Online in New York,
PSYPACT states
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, CNMI, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
(Online Only)
Often, perfectionistic and high-striving individuals are both curious about therapy and ambivalent about seeking it. They may feel excited by the possibility of understanding themselves more deeply, while also unsettled by the idea of asking for help with one’s own mind. For people who are used to being competent, self-reliant, and in control, therapy can feel exposing at first.
Michael helps clients understand this hesitation not as resistance, but as part of the work itself: the wish to grow alongside the fear of needing anything at all. Many clients become more comfortable once they see that therapy is not simply about “talking about feelings,” but about learning to observe the mind with more honesty and precision.
Therapy becomes a disciplined space for reflection, which itself can be a powerful tool for developing emotional clarity, self-awareness, and greater freedom in how one responds to pressure, relationships, and oneself. Michael is also attentive to the ways thoughtful, high-striving people can use insight, analysis, mindfulness, or even spiritual ideas to move around painful emotional material rather than through it. When this pattern is noticed early, it can be addressed directly and compassionately, helping therapy remain grounded, emotionally honest, and clinically useful.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Young Adult
Treatment Approach
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Family Systems Therapy Looks at problems within the context of the family as a whole. It aims to improve communication and balance in family relationships.
- Hypnotherapy Uses guided relaxation and focus to access the subconscious mind. It is often used for habits, anxiety, and pain management.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Helps clients heal by working with different ‘parts’ of themselves, like inner critics or wounded children. It fosters harmony within the self.
- Jungian Therapy Draws on Carl Jung’s ideas about archetypes, dreams, and the collective unconscious. It helps people explore deeper layers of meaning.
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Combines mindfulness practices with CBT to prevent depression relapse. It helps people notice thoughts without judgment and respond more calmly.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) A collaborative, client-centered approach that strengthens motivation for change. It is especially effective for addictions and health behaviors.
- Object Relations Therapy Focuses on how early caregiver relationships shape current relationships. It aims to improve patterns of attachment and trust.
- Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Combines low doses of ketamine with psychotherapy to treat depression, trauma, and anxiety. It can provide relief when other methods haven’t worked.
- Psychodynamic Therapy Explores unconscious thoughts and patterns that influence current behavior. It builds insight into how the past impacts the present.
- Self Psychology Explores the development of self-esteem and identity. It emphasizes the importance of empathy in healing.
Approach Description: People are very complex and often benefit from a combination of approaches. I utilize my expertise in mindfulness, CBT and psychodynamic therapy to fit your specific needs. Mindfulness and CBT can help you learn skills to manage negative feelings or acute symptoms of depression or anxiety. For more in depth issues such as understanding relationship patterns, I use a combination of mindfulness and psychodynamic therapy. By mindfully exploring patterns in and outside of the therapy room people can achieve psychological growth.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee $225
- Out of Network
Education & Credentials
Michael Brustein Psy.D
- Male
- License # 35SI00450300
- Licensed in NJ
- PSYPACT Mobility # 20622
- Practicing Since 2004
Education: Dr. Michael Brustein earned his Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) from the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology at Yeshiva University and a Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology from New York University
Michael Brustein Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available Online for residents of New York, PSYPACT states Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, CNMI, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
- Online Therapy Details: Secure Video