Elissa Kozlov, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
ABOUT ME
ABOUT ME
I am an evidence-based psychologist dedicated to helping adults of all ages manage a variety of mental health and wellness concerns. In addition to seeing clients for psychotherapy throughout New York, I am also a professor at Rutgers University in the School of Public Health. Previously, I was an Instructor at Weill Cornell Medicine (NY Presbyterian Hospital) in Psychology in Medicine. I am involved in numerous projects both at Weill Cornell and at Rutgers focused on symptoms of depression and anxiety. I am dedicated to helping adults cope with and adjust to challenges and stressors faced throughout life.
EXPERIENCE
I have been working with individuals, couples and families for over 10 years. My research has been published and cited in numerous journals, and I have presented my work at conferences and hospitals nationwide. I am also an active member of the American Psychological Association.
EDUCATION
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Weill Cornell Medicine, NY, NY
Post Doctoral Fellowship
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VA Palo Alto Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA
Clinical Internship
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Washington University in St. Louis, MO Ph.D. in Psychology
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Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT B.A. in Psychology and Theater
ADDITIONAL TRAINING
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Washington University Sleep Medicine Clinic
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Washington University Psychological Services Center
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Integrated Primary Care Clinics
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Veterans Affairs Medical Center Palo Alto
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St. Louis Veterans Affairs Medical Center
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Siteman Cancer Center
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Nursing Homes
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Hospices and Palliative Care Teams
TREATMENT APPROACH
I tailor a variety of evidence based practices (CBT, Mindfulness, ACT, DBT) to each client’s unique life circumstances. I also utilize Gestalt and Insight-Focused Therapy to help clients identify broader patterns in their lives that may be contributing to distress. As a scientist and practitioner, I consult the research to ensure that I am providing you with the best available treatments, but I also understand that each person comes into therapy with their own individual needs. Together, we will set achievable goals and work towards making the changes that are important to you. Some of my clients only require a few sessions, while other clients may benefit from longer-term psychotherapy.
I offer video therapy to patients using a secure video chat platform. This allows you to see a therapist from the comfort and convenience of your own home.
MY SPECIALTIES
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Insomnia
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Pain management (without medication)
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Stress related to caregiving
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Difficulty adjusting to illness or disability
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Relationship stress
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Grief/Bereavement
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Difficulty adjusting to new life circumstances
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Difficulty using CPAP
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Nightmare reduction
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Other Sleep Disorders
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Medical Aid In Dying (MAID) consultation, counseling, and capacity evaluations
MEDIA
In addition to seeing patients for video-based psychotherapy, I have been active in discussing mental health issues.
Psychotherapy Techniques
COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT)
CBT is a structured and goal-oriented psychotherapy that is based on the premise that our thoughts affect our feelings and behaviors. It's pretty hard to tell people to feel differently, but using CBT strategies, I can help clients identify thoughts that may be biased or distorted which may be contributing to negative feelings and behaviors. Essentially, the main idea behind CBT is that if you can change the way you think, then changes in your emotions and behaviors will follow.
DIALECTICAL BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (DBT)
DBT is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy with blended elements of mindfulness approaches to increase acceptance and reduce suffering. I utilize DBT skills to help my clients develop new coping skills that have been shown in numerous research studies to be effective. These coping skills are comprehensive and address quality of life issues such as how to be an effective communicator, how to regulate emotions, and how to tolerate discomfort and distress.
ACCEPTANCE & COMMITMENT THERAPY (ACT)
ACT is also a type of cognitive behavioral therapy with blended elements of mindfulness. The objective of ACT is not to eliminate difficult feelings; rather, it is to be present with what life brings us and to "move toward valued behavior". Acceptance and commitment therapy invites people to make space for unpleasant feelings, increase mental flexibility and "avoid avoiding" negative emotions. ACT can be especially helpful for clients who have difficult life circumstances that are not likely to improve. For example, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can be a useful treatment approach to help clients (or their family members) adjust to living with new disability or with a serious illness.
MINDFULNESS BASED THERAPY
Mindfulness Based Therapy helps people focus on the present moment and become more aware of and less judgmental about their thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness is especially helpful in preventing depression relapses and reducing anxiety. Using a variety of psychological exercises, I help clients develop their mindfulness skills to become more accepting of their range of feelings and thoughts.
CONTACT ME
I offer free phone consultations to new clients. Please reach out to me using my email address or phone number and I will respond as soon as I can.
PHONE