43 Years Exp - LCSW
Marion Levy Bergman
43 Years Exp
43 Years Exp
Marion Levy Bergman
Welcome! My therapy practice has evolved from working with children and their families to a focus, now on adults, couples of all types, families and seniors. My guiding framework is the individual within the context of every type of relationship they have, including intimate, professional and social. I strive to help you fully examine what's not working well for you, then change goals to guide our work together. My job is to suggest different choices in the way you think and act in the areas of your life where you are experiencing discomfort. I've experienced discomfort with the way my life has unfolded at different times too! So, while I have a body of theory and evidenced-based practice guidelines behind me, I am, first and foremost, just like you: Searching for ways to change my behavior whenever I realize it's caused me unnecessary distress. Trying to find and keep peace. Always trying to keep it real.
During 2020, I worked with a middle aged LGBTQ+ individual who had been raised in an era of being "closeted;" had social anxiety, and was depressed following temporary furlough from his job. As our work progressed, this client was able to use a suggestion about online meet-ups to full advantage: eventually having the temerity to suggest outdoor meets in NYC, gaining a whole new set of meaningful friends. He was able to let go of low self-worth, which he recognized stemmed from lack of warm appreciation for him by his mom. He eventually returned to work which no longer held much appeal; but actively chose to stay there to take full advantage of excellent work conditions which allowed focus on personal life.
Your goals will guide our work together. My job is to suggest different choices in the way you think and act in the areas of your life where you are experiencing discomfort. My style is a very warm yet direct one: Once you are comfortable with me, I won't hesitate to point-out ways in which you might unknowingly self sabotage or contribute to relationship problems. There will be alternatives suggested, and you are welcomed to try-on new behavior patterns which align with your values and lifestyle.
Our first session will be an opportunity for you to evaluate your ability to "open up" to me. As therapist, I will find out what issue(s) brought you to counseling; and what your behavior change goals might be at this starting point. And there needs to be some history-taking; so that I can begin to understand some of the challenges you have faced in your life, and learn your personal strengths.
I'm committed to continued growth as a therapist, learning new modalities that weren't even "there" at the earliest stages of my career. I particularly enjoy couples and family therapy; and tend to view individuals in the context of all the systems of which they are a part in this life.
Highlights
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Many of my past clients have taken away previously unknown awareness of how adult behavior echos their home-life as children: They then decide if this behavior suits their current circumstances, or they want to make changes discussed during sessions. Change can be scary, it can also greatly improve your life's quality.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I utilize evidence-based therapies, including: Internal Family Systems, Psychotherapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused Therapy.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
With over 40 years' simultaneous experience as a therapist and social worker, I offer practice knowledge combined with working-class life experience. As a single mother to a child and, now adult, with ADHD and on the autism spectrum, I have been "in the trenches" myself, and I appreciate the difficulties both an individual and their families face dealing with these challenges; and finding good, responsive care. I have also been described as "maternal" in a good, warm and nurturing way; which makes me smile!
Specialities