George Embiricos, licensed therapist, smiling and looking into the camera with a warm, welcoming expression.

About Me

Break Free and Rebuild

George Embiricos
Vanderbilt University, B.S. (Child Psychology)
Columbia University’s School of Social Work, M.A. (Advanced Clinical Practice)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker New York #098331
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Telehealth Vermont #089.0136376TELE
Certified Partner Trauma Therapist New York #2022-3534

I am a lifelong New Yorker fulfilling my childhood dream of helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and build meaningful connections. I specialize in supporting those struggling with intimacy, relationship issues, addiction recovery, vulnerability, and life transitions. My practice offers a safe and judgment-free space where we can begin the healing process together. My goal is to help you rebuild your emotional wellbeing and move forward toward a healthier, more purposeful life.

With over seven years of experience in clinical practice, I have dedicated the past four years to working at New York City’s Center for Intimacy Recovery, where I helped individuals and groups overcome barriers to connection and emotional closeness. I earned my Master’s Degree in Advanced Clinical Practice from Columbia University’s School of Social Work, graduating at the top of my class. Under the guidance of seasoned therapists with over 30 years of expertise, I have accumulated thousands of hours of hands-on, patient-focused experience.

Asking for help is not easy, but just by being here, you have taken the first (and often hardest) step. I am committed to creating a space where you feel supported in establishing trust and connection. Together, we will work to help you feel emotionally strong, deeply connected, and in control of your life.

đź’ˇ Did you know?

You are more likely to experience mental illness than you are to develop heart disease, diabetes, or any kind of cancer.

Scientific American

Experience and Expertise

My Background and Expertise

Intimacy and Relationships

Individuals often struggle with forming or maintaining emotional connections, frequently due to their family dynamics, religious beliefs, and/or past traumas. These factors can manifest as emotional disconnections in a variety of ways, such as a constant fear of closeness in personal relationships. We work together to identify patterns, draw connections, and learn how to unlearn unhealthy behaviors that may have been present for much of one’s life.

Addictions

Many clients face challenges with addiction (often related to sex and/or pornography), which greatly impact their relationships and emotional health. I help clients break free from compulsive behaviors using a two-pronged approach: tracking immediate and tangible progress while also exploring and addressing the deeper roots of issues. We collaborate to identify coping mechanisms that were initially adaptive but have since become maladaptive, while developing healthier habits.

Opening Up and Vulnerability

“Get up, you’re fine.” “We don’t cry in this house.” These kinds of household messages are ingrained in us, and many of us were raised to believe that vulnerability equates to weakness. I specialize in working with individuals who are trying therapy for the first time. Whether you struggle to develop familial or romantic connections, recognize recurring patterns in relationships, or wish to form close bonds, I strive to model a trusting and open connection in our sessions.

Professional Affiliations & Features

Trustworthy

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Non - Judgmental

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Personalized

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Confidential

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Trustworthy â—‹ Non - Judgmental â—‹ Personalized â—‹ Confidential â—‹

My Values

My Approach to Therapy

01. Non-Judgmental

I offer a safe, supportive space where you can share your challenges without fear of judgment. My goal is to help you feel comfortable expressing yourself, no matter what you are going through.

02. Confidential

Your privacy is my priority. Everything we discuss remains confidential (as required by law), so you can feel secure knowing that your personal journey is protected and respected.

03. Trustworthy

Building trust is at the heart of my practice. With years of experience helping individuals navigate intimacy and relationship, addiction, and emotional issues, I provide a reliable and compassionate partnership to support you on your journey toward self-healing.

04. Personalized

Every person’s journey is unique, and I tailor each session to fit your individual needs. Together, we will create a plan that works for you, helping you overcome challenges at your own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

How it works

I would assume you have questions before embarking on a journey of self-improvement. Let us see if I can help address early concerns and provide some answers.

  • I am a lifelong New Yorker who is fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a therapist to help individuals help themselves in all possible ways. My educational background focuses on understanding the defense we instinctually build as we grow up, largely shaped by the environments around us.

  • Vanderbilt University, B.S. (Child Psychology)
    Columbia University, M.A. (Advanced Clinical Practice)

    I am an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), which entails having accumulated over 3,000 post-graduate patient-facing hours, and passing multiple state-board licensing examinations.

  • I am so glad that you asked. CPTT stands for Certified Partner Trauma Therapist. I am one of the few males in New York State to have attained this certification, which required completing multiple courses designed to help therapists support individuals experiencing betrayal trauma (e.g., infidelity). This training equips me to guide clients through the complex emotions and struggles that arise from such experiences.

  • An individual therapy session lasts for 50 minutes. During our early time meeting one-on-one, we will seek to establish a confidential (this is required and protected by law), trusting, and non-judgmental dialogue. From there, we will explore issues that brought you to therapy and how they have impacted your past, present, and future.

  • This is the most commonly asked question! The answer truly is: It depends on a variety of factors. Are you coming in for a single issue that requires a timely solution, or are you looking to engage in some broader self-reflection and introspection? I can promise that I am not here to waste your time or your money. Our sessions will always include an open. two-way dialogue about progress and we will regularly re-evaluate and evolve both short- and long-term goals.

  • I put the word “addiction” in quotation marks because I am wary of labeling and/or diagnosing, as this action can often create more issues than it solves. Some ideas to consider when questioning your relationship with a behavior or another individual are: Do you feel in-control? Do you find yourself turning to it when feeling stressed, overwhelmed, etc.? Has it had a negative effect(s) on your personal and/or work life? Do you feel stuck in a cycle? If the answer to any or all of these questions is “yes,” this behavior is absolutely worth examining.

  • While I am not in-network with any insurance plans, I provide you with a monthly “Superbill” that includes all relevant information (license number, diagnosis code, etc.) for you to submit to your insurance for out-of-network benefits. Your insurance may reimburse anywhere from around 30-70% of individual sessions.

  • Yes! I not only offer a free phone consultation, but I believe it is essential for taking the initial step in working together. During this call, we will get to know one another while broadly exploring what has brought you to seek therapy and specifically, your being curious about it at this time. Please fill out the form on the bottom of this page or reach out directly to me via phone at 917-410-1203 or email at george@healthierconnections.com.

How I Have Helped Others

  • “George and I worked together for close to four years. During that time I found him to be caring and able to hold his clients in their greatest moments of need. He is engaging, compassionate, and relatable. I would highly recommend him.”

    - Gary K., Colleague

  • “I had the pleasure of supervising George for three years at The Center for Intimacy Recovery. George is a thoughtful and caring therapist who is able to create an atmosphere of acceptance and warmth with his clients. I recommend him without hesitation.”

    - Nancy T., Colleague

  • “George is a dedicated and empathetic intimacy therapist specializing in emotional and relational well-being. In our work together, I have been consistently impressed by his deeply nuanced understanding of the unique space individuals navigate for connection.”

    - Shawna S., Colleague

  • “I started working with George around four years ago after finally having enough. Years and years of running from myself and using coping mechanisms such as drugs and alcohol had taken a toll on my life. Throughout my time with George I’ve learned to embrace outside accountability, self-respect, grace & patience. All within myself.”

    - David P., Client

  • “George has had a significant impact on my life during our time together and I will never forget his wisdom or kindness. Any strides I have made over the past year are largely a result of his guidance and compassion and I will never forget him. I am eternally grateful that fate allowed our paths to cross and I consider him a friend and trusted confidante.”

    - Ray M., Client

  • “George is a no-brainer for men (and women) struggling within relationships. He is exceptionally compassionate, insightful, and patient. I can refer out to George in good faith knowing people will be taken care of.”

    - Fred K., Colleague

"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change."

⎯ Carl R. Rogers

Let’s Talk

I get it — reaching out can be tough, but it marks a significant step toward making real changes. Regardless of what challenges you are dealing with in life, I am here to help you work through them in an individualized way that aligns with your unique needs.

Take the first step toward building a healthier, more fulfilling life.

đź“ž 917-410-1203

đź“© george@healthierconnections.com

🗓️ free 15-minute consultation

@healthierconnections

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