Aviva Kamander, LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Therapist, Coach
"Don't be afraid to ask for what you want." - Anonymous
"Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It's a relationship between equals. Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity." - Pema Chodron
I have had extensive training in Mindfulness, Acceptance & Compassion Based Therapies (aka 3rd Wave Therapy)
Mindfulness develops the attention and awareness needed to stop rumination
Acceptance of oneself includes non-avoidance of difficult experiences and develops psychological flexibility
Compassion to alleviate one's pain can be learned, by activating the evolutionary caring system we develop a sense of safeness and connection leading to better emotional regulation and perspective taking.
I have the privilege of working with people in a sacred way; honestly and directly dealing with experiences, thoughts, physical sensations, and emotions.
Individuals are capable of immense change and growth. I use evidence based methods of treatment in a supportive, open, and encouraging way. Nowadays we know so much more about the brain-body, physical elements of emotions, and the various elements contributing to sustained happiness. My goal is to share what I know about alleviating suffering and leading a good life with you.
From my diverse experiences I have learned that:
- The way you speak to yourself matters. Negative self talk can be detrimental and it can be changed.
- Shame is a major contributor of emotional suffering and mental illness. This emotion thrives in secrecy.
- Compassion is a reliable way of improving your relationships, with yourself and others.
- Life is hard, and many times unfair. Knowing what you need, and developing the skills to support those needs, helps make the best out of life's difficult situations.
I developed and lead workshops about Focusing on What Matters Most & Navigating the Gray Zone: Dating with Assertiveness and Compassion. More information about both of these can be found by going to the Workshops tab on the left.
In the past, I worked as a psychotherapist for the Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services for one of their outpatient mental health clinics in the Bronx. Also, I worked as an adjunct professor for the Master's in Counseling program at The College of New Rochelle, and as a college counselor/advisor/adjunct professor for Touro College in Brooklyn & Queens.
Throughout my adult life I have searched for knowledge on how to identify personal fulfillment, improve health and wellness, develop a healthy sense of self, and maintain momentum for personal transformation. My experience and training have led to a deep understanding about the process of change. My approach is direct and action-oriented.
Professional Associations:
- The Compassionate Mind Foundation
- ACBS - Association for Contextual Behavioral Science
- NYSSCSW - NY State Society for Clinical Social Work, Inc
Additional Training:
- Compassion Focused Therapy for Complex Cases 2020 The Compassionate Mind Foundation
- Magic ACT: Transforming Pain Into Purpose with Clinical RFT 2020 Praxis
- Advanced Master Program on the Treatment of Trauma 2020 NICABM
- ACBS World Conference 18 ONLINE July 2020 Association for Contextual Behavioral Science
- Clinical Application of Compassion Series 2019 NICABM
- Compassion Focused Therapy: Foundations and Applications 2019 The Center for Compassion Focused Therapy
- Second Annual Compassionate Mind Summit and Retreat 2019 The Center for Compassion Focused Therapy
- CBT and the Effective Management of Mood and Anxiety Disorders NYC-CBT
- Spirituality, Neuroscience, and Narrative Surrounding Trauma MFT-NY
- Beyond the Basics:Advanced Motivational Interviewing Skills Columbia University School of Social Work
- Introduction to Compassion Focused Therapy CFT Palabra Counseling and Training Center
- First Annual Compassionate Mind Summit and Retreat 2018 The Center for Compassion Focused Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Adolescents JBFCS
- Attachment and Trauma: The Neurobiology of Healing ISC International
- End of Life Choices Columbia University School of Social Work
- The Therapeutic Use of Narrative Columbia University School of Social Work
- Essentials of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy JBFCS
- Understanding the Gut Brain: Stress, Appetite, Digestion, and Mood IBP
- Making Mindfulness Work Webinar Series NICABM(x2)
- How the Brain Forms New Habits: Why Willpower is not Enough IBP
- New Brain Science Tele-webinar NICABM (x2)
- Co-Active Coaching Model - self learning
- ACT - Acceptance Commitment Therapy JBFCS
- MI - Motivational Interviewing JBFCS
- STAIR - Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation, Trauma JBFCS
- CBT - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy JBFCS
- Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy REBT/CBT – Advanced/Primary Practicum, The Albert Ellis Institute
- Master of Science - Columbia University School of Social Work
- Bachelor of Arts - Speech Communications SUNY College at Oneonta
Life Experience:
- Psychotherapist
- Business and Parenting Coach
- Mother of 2 children (middle and high school aged)
- Memory Training Counselor
- Adjunct Professor
- Telecom Project Manager
- Network Administrator
- Academic Adviser/Career Counselor
- Real Estate Agent
- Administrative Assistant
- and more
