Author Archives: Alisa Hafkin

Mindfulness and Managing Anxiety

Mindfulness has become a buzzword in the self-help sphere of late, but there’s little real understanding of what it means and how it can help us. I work with my clients in multiple ways depending on what they best respond … Continue reading

Posted in Anxiety | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Mindfulness and Managing Anxiety

Social Media – Anxiety and Depression

More and more studies are showing the connection between social media use and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. There are many complex reasons at play, and since they are interconnected, it’s hard to say how big a … Continue reading

Posted in Anxiety, Depression | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Social Media – Anxiety and Depression

Growing Apart From Your Partner in NYC

Our life experiences have a tremendous impact on our growth as individuals. This is why sometimes couples who are together for many years find that they are very different people than they were when their relationship first began. The way … Continue reading

Posted in Couples Therapy | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Growing Apart From Your Partner in NYC

Healthy Boundaries in Marriage

The word “boundary” seems to have a negative connotation – a boundary prevents me from going someplace; it limits me. But if that boundary was a tall fence that keeps you from stepping off a steep cliff, you would be … Continue reading

Posted in Couples Therapy | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Healthy Boundaries in Marriage

The Difference Between Guilt and Shame

When you start to experience depression and anxiety, feelings of guilt and shame tend to creep into your thoughts. I help patients process the feelings usually present when they are not feeling well and/or are very anxious about life. When … Continue reading

Posted in General Self Help | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on The Difference Between Guilt and Shame

How to Nurture Better Relationships Between Parents and Adult Children

As we grow up, we develop patterns of behavior in our interactions with our parents. No parents are perfect, and no children are perfect. We all have traits, both positive and negative, that have interacted and sometimes been in conflict … Continue reading

Posted in Healthy Relationships | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on How to Nurture Better Relationships Between Parents and Adult Children

Dealing with Anxiety: Set Up Your Apartment for Success 

Your living arrangements can have a dramatic impact on your mood. Even the layout of your NYC apartment is important. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Urban Health found that apartment layouts in which rooms all branched out … Continue reading

Posted in Anxiety | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Dealing with Anxiety: Set Up Your Apartment for Success 

Can a Support Group Help?

When we are going through a difficult time in our lives here in New York City, we can benefit from supportive, empathetic people to share our journey with us and help lighten the load. Depending on what the issue may … Continue reading

Posted in General Self Help | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Can a Support Group Help?

Healing From Infidelity

Infidelity in marriage is a tremendous assault on the commitment of the wedding vows. If you discover that your spouse has stepped outside the marriage, you undoubtedly have complex emotions and questions that need to be addressed. For some people, … Continue reading

Posted in Couples Therapy | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Healing From Infidelity

How to Heal Your Relationship

Are you and your spouse at odds and unhappy, but want to stay together? Make 2024 your year to address these issues and find loving, mutually supportive solutions. As a psychotherapist in New York City working with couples, I have … Continue reading

Posted in Couples Therapy, Healthy Relationships | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on How to Heal Your Relationship