Intimacy and Relationship Issues
Relationship Issues with Self and with Others
Individuals cannot begin to help take care of another human being if they are struggling to take care of themselves. In our early work, we will center on how you take care of yourself. Only when self-esteem and confidence are actively being built can people seek properly to help with the wants and needs of those closest to them.
“People-pleasing” often emerges as a central theme during these early stages. This tendency involves consciously or subconsciously prioritizing others’ needs above one’s own as a way to avoid conflict or maintain peace. However, these actions (or inactions) almost always backfire, leading to a buildup of frustration within oneself and toward others. Over time, individuals become overwhelmed with emotions such as resentment, guilt, shame, and loss of self-control, ultimately losing sight of their purpose.
01
Identify Relationship with Self
What characteristics define who you are today? Do you like who you are? Are you able to devote time and resources to bettering yourself and how do you define self-improvement? Together, we will explore these questions and examine the reasons why you may have neglected to take care of yourself — mentally, physically, and emotionally — over the years.
02
Dig in to Learned Patterns
“Nature vs. Nurture” represents a common debate but we are all products of our environment — the families we were born into, the values instilled and modeled for us, and the behaviors that were rewarded or punished. In our work together, we will trace these patterns across your lifespan and piece together the larger puzzle that provides insight into what has shaped and continues to shape you as an individual.
03
Take Action and Make Progress
Once we establish a foundational understanding of how and why you present the way you do, we can collaborate to formulate a treatment plan. Goals will not only become clearer but also feel more attainable as you gain motivation. When you are more at peace with yourself and feel an increased sense of control, you will be better equipped to evaluate and nurture your relationships with others.
"Psychotherapy isn’t a twentieth-century artifice imposed on nature, but the reinstatement of a natural healing process.”
Patricia Love
About Me
Break Free and Rebuild
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.
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.
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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.
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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 licensed to practice fully in New York and to practice via Telehealth with residents of Vermont.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
How I Have Helped Others
“Therapy is a place where you can be yourself, without judgment."
⎯ Carl R. Rogers
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.
đź“ž 917-410-1203
đź“© george@healthierconnections.com
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