Cicek Erdem Psychotherapy, PhD

In high school and college, I was exposed to the existential literary works of Kafka, Camus, Sartre, and Yalom. Exploring issues related to freedom, isolation, and authenticity inspired me to use self-reflection to help people find meaning as they work through life's challenges. I completed my bachelor’s at Johns Hopkins University and earned my doctorate in clinical psychology from the New School of Social Research. I'm grateful to have gained years of experience working in hospital inpatient and outpatient psychiatry settings, college counseling centers, and community-based organizations in New York City.

I recognize that psychotherapy is a courageous endeavor, as it takes vulnerability to face the parts of ourselves that were previously concealed. I believe that you are not defined by your symptoms or diagnosis, and I will help build on your strengths as we look at aspects of your life that could be contributing to your current difficulties. The pace and style of our work will be tailored to you as we explore your unique desires, conflicts, and needs. Your treatment will be more than learning coping skills and symptom management strategies; it will also include an interpersonal focus where we shed light on unconscious, self-defeating relationship patterns so you learn to build trust, set boundaries, and maintain meaningful relationships.

I am truly dedicated to lifelong learning. Each year, I pursue training to refine my skills and familiarize myself with new ideas and practices. I practice an integrative approach to psychotherapy that is rooted in relational psychoanalysis and attachment theory, and I draw from my clinical training in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP), and mentalization-based psychotherapy (MBT) to offer a highly personalized approach according to the unique needs of each client. I engage in peer supervision and maintain close collegial contacts. I also supervise psychology doctoral students at Northwell Health-Lenox Hill Hospital and at the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology at Yeshiva University.

I am especially interested in issues related to immigration and acculturation (the navigation of living between two cultural worlds). My own immigration journey shaped my lens of how I view the world. Remaining curious and moving between different worldviews allows me to help my clients become more self-aware, self-compassionate, and empowered to make intentional decisions in their lives.

I’m excited about the recent research on the therapeutic potential of psychedelic medicines. Recent clinical studies are highlighting the benefits of psychedelics when administered in a safe, controlled environment by medical professionals in conjunction with psychotherapy by a licensed professional.