Amy Amitay, LMHC
Psychotherapist . Sex Therapist . Addiction Specialist
my philosophy
I believe that each individual is the expert storyteller of their life, which means that recollections of the past are real and they have the power to change the present and, inevitably, transform the future. I believe in self-empowerment, sex positivity and LGBTQ equality. I believe that self-acceptance, self-validation and self-compassion can greatly shift a person's perspective of themselves and their circumstances.
The most important element of psychotherapy is the therapeutic relationship. It's imperative that it include trust, honesty and respect. As an affirming psychotherapist, my main objective is to create a space that fosters these qualities. Ultimately, allowing for an individual to feel safe sharing their narrative. This is essential since we live in a world that pathologizes thoughts, emotions and behaviors that are not understood or societally acceptable. My hope is that this therapeutic alliance enables an individual to feel comfortable and confident, whereas they can freely express their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or rejection.
I earned my Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Yeshiva University - Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. I am currently a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and in the process of becoming an American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) Certified Sex Therapist (CST). I have also previously held a certification as a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC).
I held internships at The Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy (ICP), NYU Langone Medical Center and The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center. I have been a hired clinician at The LGBT Community Center, as well as an outpatient substance abuse clinic in New York City, where I was a full-time clinician for 3.5 years.
I have experience and specialized training addressing issues related to: gender/sexuality, relationship conflicts/infidelity, desire discrepant relationships, kink, out of control sexual behaviors, romantic obsessions, past traumas/re-traumatizing behaviors, co-occurring mental health diagnoses, grief/loss, addiction and newly diagnosed or long-term survivors of HIV, as well as pregnancy planning/postpartum/loss.