Irina Firstein, CSW, Midtown Counseling and Psychotherapy, Inc

Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing Counseling and Psychotherapy for Individuals and Couples.

My specialties include therapy for:

Couples/Marital Issues

I provide couples therapy for couples with all kinds of issues. Quite often the qualities that attract you to the person in the first place are also the ones that create the most conflict later on when the infatuation is over and the real life begins. Work, children, in-laws and all other factors of modern daily life present great challenge to maintaining a strong, open, connected bond. Much of the time this has a major effect on couples Sexual relationship. My goal in therapy with couples is to identify the problems, facilitate open and empathic communication and help the couple solve the problems as well as reconnect emotionally and physically. I have helped hundreds of couples literally save their relationship.

Depression

Almost every person will experience depression at s ome point in life. For some it's brief and for some it last a long time. Depression is characterized by extreme sadness, hopelessness, lack of energy, low self-esteem, self-hate at times and even suicidal thoughts. Depression can have many causes - childhood trauma, abandonement, neglect. It is usually triggered by current loss, disappointment, failure, rejection which usually has roots in the past depending on the severity of the depression. Much of the time it can be lifted through some exploration and linkages to original causes as well as making some changes and shifts in current processing of reality. Sometimes, medications are needed to help over the critical parts of therapy. Psychotherapy is critical in treatment of depression.

Anxiety

THis is a very common diagnosis, especially living in New York City with so much coming at you at all times. Anxiety is fundamentally related to FEAR and it's basic connection to ability to survive. When we feel that our survival, emotional or physical is challenged, we become anxious. Again, this is sometimes related to past e xperiences of trauma, neglect, abuse of any kind, abandonement. It's also compounded by demands of life here in New York such as stress, competition, financial preassures. There are many techniques available to help calm the fear and gain clarity and peace of mind.

Life Transitions

Life does not stay the same for anyone. Changes often trigger feelings of depression and anxiety. It can happen even when changes are of our choosing. Often changes happen out of our control and this can have a very destabilizing effect. Counseling and psychotherapy can be extremely helpful in these periods of life, when you loose perspective and peace.

Stress

Stress is the unfortunate major part of our lives in New York, when so much is expected day to day life. Much of the stress happens because in our busy lives, there is no time available for oneself to get in touch with one's true self. Also in all the busy running around we become alienated and disconnected from those close to us, which is one of the causes of all mental ills. Deeper connection to self and others is the major part of maintaining sanity. Much of my work is about this as well as teaching relaxation and stress reduction techniques.

For an Appointment call: 212 953-1388

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