Michael S. Rosenbaum, Ph.D.
Sometimes people experience emotional problems (e.g., anxiety, depression), behavioral problems (e.g., overeating, smoking), or relationship problems (e.g., excessive arguing, poor communication) that interfere with their daily functioning.
These difficulties result from the interaction of biological, learning, behavioral, and environmental factors, which influence patterns of thinking and behaving.
These difficulties result from the interaction of biological, learning, behavioral, and environmental factors, which influence patterns of thinking and behaving. Negative life events can contribute to the development of self-defeating patterns of thinking and behaving, which some people can have difficulty changing. In my work, which I have been practicing for 42 years, I help people identify these self-defeating patterns and develop strategies for dealing with them. I emphasize the importance of practicing these strategies consistently, with the goal of handling emotions more effectively and behaving in more responsible and healthy ways. I focus on life pattern changes with respect to relationships, depression, anxiety, anger control, impulse control, and stress management.
First session
The first session includes a brief introduction, followed by the client describing their presenting problem(s). After the client chooses the problem they want to begin working on, I describe the outcome that can result from the approaches I use. This is followed by the client and I engaging in a collaborative manner to begin working on the problem chosen.
Strengths
Most of the work I have done has been focused on clients experiencing problems with anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder), depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, chemical addictions (drugs and alcohol), behavioral addictions (binge eating, excessive gambling, overspending, excessive time spent on the internet), and relationship problems.
Ideal clients
Adults who exhibit difficulties similar to the ones described above, whose goals consist of managing these difficulties at a level where they do not interfere in daily functioning.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I began practicing cognitive-behavioral therapy in 1988 and added Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in 2015. I use these approaches to assist clients in developing strategies designed to manage their problem(s) in such a way that these problem(s) do not interfere in their daily lives. This enables clients to pursue a meaningful life based on their values and goals.
Location
Virtual sessions