Welcome...
We all have parts of our lives that we struggle with or wish were different – relationship challenges, a stressful job, or an unexpected life change. You may feel anxious or sad much of the time, stuck, or like you have lost yourself somewhere along the way. In challenging moments, it can be helpful to remember you don’t have to go through it alone.
Hi, I'm Gay Doherty
Choosing the right therapist and finding a good fit is important to the success of therapy. I strive to create a safe and comfortable space for my clients where they can share their experiences and feel heard. I am passionate about helping clients figure out what gets in the way of living a fulfilling and peaceful life. Together, we might look at patterns that repeat themselves and become obstacles in reaching desired goals. Often, a deeper understanding of one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can lead to a new sense of self. Then one can begin to feel their needs, listen to them, and know how to get those needs met. I believe in looking at the big picture yet managing day-to-day challenges. We can learn about your unique strengths and how you can draw upon them as you navigate the inevitable bumps in the road that come up. Most importantly, I encourage your feedback as to how therapy is working for you.
Therapy is most successful when there is a true collaboration between therapist and client. I work from psychodynamic and attachment-based approaches to therapy. Psychodynamic Psychotherapy involves having a better awareness of patterns of behavior that have evolved and how they may prevent one from moving forward. Attachment-based Psychotherapy brings to focus the importance of human relationships in order to grow. When we have secure and supportive relationships in our life, we can develop a better sense of self, feel less alone and we can better manage our lives. I also have specialized training in grief support and spiritually informed practices including mindfulness. Finally, I have found that my previous careers in marketing, finance, and health/wellness can be helpful in working with clients dealing with work stress, job loss, and career struggles.
I welcome those of all sexual orientation, gender identities, race, spirituality, and cultural backgrounds. If you are ready and willing to begin, please contact me to see if we are a good fit.
Education
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Masters in Social Work, New York University
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Bachelor of Arts, Economics, Lafayette College
Advanced Training and Certifications:
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Immersion training, AEDP Institute with Diana Fosha, AEDP Institute (2020)
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Essential Skills training, AEDP Institute, (June and October 2020)
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Certificate in Spirituality and Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy and Spirituality Institute, NY (2019)
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Dream Theory and Dream Interpretation course, Karen Horney Clinic, NY (2019)
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Trauma course, Karen Horney Clinic, NY (2018-2019)
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Horneyan Theory course, American Institute of Psychoanalysis, NY (2018)
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Two Year Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Fellowship Program, NY (2016-2018)
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Certificate in Suicide Risk Assessment and Safety Planning Interventions, Columbia NYS Psychiatry Institute, NY (2016)
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Six-year Spirituality study with Master leaders in early childhood wounding, emotions processing, transformation skills (2011-2017)
Additional Experience (Grief and Bereavement Counseling)
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Good Grief, Morristown, NJ – co-facilitated groups to support individuals who lost a parent, child, or other close loved one (2012-2015)
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Share Cancer Support, Manhattan, NY – co-facilitated breast cancer support groups for women in various stages of breast cancer, co-facilitated phone support group for women with metastatic cancer (2013-2014)