Debunking Common Myths About Depression

Depression is one of the most common diagnoses in the United States and, yet, it's a diagnosis that is still poorly understood with many misconceptions (see my article: What is the Difference Between Sadness and Depression?).

Debunking Common Myths About Depression

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), more than 21 million people had at least one depressive episode in 2020. However, people who are depressed continue to be stigmatized because misconceptions about depression persist.

What Are the Symptoms of Depression?

Depression symptoms involve a persistent low mood or loss of interest in activities lasting two weeks or more as well as some or all of the symptoms mentioned below.

The following are among the symptoms that can be depression, but a differential diagnosis must be made by a skilled mental health professional:

• Feeling Down or Empty: A feeling that does not go away
• Loss of interest in activities that were enjoyable before: Anhedonia
• Hopelessness/Pessimism: A bleak outlook about the future
• Feelings of Worthlessness/Guilt: Intense feelings of failure or self blame
• Irritability and Restlessness: Particularly common in men
• Suicidal Thoughts: Thoughts of death or self harm
• Fatigue: Extreme lack of energy or feeling "slowed down"
• Appetite/Weight Changes: Significant weight loss or weight gain; increased or decreased appetite
• Physical Pain: Headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not improve with treatment
• Reduced Concentration: Difficulty focusing, remembering or making decisions
• Social Isolation: Withdrawing from friends and loved ones

Symptoms in Different Groups:

Men: Men are more likely to show anger, irritability, aggression and more likely to engage in high-risk activities.

Debunking Common Myths About Depression

Women: Women may experience symptoms related to menstrual cycles (e.g., Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)

Children/Teens: Children and teens may exhibit irritability, outbursts or poor performance in school--although some children and teens don't exhibit these symptoms.

When to Seek Help Immediately

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, seek help immediately by calling 911 or going to your nearest emergency room.

Common Myths About Depression Debunked

• Depression Isn't All in Your Head: Depression is a biological, social and psychological disorder. It can be chronic and requires psychological treatment. 

• Depression Isn't Only Brought On By a Traumatic Event: A traumatic event isn't necessarily the cause of depression. For example, while experiencing grief is common, someone who is depressed can experience symptoms for a longer period of time than someone who has a loss but who isn't depressed. 

• Medication Alone Doesn't Always Help Depression: The best combination of treatment is often a combination of psychotherapy and, if needed, medication.

Debunking Common Myths About Depression

• You Can't Just "Snap Out of It": Depression isn't a choice. You can't just "snap out of it" with positive thinking (see my article: What is Toxic Positivity?).

• Depression Doesn't Look the Same For Everyone: There is no one-size-fits-all experience of depression. Each person can have different symptoms and a different experience.

• Depression Isn't the Same as Feeling Sad: Feeling sad and being depressed are two different things. Feeling sad or "down" usually doesn't last as long as a depressive episode. 

• Depression Isn't a Sign of Weakness: Anyone can experience depression. Depression is a biological and psychological condition that has nothing to do with being "weak" or "strong".

• Talking About Depression Doesn't Make It Worse: Working with a skilled mental health professional can help to provide clarity and hope. Silence perpetuates the stigma against depression and can increase feelings of isolation.

Note: The purpose of this article is only to provide information. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a mental health professional who has an expertise in working with individuals who experience depression.

About Me

I am a licensed New York psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, EMDR, AEDP, EFT (for couples), Somatic Experiencing, Parts Work (IFS and Ego States Therapy) and a Certified Sex Therapist.

I have helped many individual adults and couples.

To find out more about me, visit my website: Josephine Ferraro, LCSW - NYC Psychotherapist.

To set up a consultation, call me at (917) 742-2624 during business hours or email me.

How to Support a Friend Who is Depressed

Supporting a depressed friend can be challenging, especially if you don't understand what it means to be depressed, so it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of depression (see my article: What is the Difference Between Sadness and Depression?).

Supporting a Friend Who is Depressed

What is Major Depression?

Major depression is a common serious mood disorder.

Depression isn't just "feeling bad". It's a persistent condition that is often episodic and which usually lasts at least two weeks.

Depression isn't a sign of "weakness." It's a mental health condition that is treatable for most people.

Approximately 8-9% of adults in the U.S. experience at least one episode of major depression in their lifetime.

Approximately 15-20% of children ages 12-17 experience depression in the U.S. (see my article: Adolescent Depression).

There are gender differences with women being twice as likely to experience depression than men in the U.S.

Symptoms can include:

• Intense sadness

• Irritability

• Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable

• Problems sleeping

• Feeling worthless

• Problems concentrating

• Poor appetite

• Weight loss

• Possible suicidal thoughts

• Possible intent and plan to commit suicide

What Causes Major Depression?

Major depression is often a combination of genetic and environmental factors including (but not limited to):

• A genetic predisposition for depression

• A traumatic history including:
• Emotional neglect
• Abuse
• Loss of a loved one
• Other losses

• Major life changes including (but not limited to):Moving to a new areRelationship problems
• Separation or divorce
• Children moving out of the house (see my article: Coping With Empty Nest Syndrome)

• Low self esteem

• Pessimism

• Medical conditions

• Substance misuse/abuse

• Financial problems

• Medications

How Can You Help a Friend Who is Depressed?

Supporting a friend who is depressed can be challenging.

Supporting a Friend Who is Depressed

Here are some tips for helping a depressed friend:

• Listen without judgment

• Keep in touch to check in with them

• Offer help including
• Helping with chores
• Running errands
• Offering childcare to give them a break
• Helping with other tasks

• Encourage your friend to get professional help which might include helping them to find a psychotherapist or psychiatrist in their area.

• Be patient and understand that recovery from depression can take a while.

What Should You Not Do?

• Don't say things like "Snap out of it' or "Cheer up" or "You have so much to be grateful for."

• Don't minimize or dismiss their pain by saying, "Things could be worse."

• Don't compare them unfavorably to others (see my article: Comparison and Judgment Are the Thieves of Joy).

• Don't blame them for their depression.

• Don't try to be their psychotherapist. Be their friend.

Take Care of Yourself

Supporting a loved one who is depressed can be physically and emotionally draining 

Self Care

Make sure you have your own friends and support system.

Set boundaries.

Seek help for yourself if you feel overwhelmed by your friend's depression.

About Me

I am a licensed New York psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, EMDR, AEDP, Parts Work (IFS and Ego States Therapy), EFT (for couples), Somatic Experiencing and Certified Sex Therapist.

I work with individual adults and couples.

To find out more about me, visit my website: Josephine Ferraro, LCSW - NYC Psychotherapist.

To set up a consultation, call me at (917) 742-2624 during business hours or email me.

Also see my articles: 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Are You Concerned About Your Spouses Depression? 

What is the Connection Between Anxiety and Depression?

How is Contemporary Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Different From Traditional Psychoanalysis?

Contemporary psychodynamic psychotherapy, a modern therapy, originates from traditional (Freudian) psychoanalysis and there are some similarities between them and many differences.

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy vs Traditional Psychoanalysis

In fact, all therapy originates with Freud, but contemporary psychodynamic therapy has evolved beyond Freudian psychoanalysis in many ways.

Both traditional psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychotherapy are depth-oriented therapies that strive to get to the root of the client's problems, but there are significant differences between them.

 

How is Contemporary Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Different From Traditional Psychoanalysis?

• Frequency and Setting: Whereas clients attend traditional psychoanalysis anywhere from 3-5 times a week, clients in contemporary psychodynamic therapy tend to meet once a week either in person or online.

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy vs Traditional Psychoanalysis 

• Focus: In traditional psychoanalysis there tends to be a deep, extensive exploration of unconscious conflict, early childhood and dream analysis. In contemporary psychodynamic psychotherapy, although the unconscious is important, the focus tends to be on current life problems, current interpersonal relationships, emotional expression and recurring patterns which often originate from earlier relationships.

• Therapist's Role: The therapist's role is a "blank slate" in traditional Freudian psychoanalysis. The neutrality of the traditional psychoanalyst is seen as important to encourage the client's transference which the therapist interprets. However, in contemporary psychodynamic psychotherapy the therapist's role is more interactive and dynamic. Instead of just focusing only on the client's transference, psychodynamic therapy focuses on the relationship between the client and therapist--in other words, it focuses on both transference/countertransference of the client and therapist. 

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy vs Traditional Psychoanalysis

• Duration: Whereas traditional psychoanalysis tends to last for years, contemporary psychodynamic psychotherapy tends to be shorter and more focused.

• Goal: The goal of traditional psychoanalysis is usually to gain insight into repressed conflicts to resolve them. Depending upon the goals of the client, in contemporary psychodynamic psychotherapy the goal tends to be improved functioning and self understanding for the client's current challenges.

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy vs Psychoanalysis

• Accessibility: Compared to traditional psychoanalysis, contemporary psychodynamic psychotherapy tends to be more accessible for common problems like depression and anxiety. 

• Technique: Whereas traditional psychoanalysis tends to be Freudian, contemporary psychodynamic psychotherapy incorporate elements from various other modern theories, including objection relations and attachment theories, among others, not just Freudian psychoanalysis.

My Next Article: 

In my next article, I'll discuss Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), a cutting edge trauma therapy which is a psychodynamic psychotherapy.

About Me

I am a licensed New York psychotherapist who is a psychodynamic psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, EMDR, AEDP, EFT (for couples), Parts Work (IFS and Ego States Therapy), Somatic Experiencing and Certified Sex Therapist.

I work with individual adults and couples.

To find out more about me, visit my website: Josephine Ferraro, LCSW - NYC Psychotherapist.

To set up a consultation, call me at (917) 742-2624 during business hours or email me.

Overcoming Loneliness

Loneliness is not defined by how many people you have in your life. You can have hundreds of people in your life, but if your connections with them aren't deep and authentic and if these connections aren't meaningful to you, you will experience loneliness.

Overcoming Loneliness

Loneliness is a subjective feeling. It's usually defined by the gap between the social connections you wish you had compared to what you actually have.

Loneliness isn't about being physically alone. It's a feeling--not a physical state. It doesn't matter how many people are around you, if your connections are shallow, you will probably feel lonely. 

Clients often describe their sense of loneliness as feeling emotionally disconnected from others and, in some cases, feeling misunderstood.

What Causes Loneliness?

Loneliness can be caused by many internal and external factors including:

    Internal Factors:

• Mental Health Conditions: Depression, anxiety (including social anxiety),a low sense of self worth and other mental health conditions can make it difficult to develop and maintain relationships.

Overcoming Loneliness

• Past Unresolved Trauma: Unresolved trauma where your trust was violated can make it difficult to trust people.

• Personality: For some people, personality is a factor. For instance, people who are very introverted might find it difficult to form and sustain friendships. 

    External Factors:

• Loss: The death of a loved one, divorce, a breakup or other types of loss can create a sense of loneliness (see my article: Coping With the Loss of a Loved One).

• Life Changes: Moving to a new area, retirement, starting a new job or school or becoming a new parent can disrupt social networks (see my article: Being Open to New Experiences).

Overcoming Loneliness

• Social Isolation: Living alone in a remote area, having a disability that impacts mobility and the ability to have social interaction as well as other circumstances, can have a big impact on loneliness.

• Economic Factors: Financial struggles can make it difficult to participate in social activities.

• Cultural and Societal Pressures: An overreliance on technology instead of having more direct human contact, career stress and discrimination often contribute to loneliness.

What is the Difference Between Loneliness and Solitude?

There are fundamental differences between loneliness and solitude (see my article: What's the Difference Between Loneliness and Solitude?).

• Loneliness: As previously mentioned, loneliness involves wanting to have deeper connections with people but not having them. It can also involve an involuntary separation from meaningful relationships.

• Solitude: Solitude is a voluntary state where people are alone but they enjoy their time alone. They continue to have social relationships with others that they can return to when they want to reconnect with them. Their time alone can be balanced with their time with others.

How to Prevent or Overcome Loneliness

Overcoming loneliness requires making a conscious effort to make a change in your life.

Here are some suggestions that might work for you:

• Be aware that everyone experiences loneliness at some point, but it you feeling lonely most of the time, it's an indication that you need to make a change in your life (see my article: Developing the Internal Motivation to Change).

• Understand the impact that loneliness is having on your health, mental health and overall well-being.

Overcoming Loneliness

• Talk to someone in your life you can trust--a family member, friend or someone else you consider trustworthy.

• Get involved in community service or an activity you enjoy where you can connect with others in a meaningful way.

Overcoming Loneliness

• Anticipate the best from people instead of expecting to be rejected.

Overcoming Loneliness

• Focus on developing quality friendships with people who have similar attitudes, interests and values.

• Strengthen existing connections. While it's important to develop new connections, it's also important to strengthen current connections. Maybe there's a friend or family member you haven't spoken to in a while. Reach out to them.

Get Help in Therapy

Therapy can help you to overcome loneliness.  

Get Help in Therapy

Therapy provides a supportive environment to understand the root causes of loneliness including how mental health issues, coping skills, social skills, negative beliefs and prior traumatic experiences among other issues might be getting in your way.

Therapy can also help you to set and follow through on goals to overcome loneliness and deal with internal blocks which might be unconscious (see my article: Overcoming Emotional Blocks).

Rather than struggling on your own, contact a licensed mental health professional to develop a more meaningful life with deeper connections.

About Me

I am a licensed New York psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, EMDR, AEDP, Parts Work Therapy (IFS and Ego States Therapy), Somatic Experiencing and a Certified Sex Therapist.

I have helped many individual adults and couples to overcome loneliness.

To find out more about me, visit my website: Josephine Ferraro, LCSW -NYC Psychotherapist.

To set up a consultation, call me at (917) 742-2624 during business hours or email me.

Also See My Articles:

Why Are Close Friendships Important?

Making Changes: The Need For Emotional Connection and a Sense of Belonging

Vulnerability as a Pathway to Emotional Intimacy  

Feeling Lonely in a Relationship

Why Do Heterosexal Men Tend to Have Fewer Friendships Than Women?

Why Medication Alone Can't Solve Most Psychological Problems

Many people who are taking medication ask why medication alone isn't solving their psychological problems (see my article: Medication Alone Isn't As Effective as Psychotherapy).

Medication Alone Can't Solve Most Psychological Problems

Why Can't Medication Solve Most Psychological Problems?

There are times when medication might be necessary and helpful to deal with the symptoms of a psychological problem. However, when medication is needed, a better approach to consider is combining medication with psychotherapy.

Here's why:

• Medication Targets Symptoms, But It Can't Get to the Root Cause of Your Problem: Whereas psychotherapy can get to the root cause of your problem, medication  alone can help to alleviate symptoms while you're on the medication. Medication doesn't address the underlying causes of your problem. For instance, if you choose to take medication for anxiety or depression, your symptoms might improve, but it doesn't address the underlying psychological and emotional factors involved so problem isn't resolved. 

Medication Alone Can't Solve Most Psychological Problems

• Medication Doesn't Teach You Tools, Strategies or Coping Skills: Medication might reduce your symptoms, but it doesn't help you to change negative thoughts or to improve emotional regulation. It doesn't help you to develop the necessary coping skills and internal resources. It also doesn't help you to work through unresolved trauma. Psychotherapy can help you with these issues and more (see my article: Developing Internal Resources and Coping Skills).

• Medication Doesn't Provide Provide Psychological Interventions: Psychological issues require psychological interventions. For instance, unlike psychotherapy, medication alone doesn't address the following issues or a variety other psychological problems:

• Grief

• Poor communication skills

• Dysfunctional relationship patterns

• Unresolved trauma

• Medication Doesn't Help You to Develop Internal Resources: Psychotherapy can help you to develop the necessary internal resources and coping skills related to your problem. In many cases, when you have developed these internal resources, it's possible you won't be as reliant on medication or you might not need it (always consult with your psychiatrist before you reduce or stop your medication). Medication is usually for symptom reduction. While medication can reduce symptoms, psychotherapy can help you to develop the following skills and internal resources and more:

• Develop self reflective capacity

• Develop a personal growth mindset

• Develop personal resilience

Conclusion

Medication can be a tool for managing symptoms and creating stability, but psychotherapy addresses the underlying issues at the root of your problem, helps you to develop coping skills and promotes positive change.

For many psychological issues, the combination of psychotherapy and medication can be effective. 

Always consult with a mental health professional who has the necessary expertise about this.

Getting Help in Therapy

If you have been struggling with unresolved problems, you could benefit from working with a skilled psychotherapist who can help you to develop the tools and strategies to overcome your problem.

Getting Help in Therapy

Rather than struggling on your own, seek help from a licensed mental health professional who has the expertise to help you to lead a more meaningful life.

Note: Never reduce or stop medication without consulting with your psychiatrist.

About Me

I am a licensed New York psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, EMDR, AEDP, Somatic Experiencing and Certified Sex Therapist.

I am also work with individual adults and couples (see my article: What is a Trauma Therapist?).

To find out more about me, visit my website: Josephine Ferraro, LCSW - NYC Psychotherapist.

To set up a consultation, call me at (917) 742-2624 during business hours or email me.

Why Are Close Friendships Important?

According to a 2021 American Perspectives Survey, Americans tend to have fewer close friends in recent years than they did in years past (see my article: Overcoming Loneliness and Social Isolation).

The survey also found that Americans talk to friends less often and rely on friends less for emotional support than they did in the past (see my article: Emotional Support From Your Family of Choice).

Close Friends Are Important For Your Overall Well-Being

According to the survey, there are reasons for this, including:

• Americans are more mobile than they were before so this makes it difficult to maintain friendships with the consistency that these relationships need.

• Americans are working and traveling more for work which doesn't leave time to develop and foster friendships.

• American parents are spending more time with their children than previous generations so this doesn't allow much time for friendships.

Why Are Close Friendships Important to Your Mental Health?

Close friendships can improve mental health because friendships:

• Reduce Loneliness and Social Isolation: Spending time with friends can help prevent loneliness and social isolation which can have mental health benefits.

• Provide Emotional Support: Friends can help with getting through difficult times and to cope with anxiety, depression, stress and major changes.

Close Friends Are Important For Your Overall Well-Being

• Improve Self Esteem: Positive interactions with friends can improve self esteem.

• Foster a Sense of Belonging: Close friends can increase feelings of belonging and community which can help with feeling connected and supported (see my article: The Need For Emotional Connection and a Sense of Belonging).

• Increase Happiness and Satisfaction with Life: Close friends can contribute to overall happiness and satisfaction with life.

• Help With Personal Growth: Friendships can challenge you to learn, grow and become a better version of yourself.

• Provide a Sense of Purpose: Close friendship can contribute to a sense of meaning and purpose in life (see my articles: A Search For a Meaningful Life and Living a Meaningful Life).

Why Are Close Friendship Important for Your Physical Health?

Close friendships can improve your physical health benefits because friendships can:

• Improve Cardiovascular Health: Having supportive friends can contribute to having healthier blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems.

Close Friendships Are Important to Your Overall Well-Being

• Enhance Immune Functions: Social support from friends can potentially enhance immune functions which reduce the risk of illness.

• Help Increase Life Expectancy: Studies have indicated that people with strong social connections tend to live longer.

Future Articles:

I'll continue to explore the importance of friendships in future articles.

About Me

I am a licensed New York psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, EMDR, AEDP, EFT (for couples), Somatic Experiencing and Sex Therapist.

I have over 20 years of experience helping individual adults and couples.

To find out more about me, visit my website: Josephine Ferraro, LCSW - NYC Psychotherapist.

To set up a consultation, call me at (917) 742-2624 during business hours or email me.

Why Are Many Men Reluctant to Get Help in Therapy When They Need It?

As a psychotherapist in private practice in New York City, I'm seeing more men seeking help now than I did 20 years ago, but many men are still reluctant to get help in therapy when they need it.

Why Are Many Men Reluctant to Get Help in Therapy?

According to a 2020 survey, even though more men seek help now than before, there are many men who need help who don't seek it. In addition, fewer men seek help in  therapy compared to women.

Men Who Are Reluctant to Get Help in Therapy

Even though many well-known male athletes and celebrities have spoken openly about seeking help in therapy, there's still a stigma about men seeking help (see my article: Mental Health Awareness: Reducing the Stigma of Getting Help in Therapy).

Here are some of the most common reasons why men avoid getting help in therapy:

• A belief they must conform to traditional gender roles and that "being a man" means never showing emotional vulnerability

• They don't know how to show emotional vulnerability

• They're not sure what they feel

• Even if they know what they feel, they don't know how to talk about it

• A belief that going to therapy means they're "weak" (see my article: A Common Myth: Going to Therapy Means You're "Weak")

• Going to therapy makes them feel ashamed (see my article: Overcoming Shame)

• Going to therapy makes them feel embarrassed

• A belief they should know how to handle their problems on their own without getting help

• Psychotherapy is out of reach for them due to a lack of mental health services in their area or they can't afford it (in New York there are sliding scale therapy services in psychotherapy institutes with therapists in training who are supervised by senior therapists, including Institute For Contemporary Psychotherapy which also takes some health insurance).

How Can Men Learn to Talk About Their Problems?

Over the years, I have worked with many men who seek help in therapy because their partner encouraged them and, in some cases, insisted that they get help.

Here are some of the things I do to help men who seek help:

• Normalizing the Need For Help: Since I know many men don't know how to talk about their feelings, I start by trying to help them to get comfortable talking in sessions and normalizing how awkward it can be, at first, for anyone to talk to a therapist. I also provide them with psychoeducation about therapy including letting them know that many people start therapy with a degree of anxiety and ambivalence (see my article: Starting Therapy: It's Not Unusual to Feel Anxious and Ambivalent).

Men Who Are Reluctant to Get Help in Therapy

• Creating a Safe Space in Therapy Sessions: In order for clients to feel comfortable talking in therapy, I create a safe space for them by being compassionate, nonjudgmental and going at a pace that works for them.  

• Helping Clients to Relax: For clients who are anxious, I often start the session with a breathing exercise to help them transition from wherever they came from so they can relax and be present in the room.

• Starting Wherever They Want to Start: In our culture, it's generally considered more acceptable to talk about "stress" than anxiety or depression, so a lot of men (and women too) start therapy by saying they're experiencing "stress" and they just need some tips on how to manage their stress.  I will start wherever a client feels most comfortable, so if they want to talk about ways to manage stress, I'll start there.  But what usually happens, after these clients get comfortable talking to me, is that they begin to open up and talk about what is causing them stress including problems in their relationship, problems with their children, elder care issues, issues at work, unresolved trauma and so on.

Men Who Are Reluctant to Get Help in Therapy 

• Choosing Whether or Not to Work With Goals: Some clients like to set goals early in therapy. Others feel that setting specific goals feels like too much pressure. So, I allow clients to decide how they want to work.  At the same time, I want the sessions to be meaningful to them so we might need to find a balance so the therapy doesn't just "drift" in a scattered way.

• Helping Clients to Identify Their Feelings: Many men have been raised since early childhood to suppress or ignore their feelings so that, as adults, it's difficult for them to know what they feel. Therefore, helping these clients to recognize and identify feelings is often a significant part of the work.

Men Who Are Reluctant to Get Help in Therapy

• Using Humor and Lightheartedness: Using humor, when appropriate, can help clients to relax and open up. 

• Encouraging Self Compassion: This is an essential part of the work in therapy, especially for clients who have internalized harsh messages from early childhood about what it means to "be a man" (see my article: Acceptance and Self Compassion).

• Encouraging Self Care: Many men who are reluctant to get help in therapy are also reluctant to take care of their physical health and overall well-being, so encouraging self care is often an important part of the work (see my article: Self Care Is Not Selfish).

• Encouraging Support Outside of Therapy: The problem for many men is they don't talk to anyone about how they feel even if they have people in their life who would be supportive. In addition, many men don't have partners or close friendships, so encouraging them to develop an emotional support system outside of therapy is important (see my article: Overcoming Loneliness and Social Isolation).

Suicide Rates For Men

Men's mental health struggles often go undiagnosed because they avoid getting help.

In the United States, men represent about 79% of all suicides, which is four times higher than women.

Approximately 36,000 men commit suicide every year in the U.S. due to undiagnosed mental health and/or substance misuse problems.

Many of these deaths could have been prevented with professional help.

Note: If you or someone you know needs immediate help for suicidal thoughts, call 988, which is the suicide prevention lifeline or go to your nearest emergency room.

Getting Help in Therapy

The first step, which is making an appointment, is often the hardest.  

Getting Help in Therapy

If you have been struggling on your own, you could benefit from getting help from a skilled mental health professional.

Most clients who are initially reluctant to start therapy usually discover that therapy helps them to overcome their problems so they can lead a meaningful life.

About Me

I am a licensed New York psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, EMDR, AEDP, EFT (for couples), Somatic Experiencing and Sex Therapist.

I have over 20 years of experience helping individual adults and couples for a variety of issues, including trauma (see my article: What is a Trauma Therapist?).

To find out more about me, visit my website: Josephine Ferraro, LCSW - NYC Psychotherapist.

To set up a consultation, call me at 917.742.2624 during business hours or email me.