OUR TEAM
Our therapists believe in treating our clients with an individualized approach based on therapy techniques rooted in scientific evidence. Get to know more about us before we get to know you.
Let our caring, honest, scientifically based approach to therapy give you the tools and strategies you need to get unstuck and start living your life more fully. We integrate gold-standard treatments such as CBT, ACT, and ERP as we focus on helping each client reach their goals.
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MICHAEL JACOBS, PHD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
BIO
Dr. Michael Jacobs has over 15 years of experience working with clients in different capacities who have mental health challenges. Prior to becoming a psychologist, Michael worked as a vocal coach, a voice teacher, and has a decade of experience as a professional musical theater performer.
Michael is also involved in research and training projects. In 2010, Michael began training therapists across the country in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) for psychosis and Group and Family-Based CBT for the prevention of paranoia. The mental health needs of performing artists holds a special place in Michael's heart. Through research, he adapted an acceptance and commitment therapy protocol to treat audition anxiety in professional musical theater performers (ACT for Actors). He continues his work in both research and training at Mount Sinai Medical School.
As a therapist, Michael has developed a caring, honest, creative and direct style that helps him to better connect to his clients. That connection allows him to help people meet their individual goals. He treats a range of mental health issues utilizing CBT and ACT. He believes that the practice of psychology involves both art and science; the implementation of therapy is art that should be informed by scientific research.
In addition to training other mental health professionals and medical professionals, Michael provides mental health awareness training to performing arts educators through workshops and presentations. These workshops allow teachers to recognize the mental health challenges of their students, adapt more effective teaching styles and collaborate with mental health professionals to provide better training for students.
Michael holds a PhD with distinction in clinical psychology from Hofstra University as well as a BFA from Ithaca College. He is a member of APA (American Psychological Association).
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Social Anxiety Disorder
Performance Anxiety
Audition Anxiety
Panic Attacks
Mental Health of Performing Artists
Clinical Perfectionism
Anxiety and Phobias
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Depression
Adult Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD)
Psychosis Risk
Insomnia
Relationship Difficulties
Non-Monogamy
LGBTQ+ Relationships
Life Transitions
Difficulties with Self-Esteem
Eating Issues
Professional/Career Issues
Stress Management
LGBTQ+ Counseling
Grief, Loss, or Bereavement
Other Issues
LICENSED TO PRACTICE IN:
In Person or Via Telehealth:
Maryland (License #06770)
New York
Connecticut
New Jersey
MICHAEL ITZKOWITZ, PHD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
BIO
Dr. Michael Itzkowitz specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and trauma. He utilizes cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based approaches. This includes aspects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). He is also certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), a brief exposure-based trauma treatment designed for delivery within primary care settings, and problem-solving interventions. Dr. Itzkowitz also focuses on health behaviors with his patients, including tobacco-cessation and chronic illness/pain management. He places a strong emphasis on the client’s values and goals, as they serve as motivation for change. Dr. Itzkowitz previously served as the chairperson of his the internship diversity committee and the LGBTQ+ special emphasis manager.
Dr. Itzkowitz received his Bachelor’s from Queens College, with an Honors in the Social Sciences designation, and his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Hofstra University. His dissertation was focused on the importance of message framing as it relates to patient acceptance and engagement in web-based treatments, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Much of his clinical training, prior to internship, has been focused on exposure-based treatments for anxiety reactions, specifically phobias and trauma. He completed his predoctoral internship at the Lebanon VA Medical Center. He is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa society, Psi Chi International Psychology Honor Society, Golden Key International Honor Society, American Psychological Association, and the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy. Dr. Itzkowitz also works at the Brooklyn VA Medical Center, providing care to our nation’s veterans within an integrated care model.
Personally, Dr. Itzkowitz recently moved back to the New York area, where he grew up, after spending a number of years in Pennsylvania. Outside of work, he can typically be found spending time with his dog, family, and friends. He enjoys exploring new neighborhoods as well as spending time out in nature.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Depression
Anxiety and Phobias
Relationship Difficulties
Life Transitions
Difficulties with Self-Esteem
Insomnia
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Professional/Career Issues
College/Graduate School Issues
Medical and Health Concerns
Pain Management
Stress Management
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Sexual Abuse
Spirituality
Gender Identity Support
LGBT Counseling
Grief, Loss, or Bereavement
Other Issues
LICENSED TO PRACTICE IN:
Maryland
New York
BROOKE ROBYN DAIRMAN, MSW
Clinic Director
BIO
Brooke Robyn Dairman is an honors graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and received her Masters degree in Social Work from Columbia University. Shortly after completing her education, she launched a successful performance career in musical theater and dance that spanned a decade. She also worked 'behind the table,' serving as dance captain/assistant to several Broadway choreographers and as a professional choreographer herself.
After retiring as a performer, Brooke continued to foster her passion for performance through teaching and now serves as Co-Director of The Dance Loft and Director of Professional Youth Theatre, two thriving arts education programs in Long Beach, NY. Throughout her time in the high-pressured performing arts industry, Brooke observed a profound need for more emotional and mental health resources for actors, singers, dancers, and artists of all types. As Clinical Director of PCBT, Brooke is excited to marry her knowledge of the performing arts with her expertise in mental health and provide clients with the tools needed to explore a fulfilling career and a healthy, joyful life.