Joan Lavender, Psy. D.

Psy. D. in Clinical Psychology from Widener University, Pennsylvania.  Graduate, Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy.  PostDoctoral Fellow, State University of New York in Brooklyn in psychotherapy process research 1990-1993.  Previous training as a creative arts therapist (dance movement).  Background in music and dance.

Degree

Psy. D. in Clinical Psychology

Title

Contemporary Relational Psychotherapy, Experiential Focusing

Description of Practice/ Services Offered

Individual, Marital, Family, Group Psychotherapy, Supervision, Consultations

Psychotherapy

Relational Psychotherapy/Psychoanalysis
Experiential Focusing
For older adolescents and adults of all ages

What kinds of symptoms/diagnoses can you get help for?

Adjustment Reactions
Anorexia Nervosa
Anxiety Disorders
Bipolar Mood Disorder
Body Image
Bulimia Nervosa
Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder 
Depression and mood disorders
Dissociative Disorders
Personality issues: overly sensitive, intense, moody, avoidant, self-defeating, obsessive-compulsive, perfectionistic
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Social Phobia
Somatization

What kind of life situations can you get help for?

Abuse and neglect
Adult siblings
College transition
Competition, jealousy and envy
Cross-cultural situations
Creativity, talent and accomplishment
Family
Friendship issues
Grief and loss
Intimacy
Loneliness and Aging 
Women’s Issues
Work

Professional Education

Joan Lavender PsyD is a clinical psychologist with over thirty years experience as a psychotherapist. Her earliest training in music and movement serve as a unique perspective that unifies all of her clinical work. Experiential Focusing and contemporary relational psychotherapy are her approaches. She has published research on psychotherapy process and designed treatment programs. She regularly presents her work on envy, loneliness and other topics to professional and lay audiences programs. She is a past Fellow of the PostDoctoral Program for Psychotherapy Research at State University of New York, and is a graduate of the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy. Dr. Lavender served as a Director of The Renfrew Centers of New York and New Jersey. She is a member of the American Psychological Association, The New Jersey Psychological Association and Research Associates of The American Psychoanalytic Association Dr. Lavender lives in New York City where she has a practice with older adolescents and adults of all ages.

Graduate, Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy
Graduate, Widener University Institute for Graduate Study in Clinical Psychology
PostDoctoral Fellow, State University of New York in Brooklyn

Credentials/Board Certification

Licensed, New York, New Jersey

Publications

• with Freedman, N.(1997) On Receiving the Patient's Transference: The Symbolizing and DeSymbolizing Countertransference, J.A.P.A. 45:1
• With Freedman, N. (2002) On DeSymbolization: The Concept and Observations in Anorexia and Bulimia, Psychoanalysis and Contemporary Thought, 25:2
• with Berzofsky, M., Davis, M., Freedman, N. (2001) Nonverbal Facilitators of Symbolizing Space, Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, 18:2
• The Phenomenology of the Relational Void: Probabilities and Possibilities, in press
• Lavender, J. & Sobelman, W. (1995) I can't have me if I don't have you - Working with the Borderline Personality. In Levy, F. J. (Ed.) (1995) Dance and other Expressive Art Therapies,  New York: Routledge.
• Lavender, J. (1992) Winnicott's MindPsyche and its Treatment. In American Journal of Dance Therapy, 14:1.
• Lavender, J.,  Davis, M. & Graber, E. (1980) The Ethical Considerations involved in the use of Videotaped Research. Kinesis Journal,  Spring.
• Lavender, J. (1977) Moving toward Meaning.  In Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, Summer.

_ Contact_____________________________________________________________________

joan@joanlavender.com

joanlavender.com

www.healyourenvy.com

Appointment Scheduling: Please call 212-866-0461 to schedule an appointment.

Insurances Accepted/Managed Care Accepted: Out of Network Provider

 If you are looking for a psychotherapist,  there are a few things you should know:

Since each of us is different, no two psychotherapy treatments should be the same.  A good  therapist knows that treating someone solely in terms of symptoms or diagnosis can never speak to the uniqueness of each individual.   A versatile therapist creates a treatment approach that responds to your specific needs.   A skilled therapist not only recommends that you get more in touch with yourself, but shows you how to do this.

What kind of changes can you make in psychotherapy?

*  Relief from the pain of symptoms. 
* Change from self-defeatng patterns to satisfying ways of relating to yourself and others.  
* Improved confidence,  self-esteem and hope
* Less  depression, anxiety, guilt, fear, isolation and unsatisfying relationships   
* Developing realistic expectations without being compromised.
* Cultivating emotional courage.
* Turning toward life changes and transitions
* Cultivating patience when it is needed: taking wise action when it is called for.
* Increasing your vitality, trusting your intuition.
* Turning talent into real accomplishment.
* Decreasing envy, jealousy and unproductive competition.
* Achieving a satisfying balanced life based on your deeply held values.

About Joan Lavender Psy. D.

“After all these years, I am still astonished by the gentle power of a skilled psychotherapy experience.  It is creative, beautiful work,  and of great practical value.  Good or great psychotherapy is worth the time, money and effort.   It is a life-altering experience.”