Patrick Fannon Psychotherapy, LCSW

My own healing experience in psychotherapy as a young person inspired me to pursue this career and facilitate this process for others. Psychotherapy allowed me the space to explore and question internalized narratives, thought and behavioral patterns, and family dynamics that were unconsciously shaping my life. Throughout my studies and training, I have been influenced by psychoanalysis, cognitive behavioral therapy, humanism, harm-reduction theories, positive psychology, sports psychology, and personal development. I am particularly inspired by the idea that humans are always striving for self-actualization, or the full realization of their potential.

In my work, I strive to achieve a balance of active listening, reflection, feedback, problem-solving, homework, and goal-setting. I believe it is equally as important to address the past as it is to address the present and the future. I work with my clients to find an approach that feels right based on their needs.

Engaging in a therapeutic process can be scary and overwhelming—and therapists understand this! Our job is to create a safe and accepting environment for you to nonjudgmentally explore whatever’s causing you distress or preventing you from achieving your goals. Likewise, if you have never been in therapy before, know that it is a process with ups, downs, achievements, and setbacks. Long-standing change and self-improvement take time and effort, and they’re not always comfortable. Be patient with yourself and the process.

I am most interested in and excited about the ongoing developments in psychoneuroimmunology, or the study of how the central nervous system, immune system, and gut-microbiome interact to influence mood, behavior, and overall mental health. I believe this will establish a more nuanced understanding of how our physical health and bodily symptoms contribute to our psychological lives and help us to produce new interventions that are effective and comprehensive.

My experience working in psychopathology and addiction research centers at New York University and the the New School for Social Research illuminated for me the multiplicity of societal, familial, and personal factors that can contribute to poor health and mental health outcomes. As such, I try to utilize a holistic framework with clients that recognizes the complexity of their lives, both in the micro and macro.