About Lisa Schnall

 
lisa about About LisaThere’s this funny rumor going around that therapists are all happy and have perfect, trouble-free lives. I think the truth should be known.  Many of us got into this work because we were already on our own personal journeys; working to sort out issues, make sense of our relationships, understand and improve our emotional health. So you are not at all alone. Welcome to the journey.

 Feeling comfortable is an essential component of a successful therapeutic relationship. That is why even though some of the issues may seem difficult to talk about, laughing and feeling relaxed are important to me. I may be the expert in therapeutic interventions, but the work is a collaboration. Whether you need help coping with stress, seeking relief from trauma, or guidance rebuilding your life, we will make a plan. My training is based on years of personal and professional experience. It is called an eclectic approach because it utilizes psychodynamic, cognitive and behavioral theories. This is not a rigid and defined approach; it is tailored to meet your specific needs. I do not believe in labeling, judging or blaming. We all experience enough of that in our daily lives.

I think the best way for you to get to know my approach as a therapist is for us to start with a conversation. I offer a free phone consultation that we can set up at a convenient time for both of us.  You should feel good that you have actively taken the first step towards feeling better.  When you call or email, please leave me your phone number and I will get back to you as soon as I can. I look forward to speaking with you.

Studies:

  • Bachelor of Arts at University of Massachusetts at Amherst
  • Masters of Clinical Social Work at NYU
  • Internship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering in Pediatrics Oncology

Experience:

I’ve worked as a mental health therapist with child, adolescent and adult patients in community mental health medical clinics and private practice settings for fifteen years:

  • River Valley Counseling Center
    • Family and adolescent counseling
    • Groups for teenage abuse survivors
  • Womens Pregnancy Aid Center
    • Clinical supervisor of Social Work graduate students
    • Counseling program for women patients of medical clinic
  • Pediatrics 2000
    • Counseling families and children at pediatric clinic

I led a caregivers support group on the Upper West Side sponsored by the Alzheimers Association of New York

Private practice on Upper West Side of Manhattan

Member of National Association of Social Workers

Earlier professional life – Fifteen years working in Film Production