problem for two reasons. Firstly, a lack of sleep is not the way to keep you feeling on top of the world, and secondly, the known side effects of drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin include anxiety and depression. These drugs are perfectly safe when they are used to treat the problem they are meant for, but to use them as a stimulant can have very bad side effects for the user. A sensible doctor will refuse to prescribe them, and perhaps advise a consultation with a psychotherapist to discuss their problems.

Technology and Social Media

You would think that technology would be useful to college students, and most of the time it is. However, excessive use of things such as social media can have an adverse effect on them. Some students almost live two lives, their virtual one and the real one. The two can become intertwined, and that is when problems begin to surface.

Several studies have shown that being addicted to social media or generally overuse of a mobile can affect sleep patterns and cause anxiety and depression. One study showed that at least 50% of students wake up in the night to check and answer any messages. This produces a poorer quality of sleep and is likely to lead to anxiety or depression.

Other Stresses

It appears that these are the two main things to make college students anxious or depressed, but there can be other factors such as homesickness, financial worries and concerns over whether they will be able to find work once they have graduated.

Many of these things can be put into perspective with help from the right person, which is why you should contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best Psychotherapist in NYC.

Contact us at 212-413-7088 to schedule a consultation.

4 Signs You Need To See a Psychotherapist

Depression and stress are two major psychological conditions that can influence your mental as well as your physical well-being. Despair and hopelessness can have a highly harmful effect on not just your psyche, but will also eat away from within you – you will start losing hope, you will start gaining weight and you might have to depend on certain medications. Hence, it is extremely important for anyone who is experiencing any sort of psychological weakness to see a professional.

A survey suggests that 1 out of 5 people in the US suffer from a variety of mental ailments. However, only 45%-60% of people with moderate to severe mental afflictions are undergoing treatment. This indifference to your mental stability adversely affects various every aspect of your life – from family life to workplace enthusiasm.

We strongly recommend that you see an expert if you are feeling low, because professional help will not just enable you to get back to normal, but it can make you psychologically more stable than you were prior to your ailment.

Here are 5 of the most important symptoms that indicate you should consult a psychotherapist regarding your mental health.

A traumatic experience:

Human beings are social animals. We feel. Losing someone we love, being in a near death experience or being sacked from a job you have worked extremely hard for can leave a hole inside you, which needs to be filled. If you have lived through a distressful event, you should consider going to a therapist to reinstate stability in your mental well-being.

Relationships are becoming stressed:

There might come a point in your life where you feel disconnected with your friends and family. If you’re sitting in a group and you’re feeling uncomfortable, there is definitely a problem. Try finding a solution to this dilemma by attending programs like family therapy and group therapy, or simply visit a psychotherapist to understand what is wrong.

Not feeling yourself?

The most common form of depression comes with an identity crisis. Ask yourself how you’re feeling. Are you feeling angry all the time? Do you have sudden bursts of rage? Do you go into a state of sadness and contemplate your role in life? If you do, there is a dire need for you call your therapist and schedule a session with him.

Substance abuse:

If you are taking drugs to find an escape, stop! Intoxicating yourself is not the right way. Academic stress, peer pressure and workload may cause you to be stressed out, which, in many cases, lead to substance abuse to cope with the anxiety. If you find yourself in a situation where you have started using drugs to cope with pressure, organize a visit with your psychotherapist so that he can help you get back to normal.

Going to a psychotherapist is the best way to improve your mental health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best Psychotherapist in NYC.

Contact us at 212-413-7088 to schedule a consultation.

Signs of Bipolar Disorder

Could you or your loved one be suffering from bipolar disorder? Though this condition used to be thought of as a rare condition, it is growing in prominence today. This may be due to better understanding of the condition and its symptoms, and therefore better understanding of our need to help those struggling with these types of symptoms. It is important to recognize signs of bipolar disorder so that you can properly get the help you need. Whether you have a child, teen, or adult in your life or you yourself may be suffering from this type of mental health problem, it is important to seek out help.

Common Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

To understand whether someone may have this condition, it is important to understand the different types of conditions and the levels, as well as the symptoms that apply to each of these situations.

    • Bipolar 1 disorder: Here, individuals will have had one manic episode. This includes symptoms that impair your life and may require hospitalization or may have created a break from reality.
    • Bipolar 2 disorder: In this situation, individuals have had at least one major depressive episode that lasts at least two weeks as well as one hypomanic episode that lasts at least four days. Individuals here have not necessarily had a manic episode.
    • Cyclothymic disorder: In this situation, individuals have had at least two years of numerous instances of hypomania symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms.
    • Other types: There are other symptoms that can occur. This may include other medical conditions associated with them such as strokes, Cushing’s disease, or multiple sclerosis.

What occurs varies in each individual. It may be important to talk to a doctor about your concerns related to bipolar disorder if you see symptoms such as the following:

    • Periods of time when you are abnormally and persistently elevated in mood. This could be a very good mood or a very irritable mood.
    • Instances in which there is unusual talkativeness
    • Racing thoughts
    • Decreased need for sleep
    • Inflated self-esteem
    • Distractibility
    • Increased goal-directed activities

If you have had any of these symptoms, seek out the help of a psychotherapist as soon as possible. It is important to react quickly to these types of situations. Call our New York offices to make an appointment with our doctor today to learn more about your condition and any treatment options available to you.

Contact us at 212-413-7088 to schedule a consultation.

8 Common Reasons People Seek Psychotherapy

Many people seek help from therapists these days. Anyone suffering from any emotionally challenging state can go to a therapist to discuss their personal matters. The stigma attached to seeking a therapist is slowly eradicating and people are finding it easier to discuss their problems with a skilled professional.

There are countless reasons to why people seek psychotherapy. Some have suffered great loss while others suffer emotional stress and disbalance and pain. Everyone finds a place of safety with a therapist where they can discuss anything and everything with them.

The 8 most common reasons for people seeking psychotherapy include:

1.    Depression:

Depression is the number one cause for which people seek a therapist. A psychotherapist the best professional you can discuss your problems with. He will try to read your subconscious and eliminate those feeling that have totally isolated you from the world.

2.    Anxiety Related Disorders:

Many people get anxious when they are surrounded by hoards of people or if they are in the spotlight. PTSD caused by extreme circumstances is common and can be dealt with by a professional therapist.

3.    Anger Management:

Stress is one of the main reasons for anger bursts and a therapist knows that. People with anger management issues are therefore taught to cope with stress and manage their negative emotions and energy through streamlined and precision-based psychotherapy.

4.    Family Problems:

Everyone has family related issues and some more than most. Many children are left wondering which side to pick as the divorce rates increase. Parents continuously fighting can also leave lasting effects on a child’s personality as well as his emotional state. It is better that the child seek help from a psychotherapist on the matter to get strong both emotionally and mentally.

5.    Addictions:

Both alcohol and smoking can lead to several debilitating diseases, broken relationships, demotivation, pessimistic emotion, not to mention physical harm as well. A person seeking psychotherapy for such an issue usually goes through a tough rehabilitation process and group sessions.

6.    Grief and Loss:

Sometimes when you lose someone dear to you, you can get emotionally unstable. The memories of that person become too painful to bear and you have no idea what to do, you become lost and disgruntled and may end up lonely. Seeking psychotherapy can help give closure and an end to that suffering.

7.    Eating Disorders:

These can range from not eating anything at all to eating so much that you start to vomit. People with eating disorders can have certain complexes that are acquired from their need for society’s approval. Some people also start eating more simply because it is a way for them to cope with the stress of life.

8.    Lack of Self Esteem:

8 Common Reasons People Seek PsychotherapySocial isolation is imminent if a person feels he cannot talk to anyone because of how they think about him. This lack of self esteem can cause a person to go into depression as he would not have anyone to talk to and mostly confine his emotions within himself. This is unsafe and can cause a lot of problems down the line. Sharing it with a therapist can increase the person’s confidence.

Contact us at 212-413-7088 to schedule a consultation.

4 Ways You Can Benefit from Psychotherapy

As the amount of work increases and more and more people aspire for higher goals, one has to take into consideration the amount of stress related to it. Stress is one of the main reasons for emotional instability. Other reasons include depression, anger and grief. All of these continuously hit us throughout our life and there is only so much one can take.

That is the reason why psychotherapy is essential for healthier living. You have to understand that emotional health is as important as physical health and that focusing on only one can never solve your problems. People always need someone to talk to. We are social animals after all and finding someone to confine our problems with leads to a healthier mind and emotional balance.

Visiting a therapist once a week can benefit you in many ways. You should try discussing your personal problems with your therapist even if the problem is miniscule. Here are 4 ways you can benefit from psychotherapy.

1.    You learn to handle emotions well:

The current generation is known to be more sensitive to a lot of different aspects in life. The slightest negativity can have lasting impacts on a person. What psychotherapy does is that it shows you how you look in front of other people when you act the way you do. This way you learn to control your emotions and build some walls to block the negative aspects. Letting someone know of how you feel can also relieve you of stress and can induce happiness.

2.    Therapists keep you in line with your goals:

People usually over think matters that are related to life changing events and this can cause increased levels of stress, anxiety and nervousness. The person might even start doubting his decisions. Taking a psychotherapy session can lift the mental blocks you place on your mind and keep yourself in line with what matters to you the most whether it a new job, divorce or even selling your house.

3.    You can find your purpose in life:

Many people at times are unaware of what they are living for. They do not have any goals and neither do they admit to any specific passions or feelings – bottling everything inside. You might be stuck in life and do not even know about it. Once you start going to a therapist, you will start seeing the bigger picture. A therapist can help you find what you are good at and help you turn it into something you look forward to doing every day. This also helps build confidence and drive to be better.

4.    Therapists can help break a problem down:

There is no need to get confused over life problems anymore. A therapist can help you dissect problems to their very core. You can develop strategies to solve your complications and move on with your life. Therapists are trained professionals who give excellent advice. This advice can help you work through your problems effectively whether they are related to marriage, the loss of a loved one or even a break up.

Contact us at 212-413-7088 to schedule a consultation.

Can Cognitive Behavior Therapy Improve Quality of Life?

Finding a way to get through the day may be hard. If you suffer from an addiction, mood disorder, anxiety disorder, or other types of mental health problem, you may be focused on just getting through the day. You may struggle with your thoughts every day. You may find it hard to get up in the morning or impossible to see anything good from one day to the next. It feels like a never-ending cycle of worry, stress, and frustration. Is there anything that can help? For some people, cognitive behavior therapy can be that type of treatment you need.

What Is Cognitive Behavior Therapy?

Individuals who seek out the help of their psychotherapist may learn that they can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy. This type of therapy allows an individual to learn more about what they are feeling and why they may be feeling it. This type of treatment helps people to better identify the unhealthy and negative emotions, thoughts, actions, and behaviors they have. It allows individuals to then replace those thoughts, actions, and behaviors with better, healthier options.

How can this help you on a day to day basis?

In short, you may recognize that your thoughts lead to the actions you have. For example, if you struggle from anxiety, you may find that once that first thought comes through your mind that it begins to race, adding bigger worries and complications throughout the day. It snowballs quickly. If you’ve learned how to deal with it through cognitive behavior therapy, on the other hand, you may not have this occur. You’ll learn how to recognize when your thoughts are irrational and then how to make changes to them to stop them from worsening.

This type of therapy can be highly effective in treating many types of mental health disorders. It can help you to see significant improvement to your quality of life because it gives you the ability to control the thoughts and actions you have. You learn how to stop it so you gain better control and, in the long term, better results.

If you want to find out if cognitive behavior therapy can help you, your first step is to schedule a consultation with one of the best psychotherapists in New York by calling our offices. You may be able to see a better future for yourself sooner than you think.

Contact me to schedule a free consultation at 212-413-7088.

When Should You Seek a Therapist for Depression?

Depression is more than just feeling bad. It is a chemical reaction happening in your brain. It can be brought on by many factors and sometimes it is a hereditary problem that you simply cannot otherwise explain. If you are feeling depressed, you need help. It is very important for you to take action to talk to someone as soon as possible. It may be necessary to obtain medications to help you through depressive episodes. Even without medication though, depression changes lives. With the help of a therapist, you can learn how to improve your quality of life.

How Can a Therapist Help with Depression?

It’s important to recognize that depression is a medical condition requiring medical treatment, just like anything else that impacts your health. If you are in fact depressed, talking to a therapist can be very beneficial. You can learn a great deal about what you are experiencing and what you can expect going forward. Therapists can help you in many ways:

  • They give you an outlet where you can safely reveal your thoughts and discuss your feelings. What you say to a therapist does not go further. You can safely get out what you’ve been holding in.
  • You get a clear, unbiased opinion. Many people who are depressed only see their lives through those eyes. As a result, they find themselves struggling to know what’s true. It is especially hard when everyone around you says everything is just fine.
  • Therapists can help you to plan for improvement. You can remain the way you are, struggling each day, or you can take a step forward in creating goals and a life plan for yourself.

Depression is very much something that takes over your life. It limits you in every area from your relationships to your schooling, work, and even your future. But, you can get help. If you are facing depression, now is an excellent time to step back and take charge. Work with our therapist to learn more about what is happening, why it is happening and perhaps most importantly, what you can do about it to move on with your life.

Depression does not have to control who you are and what your quality of life is. Reach out to our therapists to begin on the path of learning how you can improve your life from wherever you are right now.

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