Deborah Alter
Deborah Alter
“Between stimulus and response, there is a space; within that space is your power and freedom…” Here’s the thing; we’re all basically the same- but then again, not. Our reactions (to unexpected events, comments, public scrutiny) vary, depending on our nature, personality, character and whether or not we’ve had breakfast. While the last part was just to get your attention, I’m committed to understanding what makes YOU “tick” and why you respond the way you do. That, in and of itself may be fascinating, but my true intention is to get you back on track, help you find your footing and become laser-focused & confident, independent of the circumstances . A bit about me: A native New Yorker, I acquired my MSW following a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from CCNY. Essentially, I view myself as a Life Coach, a motivator who recognizes that we’re ALL unique individuals, but do share many of the same thoughts & feelings. Most of us have struggled with anxiety, uncertainty and self-doubt- yet we’ve also experienced feeling confident, grounded and secure at one time or another. Then something happened. Our backgrounds and early childhood experiences, our genetic predispositions all serve to shape our personalities and the essence of our being. To that end, as a clinician, I strive to guide individuals to examine their beliefs- in order to gain insight into their potentially self-destructive behavior- or whatever is getting in the way of their progress. Together, we explore why you’ve sought treatment Now and what you’re looking to achieve or gain. What do you identify as the challenges or issues, what have you tried so far and what’s blocking you? Is it apathy or complacency that’s overshadowing what used to be determination & drive? Is it fear, feelings of inadequacy, imposter syndrome? Let’s find out…
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
If you are meeting with me for the very first time, I am “all ears” but also “all hands on deck”. It’s about listening intently while providing emotional support and checking in with you to confirm my understanding. Your perception or how you view your situation, will determine whether I provide feedback and how much. At the beginning of treatment, I want to establish a rapport with you where trust is paramount. Vulnerability comes only when trust is established between us, which takes time to build. My priority is for you to feel comfortable and safe to convey your story, without feeling judged. As I partner with you, we develop a treatment plan and goals that are measurable and specific from 1 session to the next, thereby keeping therapy both dynamic and fresh. It’s analogous to a 1600 piece jigsaw puzzle with the pieces strewn all over the table; where do you start? How about wherever you are. Let’s explore your “take” on things and get you from “overwhelm” to “calm” by sifting through the chaos, 1 puzzle piece at a time.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strength as a provider is my ability to Listen, non-judgmentally, to truly hear you, objectively, which takes skill and lots of patience. I’m perceptive and can usually interpret the nuances- reading between the lines, while never presuming that I “know” what you’re going through. I’m particularly sensitive to unresolved early childhood trauma and history of abuse. I apply DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) as well as CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy), depending on the client's needs.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My primary focus is Empowerment. Regardless of what you're facing, no matter what "cards you've been dealt"- we identify it and tackle it together. 1) You’re not alone. 2) Whatever It Takes. 3) U got this! It’s all about identifying where your passion lies, what gives you joy & satisfaction while pushing past whatever obstacles prevent your achieving those things. Sounds simplistic? Absolutely, but in working together, it can be done. To that end, my target population continues to be adults, ranging in age from 18 to 80 (and everyone in between). I’ve seen significant progress with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD and ADHD, Mood Disorders, Paranoia, Substance Abuse and PTSD resulting from early childhood trauma.
About Deborah Alter
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I take pride in individualizing treatment for each client, tailoring strategies to correspond with their specific needs, while factoring in their goals and expectations. Using CBT, I can help clients manage their problems, by shifting the way they think and behave- particularly if there is anxiety and depression. It works by identifying one's thoughts, feelings and actions while recognizing that they're interconnected. You're shown how to change negative patterns to improve the way you feel. Let's explore some practical ways to improve your state of mind on a daily basis!
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Using compassion and support as a standard practice, I incorporate the client’s belief system while gently challenging their assumptions. This is a different type of talk therapy, especially geared toward people who experience emotions very intensely. The main DBT skills are: mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness and emotion regulation. Radical acceptance is the skill, commonly identified as the most life-changing.