solution-focused Therapy (1-4 sessions)

focused, time-sensitive, and goal-oriented guidance

Not all healing journeys need to be long. Brief therapy offers a curated, high-impact experience—perfect for when you’re seeking support around a particular issue, life decision, or emotional block. It’s intentional, efficient, and deeply attuned to your goals. You have a challenge in your life, but you don’t want the commitment of weekly therapy. I get that! Brief therapy consultations (typically 1-4 sessions) are an option to help you sort out a challenge. You will gain a psychological perspective or strategy for yourself or another and gain help for a personal or professional crisis or a challenging situation that would benefit most from a robust, solution-focused intervention. Sessions are conducted via Video or Phone.

Sometimes, transformation begins in the smallest window of time. Brief therapy is like a focused lens—bringing clarity, direction, and renewed energy to a specific area of your life. It’s therapy that meets you where you are, honors your pace, and delivers meaningful insight—quickly and with purpose. What happens when you find yourself facing a challenge in your life, but the problem doesn’t require the commitment of ongoing weekly therapy? I offer brief solution-focused consultations, an option for individuals with specific concerns or challenging life events that would benefit from a robust and highly focused approach. Sessions are goal-oriented therapy and consulting sessions (brief, typically 1-4 sessions), offering perspective, guidance, direction, second opinions, and support for a range of concerns. Most clients would say that they felt better after the initial consultation session. Because solution-focused therapy is goal-oriented, this form of therapy and counseling is an excellent option for couples and families who are looking to find solutions to their challenges.

Consultation therapy is a powerful option for those who need a quick, focused solution without the commitment of ongoing sessions. Therapy consultation for New Yorkers is a results-driven, time-limited approach to psychotherapy that helps busy individuals and couples tackle specific challenges efficiently. Designed to fit the fast-paced lifestyle of NYC residents, brief therapy focuses on practical solutions and actionable strategies, offering support in just a few sessions to address issues like stress, relationship conflicts, anxiety, and career pressures. With the demands of city living, New Yorkers often seek brief therapy and consultation to make quick progress and achieve meaningful change without the commitment of long-term treatment. Whether you're facing a particular life hurdle or just need expert guidance, brief therapy and consultation are ideal for those looking to improve their mental health and well-being in a short amount of time.

In my New York City private therapy practice, I am highly motivated to help you achieve your goals as quickly as possible. Depending on availability, sessions can be scheduled for the next day. Consultation appointments focus on helping you move quickly towards resolution of a particular problem, or symptom relief from anxiety, panic attacks, depression, a troubling circumstance, and relationship concerns. If you have out-of-network insurance, a portion of your session will be reimbursed to you. I can share amazing referrals to other mental health experts, acupuncturists, naturopaths, bodyworkers, alternative medical practitioners, nutritionists, psychopharmacologists, psychiatrists, and more.

How will your circumstances improve with brief, Solution-Focused Therapeutic Consultations?

• You will have the opportunity to explore the problem and gain immediate perspective and clarity

• You will gain assessment, education, guidance, support, and appropriate referrals or resources

• You will identify blocks and obstacles that may prevent you from moving forward

• You will acquire new skills and techniques to reduce your symptoms and improve your experience or situation

• You will more easily move your life forward so that you can experience resilience, emotional freedom, and enhanced wellbeing

Who is brief therapy best suited for?

A good fit for therapy consultation in New York City is a New Yorker who is dealing with life transitions, stress, or emotional challenges but is short on time and looking for practical, solution-focused support. This could include busy professionals juggling demanding careers, couples facing communication or relationship issues, or individuals navigating high-stress situations like career changes, parenting challenges, or relationship dynamics. New Yorkers who are proactive about their mental health, ready for change, and looking for effective strategies to resolve specific issues or improve their well-being would greatly benefit from therapy consultation. Additionally, those who prefer a focused, time-limited approach to therapy, without the need for long-term treatment, will find consultations particularly helpful.

What follows are some common reasons people seek Short-term Therapy Sessions…

• A highly specific problem or life challenge in your personal or professional life

• Psychological perspective and strategies for working with difficult or complex personalities

• Sudden anxiety or panic symptoms, or a change in otherwise stable mental health

• Confusion about a mental health diagnosis or the need for a second opinion

• Professional or personal crisis regarding oneself, a friend, or a family member

• Concerns about a loved one’s health and wellbeing

• Addictions or concerns about substance abuse regarding oneself or another

• Employment-related stresses and conflicts

• Conflicts with spouses, partners, family members, and others

• Concerns related to being an introvert, empath or HSP (highly sensitive person)

• Women’s Issues, hormone-related anxiety and depression

• Parenting advice, support, or guidance

• Abuse questions related to self, partner, friend, family member, employer, or co-worker

• Couples and relationship impasse

Psychological consultations are not meant to replace ongoing therapy, therefore I do not treat moderate to serious mental illness in this capacity. 

expert therapy for new yorkers in crisis

Crisis counseling is intended to be brief; It is not the same as ongoing psychotherapy. Providing support for individuals, couples, or families using crisis intervention therapy is focused on helping navigate the stress of the event by enhancing coping skills and resources as well as providing emotional and psychological support. This is particularly useful for legal and professional crises, or a relationship crisis.

Crisis counseling involves careful assessment of the situation, planning, strategizing, and focusing on the client’s immediate situation, such as needs and safety. Clients who seek counseling for a personal or professional crisis may need a more robust form of support. This may include extra sessions or extended time until the situation is resolved, or they are feeling more resilient and better able to cope without the help of a mental health professional.

Types of Professionals who offer Brief Therapy & Therapeutic Consultation

• Psychologists (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) - Specialize in assessing and diagnosing mental health conditions, as well as providing short-term therapy.

• Psychiatrists (M.D. or D.O.) - Medical doctors who can prescribe medications and provide brief therapy (though they may focus more on medication management especially when clients are in crisis).

• Licensed Therapists, Counselors, or Social Workers (LCSW, LPC, LMFT, etc.) - Licensed professionals trained to provide short-term psychotherapy and solution-focused therapy consultations.

• Coaches or Wellness Consultants - In some cases, people might seek consultations with life coaches or wellness consultants to address personal development or specific mental health challenges (though they are not typically licensed mental health professionals). These individuals are less likely to want to engage in therapy and counseling and are looking for action-oriented steps.

Referrals To Allied Health Professionals

Consultations for complementary, alternative and conventional medical referrals in New York City

I am delighted to share my resources of amazing professionals to assist you with your health and wellness goals. Clients with specific needs may request help finding appropriate resources as an additional service that can easily occur within the context of our work together. With nearly 20 years of experience in the mental health, yoga, nutrition, and meditation fields, I am fortunate to have an abundance of amazing alternative and conventional practitioners as a network of referrals – many of whom I work with and know personally.

• Acupuncture

• Nutrition

• Yoga

• Aromatherapy/Essential Oil Treatment

• Massage Therapy

• Herbal Medicine/Homeopathy/Naturopathy

• Energy Medicine/Reiki

• EMDR & Somatic Experiencing practitioners

• NLP & hypnosis/hypnotherapy practitioners

• Craniosacral Therapy

• Integrative Medicine Practitioners

• Nutrition and Food Preparation

• Hormonal Support & Aging Support

• Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners & Holistic Psychiatrists

• Education Specialists

• Chiropractors

• Psychotherapists & Psychologists

• Mindfulness Practitioners

• Meditation Practitioners

what are some Key Features of NYC short-term Brief Therapy:

• Time-Limited Therapy - Sessions are typically scheduled for a set number of visits, which could range from 5 to 20 sessions, although it may vary.

• Goal-Oriented Therapy - The therapy is focused on resolving specific issues or achieving clear goals within a short timeframe.

• Solution-Focused Therapy - Rather than exploring deep past traumas or long-term personality dynamics, brief therapy often concentrates on finding practical solutions or coping strategies for the immediate issue.

• Active & Collaborative Process - The therapist and client work together actively to identify goals, implement strategies, and monitor progress.

• Efficient Use of Sessions - Therapists use focused, evidence-based interventions to maximize the effectiveness of each session.

Types of NYC Brief Therapy:

• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) - A popular form of brief therapy that emphasizes solutions rather than problems. The therapist helps the client identify strengths, resources, and past successes to resolve current issues.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - While CBT can be long-term, it can also be adapted for brief therapy. It focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors in a short period.

• Narrative Therapy - In brief narrative therapy, clients explore and reframe their life stories to promote new meanings and perspectives.

• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) - Often used for issues like depression, IPT can be adapted for brief treatment, focusing on improving interpersonal relationships and communication.

When is NYC Brief Therapy Used?

• Mild to moderate psychological issues - Anxiety, depression, stress, relationship problems, or adjustment issues.

• Crisis intervention - In cases where a person is going through a specific personal or professional crisis and needs short-term support.

• Goal achievement - For individuals looking to accomplish specific, time-bound goals such as overcoming a particular fear or breaking a habit.

Benefits of NYC Brief, Solution-focused therapy:

• Faster resolution - Many clients experience improvements in a relatively short time, making it a cost-effective option.

• Practical strategies - The approach is often focused on providing concrete skills that can be immediately applied to the client's life.

• Flexibility - Brief therapy can often be adapted to a variety of client needs and settings.

Limitations of Brief Therapy:

• Not suitable for deep-rooted or complex issues - Individuals with long-standing or severe mental health issues might need longer-term therapy.

• May not address underlying causes - Since the focus is on resolving immediate problems, brief therapy may not delve into deeper emotional or psychological patterns.

Overall, brief therapy is a good option for people seeking specific help with particular problems or who need rapid support without committing to long-term therapy.

NYC Virtual Solution-Focused Therapy

What is NYC Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)

Solution-focused therapy is a short-term, goal-oriented therapeutic approach that focuses on helping clients identify their strengths and resources to develop solutions to their current challenges. It was developed in the late 1970s by Insoo Kim Berg and Steve de Shazer, and it draws on the belief that individuals already have the resources they need to solve their problems, but may just need help identifying and applying them.

Key Features of NYC Solution-Focused Therapy:

1. Goal-Oriented - SFT is structured around achieving specific, realistic goals. The therapist works with the client to define these goals early in the process.

2. Strengths-Based - Instead of focusing on the problem or past difficulties, SFT explores the client's strengths, abilities, and past successes to create solutions.

3. Future-Focused - The therapy concentrates on what the client wants to achieve in the future, rather than analyzing the past or the origins of the problem.

4. Short-Term - SFT is typically a brief intervention, often involving just a few sessions. The emphasis is on quick, practical solutions rather than long-term exploration.

5. Collaborative - The therapist and client work together as partners, with the therapist asking solution-focused questions and offering encouragement, rather than being an expert who analyzes or diagnoses.

6. Concrete Questions - The therapist uses specific, positive questions to help the client identify solutions, such as:

   • "What would be different if the problem were solved?"

   • "What’s working well for you, even in this difficult situation?"

   • "Have you experienced times when this problem wasn’t an issue? What was different then?"

Benefits of nYC Solution-Focused Therapy:

• Empowering - Clients are often more empowered because they are the ones identifying their solutions.

• Quick results - It can be a highly effective method for people seeking relief in a short time.

• Practical - SFT gives clients concrete tools and strategies to tackle their problems.

Common Uses and applications of SFT:

• Managing stress, anxiety, or depression.

• Coping with life transitions (e.g., divorce, job change).

• Relationship issues.

• Improving self-esteem or confidence.

NYC Solution-Focused Coaching

Solution-Focused Coaching shares many similarities with Solution-Focused Therapy, as both focus on solutions and goal-setting. However, coaching tends to be more focused on performance, personal development, and achieving specific life or career goals. Coaches typically work with clients who are mentally healthy and seeking to enhance their life or career, rather than working with those experiencing psychological distress or clinical mental health issues.

Key Features of Solution-Focused Coaching:

• Goal-Oriented and Future-Focused - Like SFT, coaching is centered on defining clear goals and creating strategies to achieve them. It often emphasizes personal or professional growth, such as career development or life satisfaction.

• Action and Accountability - Solution-focused coaching encourages clients to take specific actions toward their goals and emphasizes accountability. Clients are often asked to track their progress and report back on what’s working.

• Strengths and Resources - Coaches help clients recognize their existing strengths and abilities, and focus on using those to find solutions and move forward.

• Non-Pathologizing - Unlike therapy, which may focus on addressing mental health issues, coaching works with individuals who are functioning well and simply want to enhance or improve specific areas of their lives.

• Collaborative - The coaching process is highly collaborative, with the coach providing support, feedback, and guidance, but the client remains in control of their goals and actions.

Common Uses of NYC Solution-Focused Coaching:

• Career development - Setting and achieving career goals, overcoming obstacles, or improving job satisfaction.

• Personal growth - Enhancing life satisfaction, building self-confidence, or improving relationships.

• Performance improvement - In business or personal projects, focusing on how to improve results or performance.

• Work-life balance - Helping clients manage time, priorities, and stress.

Key Differences Between NYC Solution-Focused Therapy and Coaching:

• Focus - Therapy is often used to address emotional or psychological challenges (e.g., anxiety, trauma), while coaching is generally for high-functioning individuals looking to achieve personal or professional goals.

• Context - Therapy is typically conducted by licensed mental health professionals, while coaching can be provided by certified coaches, without the need for a clinical background.

• Scope - Therapy may address deeper emotional issues, while coaching focuses on practical solutions, goal-setting, and performance enhancement.

• Duration - Therapy may be longer-term, depending on the nature of the issues being addressed, while coaching is usually short-term and goal-specific.

Common Techniques in Solution-Focused Therapy and Coaching:

• Scaling questions - Clients are asked to rate their progress or feelings on a scale of 1 to 10 to identify small improvements and what needs to change to move forward.

• Exception-seeking - The therapist or coach asks questions to identify times when the problem was less intense or absent, exploring what the client was doing differently at that time.

• Miracle question - A common question where the therapist or coach asks, "If a miracle happened and your problem was solved overnight, what would be different in your life tomorrow?"

• Coping questions - These focus on how the client has been coping with their issue and what strategies have worked in the past.

Summary of the Differences between SFT & SF Coaching:

• Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) is a time-limited, goal-oriented approach that helps clients address specific challenges by focusing on solutions, strengths, and future possibilities, typically used in a therapeutic or clinical setting.

• Solution-Focused Coaching is similar but typically works with clients who are seeking personal or professional growth, focusing on performance improvement, goal setting, and positive change.

Both approaches are highly effective, empowering, practical, and structured to bring about measurable results.

New York consultation therapy FAQs

1. How do I find an experienced psychotherapist or psychologist who offers brief therapy in NY or NYC? Checking Google & Psychology Today, you will find many Manhattan therapists offering solution-focused brief therapy. With so many options, how do I find the best New York solution-focused therapist for my needs? Yes, there are many talented and skilled therapists in NYC and New York State. It’s wise to choose someone who focuses on short-term counseling. and has the training and expertise to help you with your unique situation. A therapist trained to focus on your needs will likely continue gaining valuable therapy education as they seek to update their skills. You can ask your therapist if they update their knowledge base. My practice is dedicated to offering holistic adult therapy, brief or long-term therapy.

2. How does solution-focused brief therapy in New York work? After our intake session and discussion of your unique situation, we will establish goals for your therapy and begin working toward them.

3. How long will I need to be in counseling and therapy? You’re interested in addressing a problem or situation in your life. With brief therapy, the goal is to provide you with the tools necessary to resolve your situation and move forward. If you decide after a handful of sessions that you need more counseling time, we can create a plan to continue until you feel ready to move on. I’m delighted when my patients feel well enough to discontinue therapy.

4. Do you offer a range of therapy modalities? There are many reasons people struggle, and I’ve found it most helpful to train in a range of dynamic therapy modalities. At Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan, you will not find a one-size-fits-all treatment. Instead, I offer a unique combination of client-tailored techniques, and always from an empathic, compassionate, and judgment-free stance. Should you find other modalities interesting during your brief therapy we can explore those options together.

5. How will I know if brief solution-focused therapy is working? That depends on your unique circumstances and the complexity that your challenge presents. Whatever your goals, we’ll keep tracking your progress, discussing any roadblocks, actively addressing those roadblocks, etc. You will always have the opportunity to provide feedback as to what’s working and what’s not working.

About NYC Consultation Therapy

This practice provides a range of psychological & wellness services in NYC and throughout NY state. The goal is to individualize treatment to your unique physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual needs. I have experience working with a broad range of symptoms and approaches in psychotherapy, including but not limited to EMDR Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Holistic Mind-Body Medicine. Therapy begins with a therapeutic consultation, where you will gather a wealth of information about your difficulties. Many people feel better after the first session. The initial consultation also lays the groundwork for future treatment as we determine the best modalities to help you heal.

NYC Short-TermTherapist With Nearly 20 Years Of Experience

This practice offers supportive, compassionate, and comprehensive care, staying current on research related to mental health. My goal is to use my expertise and extensive training to get you back to living your life as quickly as possible.

Book An Appointment For NYC Short-Term Therapy Today

Book an appointment directly or text 212-529-8292 to get started. Integrative Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan can help you with your healing journey guiding you towards optimal mental health.