Brett Harbach, MS, LMHC, Therapist in Forest Hills, New York

Brett is comfortable working with individuals, and groups, and has experience providing treatment for clients who have depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma, grief, relationship issues, and bipolar spectrum disorders. Rather than just relying on one orientation style, Brett assesses the needs and preferences of the client and chooses an orientation style or combination of styles that will best serve and support the client. For a client that has depression and a lack of motivation, he may use solution-focused therapy to encourage them to take initiative and create their own solutions. Whereas if a client is having anxiety or substance abuse issues, he would probably use CBT to increase their awareness of stress-inducing thoughts and help them learn to actively challenge those thoughts to work towards changing their behavior.

When working with patients, he would likely use DBT to cultivate mutual understanding, improve distress tolerance, and enhance emotional regulation. In conjunction with these modalities, Brett feels it is essential to use a client-centered approach so that the client feels cared for, appreciated, and safe. Outside of work, Brett is a documentary filmmaker, video editor, poet, chef, and athlete (basketball, volleyball, tennis).