Omer Leshem

Behind every effective treatment lies strong trust and mutual respect between a client and a therapist. I make sure to establish a safe and supportive environment as I get to know my clients and learn about their concerns. My collaborative approach is based on psychodynamic modalities and psychoanalytic theory. In other words, my goal in treatment is to help clients introspect, make connections between the past and the present, and gain a wider perspective on their difficulties.

I help my clients heal past wounds by fostering an authentic and caring attitude that nurtures hope and connectedness. I intend to go beyond symptom alleviation in sessions and to support my clients in a manner that helps them achieve greater independence, freedom, and playfulness. Doing so helps alleviate emotional pain and create a deeper understanding of oneself.

I typically provide long-term treatment that is open-ended and client-led. While my approach to treatment is explorative in nature, I often integrate structured and directive methods to help my patients regulate intense feelings and deepen their work. I realize that each therapeutic relationship is different and therefore tailor my approach based on each client's individual needs.

About myself:

I am a clinical psychologist working in a New York private practice with adults, children, and couples. I treat a wide range of problems, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, gender and sexuality concerns, and identity exploration. I also teach as an Adjunct Professor at Fordham University and supervise doctoral candidates at The New School for Social Research. Additionally, I am a candidate at NYU's Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis.

I received my doctorate (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology from the New School for Social Research in New York City. My training took place in major hospital clinics, counseling centers, and community clinics in New York City. In these settings, I gained valuable experience in working with clients across the lifespan and from various backgrounds. I was trained in various psychodynamic modalities for children, adults and parents, and received special training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples.

Before my clinical training I completed a B.F.A. in Music Performance. Ever since, my aim has been to integrate principles of musical communication and emotional expression into treatment of real-life problems through clinical research and practice. Alongside my career as a therapist, I continue to work as a jazz saxophonist and a composer.