My approach to counseling is grounded in the understanding that the most important aspect of therapy is the relationship between therapist and client. I provide a warm, welcoming, and safe environment where I work together with the client to find his or her own unique path to self discovery and awareness.
My practice is diverse in both the clients I cater to (with regard to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and religious affiliation) as well as in the unique perspective I bring to the table. I have a specialized expertise in working with religious individuals, and immigrant populations.
I differentiate myself in the following ways:
A. I specialize in religious and cultural issues. I am aware that these issues greatly impact a person's life and am sensitive to those factors. I have found that my experience as a religious person has helped me be sensitive to religious clients from a number of traditions including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc. Some examples of religious issues may include:
- Agnostic but raised in a religious community
- Going through changes in what you believe
- Depression within a religious context
- Relationship problems within a religious framework
- Intermarriage
- Sexuality in my religion
- Separated or divorced within your religious community
B. I also specialize in life transitions (such as emerging adulthood, college life, parenthood, middle-agehood, retirement, and end of life experiences) and career counseling. I am interested in people's experiences as they undergo life changes, as I help make sense of the feelings and experiences they are havingand explore how they will achieve their life goals amid the many changes life brings.
C. I provide career counseling and assessment to help people find meaning and joy in their careers which ultimately plays a larger role in their overall life satisfaction.
D. I am fluent in Hebrew and can provide therapy in Hebrew and in English.
In addition to these specialty areas I help people with a number of presenting concerns:
- Depression
- Stress/anxiety, including social anxiety
- Relationship or family difficulties problems with forming or maintaining friendships/relationships
- Communication/assertiveness concerns
- Difficulties managing, identifying, or expressing emotions
- Grief or loss of any kind, including pet loss
- Self-esteem or confidence difficulties
- Trauma/prior abuse
- Concerns involving sexual orientation or identity
- Desire for personal growth and building meaning in one's life
I generally conduct interpersonal process therapy which views the client-therapist relationship as the central most important part of therapy. Interpersonal process therapy helps clients come to understand both themselves and the experiences they have. This is accomplished by the client identifying and understanding both their interpersonal relationships and the dynamic that plays out in the room between client and therapist. In order to maximize my effectiveness as a therapist I have trained in several other therapeutic modalities, as some clients may benefit from alternate approaches.
Counseling is a personal experience with an unlimited range of topics and subject areas, there are no issues that are off limits or unfit to discuss. I welcome clients to share their stories with me so we can explore the many potential areas of self-discovery and growth.
Esther Frogel Ph.D. 