How I Work

I start by getting a clear picture of your patterns, what’s happening, and what’s keeping things stuck. From there, we build thoughtful hypotheses, try targeted strategies, and see what actually helps.

Because each client is different, I use a principles-driven process that adapts across diagnoses and situations. The goal is simple—use what works, revise what doesn’t, and help you build skills that hold up in real life.

By Jesse Finkelstein, PsyD
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Core Approaches

Integrative cognitive-behavioral methods and personalized, goal-focused treatment.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Helps identify unhelpful patterns and develop skills to improve thoughts, emotions, and behavior.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Focuses on emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and communication skills for intense emotions or relational patterns.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Builds flexibility by helping you respond to difficult thoughts and feelings while moving toward your values.

Exposure-Based Interventions (PE, CPT, ERP, UP)

Target anxiety, trauma, OCD, and avoidance through gradual, evidence-supported exposure and behavioral change.

In addition to these core methods, I draw from transdiagnostic and process-based approaches such as the Unified Protocol, mindfulness-based interventions, Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP), Rumination-Focused CBT, and CBT-I for sleep.

These methods target underlying mechanisms—like avoidance, emotion dysregulation, and interpersonal patterns—to help you create change that holds up across situations.

Concerns

Diverse Mental Health Conditions. Individualized, Evidence-based Treatments Support for Identity, Relationships & Life Changes.

What We Can Work On

Below are examples of common concerns I treat, with a brief explanation of each and the types of therapy that may be used. This list is not exhaustive. Our work will always begin with understanding your unique needs.

Anxiety

Persistent worry, physical tension, and fear in daily life or specific situations.

Evidence-Based Approaches: ACT, DBT, ERP, Unified Protocol.

Depression

Low mood, hopelessness, or lack of motivation that interferes with your life.

Evidence-Based Approaches: CBT, Behavioral Activation, MSC.

OCD

Obsessions and compulsions that cause distress or interfere with functioning.

Evidence-Based Approaches: ERP, ACT, DBT for emotion regulation.

ADHD

Difficulty sustaining attention, organizing tasks, or managing time and focus.

Evidence-Based Approaches: Skills training, DBT, Executive Function Coaching.

Trauma / PTSD

Lingering effects of past trauma, including avoidance, hypervigilance, or emotional numbing.

Evidence-Based Approaches: PE, CPT, DBT-PE.

BPD

Emotional intensity, unstable relationships, impulsivity, and identity disturbance.

Evidence-Based Approaches: DBT.

Panic Disorder

Sudden intense fear with physical symptoms like heart racing or shortness of breath.

Evidence-Based Approaches: Interoceptive exposure, CBT.

Phobias

Extreme fear of a specific object or situation.

Evidence-Based Approaches: Gradual exposure therapy.

Chronic Illness

Coping with long-term medical conditions and lifestyle adjustments.

Evidence-Based Approaches: ACT, CBT.

Relationship Issues

Conflict, communication difficulties, or patterns of disconnection.

Evidence-Based Approaches: EFT, DBT, Skills Training.

Family Therapy

Improving communication and functioning across family systems.

Evidence-Based Approaches: DBT-informed family work, EFT.

Couples Counseling

Strengthening connection and resolving conflict.

Evidence-Based Approaches: EFT, DBT for Couples.

Sexual and Gender Minority Issues

Support for LGBTQ+ individuals navigating identity and oppression.

Evidence-Based Approaches: Affirmative therapy, ACT, MSC.

Issues of Race and Class

Exploring the psychological impact of systemic oppression.

Evidence-Based Approaches: Culturally responsive care, ACT.

Life Transitions and Identity

Navigating major changes, decisions, or shifts in sense of self.

Evidence-Based Approaches: ACT, RF-CBT, MSC.

Working Together

If you’re considering therapy, I offer a free consultation to talk through your goals and answer any questions.
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