Rabbi Dr. Joel Zeff DMin
Mental Health Counselor, Clinical Pastoral CounselorABOUT
After almost three decades as a congregational rabbi and senior yeshiva educator, both involving much counseling, I became convinced of the profound and primal necessity to engage the whole person, encompassing the emotional, psychological , and spiritual dimensions. In order to better serve, I have gone back to school to train as a professional counselor. My training includes a doctoral program in Pastoral Counseling, the Clinical Pastoral Counseling program at a major medical center, and the TEAM (“Feeling Good”) school of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). My primary approach is using the methods of TEAM, which is an outgrowth of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.
The fundamental assumption of TEAM-CBT is that how we feel is a function of how we think. If we can identify our distorted implicit assumptions and beliefs, we can reclaim our G-d given right to lead a joyful and healthy life. The TEAM-CBT approach is short-term, methodical, and is widely considered to be the most effective, evidence-based therapy. My many years as a rabbi and educator allows me to appreciate and relate to the religious/spiritual aspects of achieving greater wholeness. If you are struggling with mood issues, interpersonal crises, destructive habits, or spiritual/religious discontent, please don’t hesitate to be in touch.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Counseling, San Francisco Theological Seminary
Year of Graduation:
2017
Years in Practice:
3
Additional Credentials:
MS- Yeshiva University 1985
Rabbinic Ordination- Yeshivat Rabbenu YItzchak Elchanan, (RIETS), NY 1985
Clinical Pastoral Education- Sutter Medical Center, Roseville, CA 2014
TEAM Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Training - Feeling Good Institute, Mountain View, CA. 2016
FINANCES
Average cost per session250-350 NIS
Insurance
None
Discounts Available
Special Rate for New Olim, Sliding Scale, Free Consultation, Student Discount, Lone Soldier Discount
DISTANCE COUNSELING
Telephone Counseling, SkypeLast Updated: May 8, 2018
OFFICE LOCATION(S)
SPECIALTIES
Addictions, Adjustments, Anxiety / Panic, Behavioral Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Cancer / Terminal Illness, Codependency, Depression, Executive / Career / Life Coaching, Grief, Life Transitions, Marital Counseling, Mood Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Personality Disorders, Phobias, Trauma / Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD, Self-Esteem, Spiritual Concerns, Stress ManagementCLIENT FOCUS
AgeAdults, Couples, Men, Women, Geriatric
Languages
Hebrew, English
TREATMENT APPROACH
TEAM Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Clinical Pastoral Counseling