Gottman Method Therapists in Woodmere, NY

For more than a decade, I've worked with individuals and couples in crisis due to infidelity, abusive relationships and recent loss. I also help premarital couples get off to a good start, and assist established couples seeking to improve their relationships in the areas of communication, conflict resolution, intimacy and parenting. As a trauma-informed MFT, I believe our past experiences impact the way we form our identity and relate to each other in the present. As a Christian therapist, I integrate spirituality with IFS, EMDR and the Gottman Method.

Given my certifications in the Gottman method and Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) I am trained in helping couples build and rebuild friendship and intimacy, manage conflict better and create increased shared meaning. Research indicates that secure attachment and emotionally fulfilling relationships are integral components of mental and physical health, and that emotionally focused interventions have the power to establish and recreate supportive bonds among individuals. I am therefore dedicated to the understanding of individual health and dysfunction in the context of relationship with others and the enhancement of couple and family

I offer comfort and guidance to people struggling to find their way through a hard transition or uncertain situation. Sessions with me are easy, but engaged and lively, and I strive to create a safe, warm environment. I am highly influenced by humanism and family systems. As such, I regard suffering as a natural and expected part of the human condition, not as evidence of a personal defect.

If you’re looking for help, there is a good chance that you've felt overwhelmed by your thoughts and feelings, or felt lost in your relationships or life itself. I collaborate with each individual and couple, helping them feel understood and seen, rather than jumping to any quick-fix solutions. Using principles and skills drawn from both skills based and compassion focused approaches, I strive to help clients learn more about their underlying values, sense of self, and patterns that have played out in their lives. Through this process, we work collaboratively to develop the skills and insight to move towards fulfillment and purpose.

To our Dear Future Client, If you're reading this, chances are you may have noticed that something does not feel right in your relationship. Perhaps you have known this for quite some time or maybe you have only now come to realize an important truth - that this is not how you want to feel, not where you want to be, & it's time for change. Change can be really scary and overwhelming, maybe even foreign. Of course, evolution doesn't happen overnight, so naturally you may ask how & when does it happen? Good questions!

The foundation of my therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy but I also incorporate other methodologies to meet the needs of each unique individual. My approach as a therapist is flexible because I understand the importance of your individuality. My goal is for my clients to feel safe and comfortable when they start therapy whether it be their first time or they have had past experiences. My style is to be interactive and engage with my clients while providing an environment that is safe, non-judgmental and supportive. I sometimes use worksheets, recommend books and phone apps to support the work we do together.

I am a genuine, empathetic and passionate therapist. I work with all genders and races with acknowledgment to cultural competence and sensitivity. For adolescent clients I incorporate the parents/guardians to assure effective change. I believe that we all have the ability to change or improve in any situation. I utilize strength based approaches providing validation towards empowerment and positive change. My principle focus is "Changing the way you see things and the things you see will change". Counseling is a significant step towards self-actualization which can benefit a person with increase self-awareness, self-care and future endeavors.

You want your life filled with passion, joy, and meaning in personal goals, career, and treasured relationships. You want to know that you matter and you are loved and accepted. You want to lift the weight of stress, frustration, hurt, and despair. For couples, you desire more excitement and a deeper connection. For parents, you want to know how to help your child through a struggle that you find overwhelming. You don’t have to feel powerless any more. You can take control of your life. Take the reins to steer your life on a new path to achieve your dreams, enhance your love life, & develop positive connections with others!

You are a person who values meaningful relationships, and struggling in the areas where you want connection can bring about feelings of loneliness and frustration. You've tried doing everything you can to improve your relationships with the people who are important to you, and still feel stuck and that the negative interactional cycles overpower your hard work. As a trauma informed relational therapist, I know how overwhelming the struggle can be, and I utilize evidence-based practices to help you better understand and heal your relationships

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Upstate NY and work with clients statewide through telehealth. I enjoy working with both individuals and couples. My approach varies on the specific needs of each client, but I feel that I am a guide who is learning alongside you. I will always be coming from a systems perspective, meaning I am thinking about outside influences (family, romantic partners, friends, job, etc.) and how they interplay/impact you.

I specialize in couples and marriage counseling as well as individual therapy for relationship issues (coping with break-ups, exploring unhealthy relationship patterns.) I will support and challenge you; providing a safe place to explore your feelings and make positive changes in your life. Depression, anxiety and relationship stress can leave you feeling hopeless. I can help you understand the underlying cause of these feelings and take back control over your life and your emotions. Take a look at my website naomibernstein.com

Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, stress, or relationship challenges? Perhaps you're grappling with the demands of parenting, trauma, or OCD. Whatever your circumstances, you deserve to feel understood, empowered, and guided towards greater well-being. At Expressive Connections, our team of compassionate therapists provides a nurturing environment where you can explore your emotions, gain insights, and develop effective coping strategies.