We are an association of licensed psychotherapists with advanced training and experience. Each member of our group is well grounded in understanding the dynamics of personality and has undergone extensive personal psychoanalysis. We offer individual, group, couples, and family therapy to help resolve life’s stresses. How Can You Benefit? Almost anyone can benefit from talking about their problems with a skilled professional, but there are certain stages in life when the need may be greater: Stages of Life Stress - The Single Adult - The Unfulfilled Career - Parenting - The Couple in Crisis - Aging and the Aging Process - The Troubled Adolescent - The Woman and Man in Transition We provide treatment of all symptoms of stress including anxiety, depression, panic attacks, loneliness, isolation and self-esteem issues. Why Choose Us? Throughout our 33 years in practice, we have helped countless people lead happier, more productive lives. We offer high-quality psychotherapy for moderate fees. You will receive highly individualized therapy in private offices. By listening, talking and providing a supportive environment we will help you foster growth and development. About Us Our History The Psychotherapy Association was organized in 1973 in order to provide high quality therapy at an affordable cost. For over 33 years we have been offering our patients treatment in our private practice settings. Many of us offer services that are free of managed care restrictions and, therefore, ensure greater privacy and confidentiality. Our Approach Through psychotherapy our goal is to help you understand yourself so that new and constructive patterns of living can be obtained. By Listening, talking and providing a supportive environment we will help you to establish the framework for exploration and resolution of life’s conflicts and stresses. Our Therapists We have received advanced training in psychotherapy and psychoanalysis and are fully certified and/or licensed. Each of us has undergone our own extensive therapy. We bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to every therapy session. Robert Butter, CSW (view bio) Alan Dolber, Ph.D. , CSW (view bio) Valerie Oltarsh McCarthy Barbara R. Rauch Joyce Silver Marc Sholes Getting Started We’re just a phone call or email away. The Psychotherapy Association can help you get started and answer any questions you might have about our therapy services. Our telephone number is: (212) 744-1416. Or you may send an email. We will return your call or answer your email within 24 hours. The first step will be our individualized consultation interview. This process is designed to carefully match each person with the most appropriate therapist, treatment mode – and location – suitable to your needs. At the interview your needs are sensitively, expertly – and confidentially – evaluated. Whether individual, couple or family treatment is indicated, all therapy sessions are provided in conveniently located private offices in New York City and Westchester. All communications with The Psychotherapy Association, including names and phone numbers, are kept strictly confidential and will never be shared with any third parties. Our Services We offer a comprehensive list of services for your needs. Although stress is normal – and even predictable aspect of daily life, there are some symptoms of stress that may signal the need for professional help: Symptoms of Life Stress • Feelings of Unhappiness – depression, hopelessness, insecurity, worthlessness, anger • Excessive Fears – phobias, anxieties, nightmares and procrastination • Difficulties in Getting Along with Others – on the job, with life mate, between parents and children • Self-Destructive Behavior – impulsivity, problem drinking, compulsive eating, compulsive gambling, accident proneness • Sexual Difficulties – problems with masculinity and femininity, impotence and frigidity • Emotionally Related Body Reactions – certain skin conditions & allergic reactions, tics, stomach & digestive disturbances, fainting, excessive perspiration, enuresis, certain types of headaches • Gender/Sexuality Conflict – • Changing / Balancing Roles – lack of confidence, adjusting to new expectations, disappointments • Other Blocks in Realizing One’s Potential Sometimes life’s changes can be overwhelming. We are here to help you though the different stages in your life: Stages of Life Stress The Single Adult – Negotiating the singles terrain in New York can be a frustrating and sometimes humiliating experience. Dealing with the loneliness and isolation while still maintaining your self-esteem often requires the understanding of a skilled psychotherapist. The Troubled Adolescent – The teenage years can produce emotional turmoil that affects the entire family. This can range from social isolation, failing in school and substance abuse to suicidal thoughts. The Couple in Crisis – Knowing how to nurture a good relationship, or deal effectively with a troubled one can be difficult – and sometimes agonizing. Making the right decisions about marriage, divorce, starting a family or just keeping the one you have intact, may be the most important task you ever undertake. The Unfulfilled Career – Work related stress can negatively affect all areas of your life and functioning. At these times it is crucial that you carefully examine your goals and expectations. Aging and the Aging Process – Facing retirement, dealing with frail, elderly parents, or just coming to terms with your own advancing years can be confusing and frightening. It is possible, however, to cope with the aging process in positive and productive ways. The Woman and Man in Transition -- The lives of today’s women are more complex than ever. Whether you are making a transition from home to work, or from a career to parenthood or facing the challenges of a new marriage, the impact of divorce we are here to help you through it. Parenting -- In addition to the pleasures of parenthood being a parent often raises questions of how to bring up a healthy and happy child, as well as how to balance the many roles parents inevitably encounter. Understanding the various stresses and conflicts and finding ways to deal with them successfully can be central to the entire family's well-being. Our Fees Our sliding scale fees are structured to enable even those with moderate incomes to receive ongoing, high-quality treatment. After paying our low initial consultation fee of $75, your therapist will work with you to determine an appropriate fee. We accept insurance reimbursement when qualified. Insurance coverage and reimbursements will be discussed with you during your initial consultation interview.