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: Psychotherapy

Psychotherapist for Family Conflict

More Than Just Family Drama: Why You Should Seek a Psychotherapist for Family Conflict

Television and movies may make light of what is sometimes referred to as “family drama.” Sure, it can seem hilarious when presented with a comical flair and set against a laugh track. However, in real life “family drama” can quickly have much more weight to it. For people who grow up in families with conflict, it can have lasting repercussions for your future. If as an adult, you are battling family conflict, it can distract you from living your own best life. Learn how therapy can help you resolve family conflict:

Conflict in Your Family of Origin

If you grew up in a home with high degrees of family conflict, you may remember everyone having strong emotions, being easily set off, and frequent fights. Hearing your parents fight frequently likely led to disagreements between yourself and your parents or siblings. After all, this is the communication style and pattern you had learned. It might have even seemed natural to frequently yell and scream at others.

As you moved into your adult years, you may have found yourself easily feeling stressed, sometimes communicating poorly, and in your own fair share of conflict (whether it was with friends, family, or even colleagues at work). These problems can all be the products of having grown up in a high conflict family. To improve your own life, you may find it beneficial to seek out therapeutic counseling so that you can resolve any lingering emotional damage caused by that difficult childhood environment.

Ongoing Conflict and Difficulty Cutting Ties

Another problem that people sometimes face is ongoing conflict with their family of origin. This could show up when parents have a difficult time letting their adult children go out, make their own decisions, and live their own life. Attempts to hold on could lead to family conflict. This could be difficult for many young adults as they want to devote their time and attention towards establishing a life of their own. Again, therapy can be helpful in assisting you to set boundaries with your family and make your own life.

Conflict in Your Current Family Home

When there is conflict in your current family home, whether it is the result of replicating old communication patterns you saw in your childhood home or as the result of current stressors, it can be disruptive to everyone’s well-being. It may be that you are struggling in your spousal relationship or in your role as a parent. As that shows up in conflict, any children in the home will pick up on it as well.

Whatever the source of the family conflict, it is valuable to seek counseling to resolve it. If you find that the conflict seems to be the result of one person, then you or they may benefit from individual therapy. If it seems to be the result of problems in a spousal or romantic relationship, then couples counseling may be the solution. If there seems to be conflict throughout the entire family dynamic, then family counseling might be the best option. Visit a therapist to determine which resource your family needs.

Closing Thoughts

Being a part of family conflict can really affect many other areas of your life. You might find yourself struggling at home and at work. To resolve your experiences with family conflict either those related to your family of origin or your current family home, consider seeking the support of a therapist. Contact Licensed Clinical Social Worker Laurie Sloan at 212-413-7088 today to schedule an appointment. She has the expertise and 30 years of experience in the field, to help you resolve your family conflict.

A Guide to Selecting the Right Psychiatrist

Ranging from schizophrenia to bipolarity; from marriage problems to workplace stress, from burnout to substance use, from obsessive compulsive disorder to insomnia, statistics clearly display how, over 30 million people, in the US alone, have been suffering from mental health illnesses. In order to work through these many complications, professional assistance may be required.

Although divulging your deepest feelings might a littleproblematic, consulting the right psychiatrist is the first step to overcoming you struggles.

Start with identifying the particular snag you are facing, bearing in mind the fact that each individual is distinctive in their personalities, and hence, their struggles. Therefore, you should search for a professional who specializes in the fields that have proved to be problematic for you.

Make a Referral List

First and foremost, make a referral list. Add names to the list by asking friends, family and other healthcare professionals. If word of mouth is not as useful, most healthcare facilities, mental health centers and psychiatric associations can help with a referral. Furthermore, collect the credentials of the doctors. Make it a point to research the doctor for any history of malpractice claims or punitive actions.

While searching for a proficient professional, bear in mind that experience matters. In choosing a healthcare professional, try to find one that is board certified, who is fully trained and has passed a laborious specialty examination.

The location of the hospital is yet another factor to consider, seeing as top rated hospitals boast higher recovery rates and fewer complications. Also, the environment of the hospital might prove to be helpful for a person with a mental health disorder.

Aside from the establishment of the obvious, yet necessary credentials and competence of the professional, an important factor is a good rapport with him/her. Consider a psychiatrist who is compatible with you.

Besides these, there are other important factors -such as the cost of the professional, the location of the clinic, the preferred age, gender, cultural background, language, etc that also prove to be deciding aspects in your journey to find the right mental health professional.

Insurance for Psychotherapy

Another important issue to consider while looking for a psychiatrist is insurance. While some insurance companies cover most mental healthcare facilities, other factors must be taken into account.

In addition to this, plan for the appointment, form questions that you believe will assist you, do not hold back out of embarrassment or guilt, and summarize what has occurred, leading up to the dilemmas you are facing.

In order to judge whether the doctor is apposite for you, during you meeting be sure to observe whether the doctor positively, yet accurately reflects on what you say.

When selecting the right psychiatrist, bear in mind that good, nay, great doctors are modest about their clinical standing, they respect you and offer you realistic hope.

In conclusion, the right mental health professional, should, not only be competent and qualified, but should also be capable of maintaining a good relationship with their clients. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best Psychotherapist in NYC.

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

How to Prepare For a Visit to the Psychotherapist

Do you think you’re lonely? Is it difficult for you to get out of bed in the morning? Are you losing your appetite and can’t explain why? If these questions make you ponder over how your quality of life is being affected, then therapy might just be what you need.  It is a nourishing process that cleanses both your body and mind.

A psychotherapist is a person trained to deal with a variety of issues like anxiety, anger, depression, etc. His job is to help you feel better and fully understand yourself. In order to ease your treatment, here are a few ways through which you can master a perfect session with your therapist.

Know your therapist:

With ever-growing competition in job markets, new therapists are coming in every year. Everyone wants the best of course! Hence, be fully aware of your therapist’s background information. What qualifications does he have? Do his previous patients recommend him? Is he friendly? Are there any complaints against him? Does he have a certified degree? Has there ever been any type of legal action against him? These questions play a huge role in deciding which psychotherapist to go to, and are arguably the most important part of the process.

Required documents:

Therapy itself is a simple process. However, the documentation can sometimes be a little complicated. Every clinic provides a number of forms that need to be filled in by the patients. The paperwork may include details such as medications that you are currently taking or have been taking in the past, family back ground, profession, physical health or hospital history. Create a file with all the required documents to ensure you are organized and prepared.

Prepare notes:

Visiting a therapist for the first time can be pretty overwhelming. It is a huge possibility that your nervousness causes you to forget extremely important points that you planned to discuss. Therefore, make small notes with pointers that you would like to elaborate on. Mention any life experiences, habits or stories that will improve your case. This will not only encourage you to speak up, but it will also help the therapist to acknowledge your efforts.

Ask questions:

Just like your therapist bombards you with a series of questions, you have the right to do so too. Your psychotherapist is a professional who has great experience in his field. Be it something as small as the clock not working in his office or as big as the book he’s given you to read, ask him anything you feel anxious about. He will be more than pleased to answer. Your aim is to clear your mind of the chaos inside it, not give rise to more anarchy.

Be informed financially:

To avoid any financial disagreements or issues, know the procedure beforehand. Have a talk with your therapist before your session to know the methods of payment and whether it is in your budget or not. Also, check with the clinic; whether they accept insurance or not and stay in contact with the insurance company throughout. For evidence, ask for a slip or receipt to keep a record.

Psychotherapists can help you recover from depression, anxiety and a variety of other mental ailments. So contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best Psychotherapist in NYC.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

North Shore residents found group to help military vets, families

 

“Two North Shore residents have started a nonprofit organization to serve post-Sept. 11 military veterans across Long Island in need of mental health services.

On Sept. 23, President Laurie Sloane of Roslyn Heights, Vice President Linda Caginalp of Manhasset and a slew of volunteers launched Here to Help Military and Families, an organization dedicated to helping veterans and their families find therapists for individual, couples and family counseling.”

Read more at theislandnow.com

Qualities To Look For In A Psychotherapist

Feeling helpless is something we all experience. We experience ups and downs throughout the course of our lives, some of which can leave a permanent dent on our mental health. Being part of a traumatic accident, experiencing the death of a close one or experiencing pressure from your boss are all examples of situations that can make you go into a state of depression. This needs to be dealt with lest it have a permanent effect on your mental and physical wellbeing. You can find the solution to these problems with the help of a good psychotherapist. A good counselor must have the following traits:

    • He needs to be able to get you to trust him absolutely in order for you to open up to him completely. You can talk to him about whatever you want, get things off your chest, which is the first step towards good mental health. You can confide in him without the fear of disclosure of your deepest and darkest secrets. Sometimes a shoulder to cry on is enough to set recovery in motion.
    • He needs to be able to explain the symptoms you are experiencing and what methods he is employing to put a stop
    • to the symptoms. His understanding of your symptoms can reinforce the belief that your therapist knows what he is doing and this can drastically speed up time of recovery.
    • He needs to be confident that his method of treatment will work. If he shows any sort of hesitation or disbelief in his prescribed therapies and medication, you are bound to pick that up, making the failure of the treatment inevitable.
    • Flexibility in the method of treatment is an important factor for a speedy recovery. Not every medicine is compatible with the physiology of every patient. It is essential that the psychotherapist recognizes this and alters his conventional method of treatment to suit your needs.
    • Perhaps the most important characteristic your therapist must possess is the ability to induce the hope that you will get better. This optimism is the cardinal trait that any counselor must possess for successfully treating your symptoms.
    • Your psychotherapist must be compassionate. He should understand that in a world so diverse, there are cultural barriers that must be respected. Negligence of these important factors by the therapist will just add to the misery of the patient. Your counselor must also be welcoming towards people of all ethnicities and not hold any stereotypes that might affect his own performance. A religiously or culturally biased  therapist can do little to understand the grievances of his patients,
    • Your psychotherapist must be aware of modern ailments, for which he must continuously attend workshops and take part in training sessions. Persistent education will help him better understand contemporary ailments, which will make him more efficient than his counterparts.

The efficiency of your psychotherapist plays a major role in your rapid recovery, so contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best Psychotherapist in NYC.

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

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.

Why In-Person Psychotherapy is Superior to Online Sessions

The modernization of society has brought about a prominent change in the way we think and the way we do things. Life has become easier. Want food? It’s a phone call away. Want a cab? It’ll cost you another phone call. Want endless information for an assignment? At the touch of a button? This evolution of society has brought about advancements in medical facilities as well. However, not every aspect of medicine is as efficient as it was when actual human interaction was involved.

Consider the example of psychotherapy. There is a growing trend of therapists providing online counseling sessions. These sessions are easier to hold and to attend. All you need is a computer and a mic. However, these sessions are nowhere near as effective as in-person psychotherapy sessions because of the lack of physical interaction.

The most prominent difference between the forms of therapy is the transience of online sessions. Expert opinion suggests that online sessions fail to develop an effective and long-lasting bond, without which the therapist cannot get through to you and hence, treatment remains incomplete. These “virtual” relationships are meaningless for most patients – they can be formed easily and ended spontaneously. A psychotherapy bond doesn’t just form overnight; it takes time for it to develop into a relationship of trust, which is why it takes time for a patient to start getting better. Most online patients don’t give the therapist this privilege. They want immediate results and that is not how psychotherapy works.

A major reason for patients not staying is the fact that there is nothing to stop them from leaving. In- person psychotherapists work from one specific location – their homes or their offices. Most of their patients are members of the same neighborhood they are operating in.  They will stay for the sake of their neighborly relationship even if they believe they are not making any progress.

When a person you know develops a mental ailment, you refer them to a psychotherapist you know. If they believe they are not making sufficient progress, it will not be very easy for them to withdraw from therapy. They will have to consider the fact that you know the therapist and if they discontinue their therapy, it will cause misunderstandings and maim your reputation.

Therefore, living in a community or having any other common ground can prevent a patient from leaving. And we know that psychotherapy requires time. Online patients have no inclination to stay if they believe they aren’t making any progress. They might not even inform the therapist; the poor guy will keep wondering where he went wrong. A person in another state or country does not feel bound to you. He does not have a personal or a professional link to you. Hence the factor of transience is applicable to only online sessions and not in-person therapy.

Moreover, a therapist needs to observe you. From top to bottom. He cannot do this over Skype. He needs to see you and observe your body language to properly decipher your mental condition or the intensity of the problem.

Lastly, if you believe you have a problem and you want treatment, don’t go for the online ruse. Try conventional in-person therapy- Contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best Psychotherapist in NYC.

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.

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