*Groups meet both online and in-person.
At his Westchester County office in Pleasantville, New York, Nathaniel Smith, LCSW-R(Licensed Clinical Social Worker) works with psychotherapy groups slowly over time to remove inhibitions to exploring concerns with others. This unlocks the tremendous potential for change that lies within a group. Problems within the group become opportunities to work through similar problems in the outside world. Growth for those who have been in or currently are in individual therapy begins to consolidate and accelerate in new ways. Those for whom individual therapy is not the best modality find a treatment approach that better suits their needs.
Restore a sense of well being.
New Therapeutic Opportunities In group
Groups are composed of adults with mixed mental health issues who are evaluated by the therapist to be compatible in their ability to work with one another. Group therapy is not the right choice for every person in every situation. But in the hands of a group trained psychologist it does provide unique elements that are not present in individual psychotherapy. Nathaniel Smith, LCSW-R has over 25 years of clinical experience and over 10 years of experience training in group work. Group has been shown to be just as effective or more effective than individual therapy in most situations. An individual therapist can tell you that you are not alone in facing difficulties but group members can ground you in the experience of it. Learning the manner in which different members see you opens up new possibilities for the way you view yourself. Listening to other group members can create a sense of permission to say what you might otherwise be uncomfortable to say alone in an individual session.
Affordable treatment with group therapy
Ideally, cost should not be the only consideration in choosing group counseling but it’s affordability can make it well worth a trial or the best choice for ongoing work. The current out of network rate for group sessions is $55 per 90 minute group. I offer a free initial 45 minute consultation session to help determine if group is the right choice for you.(Fee may be lower in-network, click this sentence to confirm if your insurance plan is covered in-network.) Contact insurer to confirm copay/deductible) Some groups meet once a week while others meet every two weeks.
Pleasantville group therapy office.
A COMPLIMENT TO INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
The differing dynamics of group therapy can access issues that aren’t reached as effectively in individual therapy. When undertaken at the same time they can often enhance the work being done in the other format. This can a be a very effective approach for sticky issues that don’t seem to progress well enough in individual therapy.
Enhance current or past individual therapy.
How are gRoups organiZed?
Groups are generally composed of 6 to 10 group members. Depending on the size and needs of the group, groups meet for 60 to 90 minutes on a weekly or biweekly basis. Groups are formed with compatible members and a balance of related issues that are most likely to productively catalyze one another. The group leader, Nathaniel Smith, LCSW-R, facilitates the interchange between the group members to the degree necessary. In this way the group is helped through difficult moments or guided toward relevant areas.
Feeling more at home in group leads to feeling more at home in life.
Privacy
It is expected that group members will maintain the confidentiality of other group members. Although this is commonly a concern of those considering group therapy, in practice it is rarely a problem. Any related problems or concerns related to privacy among the group members are addressed either within group meetings themselves or individually by the group leader.
PERIODIC INDIVIDUAL CONSULTATIONS
At times during the process of group therapy it is helpful for members to meet briefly individually with the leader for assistance with issues that the member is having difficulty working through within the group. While the first choice is usually to try to use the group to overcome reluctance to talk through the concern within the group itself, the other option is sometimes important as well.
Find out if group is right for you!
How Do I Begin group therapy?
After one or a series of individual consultation appointments, a joint decision will be made as to whether group therapy at this office is appropriates. (Groups not available for children.) This can be an important opportunity to ask more detailed questions, mutually evaluate concerns and meet the therapist. The current fee for these consultation meetings is $95 or may be covered by your insurer. Group therapy can work as the only form of therapy or in conjunction with individual therapy with Nathaniel Smith, LCSW-R or another therapist.
ISSUES TREATED - PROBLEMS and disorders ADDRESSED
Stress, Anxiety or Panic Attacks
Social Isolation or Conflict
Depression
Life Transitions and Adjustments
Work or Career Problems
Grief and Loss
Trauma or Abuse
Low Self-Esteem or Self-Confidence
Marital Problems
Sexual Functioning Problems
Sleeping Problems
LGBTQ Related Issues
It can often feel hard to categorize one's concerns with any one label. I provide help and treatment for the above and many other difficulties not easily described. It is common for people to experience a blend of different issues that come together to make life feel unmanageable. Sometimes people have more vague but very important wishes for improved self understanding, goal achievement or clarification about certain experiences or behaviors. Please contact me to discuss any concerns and we can discuss whether it would be appropriate to schedule an appointment.
My psychotherapy practice is located in Pleasantville, Westchester County, New York, close to the Saw Mill and Taconic Parkways and one block from the Pleasantville train station. It is convenient to reach from Hawthorne, Chappaqua, Valhalla, Tarrytown, Ossining, Croton, Briarcliff Manor, Thornwood, Sleepy Hollow, Armonk and Irvington among other locations.
Out of Network Group Fee: $55, Initial Individual Consultation Fee $95.
Contact your insurance company to verify if they provide reimbursement for "out-of-network" outpatient mental or behavioral health services.
In-Network Insurance Accepted(Please confirm current availability for the following on my Insurance Page): Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Copay’s/Deductibles vary, please contact your insurer to confirm your exact responsibility.
