Featured Therapist of the Week: David Sternberg, LICSW
Why did you decide to become a therapist?
About 15 years ago I volunteered at a crisis hotline. In addition to crisis calls, I also received many calls from people who were lonely or frustrated with their lives and just didn’t know where to turn. By listening and validating the callers’ feelings, I was able to help them enormously. It was very powerful stuff. It was then that I realized I wanted psychotherapy to be my life’s work.
What is your specialty?
I work mainly with young adults (people in their 20s and 30s) who often have trouble in their relationships and careers, as well as separating from their family of origin. They often appear either depressed or anxious.
What inspired you to choose this area of specialization?
As someone who also had some difficulty figuring out a career path, it’s easy for me to empathize with this age group. Also, I appreciate the opportunity to be part of so many important decisions in a young person’s life.
What do you enjoy most about being a therapist?
It’s probably helping someone get unstuck. So many clients I see cannot break out of self-destructive or self-defeating patterns of thinking or behavior, even when they are aware of what they’re doing. It’s very gratifying for me when a client begins to see that he or she has other options – ones that are healthier and lead to a richer life.
Why did you decide to join 4therapy.com?
I think the site does an excellent job of communicating mental health information in a clear and straightforward manner.
What is the most challenging aspect of being a therapist?
It’s probably the impulse to provide advice, particularly when the problem seems so clear. It takes patience and experience to pull back and allow the client to make the final decision.
What advice would you give to someone who is wondering whether they should seek therapy?
Shop around. Each therapist is different, and if you don’t feel a “fit” with one, then try another one. One of the most important aspects of successful therapy is the connection you feel with your therapist. It will go a long way towards feeling better.
When is it time to seek therapy?
If your mood and/or behavior are negatively affecting all areas of your life – work, relationships, family – it’s probably time to speak to a therapist.
Click here to view David Sternberg's, profile.
About 15 years ago I volunteered at a crisis hotline. In addition to crisis calls, I also received many calls from people who were lonely or frustrated with their lives and just didn’t know where to turn. By listening and validating the callers’ feelings, I was able to help them enormously. It was very powerful stuff. It was then that I realized I wanted psychotherapy to be my life’s work.
What is your specialty?
I work mainly with young adults (people in their 20s and 30s) who often have trouble in their relationships and careers, as well as separating from their family of origin. They often appear either depressed or anxious.
What inspired you to choose this area of specialization?
As someone who also had some difficulty figuring out a career path, it’s easy for me to empathize with this age group. Also, I appreciate the opportunity to be part of so many important decisions in a young person’s life.
What do you enjoy most about being a therapist?
It’s probably helping someone get unstuck. So many clients I see cannot break out of self-destructive or self-defeating patterns of thinking or behavior, even when they are aware of what they’re doing. It’s very gratifying for me when a client begins to see that he or she has other options – ones that are healthier and lead to a richer life.
Why did you decide to join 4therapy.com?
I think the site does an excellent job of communicating mental health information in a clear and straightforward manner.
What is the most challenging aspect of being a therapist?
It’s probably the impulse to provide advice, particularly when the problem seems so clear. It takes patience and experience to pull back and allow the client to make the final decision.
What advice would you give to someone who is wondering whether they should seek therapy?
Shop around. Each therapist is different, and if you don’t feel a “fit” with one, then try another one. One of the most important aspects of successful therapy is the connection you feel with your therapist. It will go a long way towards feeling better.
When is it time to seek therapy?
If your mood and/or behavior are negatively affecting all areas of your life – work, relationships, family – it’s probably time to speak to a therapist.
Click here to view David Sternberg's, profile.
![Photo: [content-profile-user_profile-profile_first_name] [content-profile-user_profile-profile_last_name]](http://www.4therapy.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/profile_thumb/profile/TH3653.jpg)
