Addiction and Compulsive Behaviors
Addiction deeply affects relationships and emotional well-being.
I help patients break free and heal from addictions and 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 to fill the resulting voids.
Can You Relate?
Are you unsure if a behavior should be classified as an “addiction”?
Take a moment to reflect on the following questions. If you find yourself answering “yes” or nodding along to one or more of them, consider taking the next step. Ask yourself if you are ready to explore ways to minimize the impact this behavior is having on your life.
☐ Do you feel out-of-control or impulsive when it comes to this behavior?
☐ Have you tried to stop but found yourself unable or returning to it?
☐ Is the behavior causing negative effects on your personal and/or professional life?
☐ Does the behavior consume more time, money, or resources than you initially planned?
☐ Do you frequently feel guilt or shame after engaging in this behavior?
☐ Do you find yourself anticipating or fantasizing about the thrill associated with the behavior?
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 NYS #098331
Certified Partner Trauma Therapist NYS #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.
“Happiness is not the absence of problems, it is the ability to deal with them.”
Daniel Gilbert
Professional Affiliations & Features
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.
-
Great question! 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 is in learning and understanding the defense mechanisms that we build instinctually as we grow up, largely as a product of the environment around us. I studied Psychology at Vanderbilt University for my undergraduate degree and Advanced Clinical Practice at Columbia University’s School of Social Work to attain my graduate degree.
-
I am an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), which entails having graduated with a Master’s Degree in Advanced Clinical Practice, accumulating over 3,000 client-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 few males in the state of New York to have attained this degree after completing multiple courses designed to help therapists aid those experiencing betrayal trauma (e.g. infidelity) and helping these individuals navigate the complex emotions and struggles that arise.
-
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 begin exploring the issues that first brought you to seek 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 re-setting and evolving both short- and longterm 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.
-
Yes! Not only do I offer a free phone consultation, but I believe it to be essential in order to take 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.
-
It is exceedingly normal to have many questions at this stage ! I am here to answer anything and everything you may want to know about me, the process, or a more specific question about your own journey. Just reach out via website form, phone, or email!
How I Have Helped Others
In a virtual therapy setting, talk therapy saw individuals report comparable satisfaction scores to in-person talk therapy, with both demonstrating very high satisfaction.
Let’s Talk
I get it — reaching out can be tough, but it represents a huge move 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 makes sense for you.
Take the first step toward building a healthier, more fulfilling life.
📞 917-410-1203
📩 george@healthierconnections.com
🗓️ free 15-minute consultation
Call me
Email me
Schedule
Follow