Gene Lichtenstein, LMFT - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Gene Lichtenstein

Gene Lichtenstein

(he/him)

LMFT
20 years of experience
Virtual

Boston College was my graduate school, Beth Israel Hospital the site of my clinical education, and MIT, where I was a Senior Research Associate, the start of my professional career. In 1976, I emerged a licensed clinical psychologist in Massachusetts and began a practice treating young people, couples, and families. I also worked as a community therapist with teachers, parents, and students, to help integrate three Boston's public schools. In California I completed additional training and was licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist. I acquired experience in different approaches to treatment including, Cognitive Behaviorism, Family Systems, Narrative, Object Relations, Solution Focused, and Strategic therapy. I have extensive experience working with artists, trauma victims and addicts. I have been particularly effective working with parents and young adult children, discord between couples, and a variety of men and women struggling with trauma. This was not my first career. I worked as an editor and a documentary filmmaker. The skills I developed became invaluable to me as a therapist. I learned to listen–for what is said but also for what is left unsaid—and to recognize the impact that social structures have on our life stories.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

My clients have told me that they have felt heard by me and not judged. With help from me they have come to recognize their strengths and find a more promising, alternate narrative in their life.

The treatment methods and tools I utilize

Most importantly, I begin with the client and try to form a close connection with him/her. While I am partial to Narrative Therapy, I develop an approach that is suited to the client's sensibility. I often adopt a variety of methods including Gestalt (particularly with teenagers), Cognitive Behaviorism (with addicts) and some variation of Strategic Therapy. The therapists who have most influenced me are Milton Erickson and Michael White.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I believe all therapists learn "to read" clients. We learn to sort through what they tell us and what still remains unsaid—either because of shame, fear, or lack of recognition. This has become one of my great strengths as a therapist. Part of this is intuitive; but part also stems from my work as a journalist, as well as my own experiences with trauma.

About Gene Lichtenstein

Appointments

Virtual