ABOUT

www.danielsclinic.com

I am a clinical psychologist, treating the adult population. Originally from The United States. Having immigrated to Israel over decade ago and now live in the Tel Aviv area.

I welcome those who take on the challenge of psychotherapy, which is not always an easy decision to make. The goal of therapy is to make positive changes, reducing anxiety and depression, improving relationships, and work. However, the task is one which does not always provide immediate relief, but often challanges the client to acknowledge and come to terms with difficult aspects of themselves and their situation. My role is to guide you in this process, to help you explore and discover yourself and situation.

In terms of my own approach to psychology, I mainly practice psychodynamic therapy and CBT. In general I try and be as authentic as possible while still maintaining the therapeutic setting. I believe in being active and participating in sessions as far as the client requires requires my intervention. I also do believe in giving the client space to think and lead their own self discovery as long as such space is helpful. In either case, I try to base my decisions in therapy on the long term goals of the client. 

Psychodynamic Therapy

This a more classical but ever evolving methodology used to help clients understand and process various conscious and unconscious aspects of their relationships with others and also their relationship with themselves. There is a focus on various underlying conflicts which exist for the client, and there is a deeper investigation into how the client defends and adapts to these conflicts. Furthermore, human condition, society and culture are viewed as important frameworks which impact the values and pressures clients experience and which impact their relationships.

CBT(Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

This is generally a more focused method of therapy for dealing with specific issues which can include specific anxieties, depression, OCD, but can also be used to treat other issues. Some patients prefer this methodology as it is more active and straightforward. Whereas other patients find it too mechanical, so a good fit is important. CBT generally works by understanding the connection between the client's emotions, thoughts, and the situation in a fine grain manner. The method also utilizes a structured format making easier to understand and allowing for doing various exercises outside of the therapy hour.

Process

Treatment aims to help clients discover deeper levels of self-understanding which ultimately leads the adoption of new attitudes and feelings towards oneself, others, and one's life situation. It is important to keep in mind that therapy is not a magic pill or a quick fix: therapy is a healing process that requires participation and investment from the client and therapist alike. In therapy, we’ll work explore the feelings and conflicts which are motivating your behavior, emotions, and relationships.

Therapy works by helping clients to recognize and process their personal tendencies and emotional conflicts. Both the recognition of complex personal tendencies and the processing of sometimes difficult emotional material takes time and repetition so that patients may establish a new equilibrium. The recognition and acceptance of one's emotional tendencies helps to reduce subjective suffering and offers an opportunity to work towards positive changes.

The clients I work with can experience a range of challenges: ranging from low self esteem, anger and aggression, sadness, worry, fear, relationship difficulties, work/life balance, loneliness, anxiety, lack of direction, issues with identity, being emotionally cut off, or emotionally volatility. However, this list is not comprehensive and your unique situation and struggle is likely a complex one, and therefore an initial interview and consultation is required to understand your situation mor fully, to discuss treatment goals, and to speak about recommended treatment options.

TFP

In addition to weekly therapy, Transference Focused Therapy (TFP)  is a twice weekly psychodynamic psychotherapy available for individuals with personality disorders or for more intensive treatment.

Experience

As an undergraduate I spent 4 years as a counselor for mentally ill and mentally handicapped patients placed in assisted living. In my master’s degree I spent two years working as a psychologist in a mental health clinic. Now I am in my fourth year of my residency having spent two years working in a mental health hospital inpatient unit. I currently work for Maccabi as part of my Residency, and three days a week  receive patients privately in Tel Aviv. In addition, I am in my second year of training and certification in TFP ( transference focused therapy), which is a specific type of psychodynamic therapy started by renowned psychiatrist Otto Kernberg. It is a form of therapy which is also able to address personality disorders, and has gone through various peer reviewed studies proving its efficacy.