P.S. Therapy Blog

Nell Ross, LCSW Nell Ross, LCSW

This Tattoo Has a Meaning You Need to Know About

There's something quietly powerful about choosing silence as a symbol. Not the awkward kind, not the avoidant kind — but the intentional, grounded, I know who I am kind of silence. That's what the ‘symbolic silence tattoo’ is about. And if you've been seeing it more lately, there's a reason.

Read More
Guest User Guest User

Is My Kid Okay? 5 Signs It Might Be Time to Try Therapy

Let's be honest — parenting in New York is its own kind of sport. You're managing schedules, school pressure, extracurriculars, and somehow also trying to read your kid's emotional temperature on a daily basis. It's a lot. And when something feels off, it can be hard to know if it's just a phase or something worth paying attention to. Here's the truth: you don't have to wait until things hit a breaking point to get support. Therapy isn't a last resort. It's a resource, and one of the best investments you can make in your child's wellbeing.

Read More
Ellen Jacowitz Ellen Jacowitz

New Mom, New Nervous System. Here's What Helps.

You planned the nursery down to the trim color. You researched every stroller on the market. You had a birth plan. What you didn't plan for was feeling like a stranger in your own life. New motherhood in NYC is hard in a very specific way. You're likely a high-achieving, career-driven person who's used to crushing it. And suddenly you can't figure out how to shower before noon. Here's what nobody says enough: therapy isn't for when you're broken. It's for exactly this.

Read More
Nell Ross, LCSW Nell Ross, LCSW

7 Quiet Ways Trauma Affects Your Daily Life — From a Brooklyn Therapist

You cancel plans and tell yourself you just needed a quiet night. You apologize even when you haven't done anything wrong. You feel your chest tighten around certain people, in certain rooms, for reasons you can't quite name. None of these things feel like trauma. They feel like personality, or quirks, or just the way you are. But here's what therapists see constantly: the most lasting effects of trauma aren't the dramatic flashbacks or the obvious triggers. They're the quiet ways your nervous system learned to protect you — and never got the memo that the danger has passed.

Read More
Nell Ross, LCSW Nell Ross, LCSW

Why an Accurate Diagnosis Changes Everything

Navigating your mental health shouldn’t feel like decoding a cryptic group text. And yet, for so many people, it does. Symptoms get minimized. Labels get tossed around. You’re told it’s “just stress,” “just anxiety,” “just burnout.” Meanwhile, you know something deeper is going on. An accurate diagnosis changes everything.

Read More
Nell Ross, LCSW Nell Ross, LCSW

The Roots and Impact of Mean Behavior

Mean behavior can seem like a puzzling aspect of human interaction, often surfacing in unexpected places—from the playground to the workplace. But what drives individuals to act with cruelty or disdain?

Read More
Anxiety Therapy Ellen Jacowitz Anxiety Therapy Ellen Jacowitz

How An Anxious Attachment Style Shapes Your Relationships and How to Heal

Are you often plagued by fears of abandonment or feelings of insecurity in your relationships? If so, you might be experiencing the effects of an anxious attachment style. This often-overlooked aspect of emotional bonding can significantly shape how you connect with others, leading to cycles of anxiety, miscommunication, and emotional turmoil. Understanding this attachment style is the first step toward navigating the intricate dance of your relationships.

Read More
Nell Ross, LCSW Nell Ross, LCSW

The Psychology Behind Lying and the Lies We Tell

Lying is a fascinating aspect of human behavior that intertwines psychology with our daily interactions. Why do we lie, and what drives us to create these intricate webs of deception? Let’s delve deep into the motivations that fuel dishonesty, exploring the subconscious factors that push individuals to stray from the truth.

Read More
Depression Therapy, Parenting Guest User Depression Therapy, Parenting Guest User

Understanding Psychotherapy for Postpartum Depression

Welcoming a new life into the world should be a joyous occasion, yet for many mothers, it’s accompanied by an emotional rollercoaster that can lead to postpartum depression (PPD). Understanding the nuances of psychotherapy as a healing avenue is essential for new moms navigating this challenging phase. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how therapy can serve as a beacon of hope, providing support, tools, and strategies to reclaim emotional well-being.

Read More
Couples Therapy Nell Ross, LCSW Couples Therapy Nell Ross, LCSW

A Comprehensive Guide to Opening Up Your Relationship Successfully

Navigating the complexities of love can be an exciting journey, especially when considering opening up your relationship. Whether you’re intrigued by the idea of non-monogamy or simply seeking to deepen your connection, embarking on this path requires thoughtful consideration and open communication. This comprehensive guide is designed to equip you with the tools to successfully explore this transformative experience. From establishing healthy boundaries to fostering trust and understanding, we’ll delve into the essential steps for creating a fulfilling and enriching relationship dynamic.

Read More
Kids Therapy Nell Ross, LCSW Kids Therapy Nell Ross, LCSW

The Essential Guide to Teenage Therapy for a Brighter Future

Navigating the tumultuous teenage years can be challenging for both teens and their families. As young minds grapple with identity, relationships, and future aspirations, the pressure can feel overwhelming. However, there's a powerful tool that can make a difference: teenage therapy. This essential guide will unlock the transformative potential of therapy, offering insights into its benefits and debunking common misconceptions. By providing a safe space for self-exploration, therapy empowers teens to express their feelings, develop coping strategies, and build resilience for a brighter future.

Read More
Couples Therapy Ellen Jacowitz Couples Therapy Ellen Jacowitz

Navigating a No-Sex Relationship and How to Reignite the Spark

In every romantic journey, there comes a time when intimacy takes a backseat, leaving partners feeling disconnected and confused. Navigating a no-sex phase in a relationship can be daunting, but it doesn't have to spell the end of your love story. Understanding the underlying reasons for your intimate pause—be it stress, communication breakdowns, or emotional distance—can pave the way to rediscovering each other.

Read More
Couples Therapy Ellen Jacowitz Couples Therapy Ellen Jacowitz

Prenups and Partnership: Navigating Emotional Terrain in Couples Therapy

Prenuptial agreements, commonly referred to as prenups, are legal contracts signed before marriage that outline how assets will be divided in the event of a divorce. While practical from a legal standpoint, prenups can stir deep emotional reactions and relational tension. As a therapist working with couples, I often find that conversations about whether or not to enter into a prenup agreement are rarely only about money. They are typically about trust, values, security and future expectations.

Read More
Nell Ross, LCSW Nell Ross, LCSW

How EMDR Therapy Transforms Trauma Recovery

Trauma can leave deep scars that linger long after the event has passed, impacting our daily lives and relationships. Fortunately, EMDR therapy, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is transforming how we approach trauma recovery. Rooted in decades of research, this innovative therapy offers a unique path toward healing by helping individuals reprocess traumatic memories, enabling them to reclaim their narrative. Through structured sessions that involve guided eye movements, EMDR therapy facilitates profound emotional shifts and cognitive restructuring, making it a powerful tool for those struggling with PTSD and other trauma-related issues. As we delve into how EMDR therapy effectively transforms trauma recovery, we’ll explore its principles, techniques, and the remarkable changes it can foster in those who dare to embrace its process.

Read More
Ellen Jacowitz Ellen Jacowitz

How to Use Ultimatums Wisely in Life and Relationships

In the delicate dance of human relationships, ultimatums can serve as both powerful tools and potential pitfalls. Mastering the art of ultimatums involves much more than simply issuing demands; it requires a nuanced understanding of timing, intention, and emotional intelligence. When wielded wisely, ultimatums can clarify intentions, set healthy boundaries, and foster growth in personal and professional interactions. However, misused or impulsively delivered, they can lead to resentment and conflict, jeopardizing connections that matter most.

Read More
Parenting Ellen Jacowitz Parenting Ellen Jacowitz

Are You a Helicopter Parent? Unpacking the Impact and Finding the Right Balance

Parenting styles are as diverse as the challenges they aim to address. Among them, the term "helicopter parent" has soared into the spotlight, often evoking images of overly involved moms and dads hovering protectively over their children. But what does being a helicopter parent truly mean, and how does it impact your child's development? In this article, we’ll unpack the nuances of this parenting style, shedding light on the delicate balance between support and over-involvement.

Read More
Ali Jacowitz Ali Jacowitz

How Internal Family Systems Therapy Transforms Your Mind and Relationships

Finding inner peace can seem like an elusive dream. Enter Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy—an innovative approach that invites you to explore the many parts of your psyche, nurturing healing and personal growth. Imagine your mind as a family, each internal voice representing a different aspect of your personality, often in conflict with one another. Through IFS, you’ll learn to foster communication and harmony among these parts, transforming not just your thoughts but also your relationships with others. As you embark on this journey of self-discovery, you’ll uncover the roots of your emotional struggles and learn to embrace your whole self. By unlocking inner harmony, IFS therapy empowers you to cultivate deeper connections and live a more fulfilling life.

Read More
Couples Therapy Ellen Jacowitz Couples Therapy Ellen Jacowitz

How to Combat the Gottman Four Horsemen Before They Destroy Your Love Life

Relationships can be wonderfully fulfilling but also incredibly challenging, especially when communication breaks down. Enter the Gottman Four Horsemen, a concept that can spell disaster for any partnership if left unchecked. These four destructive behaviors—criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling—can slowly erode the foundation of love and trust.

Read More
Ellen Jacowitz Ellen Jacowitz

How Psychotherapy Can Transform Your Journey Through Postpartum Depression

Becoming a parent is often painted as a joyous occasion, but for many, the reality can be far more complex. The overwhelming flood of emotions, coupled with sleepless nights and new responsibilities, can pave the way for postpartum depression, or the so-called "baby blues." This emotional rollercoaster can feel isolating, but it’s essential to know that you are not alone. Psychotherapy offers a transformative path for those grappling with these feelings. By engaging in therapeutic practices, new parents can uncover deep-seated emotions, develop coping strategies, and ultimately find a renewed sense of joy in their parenting journey.

Read More
Nell Ross, LCSW Nell Ross, LCSW

How a Therapist Can Help You Navigate the Pain of a Breakup

Navigating the emotional aftermath of a breakup can feel like an insurmountable challenge. As you grapple with feelings of loss, confusion, and heartache, the journey towards healing may seem daunting. However, seeking the guidance of a therapist can be a transformative step in rediscovering your sense of self and emotional well-being.

Read More

Become the change agent in your life.

Let’s work together to discover what your feelings are telling you and build a toolbox of skills to guide you long after your therapy is complete.