Gerarda McDougall, LCSW

I am an experienced clinician who has an expertise and motivation in working with individuals who are struggling with Eating Disorders and Addictions or different forms of anxiety.

Taking the first step towards getting help is often the most difficult. I get it, you have been struggling for a while, perhaps for a long time. You may be tired of being sick and tired. It can be scary to reach out for help or you may think that things can not change. The thing is, if you don't try something different, it's certain to remain the same. You will probably search more than one therapy site before you make your decision to call because of some ambivalence. Maybe you want to get someone off your back. Well, I am glad you are here and want to make a change and want some relief.

Eating Disorders and Addictions are serious, complex, medical and psychological conditions that can have devastating effects on one’s relationships, lives and well-being. They affect people of all ages, gender, races and ethnicities. You can not tell by looking at someone if they are struggling with an Eating Disorder. Together, we can break down some of the beliefs that interfere with a more peaceful existence. When someone is dealing with an addiction, it may be years before they seek help and a lot of damage (physical and emotional) can be done. However, it is not too late to seek help. In our work, we will explore the use of these behaviors you've developed and discover alternate ways of coping that are less damaging and interfering to you. How good would that feel?

If you are suffering with anxiety or relationship difficulties, you may be experiencing racing thoughts, feelings of overwhelm and constant doubts about yourself or a significant person in your life (friend, co-worker, romantic partner). You might benefit from learning some anxiety reduction techniques and grounding skills that will improve your thinking and the quality of your life. It's probably been a very long time since you have felt any sense of calm..

I use evidenced based techniques that include but are not limited to CBT, Mindfulness Based CT, DBT principles, and trauma informed care. When we first meet, I will do a comprehensive assessment to find out what are your needs at the current time. Together, we can come up with a treatment plan and a set of reasonable goals that you'd like to accomplish. If after meeting together, we decide that it is not a good fit, that is okay too, because it is important that we can do our best work together and not every therapist is right for each person.

Therapy for everyone is different and the experience and length of time will differ, Some people will meet 1 time per week, sometimes twice and that can also change over time. Sometimes, you may be asked to do some "homework" or assignments in between sessions and that is to assist you in keeping your progress and work going throughout the week. There are times that I may consult with another provider and need to collaborate with someone else to provide a "team" for you and your care. That will never occur without your express permission but then you will have a circle of care around you as well.

I have been a therapist for more than 25 years starting my experience working with people suffering from addictions (alcoholism, gambling, other substances) and their family members, people with developmental disabilities and then with eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, etc) I also train student interns and supervise other therapists in the field at a few mental health clinics to give them guidance and support in their professional careers. I am a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP).

I am currently holding sessions both virtually and in-office in NY and have an instagram page where I like to share some motivational posts. I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Feel free to contact me for a free phone consultation