PVD Psychological Associates

The  therapists  at  PVD Psychological Associates  specialize in working with individuals with  eating disorders and body image concerns . We implement research-supported, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). We see children, adolescents, college students, and adults with eating disorders. ​ Anorexia Nervosa ​Fear of weight gain, restrictive eating, and low body weight that accompanies a diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa are all addressed with CBT for eating disorders. By collaborating with other medical professionals, therapists at PVD Psychological Associates will help individuals struggling with Anorexia to modify harmful thought patterns and make specific behavioral changes. Binge Eating Disorder ​Individuals with Binge Eating Disorder engage in recurrent episodes of binge eating, often secretly and often at night, without engaging in any compensatory behaviors. CBT, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness have all been shown to successfu...

PVD Psychological Associates (PVD Psych) is a private psychology practice on the East Side of Providence, Rhode Island. Our mission is to provide the greater Rhode Island area with exceptional therapy, offering cutting edge and evidence based treatment by a team of highly trained therapists. We offer  therapy  for adults, college students, and adolescents struggling with anxiety, eating disorders, school/career concerns. www.pvdpsych.com

Children and adolescents, or teens, build social skills and emotional intelligence as they grow. These things often lead to healthy, happy lives. But some kids have emotions or behave in ways that disrupt their well-being. Call or email us to inquire about  therapy , or have us call you! https://www.pvdpsych.com/

We offer  affordable counseling . Whether you need assistance with depression, anxiety, loss, relating to others, or the stress of everyday life, we will provide you with care that is sensitive and responsive to your needs. www.pvdpsych.com

“Surprising but Effective Ways to Manage Anxiety” -Nicole Issa, PsyD There is certainly not a ‘one size fits all’ approach to  anxiety management . It is important to be open to trying many different types of strategies, even if they sound odd or silly. It is also very important to know that you need to learn exactly how to use the tools in the right way as if you unintentionally modify it a little, you may end up subtly doing something that perpetuates your anxiety. Here are a few ideas that you can try on your own to help with anxiety management: Do an ice dive. This is a strategy from DBT to help when you are experiencing any very intense negative emotion. All mammals have what is known as a dive reflex.” When it is activated, the parasympathetic nervous system kicks in and automatically slows your heart rate and breathing and helps you calm down. The best way to activate this is by dunking your face in ice water bobbing-for-apples style, VERY briefly. Easier and more p...

PVD psychological Associates  provides therapy in Providence RI. We provide individual therapy, teen therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and more. Call Now for Help 401 330 5882 www.pvdpsych.com

Couples Therapy  can help with common relationship issues. www.pvdpsych.com

PVD Psychological Associates  (PVD Psych) is a private psychology practice on the East Side of Providence, Rhode Island. www.pvdpsych.com

​The therapists at  PVD Psychological Associates  have expertise working with LGBTQIA+ identified individuals and their families. We offer LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy and Testing. ​ We may work with these individuals on issues non-specific to their sexual orientation or gender identity, such as an eating disorder or relationship problems, or therapy might focus on very specific issues such as exploring one’s gender identity or coming out. Whether the topic of therapy is specific to an  LGBTQIA + identified individual or not, many of our clients have told us they find it to be important and helpful that their therapist is knowledgeable about the LGBTQIA+ community and is affirming in their approach. Call us or fill out the form for more information or to make an appointment. https://www.pvdpsych.com/lgbtqia-affirming.html

The family is the most important connection that humans have with one another. Societies formed around family units and, without our connection to each other and our biological instinct to protect our families, humans may not have evolved and advanced the way they have. Family Counseling  is a unique form of therapy that can help with blending those needs. https://www.pvdpsych.com/therapistinprovidence.html

“How To Keep Negative Thoughts From Ruining Your Relationship” Nicole Issa, PsyD Negative thoughts can be the ultimate relationship killer. We know from research that there is a very tight feedback loop between a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors so having negative thoughts can definitely send you down the rabbit hole. It is important to know your unique thought patterns that can lead to major relationship problems. For example, you may hold beliefs from early in life, or a more recent past experience, that no one can be trusted and will take advantage of you or cheat on you. You may believe you are unlovable or that you can change your partner if they love you enough. You also might notice yourself engaging in catastrophic thinking like believing everything is ruined after one argument or all or nothing thinking such as if things aren’t perfect then the whole relationship is a failure. The following is a seven step guide to stopping negative thoughts from ruining you...

Psychotherapy refers to a range of treatments that can help with mental health problems, emotional challenges, and some psychiatric disorders. Psychotherapy  can provide help with a range of problems, from depression and low self-esteem to addiction and family disputes. Anyone who is feeling overwhelmed by their problems and unable to cope may be able to benefit from psychotherapy. www.pvdpsych.com

PVD Psychological Associates  offers  online therapy / teletherapy  to clients in  Rhode Island, Massachusetts , and  New York . Through a secure, online platform, we offer confidential  video therapy  to you in the privacy of your own home, office, or other location of your choosing. https://www.pvdpsych.com/online-therapy.html

Elizabeth Kirkpatrick, LICSW Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker I received my Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Columbia University. I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over twenty years of experience with a diverse range of clients: ranging from children through older adults. I specialize in working with survivors of trauma and  domestic violence , as well as those coping with loss. Throughout my career, I have obtained advanced training in several evidence-based treatments for trauma, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Sensorimotor Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), and mindfulness based approaches. I also incorporate elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Narrative therapies into my work as indicated. I take a  holistic approach  to working with clients, helping individuals improve their mind-body connection and resolve emotional difficulties that may be manifesting as...

Julie Herzlinger , LICSW Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker I earned my bachelors degree in Sociology from the University of Pennsylvania. Following several years working in NYC, I then obtained my masters degree in social work from New York University in 2007. I provide individual therapy to college students, adults, aging adults, and individuals of any life stage experiencing caregiver stress. My areas of specialization and focus include working with those struggling to navigate life transitions, feeling “stuck,” experiencing relationship and intimacy problems, self-esteem issues, adjustment to illness/caregiver stress, as well as grief and loss. I also have extensive experience working with individuals with trauma histories and PTSD, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders. I am primarily a psychodynamic therapist and draw from my training in various types of therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), relational an...

Mary Elizabeth Ruggiero, PsyD Licensed Psychologist I am a licensed clinical  psychologist  and am a bicultural and bilingual therapist (native fluency in Spanish). I provide individual therapy to college students, adolescents, and adults. I have advanced psychodynamic training and practice within a psychodynamic-interpersonal framework, though I often use strategies from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness, compassion based techniques, and narrative approaches. I specialize in the areas of complex traumas, identity development, depressive disorders, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, relationship issues, and working with LGBTQIA-identified individuals. PVD Psychological Associates LOCATION: 193 WATERMAN STREET PROVIDENCE, RI 02906 PHONE: 401 330 5882 https://www.pvdpsych.com/dr-mary-elizabeth-ruggiero.html

Jolie Weingeroff, PhD Licensed Psychologist I earned my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Boston University, and received additional training and experience at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, as a pre-doctoral intern. After my internship, I completed my postdoctoral fellowship at CBT/DBT Associates in NYC, and worked in a variety of treatment settings as a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Therapist and Staff Psychologist. I previously held Faculty Appointments at Boston University and Harvard Medical School. I have also published and presented my research on eating disorders treatment and the course of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and comorbid disorders in peer-reviewed journals and at national and international conferences. ​ ​I am a licensed clinical  psychologist  in Rhode Island and New York with a focus on providing evidence-based therapy. I provide individual therapy to adolescents, college students, and adults. My areas o...

Nicole Issa, PsyD Founder and Licensed Psychologist ​I earned my doctoral degree from William James College (formerly Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology). I went on to receive additional training and experience at Worcester State Hospital/The University of Massachusetts Medical School and Connecticut College, as a psychology intern. I then joined a private practice in the greater Boston area as a post-doctoral fellow and then staff psychologist. After going into private practice on my own, I co-founded a group therapy practice in Boston and then one in New York, before founding  PVD Psych . I am a licensed clinical  psychologist  in Rhode Island, New York and Massachusetts, with advanced training in psychodynamic therapy. I provide individual, couples, and family therapy for college students, adolescents and adults. LOCATION: 193 WATERMAN STREET PROVIDENCE, RI 02906 PHONE: 401 330 5882 https://www.pvdpsych.com/dr-nicole-issa.html

Anxiety disorders  are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment. www.pvdpsych.com

“5 Signs of ‘Walking Depression’” — Nicole Issa, PsyD Walking Depression  is not an official medical term. It refers to a clinical presentation of depression that is easily disguised and which allows the sufferer to go about their daily life without anyone knowing anything is wrong. Synonyms for walking depression include high functioning depression and apparent competence. This clinical presentation can be particularly dangerous because individuals who easily disguise their depression are likely unable to get the emotional support they need. If they were able to acknowledge their feelings and express them to others, they would be able to get support but instead they are left to have a private experience of depression. It is a hidden experience and can also make people especially lonely. In fact, these depressed individuals may not even know they are depressed because they do not look like a typical person with depression and they also don’t take their experience so seriousl...

Learning about the stages of healing can be distressing, motivating, upsetting, or uplifting. No matter how you feel, your reaction is not wrong. Acknowledging your emotional response to the stages of healing can allow you to harness your emotions’ energy and reach out to a  trained therapist . www.pvdpsych.com