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Marc Handelman, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist |
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611 W. 111th St. New York, NY 10025
Contact Information Phone: 212-678-1568 |
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Welcome Effective therapy is more than
just an intellectual exchange. Although expressing your thoughts is
important, it is essential that the process develops into something deeper. Significant
change takes place on an emotional level and involves reworking the way we
feel. If we could think our way out of problems, change would be easy.
Feelings aren’t always rational or subject to logic. A good fit with your therapist or counselor is essential in order to address difficult emotional issues. A sense of comfort and support are the starting points in the development of a safe and collaborative relationship, which is crucial for promoting growth and change. Therapy can fail when there is not a good fit.
My work is insight-oriented with an experiential and interpersonal focus. I am generally non-directive although I believe suggestions are occasionally helpful. While I have been influenced by humanistic, psychodynamic, interpersonal, existential, and experiential approaches to psychotherapy, I have developed my own way of understanding and helping people. I generally don’t think of people in diagnostic terms and I believe that doing so can get in the way of genuine understanding. People develop approaches to their lives that are more or less useful -- what is important is finding a way of being in the world that works for you. I’m interested in my patients finding a personally meaningful way of understanding and approaching life. I believe the development of emotional insight is important, and I believe that being clear, direct, and open are positive goals. I am more interested in helping people see clearly than I am in optimism or pessimism. I believe spiritual issues can play a part in emotional healing and I am comfortable working in a 12 Step framework. My style is non-judgmental and empathic, and my work involves
an interactive process directed toward ending self-criticism, creating
satisfying social relationships, and resolving conflict. Despair, depression,
anxiety, fear, dependency, and a multitude of addictive behaviors lead to
suffering and self-defeating patterns, which can be examined and addressed. Although addressing the immediate and painful issues that often bring people to therapy is critical, I also believe that deep and lasting change and health stem from self understanding and self acceptance. Specific goals formulated when starting therapy may change along the way as new possibilities are discovered. While resolving deeper issues may take some time, I also believe if a person does not experience some benefit from therapy early on, it may make sense to stop or to search for another therapist. Psychotherapy need not be a life style. Therapy is finished when you have a handle on primary problems and when it is no longer worth your time and money.
A productive therapeutic environment needs to be a safe place to explore issues that may be painful. It must provide an opportunity to express your full range of emotions, thoughts, memories, and fears. It should also lead to an experience of increased hope. In this kind of setting, one can generate new perspectives and creative approaches to life. The process can be difficult but it is not always a somber pursuit. It can also incorporate playfulness and humor. Trust, respect, compassion, and empathy are things you feel – they are not things you are “convinced” of – and this may take time to develop. Trust is not based on words alone; it is something you experience as you and your therapist get to know each other. Your therapist’s attitude is critical and can lead to your feeling accepted and understood, or rejected and judged, regardless of the specifics being addressed. Frequently, the things we find hardest to accept in ourselves are the things that cause us the most pain and suffering. Self-acceptance is a prerequisite of fundamental change, and it is easier to accept yourself in an accepting environment. When a positive alliance has developed, patients use the therapeutic relationship to transform and rework significant emotional experiences and family issues. Therapy then becomes a place to learn how to identify and change an approach to life which led to conflict and suffering. It is important that you learn to make choices and listen to your own inner voice. While some direction, advice, and counseling may be helpful at times, there will also be times when the best thing your therapist can do is stay out of the way and listen. Learning to trust your own experience is crucial. Feeling pressured to be something or do something or say something will frequently interfere with self-acceptance. Because the therapist’s input is
important, it is critical that he be sufficiently aware of his own defenses
and biases that they don’t interfere with a clear understanding of the person
he is helping. Your therapist must be careful not to respond based on his
own conflicts or issues. A failure of self awareness on the part of the
therapist can lead him to be overly involved, or overly detached. He
must be compassionate without being enmeshed or entangled. He must be
objective without being disconnected. He needs clear boundaries to
allow his patients to clarify their own boundaries. Clarity is not only
important for you, it is important for your therapist. These points are
essential in maintaining a safe environment and an ethical stance.
I am an in-network provider for the insurance companies listed HERE as well as several that are under their umbrellas. I qualify for out of network coverage when insurance allows for it. I am aware of the difficulties dealing with insurers and I will provide all reasonable assistance to help you receive benefits. I am working for you, not the insurance companies.
I have more than 25 years' experience and have been affiliated with The Hazelden Foundation for the past 9 years. I also train new therapists. Click HERE to see my professional history. |
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Marc Handelman, Ph.D. 611 W. 111th St., New York, NY 10025 Nearby Zips: 10023, 10024, 10025
Tel. 212-678-1568 Email: drhandelman@gmail.com |
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Click for a map:
611 W 111th St, New York, NY, 10025
Some mental health links: Psychologists in Manhattan & New York City (Find a therapist - psychotherapist) Substance abuse, addiction, AA (Alcoholic Anonymous) © 2009 Marc Handelman |
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