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Laurie Sloane   Licensed Clinical Social Worker

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Over 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.

My current areas of specialty are: 


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.



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SEE MY MAIN SITE AT WWW.LAURIESLOANE.COM
AND MY PSYCHOLOGY TODAY PAGE


BLOG POSTS ARE BELOW:

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PRESS: COVID-19 & THE CULTURE OF TOUCHING

Laurie Sloane was quoted in the following article written on InPlace, a project
by a group of NYU graduate students. Their mission is to record and comment upon
the changes and challenges brought on by the global COVID-19 pandemic.


WHAT WILL COVID-19 CHANGE ABOUT OUR CULTURE OF TOUCHING?

In Ancient Greece, you would expose your hand when you greeted someone to show
you didn’t have a weapon. And to really make sure the other person wasn’t hiding
a weapon anyway, you would shake their hand to see if anything fell out from up
their sleeve. With that simple ritual to prove we were weaponless; the cultural
norm of shaking hands was born.

Flash forward some two-thousand years, and the handshake is probably one of the
greatest weapons of all. If you asked me last year, I would have shaken a
stranger’s hand, no problem. If you asked me back in February of this year, I
would have shaken a stranger’s hand and then applied a generous dollop of
Purell. In early March, I had my first forearm bump, palms safely tucked in a
fist. Now, the thought of touching someone’s hand feels like putting it directly
into fire.

As the coronavirus spread to the US, two things I noticed were that I touched my
face a lot, and more surprisingly, that we touch each other a lot too.

Anthony Fauci was quoted recently on a podcast saying, “I don’t think we should
ever shake hands ever again, to be honest with you.” He believes the death of
this societal mannerism would reduce the spread of other diseases aside from
coronavirus, including the flu.  In India, people have started returning to
simply performing the Namaste gesture instead of shaking hands.  In February,
UAE citizens were encouraged not to rub noses while greeting each other. French
leadership urged citizens to avoid kissing each other on the cheeks.

Touch is everywhere. It’s in the firm, “please-hire-me” handshake at the start
of a job interview. It’s the “peace be with you” ritual at the end of Catholic
Mass. It’s the high-five in sports and between friends. It’s the flailing,
screaming, teenage girl hug. It’s the palm reader’s source of income.

It’s strange to think that a simple, two-thousand-year-old tradition would be
gone in an instant.  Of all the abrupt changes and sacrifices being made, this
one seems like something we can accept. But if it feels oddly empty to greet a
stranger, a friend, or a coworker without showing some kind of physical
interaction, it might be an opportunity to brainstorm a new societal mannerism. 
It’s like choosing a new school mascot after hundreds of years of being the
“Bears” or “Jaguars”—maybe it’s time to get creative.

Suggestions for alternatives are already floating around on the internet.  A pat
on the back, foot taps, the elbow bump. There is a compulsivity about it—that we
have to have something to replace the physical ways we acknowledge each other.
Instead of just greeting each other verbally, there’s a need to have some kind
of touch in place for it to feel okay.

Laurie Sloane, a New York-based therapist of over 30 years, can validate that:
“As humans, we’re so driven by contact with each other. Touch is the basis of
attachment when we’re born.”

Sloane describes that trauma in itself is “the lack of attachment.” She
highlights one of the most blunt and painful ways the lack of contact is
affecting society.

“What’s so terrible about this pandemic is that people are dying alone,” she
said. “It’s terrible for the person who is dying, and it’s in some ways, even
worse for the people who survive, because they can’t have this moment of closure
together. They can’t touch, they can’t even communicate.”

Though she notes that there have been instances where healthcare workers have
helped patients connect with their loved ones via FaceTime to say goodbye, it’s
not enough, and it’s not the same.

Sloane has two therapy practices, one in Manhattan and one in Long Island, where
she is currently quarantined with family. As expected, she is now seeing her
clients over Zoom. While the technology makes these virtual sessions possible,
Sloane can feel the lack of physical presence in her work. In person, Sloane
says, she is able to “mirror a person—by mirror, I mean their facial cues, their
gestures…matching them to some extent,” she said. “You just don’t have those
cues over Zoom. As a therapist I have to work so much harder.” Sloane finds
herself nodding and smiling to show that she is engaged with her clients, in
ways that wouldn’t be necessary in person. These extra non-verbal cues through
Zoom interactions, if anything, are preparing us for a bigger shift in how we
interact.

“I think people are going to become much more reserved,” she said. “I think it’s
going to take quite a while when this is truly over as a pandemic, for people to
rebuild that sense of trust, body to body, and feel comfortable with each
other.”

Sloane predicts that while the handshake and other forms of physical greeting
won’t disappear entirely, people will have to adapt and strengthen their
communication.

“I think they’re going to have to learn by necessity how to convey their point
of view, what they’re thinking and feeling in ways that don’t incorporate
touch,” she said. “Learning how to mirror people over technology, how to be more
consciously impactful, and use words and facial expressions to communicate
that.”

COVID-19 has changed our lives so drastically, but one thing we have proven is
that no amount of distance will change our need to connect with each other. The
real hurdle will be deciding if we can trust each other enough to get within 6
feet of a stranger.

by Sami Roberts

Full Article link:
https://editorsvision.com/inplace/2020/05/what-will-covid-19-change-about-our-culture-of-touching/


GROUP THERAPY FOR WOMEN IN MIDLIFE


WOMEN IN MIDLIFE AND BEYOND JOIN A NEW WEEKLY GROUP!

First meeting: June 5th 2019
Time: 6:30 to 8:00
Fee: $75.00 (can be covered by insurance out of network)


WHY A GROUP?

Thinking out loud in the presence of others can be a very powerful tool to
clarifying your issues and getting support.
Connection to others can help improve your mood and outlook and create
resilience.


WHY A THERAPY SUPPORT GROUP?

Sometimes we need professional help to address the storm of emotions we are
facing. As a therapist of many years, i am experienced in addressing conflicts
and hopes. I can help you understand your needs and participate in a rich group
experience.


WHEN IS MIDLIFE?

Today, with many women in better health, physically and emotionally, we are
working longer in the home and in our careers. We could argue that midlife
ranges roughly from 50 to 75.


ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH CHANGES IN YOUR EMOTIONAL LIFE OR PHYSICAL SELF?

As questions about your future come into focus and occupy more of your time and
thoughts, you are probably in the middle years and thinking about your next
chapter

Join me for an exciting journey during the middle of your life!

Laurie Sloane, LCSW
211 west 56th street
Apt 10K
New York, NY 10019
laurie.sloane@gmail.com

516-697-7252


COUPLES THERAPIST


WHY DO COUPLES SEEK THERAPY?

Below are just some of the reasons couples call me for an appointment seeking a
couples therapist. Once they come in, many couples discover they are ambivalent
about continuing in the marriage or realize they want to work on problem areas
and stay together.


SOME REASONS COUPLES SEEK OUT A THERAPIST:

 * Adjustment to living together
 * Conflicts over in-laws,
 * Money habits of saving and spending
 * Frequency of sex, decreased interest in sex
 * Infidelity
 * Ups and downs of love and longevity in marriage
 * Decision to Divorce or Stay together
 * Uncoupling (transitioning to separation and divorce)
 * Co-parenting after divorce

Sometimes, one partner has been having an affair and needs a safe pla

ce to disclose it.  I’ve worked with couples that decide to stay together after
infidelity developing healthier relationships. Of course, lots of couples do not
remain in the marriage and work towards divorce.  If enough trust and safety is
created in the therapeutic relationship, the couple learns how to communicate
their needs and wants more effectively. This often leads to a deeper connection
and greater emotional and physical intimacy.


EXAMPLES FROM MY COUPLES THERAPY SESSIONS

Let me give you an example of how showing more vulnerability helped develop more
trust in the relationship. Just to be clear, this example is a composite of my
experiences, not an actual couple in therapy with me.

Sally and John sat down on the couch next to each with some room between them.

Sally begin by saying they had been married a little over a year, and were
fighting constantly but not sure why.  John agreed and added that they were less
intimate in and out of bed.

During one of our early sessions, I asked each of them to say what attracted
them to one another, in hopes of reminding them of the positive aspects of their
connection.

By asking them to simply say what they each felt and listen carefully to one
another, this freed them up to be less angry and more trusting in the
relationship.

As they learned more about each other’s backgrounds, they developed a more in
depth understanding of some their patterns. These including overspending money
because of early deprivation resulting in an insecure attachment to the mother,
and multiple hospitalizations for a chronic childhood illness, which led to
feelings of uncertainty and anxiety in adulthood.

Overtime, they developed more empathy for each and stopped fighting. Instead
they listened better to each other and became more respectful and admiring.
That’s not to say they didn’t have conflicts, but they learned to how to
communicate better when they did have them.


CLAIMS OF FAVORITISM DURING THE THERAPY PROCESS



Sometimes one person in the couple will complain the therapist is partial to the
other person. It is important to raise this question with the therapist and not
be concerned about his or her reaction.  The Therapist is trained to reflect on
his or her own experience. It’s called countertransference, which focused on the
internal feelings of the therapist.  Sometimes, by bringing this up, a therapist
will recognize what is leading to the question and adjust the way they are
working, and use it as an opportunity to explore what’s leading to that feeling.

If for example, if a person struggles with sibling rivalry, it might get
triggered in the treatment. In reflecting on experiences growing up, it also
allows their partner to better understand them.

These are just a few examples of what comes up for couples and therapists in
Couples Therapy. As I’ve suggested, it is a very rich and effective way to
improve communication and connection.

If you are having relationship issues and think you could benefit from
counseling, give me a call today and let’s discuss if you could benefit from
couples therapy.

Laurie Sloane, LCSW
211 West 56th Street, Apt 10K
New York, NY 10019
212-413-7088

For more information, visit my website: www.LaurieSloane.com

 


MIDLIFE FOR WOMEN IN THE MODERN DAY

What is midlife?  Medicine says it’s the period of time when our bodies prepare
and enter peri-menopause and then menopause.


MIDLIFE CAN BE CHALLENGING



During this complex phase of female adult development our perceptions of
ourselves change.  We may no longer feel young, we may feel a sense of loss
about leaving our first 45 years behind, which includes changes in our physical
appearance, our energy levels, our health and our connections to a more youthful
robust part our lives.

You may be thinking speak for yourself: in our youth oriented culture we often
feel pressure to keep up our youthful appearances. At the same time, we try hard
to keep up our health and physical stamina.  Many women report the beginnings of
chronic health problems including skin rashes, insomnia, diabetes, chronic
fatigue, and heart disease.  These conditions can be debilitating emotionally
and physically during these middle years.

They signal to us that we can’t take our health for granted, we are not
invincible as we thought we were at 21 or 39.

Before you get completely depressed or stop reading, please keep in mind our
resiliency, our hope in the face of adversity and our strength as women in the
middle of life. We benefit from the knowledge we have accumulated; we have
better coping skills, support systems including friends, family and colleagues.
Recently i read that spending a weekend with an old friend can be rejuvenating.

When we don’t have an adequate support system, we seek out connection to others
by affiliating with schools, religious organizations, alumni groups, colleagues,
book groups, and support groups.


PONDERING THE PAST & CONSIDERING THE FUTURE

While we think about what we have left behind, we contemplate a richer life in
the future.  We may be busy with what life puts in our path, such as elderly
parents with health problems or adolescent or adult children with special needs.
We are often called the sandwich generation because of all the pulls on our time
and emotions. Putting feelings, thoughts and situations in perspective is
important to our well being.

Knowing a crisis will pass, a situation with our family is temporary, helps us
to endure.


A THERAPIST CAN HELP WITH MIDLIFE TRANSITION

Sometimes we need professional help to address the storm that we find ourselves
facing.  Individual therapy and group therapy can be very helpful to address
conflicts that reoccur from the past, difficulty coping with relationships and
work, and worries about the future. Sometimes we need to think out loud in
presence of another person who is trained to listen and help us understand our
needs.  Group support and connection can be a very powerful tool during this
journey as well.

In contemporary life, the age range of midlife has changed.

In the not to distant past, 35-40 was the start of midlife and by 60; we were
considered old and life often ended by 72. Today, with many women in better
health, physically and emotionally, and cognitively, we are working longer in
the home and in our careers.  We could argue that midlife ranges roughly from 50
to 75.

What do you think? Do you Feel Like You’re in Your Middle Years?



As we age, and move into our late 60’s and 70’s, many women are thinking about
the future. Do we want to retire, do we have the finances for it, where do we
want to move, what will our health be like in the future, do we want to live
near our adult children and grandchildren?

As these questions come into focus and occupy more of your time and thoughts,
you are probably moving into the middle years and thinking about your next
chapter.

If you are entering midlife and having challenges or anxiety, call me today and
let’s schedule an appointment. I have many years of experience counseling other
women about life changes and midlife.  I look forward to hearing from you.

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

Laurie Sloane, LCSW
 https://www.lauriesloane.com


HEALING FROM THE PAST: WORKING WITH A PSYCHOTHERAPIST FOR TRAUMA AND PTSD

Do I need a psychotherapist for trauma and PTSD? Unfortunately, life can present
people with difficult circumstances. Sometimes, people face challenges that can
even be terrifying and life threatening. You might consider events such as car
accidents, muggings, terrorist attacks, and being at war as most obviously
fitting within these categories. Being subjected to abuse or neglect as a child
might also match. Such events can lead to trauma reactions and even PTSD. To
resolve the trauma response, most people will want to see a trained counselor:


ADJUSTMENT DISORDERS

In the face of some life circumstances, some individuals may struggle to adjust.
Such circumstance can include many different types of life changes. It could be
moving to a new setting, dealing with a new role, or even experiencing a break
up. People may notice reactions in themselves as they struggle to adjust.
However, those reactions are not necessarily trauma related or diagnosable as
PTSD.

A major difference is the circumstances, which in this case are not necessarily
terrifying and certainly not life threatening. The reaction is also different.
Difficulty with adjustment may result in some anxiety and depression, but not
necessarily the same traumatic responses that might be expected to occur
following a more serious event. Nonetheless, it can be valuable to seek
therapeutic support.


ACUTE STRESS DISORDER

Other times, people do face more significant events that lead to more troubling
symptoms. If a life-threatening or particularly terrifying event occurs,
followed by severe symptoms, then a diagnosis of acute stress disorder might be
considered. This diagnosis can be made between 1 week and 30 days after the
event. After 30 days, a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder should be
considered.

The symptoms that characterize acute stress disorder include intrusive thoughts
or memories about the event. This might occur through flashbacks. Such intrusive
thoughts and memories can also occur during sleep through nightmares. People may
also find themselves becoming hypervigilant—always aware of their environment
and the challenges they may face. They may want to avoid certain situations that
seem to remind them of the trauma event they occurred. In time, this can be
reinforced such that it becomes increasingly difficult for the person to engage
in their general daily activities.


POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

If treated early, acute stress disorder may be resolved and then it will not
develop into PTSD. Other times, PTSD does develop as a result of the
circumstances faced, the symptoms, and their timeframe. Notably, PTSD symptoms
can also emerge some time after the event, in what is called delayed onset.

PTSD can be really difficult to manage. It can affect a person’s daily
functioning, their relationships with others, and even their ability to work.
Most people who develop PTSD need the support of a therapist to work through the
trauma events that are causing this severe reaction. With counseling, they can
process what happened, learn to cope with it, and improve their overall
well-being. However, it can be a difficult process, so most people would want a
therapist who they feel very comfortable with.

Closing Thoughts

Trauma experiences and trauma reactions can be significant problems that alter a
person’s mental health and ability to function. If you need help coping with a
trauma event, consider seeking the support of a counselor.

Contact Licensed Clinical Social Worker Laurie Sloan today at 212-413-7088 to
schedule an appointment for counseling. Laurie can help you heal the pain of
your past and improve your life.

www.LaurieSloane.com


STRENGTHENING THE BONDS: WHEN TO USE A PSYCHOTHERAPIST FOR RELATIONSHIP ISSUES

Do I need a psychotherapist for relationship issues? There is some outdated
notion that if a relationship is meant to be, it will easily fall into place.
That is not entirely true. Of course, too much struggle is a sign of a
problematic relationship that should perhaps not be maintained. However, healthy
relationships do require a balance of ease alongside purposeful work intended to
build, strengthen, and maintain the relationship over time. Oftentimes, couples
elect to use relationship counseling to support the longevity of their
relationship.


COUNSELING FOR PRE-MARITAL PREPARATION

One good time to attend relationship counseling is before you commit into
marriage. Shifting from dating to fiancés to a married couple can be a big
change. As your relationship status changes and your life shifts accordingly, it
can be helpful to talk over all the details in pre-marital counseling.

A relationship counselor can assist an engaged couple in establishing healthy
communication patterns, figuring out what their married life will look like, and
equip them to deal with anything unexpected that may occur during their lives
together. This is a good investment of time to plan for a marriage not just a
wedding. Most couples counselors can provide pre-marital counseling if you just
request it.


COUNSELING A DISTRESSED RELATIONSHIP

Often couples seek out counseling when they are facing some distress in their
relationship that may seem to threaten the health or longevity of it. There are
many different circumstances that can cause distress in a couples’ relationship.
Each couple may experience their own compilation of challenges.

Some couples find they grow apart over time and need assistance growing back
together. Some couples face unique difficulties such as a miscarriage or the
loss of a child. Others may face difficulties in communication and emotional
withdrawal from one another. Still others may face trust issues they need to
resolve. It can sometimes be difficult to know how to repair such matters
without outside help.


STRENGTHENING ANY COMMITTED RELATIONSHIP

Even still, the choice to attend couples counseling does not necessarily require
a big change in the relationship or a significant problem. Many couples choose
to attend relationship counseling simply to strengthen their relationship and
perhaps to avoid any major relationship problems in the future.

Attending relationship counseling can give a couple the chance to discuss their
similarities and differences, their communication styles, and the way those
factors could affect their interactions with one another. Couples can learn how
to communicate most effectively with each other, how to have healthy
disagreements, and how to work through difficult times together rather than
drawing apart.

Closing Thoughts

Relationships are not always easy and sometimes a couple needs the assistance of
another perspective to help them build a solid foundation, strengthen it over
time, and work through any challenges they may face.

If you want to pursue relationship counseling, consider contacting Licensed
Clinical Social Worker Laurie Sloan at 212-413-7088 today, to schedule an
appointment. With over 30 years of experience in the field, Laurie has helped
many couples strengthen their bonds. She can help you too.

www.LaurieSloane.com

 


REPAIRING THE RUPTURE: WORKING WITH A PSYCHOTHERAPIST FOR INFIDELITY

When a relationship has been hit with infidelity, it can rupture the trust
between partners, and entirely change their dynamic from that point forward.
Many couples may find themselves entirely uncertain about how to repair the
situation, and seek the help of a psychotherapist for infidelity issues.
Further, each partner may also be struggling with their own reactions. After an
affair, especially if a couple wants to repair the relationship, they may find
it helpful to work with a psychotherapist. Learn more about the repercussions of
infidelity and how a therapist can help:


EFFECTS OF INFIDELITY FOR THE BETRAYED

When you think about the repercussions of infidelity, whether it may be a
one-night stand or a long-term affair, you might most often think about the
effects it would have on the betrayed partner. Indeed, that is the person in the
union that most people would feel most sympathetic towards.

Similarly, the betrayed partner will have many reactions including feeling
deceived or lied to and a sense that trust was betrayed. These reactions could
also cause anxiety and sadness. In some cases, the betrayed may even feel a
sense of low self-esteem or low self-worth in the wake of an affair. This
partner may find counseling helpful to help them cope with what happened and the
resulting reactions.


EFFECTS OF INFIDELITY FOR THE UNFAITHFUL

Although most people might initially feel most sympathetic towards the betrayed
partner in a union, the unfaithful partner (that is the one who committed
infidelity) might also be dealing with many different reactions. They may be
feeling guilt or shame and they may experience their own self-deprecating
thoughts regarding their actions. Depending on the prospects of resolution, they
may also be depressed.

Further, the unfaithful partner may have already been dealing with something
that led to their affair. It could have been that they were feeling unfulfilled
in the relationship or alienated in some way. This is not to excuse their
behavior; however, it is another component that may need to be addressed to
resolve the situation. Therapy can help with both the pre-existing problems and
the resulting reactions.


EFFECTS OF INFIDELITY FOR THE RELATIONSHIP

Of course, not only each partner will be affected by infidelity, but the
relationship as a whole will also be altered. It is for this reason that many
couples find it necessary to seek couples counseling after an affair has
occurred. Relationship counseling can help a couple to work through what has
happened and help them to identify what steps they want to take next for their
relationship.

In some cases, partners may want to repair the rupture that occurred and
certainly couples counseling can help with that. In other cases, the partners
may find it impossible or prefer not to repair the relationship. A couples
therapist can also assist partners in reaching an amicable end to the
relationship.


CLOSING THOUGHTS

Infidelity can have a big impact on a relationship and the partners involved. It
is not easy for couples to repair the rupture, especially without outside help.
If your relationship has been affected by infidelity consider working with a
counselor.

Contact experienced relationship therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Laurie Sloan at 212-413-7088 to schedule an appointment for relationship
counseling.

For more information please visit my main website : www.LaurieSloane.com


THE SADNESS OF SAYING GOODBYE: WHEN TO SEE A PSYCHOTHERAPIST FOR GRIEF

Do you need to see a psychotherapist for grief? Loss is an inevitable and
difficult part of life. It can occur in many forms. Most commonly it occurs
through the death of a loved one. Other times it can be the loss of a pet, a
place, or part of one’s self. The resulting reaction is typically called grief
and it can be complicated. Today’s world may say that you should be able to work
through that grief and move on in a matter of weeks. However, that is not always
possible. Sometimes, you may need help through therapy to cope with a loss.
Learn more:


TYPICAL GRIEF RESPONSE



An incidence of grief usually starts after learning of some loss. You may have
heard that people typically go through certain responses during the grief
process. Some research says that people go through stages of denial, anger,
bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

 * Denial encapsulates the initial response of wanting to believe the loss is
   not true.
 * Once the denial dissipates, people may feel anger at the perceived cause of
   the loss.
 * Bargaining includes attempts to resolve the situation (such as asking a
   higher power for help).
 * Depression often occurs when the person loses any hope of resolution.
 * Acceptance happens once the person comes to terms with the situation.

While this sounds like a difficult process, it is also conveyed as simply a
series of stages you must get through before the grief will resolve. However,
grief is more complex than that and many people do not simply follow these
stages. They may cycle back to previous stages or never reach acceptance.

Further, grief can contain many more emotions than anger and depression.
Depending on the situation, you might experience several complex emotions
simultaneously. For example, perhaps you lost someone, but they were suffering
and in pain, so you feel sad but relieved.

There is a lot that can occur in a “normal” or “typical” grief response. Many
people find it helpful to seek support in processing through their grief. It can
be nice to have a counselor available who will listen and guide you through the
process no matter what stage you are in or what specific reaction you have.


UNEXPECTED GRIEF REACTIONS

Historically, grief was typically given more time and tradition. People were in
mourning for an extended period. They wore black so that the world around them
knew they were grieving. This was not to mark them in a negative way, instead it
honored the gravity of their loss.

In today’s culture, there is not a lot of time or tradition given to grieving.
Sure, there will be a funeral if you lose a person. But many workplaces expect
people to return to work in a matter of weeks. The loss of a pet may garner too
little sympathy. If you lose something more ambiguous such as a home to a fire
or a career path you had planned, then you might be grieving without others
recognizing.

In any of these cases, people can experience grief that may be more difficult to
resolve. Sometimes there may be intense anxiety (such as being afraid of
separation from loved ones for fear they may die too) or intense depression that
does not resolve (and instead starts to impair daily functioning.

In these situations, counseling can become imperative. Counselors are trained to
assist people with complicated bereavement processes. Therapists can also help
you to resolve any anxiety and depression that may have grown out of your grief
reaction.


CLOSING THOUGHTS

Grief can be complex and sometimes people require additional support to work
through it. If you find that you need support to process your grief and return
to the business of living, consider seeking the support of a counselor.

Contact Licensed Clinical Social Worker Laurie Sloan today at 212-413-7088 to
schedule an appointment, she can help guide you through the bereavement process.

For more information, please visit my main website at: www.LaurieSloane.com


YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH FOOD: WHEN TO SEEK A PSYCHOTHERAPIST FOR AN EATING
DISORDER

Should you consult a psychotherapist for an eating disorder? Incidences of
eating disorders are on the rise in both women and men. More broadly, many
people are struggling with disordered eating, which is a term that captures a
challenging relationship with food, that does not necessarily meet criteria to
be diagnosed as an eating disorder. Your body image and your relationship with
food can seriously affect your quality of life. It can also be difficult to
alter these areas on your own. Learn how counseling can be a crucial part of
treating these mental health concerns:


EATING DISORDERS DEFINED

You may have heard of eating disorders. They are often depicted on television
and movies. Sometimes, eating disorders can present with complex symptoms and
can even become dangerous. In fact, there are 3 forms of eating disorder that a
person may be affected by. Each has its own symptoms and risks.

Anorexia nervosa may appear as the most commonly talked about disorder. This
involves restriction of eating. Oftentimes, the person will get to a point where
they eat very little or nothing on a regular basis. As a result, they lose
weight and their health can be at significant risk. The disorder can result in
death.

Bulimia nervosa is also well known. This disorder involves engaging in a cycle
of binging and purging behaviors. A binge is defined as eating a large amount of
food in a very short time period, with a sense of loss of control over one’s
eating. A purge is intended to eliminate that food. This is usually done through
vomiting, but it can also be done with the use of laxatives and excessive
exercise.

Another, lesser known eating disorder is called binge eating disorder. This
involves engaging in binging behaviors without the purging behaviors. This
disorder can cause weight gain. Both bulimia and binge eating disorder can be
difficult to manage, with health effects that increase over time.

Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder are all serious
conditions. They are each incredibly difficult for a person to manage or
eliminate on their own. If you suspect you have one of these conditions, it is
important to seek therapy from someone experienced in treating eating disorders.


DISORDERED EATING CONCERNS

Not every unusual eating behavior will fit neatly into one of the above
categories. Some symptoms may overlap or not quite measure up. This does not
mean that those symptoms are not cause for concern. Instead, they may constitute
disordered eating behaviors that would also benefit from treatment.

In the category of disordered eating could be behaviors such frequent dieting,
excessive exercise, and constant critiques of one’s body. Such behaviors could
be the result of poor body image and low self-esteem. If left unchecked, these
concerns could grow and become a bigger problem such as a more clearly defined
eating disorder. For this reason, it is important to seek therapeutic help right
away.


CLOSING THOUGHTS

If you suspect you have an eating disorder or if you have noticed that you are
engaging in disordered eating behaviors, then you will want to seek help. A
trained and experienced counselor can assist you in addressing these concerns.

Contact experienced and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Laurie Sloan at
212-413-7088 today to schedule an appointment for treatment of your eating
related concerns.

For more information, please visit my main website: www.LaurieSloane.com

See our other blog post on this
topic: https://www.best-therapist-nyc.com/top-therapist-in-nyc-will-therapy-help-eating-disorders/


PSYCHOTHERAPIST FOR DIVORCE


MAKING THE DIVIDE: WHY YOU SHOULD SEE A PSYCHOTHERAPIST FOR DIVORCE

If your relationship is on the rocks, you may start considering divorce. There
can be many conditions that might lead a couple in this direction. Even in
difficult situations, it can still be a difficult choice. Many people will find
they could benefit from the help of a psychotherapist as they finalize that
decision. Once the decision is settled, then a counselor can also help a couple
work through the process of divorce. Learn more about why you should see a
psychotherapist for divorce:


CONSIDERING DIVORCE

Many situations can lead a person to consider divorce. There could have been
infidelity or some other breach of trust. There could be excessive arguments or
differences you can no longer work past. There could be alienation or
abandonment. One or both partners may have simply changed over time, such that
the relationship no longer works. When this becomes a possibility some couples
do seek help.

When you find yourself considering divorce and you want to repair the
relationship, this is a perfect time to seek the support of a couples counselor.
Sometimes couples find they simply cannot mend their relationship on their own.
However, the help of a trained professional can allow couples to strengthen
their communication with one another and give them a safe space to work through
their problems.


DECIDING ON DIVORCE

Sometimes even the help of therapy cannot repair a relationship. One or both
parties may find themselves at an impasse where they really want to leave.
Meeting with a counselor either for individual therapy or for couples therapy
can help you make that decision. It may be more helpful to meet with a therapist
one-on-one if just one party is in the position of considering divorce.
Otherwise, the couple may work with a couples therapist to collectively work
towards that decision together.


PLANNING FOR DIVORCE

Oftentimes, couples will have already made the decision for divorce before
starting couples counseling or they make that decision during the process of
relationship therapy. This is perfectly acceptable, the goal of attending
relationship counseling is to help the couple get where they need to be, and
that may not always be reparation. The good news is relationship counseling can
also be used to plan for divorce.

You may wonder why you would want to see a psychotherapist for divorce planning.
Well, the truth is that divorce can be a challenging process. This is true even
if the partners are separating amicably. There can be many logistics to work
through, such as dividing property and debt. The situation may become even more
challenging if you share children—you certainly need to have an amicable
relationship.

Attending counseling during the process of your divorce can be tremendously
helpful for partners who need to learn how to co-parent separately. A divorce
counselor can assist divorcing partners in learning how to communicate in ways
that will be healthy for both them and their children. Counseling can also help
to mediate the planning of logistics around co-parenting, such as sharing time
with one another.

Closing Thoughts

When you are considering divorce or working your way through the process
consider receiving counseling with a trained and experienced provider, who can
help you to work through the situation. Contact Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Laurie Sloan at 212-413-7088 to schedule an appointment for relationship
counseling. With over 30 years of experience in the field, Laurie can meet any
couple where they are at to work on their relationship or assist them in the
process of planning for divorce.

 

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   New York, NY 10019
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