I create a non-judgmental space where we can work together, enabling you to gain the insight to alter
behaviors that cause you stress, anxiety and sadness.
WHAT’S UNIQUE TO MY PRACTICE
I put my clients at ease while maintaining the professionalism that is necessary to help them learn about and understand themselves. People feel comfortable talking to me because they are fully secure that I am present, encouraging, and above all, non-judgmental. My personalized approach places high value on building a nurturing therapeutic relationship, and is tailored to each client’s individual needs.
Areas of Expertise
SPECIALTIES
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Relationship Issues
ISSUES
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Anger Management
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Anxiety
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Behavioral Issues
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Bereavement
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Borderline Personality
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Codependency
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Commitment
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Coping Skills
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Depression
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Divorce
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Family Conflict
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Grief
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Guilt
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Infidelity
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Narcissistic Personality
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Parenting
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Self Esteem
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Social Anxiety
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Stress
MENTAL HEALTH
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Mood Disorders
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Personality Disorders
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Thinking Disorders
THERAPIES
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Family/Marital
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Interpersonal
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Psychodynamic
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Relational
AGE
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Adolescents / Teenagers (14 - 19)
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Adults
SEXUALITY
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Bisexual
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Gay
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Heterosexual
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Lesbian
MODALITY
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Individuals
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Couples
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Family
ABOUT ME
I offer an empathic, encouraging environment where you are supported as you reflect and grow during the treatment process. You learn to identify and resolve issues that interfere with living a productive and happy life.
We work together to analyze your behaviors and what precipitates the actions that affect you and others around you. You will gain insight into yourself and your emotions at your own pace — therapy can be long-term to allow you to fully unravel and experience your feelings and motivations, or short- term to equip you to live your life as successfully as possible, as soon as possible.
TRAINING AND PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
For the past 15 years, I’ve been a psychotherapist and a licensed clinical social worker, with a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Columbia University. Prior to that, I worked as a financial analyst, with an MBA from NYU. My life experience translates into deep familiarity with what motivates people’s actions. It also means that I understand that in the real world, sometimes you need time to reflect and regroup, and sometimes you need to solve immediate problems and move forward.
I provide both long and short term therapy. I have been trained psychoanalytically as well as behaviorally, and I synthesize these two approaches, to help you achieve your personal goals.
SPECIALTIES
I specialize in treating people with anxiety, depression, poor anger control, guilt, lack of self-esteem, and relationship difficulties. We work together to understand and transform how your own issues affect your interactions with others in your life, including spouses, children, friends and significant others. I help people learn to commit to loving, caring relationships and repair existing ones; my work includes individual and couples counseling (marital and premarital).
MISSION
My primary goal is to create a safe space where you feel comfortable and supported sharing your feelings, confident in the knowledge that I hear, that I listen, that I am fully open-minded, non- judgmental, and unconditionally accepting. Ultimately, my mission is to make a positive difference in your everyday life, empowering you to set your own goals and achieve them.
YOUR PARTNER IN THE THERAPEUTIC PROCESS
Treatment is a collaboration we undertake as partners. During the course of therapy, I will help you become open to feedback and willing to make realistic changes so you will be able to move forward and enjoy a fulfilling, satisfying life.
I also focus on the relationship that develops between us during treatment. Based on that, I am able to understand how you react with others outside my office, and am thus able to assist you in adapting your responses in order to achieve your personal goals.
PSYCHODYNAMIC THERAPY
I approach treatment from the humanistic perspective: looking at you as a whole person, at what you bring from your history, at how that influences your current emotions to make you behave the way you do, and how you can learn to modify these reactions in order to maximize your well-being.
I believe strongly in the value of psychodynamic, or insight-oriented, therapy. Through talk therapy, you become conscious of how past events have shaped your present issues, and how you can let go of these past events in order to move forward.
Our lives are the sum total of all the experiences we’ve had since childhood. These experiences created our adult behavior patterns. Some of the habits and patterns which hold us back can be very hard to break free of — until we examine the reasons behind them. We explore painful past events to understand how they direct our present-day actions.
I will guide you towards making these important connections between experiences and behaviors, clarifying your feelings, and using that awareness to let go of the past and resolve stress so that you can be your best self"
THE CLIENT-CENTERED APPROACH
My practice is client-centered: you lead our discussions and I am there to provide acceptance and support as you work through obstacles and difficulties. You start each conversation, and I follow where you want to be.
This means that the direction that each therapy session takes is governed by how you are feeling at that time. I may ask you leading questions to draw you out and to make you think. For instance, I may ask you how a particular incident you are describing made you feel. I will encourage you to keep exploring and examining your emotions, and we will analyze how past experiences currently define you. As we continue to talk, you will naturally become more self-aware, acquiring understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. You will develop the ability to put past issues and experiences to rest; you will gain confidence in your choices; and you will build on your strengths to attain more and more personal growth.
CREDENTIALS
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker, License 078063, New York
- Master of Social Work (MSW), Columbia University in the City of New York (2006)
- Certificate in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy from the Psychoanalytic Association of New York (two year post-graduate training program affiliated with NYU Medical School)
CONTINUING EDUCATION CERTIFICATES
- Addiction as a Disorder of Attachment: The Art and Science of Restoring Secure Connections (Lakeview Health, 2015)
- Introduction to Complicated Grief Treatment (Columbia School of Social Work, 2015)
- Suicide: Threat or Imminent Danger (Center for Human Development, 2015)
- Working with the Continuum Model (Center for Human Development, 2015)
ADDITIONAL CREDENTIALS
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance, New York University (1981)
EXPERIENCE
- Over 15 years of clinical experience
- Over 20 years of experience in financial analysis
MEMBERSHIPS
- National Association of Social Workers
- Psychoanalytic Association of New York
Testimonials
I trust Sherry absolutely because I could tell she really wanted me to succeed. She is an excellent guide
to figuring out relationships and life in general.
— M, 42
We highly recommend Sherry Fessel for couples therapy. We saw her because we couldn’t stop fighting. The least little thing would set one — or both! — of us off. Sherry helped us discuss our problems without getting defensive, and taught us how to really listen to each other without hearing what we thought the other person was saying instead of what he or she was really saying. She guided us towards improved ways to communicate our feelings to each other.
— A and N, 26 and 27
Sherry is fantastic! She really listened to me and made me feel like I could tell her anything. I would
start looking forward to the next session as soon as I left her office!
— E, 28
If you are looking for a therapist who listens when you talks and really cares about you, then make an appointment ASAP with Sherry. She is the most caring person I’ve ever met. You can tell she loves
helping people.
— E, 47
Sherry is a wonderful combination of kindness, patience and wisdom. She made me feel comfortable
right from the start. She radiates compassion and openness.
— O, 69
I thought I would always beat myself up over something I did when I was a teenager but Sherry helped me to understand more about human nature and how people can change and grow. Now I feel like a huge weight is lifted from my shoulders and that I can still contribute something to the world. For the first time since I was a little kid I feel hopeful about the future.
— L, 24
Sherry’s experience helped us work efficiently and we began to see our relationship improve from the
very first session.
— R and L, 48 and 52
Within the first few minutes of entering Sherry’s office, I felt that I was in a place where I could be my true self without worrying about being judged. I knew I was in a safe environment and could discuss
anything.
— B, 43
Sherry always makes you feel heard and comfortable. She also helped me see that things that happened in the past don’t just stay there but they affect the present and how you behave. I still have a way to go but I am much better now at controlling my moods and my anger. If I can break the pattern so can you. So if you are going through a challenging time and need help figuring out what is going on inside your head, you should go see her!
— S, 28
CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
Please call me for a free 15 minute consultation so we can ensure we’re a good fit. The best therapist for you is someone with whom you feel a connection so you are at ease discussing your personal issues.
If you don’t know where to begin the conversation, here are some suggestions for the types of questions you might want to ask me, or any therapist you are considering working with:
“I am having difficulties with [my issue]; what kind or kinds of therapy would be best?”
“What kind(s) of training or clinical experience do you have working with people with [my issue]?” “What is a typical session like?”
“How will I be able to tell if therapy is working?”
“How soon do you think I will start to feel better?”
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Cost per Session: $225
Sliding Scale: Yes
Insurance Plans: Out of Network, Payment accepted by cash or check
CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
772 West End Avenue
New York, New York 10025
(212) 222-6949
Sherry.fessel@gmail.com