Meira Greenfeld (She/Her)

I have worked for several years in inpatient, residential and outpatient settings counseling clients who struggle with addiction and need to build structure and stability in their lives around sobriety and healthy relationships. During the current pandemic, I have a special interest in helping these clients maintain treatment and offer a sliding scale and group therapy.

I have certification and training as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional from the International Association of Trauma Professionals and certification/training as an Accelerated Resolution Therapist. I am also trained in Brainspotting and EMDR. These, together with other trainings and hands-on experience, have provided me with an understanding of the interplay between memory, emotion and distress tolerance and how it impacts trauma and anxiety.

I have specific training in CBT , specialized training as a lawyer and undergraduate degree in Philosophy that makes me particularly adept at helping clients identify and process self-defeating behaviors and distorted cognitions. Facilitating the understanding of the connection between thoughts, behaviors and emotions empowers clients to change unhealthy habits and attain relief from their distress.

My main focus in practice has been treating individuals overwhelmed by past or recent trauma that is impacting their lives in the present. It can show up as numbing, disconnection, reactivity or indifference. I've been fascinated by the impact of trauma and how we build resilience since the events of 9/11 after working in NY a few blocks away from the incident. Since that event, I focused my skills development in trauma based modalites such as EMDR and Brainspotting.

I have specific training in modalities that help clients self-regulate, build distress tolerance and attain interpersonal effectiveness such as mindfulness based stress reduction, DBT, CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Accelerated Resolution Therapy which utilized eye movement therapy and voluntary image replacement therapy to help desensitize disturbing images and distressing sensations. All of these help sooth a central nervous system gone awry that results in anxiety and panic.

I have several years of experience working with refugees, adults, adolescents, couples, groups and families impacted directly or indirectly by substance use. I have worked in inpatient, residential and outpatient settings--all along the continuum of care to improve motivation and facilitate clients in building a solid body of skills they can utilize to maintain a life of sobriety that is fulfilling and sustainable. I am also a certified progressive recovery coach trained to assist families.

I have specific training in modalities that help clients self-regulate, build distress tolerance and attain interpersonal effectiveness such as mindfulness based stress reduction, DBT, CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Accelerated Resolution Therapy which utilized eye movement therapy and voluntary image replacement therapy to help desensitize disturbing images and distressing sensations. All of these help sooth a central nervous system gone awry that results in anxiety and panic.

This is a term that I don't use because I find a more accurate description of codependency is one that recognizes its roots in attachment wounds that often play out in family dynamics. Framing the boundary issues, emotional needs, relationship dynamics and control struggles that are common in co-dependency helps target the underlying and often wordless coping mechanisms and triggers that aid in treatment.

Many of the clients who see me experience identity issues or trauma symptoms related to racially based or intergenerational traumas. My professional training and experience as an activist and advocate spanning decades underlies much of my focus on racial and social justice. I'm particularly attuned to issues of "difference" among those whose experiences do not reflect dominant thinking regardless of whether that experience reflects marginalization: Mixed-race, interracial and multicultural.

I have a deep passion for helping families affected by those diagnosed with ASD or exhibiting symptoms of Asperger's syndrome or other aspects of being on the spectrum. Certainly, many are never diagnosed and function in the important aspects of their lives without being any wiser to their traits. Others live a life of masking and disconnection from themselves, their loved ones and purpose. My approach focuses on how ASD affects families and in restoring their connection to each other.