Joey Drucker Psychotherapy, LCSW

Despite a successful structural engineering career, I felt unfulfilled. After leaving, I had opportunities to explore work options in the wilderness and in holistic health. I ultimately chose social work as it affords me the largest access to the most people in need. I initially started in supportive housing in New York City and then chose to focus on substance and mental health treatment in clinics in New Jersey.

I work with individuals, couples, and groups. In all arrangements, we build collaborative therapeutic relationships to develop self-awareness and a sense of purpose. We review past experiences and future goals to gain mastery over present day actions and attitudes. Whether feeling overwhelmed with addiction, depression, relating to others, or other problems, we will work together in a caring environment.

I continue to learn new modalities to incorporate into practice. Some of those include motivational interviewing, stages of change, abstinence only programs (such as 12-step groups), harm reduction models, internal family systems (IFS), psychodynamic therapy, relational therapy, logotherapy, mindfulness, and spirituality. It’s vital to learn from teachers with strong conviction in their modalities.

Change is often initiated when the discomfort from pain is worse than the discomfort from fear of change. People need to embrace their resiliencies and connect to a sense of purpose in order to overcome that fear. The act of reaching out for therapeutic help is a courageous first step.

Societal changes feel painfully slow and are often filled with setbacks. Despite that, humans continue to show progress toward overcoming or at least diminishing racism, patriarchy, hetero-sexism, financial inequalities, mental health stigmas, and other forms of oppression. More people are accessing new and old wisdom to live healthier and more contented lives.