As we creep closer to November, there will be increasing media coverage on the importance of becoming a registered voter and casting your vote this election cycle. While much of this rhetoric has been politically charged, we would…

An important part of developing self-confidence is acknowledging your strengths and getting to know yourself on a deeper level. Confidence develops from creating thinking habits that help you believe in yourself, including the ability to hold onto positive…

Union Square Practice therapist & performance coach, Liv Massey, defines self-compassion as “turning inwards the same kindness you would give someone that you care deeply about.” Self-compassion is a critical component of a healthy mind and spirit, but…

In general, people come to therapy to work on their problems, and to do so in a safe, professional environment. There are several factors that impact how effective the therapy is for any given person, such as the…

Mindfulness practice is about returning to the present moment. It can happen during a stroll outside, when you’re washing dishes, or when you're scrolling through the news. It's just noticing what you're doing in the present moment without…

How many of us have judged ourselves after a meal? We tell ourselves once we lose five pounds we will feel better, or that tomorrow we will start eating healthier, but then tomorrow never comes. Now, with trying…

Eager to learn the first step towards healthy breathing? Do you know if you are a horizontal or vertical breather? Dr. Belisa Vranich, leading psychologist, author, and breathing expert, helps us break down the most important step in…

Picture this: It’s early March, second semester of high school. The weather is starting to warm up just in time for spring sports. Preseason has kicked off, opening day for the musical is soon. Spring break is in…

That aged-old question: What is the difference between psychologists and psychiatrists? It's easy to confuse the two. In fact, many aspiring mental health professionals aren't sure until they start their schooling. What we're trying to say is that…

Mindfulness has become a buzzword both in world of mental health & performance psychology. There are a lot of resources out there that can get overwhelming and confuse rather than teach. To bring some clarity on how to…

An abbreviated, written rewind of our webinar on how to maintain, or even elevate your relationship while staying in place. Jonathan Fader: From my perspective, this is one of those topics that really hits home for all of us. Anybody…

A typical TMS program lasts 6-8 weeks, 5 treatments a week (with some leeway,) Monday-Friday, for a total of 36 treatments. Research has shown that TMS treatment is most effective under these treatment lengths and parameters, though further…

It's completely normal to be worried about one's health. After all, the urge to be aware of how one feels and to look out for symptoms is rooted in the evolutionary process of protecting ourselves from danger. Humans…

TMS is FDA-approved and indicated for treatment of both Major Depressive Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. However, ongoing research has found that TMS can be effective in treating other conditions, such as Anxiety, PTSD, and smoking cessation. Because…

Research shows that sleeping is essential for our health, both our mental and physical health. Chances are that you've probably had a sleeping issue at some point, either falling asleep, staying asleep, or just waking up too early.…

While it is highly recommended that you finish the entire 6-8 week TMS course before assessing level of improvement, patients have the right to decline treatment at any time. However, stopping TMS mid-course is not recommended, as it…

As a therapist working with couples I find that they often fight about similar topics. Can you guess which ones? You might have guessed money, chores, parenting and sex. Though these fights sometimes get in the way, couples really do want…

What exactly is anxiety? How long will anxiety symptoms be present for me? Why are these things happening to me? Anxiety is something that we all experience. It's a part of the human condition. Broadly speaking, anxiety can…

Obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD, is an anxiety-related disorder in which people experience symptoms of both obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are defined as unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or impulses that cause a significant amount of distress or discomfort.…

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a disorder that can have many different types of symptoms. Looking at the inattentive symptoms, we see trouble concentrating, being easily distracted at school or at work, or even having trouble…

With the exception of your very first TMS treatment, daily TMS sessions are fairly routine. The main difference is that during your first TMS session, the technician will take measurements of your head and determine a motor threshold.…

This is one of the more common questions and it’s fairly difficult to answer. For the sake of this question, we’ll compare an exercise routine or a weight-loss diet to a full TMS course. When you are exercising…

Neuropsychological evaluations are important for many different groups. One of those is for people with neurological disorders or injuries; those with epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), tumors, head injury, or a stroke. Another big reason why someone might seek…

With the expansion of The Center for Cognitive Health at Union Square Practice, we are excited to begin a weekly blog about Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation! This week will be a basic introduction to TMS, followed by more detailed…

While treatment plans are fully customized and tailored to each patient, treatment plans that involve TMS have some general similarities. After receiving the green light for TMS, patients can expect a 6 - 9 week commitment to treatment.…

TMS therapy is rapidly expanding in the U.S. And as it expands, so too do the questions about its cost and coverage. You’ll be happy to know that in just the past 2-3 years, most major commercial health…

One of the major questions surrounding TMS deals with the pros and cons of treatment. In terms of treatment, pros and cons are more commonly recognized as risks and benefits. With TMS - as with any treatment -…

Recently, I participated in a Twitter chat with Dr. Richard Besser from ABC News in which we discussed what makes a phobia and the most effective treatments for them. The discussion was a pretty simluating one, in part because there is a frighteningly long…

Many people, including those close to me, were psychologically devastated by Prince's death. Others couldn't have been more confused by this mourning for a man that many people had never even met. Prince was certainly prolific. He won not…

The most common issues I see are issues related to some kind of sexual dysfunction, pelvic pain, premature ejaculation, issues related to orgasm and arousal. Sex life also relates to intimacy in general, so it doesn’t necessarily need…

Sport and Performance Counseling is really all about managing pressure and managing stress. You’re performing. You’re performing at work, you’re performing as an athlete, or you’re performing at home. Everyone is under stress. Everyone is trying to perform…

What is the secret to a happy, long-lasting relationship? Psychologists and relationship experts are always scrambling to find the answer to all relationship woes. While we don’t quite have the holy grail of healthy relationships yet, researchers have found some…

Our winter days are shorter and we are uncomfortably sandwiched between the long gone holiday season and the far off summer. Most of us find our mood declining with the decreased light and cold temperatures. Sometimes we just…

As a therapist, I have many friends who come to me for relationship advice. Often friends tell me that they are in a relationship in which their partner is not treating them very well. I have on occasion hinted at…

    Valentine’s Day is the holiday of love—a day to celebrate your significant others. But for some, it’s not all roses and chocolates. Multiple studies, including one tracking Facebook breakup statuses, have shown that couples are more likely to break up…

Thanksgiving is a time for turkey, stuffing our bellies, football, and of course...family! Katie Krimer, a clinician at USP, shares her own experiences and the strategies she uses to ease tension and conflict when time spent with family…

As a therapist working with couples I find that they often fight about similar topics. Can you guess which ones? You might have guessed money, chores, parenting and sex. Though these fights sometimes get in the way, couples…

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a chronic, neurobehavioral disorder with symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity. These symptoms, when untreated, can interfere with many aspects of life, including work and social functioning. This week at Union Square…

TV, phone, computer, tablet, even print newspaper. With technology at our fingertips, it is nearly impossible to disconnect from the news cycle. Unfortunately, most of the news we encounter is negative, and even traumatizing at times. Bustle takes…

This week at Union Square Practice, Dr. Michael Dulchin provided an interesting perspective on using analogies in clinical practice. Here is an abridged version of his talk. I use analogies endlessly in clinical practice. Probably because it is…

Our winter days are shorter and we are uncomfortably sandwiched between the long gone holiday season and the far off summer. Most of us find our mood declining with the decreased light and cold temperatures. Sometimes we just…

While the name may suggest that antipsychotics are only used to treat psychosis, in fact they can be used to treat a vast range of symptoms. This week at Union Square Practice, Michelle Freedland gave an insightful look…

How athletes (and everyone else) can get “into the zone” “Baseball is ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.” –Yogi Berra Although Yogi Berra’s math was flawed, his insight into the game was 100% correct: one’s…

How My Ted Talk Helped Me Follow My Own Advice While I like watching Netflix shows, I love to binge watch TED Talks. TED Talks are just my style with thought-provoking content delivered in 18-minutes or less. So,…

“What is Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and What does it Mean about how I’ll Treat my Baby?" Postpartum depression has, for good reason, garnered more attention in the media and more resources in communities of late. However, postpartum…

Neuropsychologist, Brain Detective As a neuropsychologist, I’m often asked, “What is it you do, exactly?” or more commonly, “What IS neuropsychology?” One way to think about it is like detective work - a neuropsychologist is like a sleuth…

Supportive Therapy is therapy designed to give you the emotional support and guidance you need to manage life stresses. By understanding your temperament and past experiences you and your therapist can understand some of the patterns causing difficulty…

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners are specialized advanced practice nurses that provide mental health assessment and treatment. They often work in a range of settings including hospitals, their own private practices, community health centers, and primary care units. What do…

Many people seeking help for anxiety, depression, stress and other issues are increasingly turning to therapists who incorporate aspects of mindfulness into their treatment. Mindfulness can be a small supplement to therapy or constitute a core component, depending…

A psychologist is a mental health professional who has received a doctorate degree in psychology. A psychologist studies how people behave, think and feel in order to better understand the human psyche. In a setting like Union Square…

A psychiatrist is a licensed medical doctor that specializes in mental illness and the mind. Psychiatrists study the medical, psychological, and social components of mental disorders. As physicians, psychiatrists are capable of working closely with other doctors, such…

Do you want to make a change in your life, but are unsure how? MI is a way for your therapist and you to collaborate on fostering your motivation by helping you to identify your core beliefs and…

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a combination of two highly effective and well-researched forms of therapy: Cognitive Therapy and Behavioral Therapy. It involves partnering with your therapist to examine the way in which your thoughts affect your feelings…

I see couples every day who are trying to figure out how to enjoy the holidays. For some there is a feeling of sadness, as holiday time is an annual reminder of what’s been lost or changed over…

Learn How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Can Help You Manage Those Flying Phobias. As a clinical psychologist, I help people manage fears, or phobias, that interfere with life.  Many people are afraid of flying but are able to overcome…

Do you find it extremely hard to focus?  Are you continuously distracted?  Do you have dozens of unfinished projects? Does it take you significantly longer than other people to complete tasks? Do you have debilitating procrastination habits?  Are…

Recently at Union Square Practice, our Co-Founder and Dir. of Psychology, Dr. Jonathan Fader with Michelle Freedland, one of our psychiatric nurse practitioners, sat down and spoke freely about what is used to guide her way of approaching…

When working with couples in counseling, David Pearl’s focus is to help his clients interact with each other intentionally instead of reactively.  An example of a reactive response is when anger gets triggered. Anger is a secondary emotion which shields…

When working with couples in therapy, relationship expert David Pearl works to facilitate better communication and a deeper connection between partners. “Mirroring” is  one technique Pearl teaches to couples in this process, in order to reduce reactivity and…

Laura Paret, PhD is a child and adolescent clinical psychologist who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) here at Union Square Practice. Part of her work using CBT—which centers on changing the way one thinks and behaves—involves teaching…

For many women, becoming pregnant is not only a joyous experience, but also one fraught with anxiety. What’s that twinge I’m feeling? What if something goes wrong? What if I’m not a good mom? Is the baby moving…

How often do we find ourselves telling our children to calm down? It sounds so simple, and yet calming down is a very hard thing for most adults to do, let alone children. Managing difficult emotions truly is…

Picture this: you walk in the door after a long day at work and are greeted by a howling infant and two toddlers screaming, “Mommy, we’re cleaning, we’re cleaning! Mommy—WE’RE CLEANING!!!” As you turn your head to peer…

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is fairly common, affecting approximately 5-7% of school aged children and 1-7% of adults worldwide. Criteria for ADHD includes pervasive problems with attention and…

As winter approaches, many children and families are setting out for their yearly flu shot. For some youngsters, a pending shot conjures up lots of fear and dread. In line with all forms of anxiety, fear of needles…

Romantic rejection may seem as though it only affects certain unlucky individuals, but in reality we all feel the pangs of being spurned at some point. Being human involves encountering rejection, but within the current climate of online…

Valentine’s day can be emotionally difficult when you’re not in a relationship. There’s a great deal of societal pressure to be in a relationship, and an assortment of movies and television creates an unrealistic expectation of what romance…

Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a common mental health issue affecting all ages. It comes in different forms, and is experienced to different degrees, but it’s usually associated with symptoms like sluggishness, persistent sadness, agitation or hopelessness…

This week is body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) awareness week. BFRBs are compulsive behaviors involving the body and are often related to excessive grooming. For instance, people may compulsively bite nails, pick their skin or pull hair in a…

As part of an ongoing series, the staff at Union Square Practice will be sharing their thoughts on an important question: “What makes therapy work?” This week, Dr. Laura Paret, a child and adolescent psychologist, shares her thoughts. Following…

Companionship is something we often overlook as a necessary part of our lives. Humans thrive on companionship. When we feel like we don’t belong, we may experience symptoms of depression. Social relationships have proven through many research studies…

As we relax on Labor Day, one tradition stands out among the rest: barbecues. Picnic tables piled high with hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad and coolers full of icy beverages. Of course, today’s celebration is often followed by…

We’ve all been there: we’re driving around with a friend or a loved one and we are, without a doubt, hopelessly lost. We play around with the idea of pulling over for directions, but just then, our passenger…

For therapists, the choice to use the term “patients” or “clients” often reflects years of academic debate about the relationship between mental health clinicians (Psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors, therapists, etc.)  and those they are seeking to help.…

As Father’s Day draws closer, it’s a good time to honor the awesome powers of Dads everywhere! Although here at Union Square Practice we appreciate the influence that all caregivers and role-models play in the lives of the…

Ever wondered why flight attendants ask that you put on your own oxygen mask before your child’s? Because you cannot help your child if you’re not breathing! A growing body of research supports the notion that the way…

Seeing a therapist or psychiatrist is an emotional and financial investment in your overall health and well being. When you hit a wall with your therapist, it may be hard to admit that it’s time to consider other…

For some, 2014 wasn't chock-full of happy relationships and smiling children. As we look back on the year, and plan for the next, we inevitably remember the not-so-happy moments. To complicate matters, sometimes happy moments can remind us…

  Here, our staff and clinicians’ monthly picks for the best articles from around the web on psychology, psychiatry, and mental health this– from architecture’s therapeutic effects to becoming more charismatic: -New research suggests architecture may have the…

Holidays are a time for enjoying, celebrating, and relaxing, but for some of us they can also bring feelings of sadness and loneliness. To remedy this, Brandon Stanton, the photographer behind the popular blog Humans of New York…

  “To some, marriage is a word. To others, it’s a sentence.” I’m not speaking autobiographically here, but we’ve all experienced relationships and friendships that seem more like a stay at Alcatraz. Toxic relationships are genuinely a serious…

Participating in trauma therapy is probably one of the hardest—but most rewarding—things that a trauma survivor can do for him/herself.  It takes a lot of courage to successfully participate in trauma therapy, so that is the first component…

[caption id="attachment_597" align="alignright" width="232"] Dr. Jamye Shelton Pelosi[/caption] Trichotillomania—“trich” for short—is a hair-pulling disorder which is believed by researchers to have neurodevelopmental roots. It falls under the umbrella of obsessive-compulsive disorders in the DSM-5, and is an example…

Many people I meet frequently ask me “what is a mental health counselor?” After I briefly explain to them what I do, they respond with a series of clarifying questions: “Are you a psychologist?” “Can your prescribe medication?”…

As part of a monthly segment, we'll be sharing the most interesting mental health articles from around the web in the month. Here's some of the best current recommended reading on psychology, psychiatry and mental health, as curated by our clinicians and…

How is it so hard to meet people, despite the fact that we're so connected? This is a question I get a lot: whether people are looking for love on or offline, they're frustrated. And while websites and…

Can stress make me sick? It's a question I hear a lot from my patients, many of whom lead very busy lives with high-stress jobs and what feels like little time to relax. The idea that environmental stressors can…

[caption id="attachment_5331" align="alignright" width="232"] Dr. Kate Thacher[/caption] Dr. Kate Thacher, a licensed psychologist with expertise in trauma-related work at Union Square Practice, gives an overview of PTSD, discusses common misconceptions, and provides information about the treatment options for PTSD…

As part of an ongoing series, the staff at Union Square Practice will be sharing their thoughts on an important question: “What makes therapy work?” This week, Dr. Julia Vigna Bosson shares her thoughts. If you’ve been following…

As part of an ongoing series, the staff at Union Square Practice will be sharing their thoughts on an important question: “What makes therapy work?” This week, Michelle Freedland, N.P. shares her thoughts. Therapy is a highly individualized…

 As part of an ongoing series, the staff at Union Square Practice will be sharing their thoughts on an important question: "What makes therapy work?" This week, Jamye Shelton Pelosi shares her thoughts. What makes therapy work? I believe there are two…

 As part of an ongoing series, the staff at Union Square Practice will be sharing their thoughts on an important question: “What makes therapy work?” This week, Dr. Kate Thacher shares her thoughts. What makes therapy “work” really depends on several key…

 As part of an ongoing series, the staff at Union Square Practice will be sharing their thoughts on an important question: "What makes therapy work?" Dr. Michael Dulchin shares his thoughts. What makes therapy work? That is a very interesting question. Most…

As part of an ongoing series, we asked the staff at Union Square Practice for their thoughts on the important question: "What makes therapy work?"  This week, Dr. Jonathan Fader shares his thoughts. What makes therapy work? I think that therapy…