Belinda Seiger, Ph.D, LCSW

I have been a psychotherapist and licensed clinician for more than 24 years in New York City, Tampa and Sarasota, Florida.  I received my Masters Degree from Columbia University in New York City and my Ph.D from New York University.  My unique approach integrates traditional “talk and listen therapy” with a practical, motivational model based on cognitive-behavioral techniques.  I also incorporate state of the art knowledge from collaborative problem solving, positive psychology and mindfulness as well as other related evidence based approaches.

I have a warm, empathic, informal yet direct, professional approach that allows people to draw upon their strengths and  inner resources to overcome practical and emotional obstacles to success. psychology to discover what works best for each individual, couple or family.  I integrate my knowledge and your goals to discover what works best for you.   I also offer presentations and workshops on a wide variety of wellness and mental health topics.

 I  have done presentations for the following organizations among others:

The Julliard School, The Musician’s Union, The Actor’s Guild, The Harm Reduction Coalition, The Vermont Dept. of Public Health,  The Gay and Lesbian Community Center,  New York University Counseling Center,  New York University Dental School, Cornell-Weill Medical Center, University of South Florida Veterans Center, The University of South Florida Counseling Center, The Ringling School of Design, The Venice Jewish Center, The National Association of Social Workers, The Domestic Violence Project, Jewish Family and Children's Services of Sarasota-Manatee County, Forty-Carrots Family Center and the Women's Resource Center, Sarasota.   I have written academic articles and chapters, as well as professional articles for the Sarasota based Mommy Magazine on topics related to parenting and families.  You can find my blog entries at http://talentdevelop.com/

I am dedicated to:

Helping people to manage and deal with their emotions

Assisting people to identify and reach their professional goals and make them consistent with their life vision

Guiding people to overcome obstacles to productivity and excellence

Supporting parents and families in improving functioning and managing challenging behaviors

Addressing the issues of gifted and talented adolescents, adults and families

Collaborating with people to manage and cope with health issues affecting themselves and/or a loved one

I am licensed in New York and Florida.

Post Graduate Training: Columbia University, New York University, Object Relations Institute, The Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Study Center, Washton Institute-Chemical Dependency, Completion of Masters and Johnson Seminar on Sexual Compulsions.  Additional continuing education courses in career counseling and working with gifted and talented people.

Publications Include:

 Academic:

“Harm Reduction: Is It For You?” Social Work and the Addictions 3(3). 2004

Harm Reduction and Social Work. Chapter 3 in Clinical Work with Substance Abusing Clients. Straussner, L. (Ed.) New York: Guilford Press. August, 2004

Professional:

WeedGirl: Helping Young Gifted Adults Overcome Substance Overuse  http://talentdevelop.com/

Return of The Kissing Monster: The Importance of Silliness For Stress Reduction and Family Connections.” Mommy Magazine June/July 2009

Creating a Sane and Resilient Relationship With Your Partner, Even With Young Children.” Mommy Magazine, February/March 2009.
From the Therapists’ Chair: Overcoming Writers’ Block” The Pepper Tree Literary Magazine.  November 2004.  

 Professional Activities and Memberships

American Psychological Association, 2008-2010

Columbia University School of Social Work, Executive Alumni Board of Directors 2008-Present