General Philosophy
Dr. Hersh approaches therapy with a fundamental philosophy in mind: we all struggle, we all suffer, and we are so much more capable of working through and getting past these struggles when we gently acknowledge and honor our struggles (i.e., self-acceptance).
Both self-acceptance and change are facilitated greatly by the practice of mindfulness (and meditation). Mindfulness is the art of intentionally paying attention to the unfolding present moments with as much acceptance, curiosity, and gentleness as possible. At the heart of it, life is actually made up of a continuously constructed chain of present moments. And so if we can bring more presence to the present, infusing our moments of life with more balance, greater capacity for joy, more (self) compassion, and a stronger capacity for resilience, then we are living a more mindful and thus happier life.
Specific Approaches
Dr. Hersh can help people cultivate the skills for more mindful living through an integration of several related approaches:
- Mindfulness and Meditation
- Positive Psychology (e.g., strengths identification and utilization, gratitude practice)
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (e.g, cognitive reframing, behavioral exposure)
- Energy Psychology (EFT or “Tapping”; Comprehensive Energy Psychology [CEP])
What Are You Struggling With Right Now?
Dr. Hersh can help address many different but related difficulties, including:
- Anxiety/stress concerns
- Pervasive and hard-to-control worries
- Fear of the unknown and uncertainty of life
- Social anxieties and social avoidance
- Test or performance based anxiety
- Fear of public speaking
- Shy bladder (Paruresis)
- Specific phobias (e.g., dark, heights, flying, driving, animals, vomit, choking, etc)
- Panic attacks and avoidance of panic-inducing situations
- Anxiety from uncomfortable bodily sensations
- Heightened stress reactions to everyday events
- Separation anxiety
- Hard-to-manage intrusive/obsessive thoughts and repetitive compulsions
- Relationship difficulties
- Life transitions
- Identity crises
- Work-home life balance struggles
- Existential crises
- Motivational issues
- Family-of-origin struggles
- “Sandwich generation” difficulties (taking care of both dependent children and aging parents)
- Re-integration into daily life after long-term illness
*Dr. Hersh offers therapy to children typically age 8 and older. Please speak with Dr. Hersh directly to discuss children younger than 8. Parent guidance sessions are often quite effective for parents of younger children.
*If the individual seeking therapy is struggling with ongoing suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts or has recently made a suicide attempt, this therapy practice is likely not an optimal match due to lack of consistent crisis management services.
*Dr. Hersh will make every effort to refer you to the appropriate therapist or clinic for such difficulties.
*Dr. Hersh does not see individuals who are experiencing symptoms of Bipolar Disorder in which there are significant and debilitating fluctuations in mood (manic highs/irritability and depressions). He will make every effort to refer you to the appropriate therapist or clinic for such difficulties.
*Dr. Hersh does not take insurance at this time. Learn more about fees, insurance, and billing.
Dr. Hersh will work with each client/family to help ensure an optimal therapeutic match is attained. In the event that a good therapeutic match is not likely, Dr. Hersh will do his best to make appropriate referrals.
