About Me

It is so common for people to struggle with mental health problems, such as Anxiety, Depression, OCD, or ADHD. What isn’t common knowledge are the proven skills, strategies, techniques, and information available that can help change your life for the better. Many psychologists (myself included) marvel at this fact. Regardless of why this information isn’t widely known, it leaves many people suffering and feeling alone.

With so many options available, no one should live with this kind of pain. So much can be done to empower people who are overwhelmed by their thoughts, emotions, and problems with self-control. Finding the right person to help you acquire the tools you need to make a change can be the difference between being held back and achieving your goals.

MY APPROACH

This is why it is both my passion and purpose to help people develop the knowledge, skills, mindset, and strength to overcome their mental health difficulties. Techniques that build on people’s strengths and allow them to take the lead in improving their own mental health should be available for everyone. If you are tormented by distressing and unwanted emotions, thoughts, or behaviors, I provide a safe space for you to share your story. My approach is to offer a non-judgmental perspective, an empathetic ear, and tools that can help you change your life.

MY PROCESS

If you are overwhelmed by your emotions, feel like your behavior is out of your control, or involved in a never-ending battle with your own mind, then I would like to help. We will work together to identify your goals and figure out how to achieve what is important to you. By doing so, people find that they can dramatically improve their lives.

While the process will not always be easy, it is worth the work. My approach is based in the tenets of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is an umbrella term that includes treatments such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). The goal is to give you practical strategies to help overcome the difficulties you are facing. These can include coping skills and different ways of handling problems. It can be challenging at times, but the changes will be worth it. Whether you believe it or not right now, you can experience less suffering, feel more in control, and move in the direction of what you want in life.

MY BACKGROUND AND INFLUENCES

My training and professional experiences have been extremely influential in shaping the compassionate and dedicated style of therapy I use today. My undergraduate education in psychology was at Binghamton University (Undefeated in football since 1946. Go Bearcats!), which included working at an on-campus crisis counseling hotline. During semester breaks, I volunteered at an outpatient anxiety and phobia clinic at a local hospital.

While pursuing my doctorate through Hofstra University’s Clinical & School Psychology Ph.D. program, I received intensive training in cognitive and behavioral treatment approaches. I had the opportunity to apply these therapeutic skills working with individuals of all ages in settings such as public schools, outpatient clinics, and a psychiatric hospital. The variety of experiences taught me how to be flexible in working with people who were hurting emotionally, but steadfast in my approach of teaching them how to prevail over painful emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.

YOU ARE WORTH IT

If you’ve found that medication or other styles of therapy have not helped you the way you hoped, don’t give up. You don’t have to suffer alone. Resources that can help you let go of your struggles with painful emotions, distressing thoughts, and unwanted behaviors are available. By working together, you will become an expert in your own mental health, build upon your strengths, and make changes that lead to a better life.

I would like the opportunity to hear your story so we can work together on changing it. Remember, you are much stronger than you think you are.

Dr. Jay Saul
Cognitive-Behavioral Psychologist
Long Island, New York