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: Anxiety

How Do You Feel About Thinking About Your Future?

Thinking about your future is perfectly normal. Having dreams and aspirations is part of life, but as we age, what we are aiming for can change dramatically. Generally, we realize the things that are most important in life, and material things start to matter less.

Dreaming of the Future When You Are Young

As a youngster, you may have dreams of living your life in a big house and working in a career perfect for you. You may be thinking you will travel the world or party your whole life. Life has a way of not happening as we think though, so although you may while away many happy hours daydreaming about your future, don’t be surprised if your life ends up totally different. That need not be a bad thing though, as when you get a little older, a dose of reality kicks in.

Dreaming of the Future When You Reach Midlife

If you are feeling guilty about thinking of the time when your children have left home, and your mortgage is paid off, don’t. It is perfectly natural to want some freedom after years of rearing children and working hard to keep the mortgage company happy. Midlife will happen quicker than you think, and it could be time for you to make major changes in the way you live.

If you have been thinking about your future for some time, and what you want those changes to be, now is your time to sort your life out and probably start to think about the next stage, retirement.

Dreaming of the Future When You Have Retired

Just because you have reached retirement age, does not mean that you have no future, or that you should stop thinking about it. Most people these days retire anywhere between 55 and 65 and still have many years ahead of them. Making plans for what you want to do in those years can be crucial to your wellbeing, or you could become stressed about the way your life is heading.

You should not feel bad about putting yourself first. You may have spent years rearing a family and doing a job that was not your favorite. Retirement should be one of the best times of your life and thinking about future plans can help make your retirement dreams a reality.

Some people feel selfish thinking of their own futures, but that should not be the case. It can cause them great stress and anxiety though, and they may need help to cope with these negative feelings. If this is you we are talking about, get in touch with 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.

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.

How Can Psychotherapy Help with Anxiety Disorders?

Anxiety is a type of emotional response most people have from time to time. In most situations, it is a good thing. It is an example of when your body is responding to challenging situations around you. Your heart speeds up and your mind sharpens. This can help you to get through a challenging event. However, in some people, the anxiety they suffer from occurs so often or to such a severe degree that it interferes with the quality of their life. More so, it can become debilitating. If you are suffering from severe anxiety, it may be time to seek out treatment including psychotherapy.

How Can Psychotherapy Help?

An anxiety disorder is often described as an instance in which a person suffers from anxiety very often, to a severe degree, or in instances when there is not just cause for it. It’s important to realize that if you suffer from anxiety disorders, it is not always possible to simply stop worrying. Your brain and emotions do not let you. This is due to complex mechanisms in the brain. However, it is possible to gain control over anxiety disorders with the help of proper treatment. For many people, this is psychotherapy.

Most people with anxiety disorders can see significant improvement in their symptoms by seeking out help from a trained mental health professional including a psychotherapist. These individuals can often recommend treatment options including cognitive behavior therapy. This type of therapy involves discussing the underlying causes, creating effective treatment plans, and developing coping skills. You’ll learn to understand your thoughts, whey they are occurring, and how to manage them. This can help you to reduce the reaction you have and the limitations that anxiety can create for you. It can be one of the most effective ways to learn how to live with anxiety.

There is no cure for anxiety disorders. However, most people can see marked improvement in their mental health with supportive care and treatment with psychotherapy. Work closely with your therapist to better understand how you feel, why you feel it, and how you can cope with it and you may see a significant improvement in your quality of life and everyday successes. With the help of a professional, you could see significant improvement. Call our offices to schedule a consultation with one of the best psychotherapists in New York.

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

Therapists for Anxiety

What is anxiety? Generally speaking, this is a condition in which the mind is focused on an outcome to a situation that is negative. Generally, the outcome that is considered a worry to the individual is often far worse that what will occur. Most people worry about that worst case scenario. It feels good to worry – you can think about what could happen, plan for what the worst is, and prepare yourself. Yet, anxiety is not just an emotion. It impacts your overall well-being and health as well. And, it impacts your relationships. Sometimes, anxiety becomes too much and the support of a therapist becomes essential.

When Does Anxiety Cause Problems?

Most people have felt anxious feelings before. Your heart races. Your mind is going through so many thoughts and “what if” situations. You can’t stop from sweating, not sleeping, and even eating a poor diet. Anxiety can be a good thing. It is a physical reaction to stress that ultimately drives people to make better decisions. But, sometimes, anxiety becomes too much and causes negative outcomes.

Is this happening to you?

  • Do you find that your anxiety is causing you to miss out on life? If you are anxious about doing something, and you miss out on opportunities because of it, it is negatively impacting your life.
  • Do you find yourself unable to sleep or eat well because you worry?
  • Do you feel that your life is nothing but negative? Anxiety can often overwhelm individuals even when the situation is not necessarily that bad.
  • Are your relationships impacted by it?
  • Are you unhappy?

Anxiety creates negative situations like this, but you are empowered to take steps to overcome it. How can you see through these frustrations? Work with a therapist. Get to know what is at the heart of your anxiety and, by recognizing that, you can learn how to make better decisions about your future. What can you do to recognize when you are being over anxious? What should you do to improve the way you feel every day?

When you work with a therapist, you gain insight into prevention as well as treatment for anxiety. You get to talk and you get to hear an opinion from someone that understands what you are going through at that very moment. Do not overlook the value of turning to a professional for the support you need.

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