LINDA Charlaff, LCSW,BCD,LCADC

I am an experienced therapist who helps adults and couples develop the skills to create the life they have always wanted for themselves.

I am a licensed Clinical Social worker who sees clients in NY and NJ through video conferencing. I work with adult individuals, couples, teens and their families who are dealing with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder, personality disorders, addictions, co-dependency and relationship difficulties.

My approach is based on the belief propounded by Milton Erickson, MD that we have the resources to heal ourselves within, and that the therapist serves as a catalyst to help the client access their inner healing power. I use an eclectic approach including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing and the stages of change approach to habit cessation and relapse prevention.
My training in hypnotherapy provides the backdrop to my approach to mindfulness. Clients are taught self-hypnosis to assist in combating reactivity and impulsiveness. In addition hypnosis teaches clients to find their own unique safe place, where they can find comfort and safety any time they need it. This technique empowers clients who through practice can become proficient in coping with life stressors by simply using self hypnosis skills that they have learned in therapy.
My approach to trauma includes somatic work to help clients self regulate and thereby begin to feel more in charge of their reactions to stress and their world.
My work with couples is based on the work of Jon Gottman, This method helps couple learn to discuss problems and issues in a constructive and useful way. Couples are taught skill building for managing conflict. They also learn new skills for enhancing friendship and are helped to create a system of shared meaning together.
In session I take an active approach. I ask questions and offer other possibilities and reframes. At times I may challenge you to think or to consider another possible explanation or idea. I see my role as a listener, and a catalyst in order to help the client change in a way that will improve his/her life. I may even challenge you to examine long held beliefs to see if they still fit you idea of where you want to be in your life. I see my job as helping you live a life worth living, as you define it.

I believe that therapy provides a safe practice space to learn and practice new skills, which are then used in the clients’ world when real life situations arise. I look forward to connecting with you.