Hi. I am a clinically trained and experienced licensed social worker providing individual, couples, family and group psychotherapy through HIPPA-compliant tele health services. I am currently licensed to practice in the states of New York, California ,Arizona and Massachusettes. I work with clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, grief, childhood trauma, addiction recovery, life transitions, betrayal trauma and everyday issues. I am a Certified Partner Trauma Therapist (CPTT), a designation of the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals. As a Certified Partner Trauma Therapist, I have received intensive training to work with betrayed partners helping them to recognize triggers, develop healthy coping skills and guide them in their healing journey.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first therapy session I will be interested in learning about what contributing factors precipitated your seeking therapy. I will ask you about your previous therapy experiences and be especially interested in learning about what worked for you and what didn't when you sought help in the past. I will encourage you to share your apprehensions and ambivalences about seeking help. (Everyone has them) I also may begin to obtain some family history. I will listen carefully to what you share as my primary focus will be to create an environment in which you feel heard, seen, and well understood. I will address any questions you may have about the therapy process and as the session nears end, I will check in with you about how you felt about our first session.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I am very sensitive to the fact that reaching out for help can be uncomfortable, even a bit scary. Making the decision to break down the barriers that stand in the way of one's unhappiness is unsettling. Change is hard. With that in mind, I use a gentle, supportive approach and provide an environment where you can feel safe. In this welcoming space a therapeutic alliance can be cultivated. Together we will understand what you are experiencing and you will feel empowered to discover your own strengths and be ready to make effective change. I believe that each person's journey toward change is unique so we will personalize an approach that works best for you . I believe all individuals are capable of fulfilling the potential they hold in all areas of life and love. It would be my honor to help you in your quest to get there.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
Are you someone whose life has been impacted by infidelity or compulsive sexual behaviors ? Are you feeling like your world just came crashing down and find yourself in a whirlwind of emotions that include shame, guilt, anger, grief, or anxiety, ? If so, you may be experiencing the devastating effects of “Betrayal Trauma" and I am here to help. Whether or not you have experienced infidelity in your relationship, you may be feeling disconnected from your partner, struggling to communicate, or feel unable to resolve a specific conflict in your relationship. We can work together to increase awareness of your own needs , establish healthy boundaries in your relationships, and regain a sense of safety . I recognize that life can throw a lot of curve balls and you may simply feel unprepared to navigate life transitions, relationships or unexpectedly are haunted by past traumas. Perhaps you are suffering from grief, anxiety, depression, or engaging in self destructive behaviors. This can all feel very isolating but you are not alone and help is possible. You have already taken the first step.
About Wendy Shapiro
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Attachment-based
I have helped many of my clients explore the ways that their early relationships with primary caregivers (usually parents) have influenced or shaped their current relationship patterns. In a mutual supportive process, I encourage my clients to examine their own "attachment styles" (patterns of relating to others.) This has fostered improved physical and emotional connections , as well as reduced anxiety and depression for my clients.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I’ve been using CBT in my practice for the past 10 years. This has helped my clients challenge reoccurring thoughts and manage their anxiety. We’ll use CBT to recognize how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other . We then use that knowledge to change thinking patterns, which will help my clients lead a less anxious and stressed life.
Psychoeducation
When working with clients who have experienced trauma, I frequently incorporate psycho education as I have found that it helps normalize the trauma. Psycho education enables trauma survivors to recognize that they are not "broken"; rather they are experiencing a predictable set of symptoms, and a normal response to an abnormal situation. Because Trauma is an experience that shocks all systems of wellness (emotional, cognitive, physical, spiritual, social), it is helpful for clients to understand the impact of the trauma. Psycho education has helped my clients reclaim confidence in themselves and restore the hope for a meaningful life after trauma.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Often when working with couples we discover that it is not the presenting conflict that is at the core of the discord , but rather the unmet need for closeness. By creating a safe environment I encourage couples to initially deescalate their emotional reactivity and distress, and slowly cultivate a relationship that allows them to share their vulnerabilities, provide comfort for each other, and serve as a secure attachment to one another.