Looking for a cognitive behavioral therapist in New York City

April 16, 2007 6:28 AM

I believe my son, a high school student, would benefit from seeing a cognitive behavioral therapist. He is a great kid in so many ways, but he does not see this and is very self-critical.

My son gets into these loops where he silently berates himself. I do the same thing myself from time to time (berate myself, that is), so I know what he's going through. I have developed ways to deal with my own problem that work for me, so it is not an overwhelming thing. My son, though, cannot seem to break the cycle of negative thoughts, and I am hoping that a course of CBT will help him.

The problem is, I have no clue how to go about finding a good therapist who does CBT. If anyone here can recommend a therapist in New York City who practices CBT, I would greatly appreciate it.

posted by merejane to Health & Fitness (7 answers total)

The American Institute for Cognitive Therapy is in NYC. They might be a good starting place.
posted by occhiblu at 7:19 AM on April 16, 2007

Have you tried this? Certainly a first good step. And by the way, you're right. For the kind of situation you describe, I think CBT is the best option. That said, it's (in my own experience) a very straightforward and pragmatic approach. Nothing stops you from starting exploring CBT with your son using a practical guide. The real benefit of a therapist is to have someone that is emotionally detached (but caring) and with whom your son could address issues that he might not feel comfortable discussing with you. Good luck!
posted by bluefrog at 7:36 AM on April 16, 2007

Check out the Albert Ellis Institute, headquartered conveniently on the West Side.
posted by zorro astor at 8:19 AM on April 16, 2007

Merejane, I can recommend a CBT therapist in NYC - my e-mail is in my profile.
posted by xsquared-1 at 2:45 PM on April 16, 2007

I could only imagine my reaction if it had been my mom or dad sitting down with me to force me to do CBT worksheets with them. It would have made everything a thousand times worse.He's in high school. He's practically an adult. It should be his own decision, unless he is danger of hurting himself.

If you are going to discuss it with him, Mind Over Mood was the book recommended to me. It has a few "example" people in it with various problems, which makes it easier to see how CBT works.

Does his school have a therapist or councillor that you could ask? (Of course, don't say it's for him!) I actually found a therapist through a listing at my university health centre and wasn't charged too much because I was a student. How about a recommendation from your family doctor (if you have one)?
posted by cathoo at 7:43 PM on April 16, 2007

Response by poster: Thanks so much for all your replies. I will check out the books and other resources that you have suggested.
posted by merejane at 2:02 PM on April 18, 2007

I have a really good therapist in NYC...I have made a lot of progress and he might help your son. His name is Dr. Douglas Seiden and his number is 212-490-3590. There is a woman in the city who specializes in CBT for kids; I can't remember her name but I do have a list of a bunch of people covered by my insurance. Email me and I can send you the list to call the people.
posted by kenzi23 at 7:39 PM on October 9, 2007 [1 favorite]