I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO HELP PEOPLE

As far back as my childhood, I was aware that it disturbed me to see people suffer. I had strong feelings about civil rights for everyone. When I made the discovery that there was a place for me in the field of mental health, I knew I had come home.

Early on, I learned about child development both from my role as a mother, and in my graduate work at Bank Street College where I specialized in early and middle childhood and special education, then centered on the problems of the emotionally disturbed child. After receiving my Masters Degree in Special Education, I entered the field of child therapy by running a therapeutic nursery group for 5 and 6 year olds at a counseling center in Chelsea. There I participated in clinical seminars, gave workshops for teachers, did parent counseling and worked individually with some children who were not able to participate in group therapy. I also gave workshops for teachers at the NYC Board of Education and at the Elizabeth Bing Center, for parents who wished to know more about the process of parenting. I knew then that I wanted to continue in the field, deepening and broadening my scope of practice and my knowledge base.

I received Institute training at the National Psychological Association for Psychoanalysis (NPAP) eventually becoming a New York State Licensed Psychoanalyst. This advanced training, and postgraduate work, resulted in the development of my private practice that includes the problems of adult life as well as my ongoing work with individual children. For over 25 years, I have maintained a private practice with children and adults couples and parents.

My adult patients have come from many backgrounds; finance, creative fields, education, music, advertising, business and are of diverse ages as well. This appeals to me because I have an intense interest in development at all stages of life. The children and adolescents I have worked with come with a variety of issues and I am eager to approach their difficulties in whatever manner seems optimal for them and their families.

I am a Senior Member of my professional organization, NPAP, where I am a Training Analyst and a member of the Faculty. I have served as Vice-President of the Training Institute, of the NPAP Association, as a member-at-large of the Board of Trustees and a member of the Faculty and Curriculum Committee. I am also a member of the American Psychological Association, the National Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis, the Association for Child Psychoanalysis and the Association for Psychoanalytic Schools. I am also on the faculty of the Harlem Family Institute.

My office is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan on the garden level of a brownstone building. It is conveniently located near two subway lines and a crosstown bus. I have both a spacious treatment room and a separate playroom for kids. Privacy is assured. I welcome inquiries.

 TESTIMONIALS

“I have benefited from Rusty’s insights and commitment. She has helped me dig deeper into my feelings and distinguish my own issues from reality on countless occasions. I believe my work with her has been the single most important factor influencing my ability to build a successful business, have a satisfying relationship, become a loving parent and find contentment and happiness with myself.”

 “The work I have done with Rusty is of great value in my daily life; it helps me in terms of how I experience, deal with and feel about things. Working with her is a very positive experience; it is one I would wish for anyone in emotional distress to have – as a child or adult.”

 “I began seeing Rusty when I was 8 years old. My behavior was erratic and the school suggested to my parents that I needed help. Rusty quickly became a comfort and confidante who helped me wade through my complex emotions and discover myself, The warmth, consistency and clarity she offered was truly invaluable. I imagine my life would have gone in a much different (and much worse) direction without her.”