About Elizabeth Dickson, LCSW
I have been a psychotherapist for over 14 years and in private practice in Manhattan for the past 12 years, during which time I have been integrating cognitive-behavioral and other cutting-edge approaches such as guided imagery and focusing-oriented therapy with a psychodynamic relational approach that is more intuitive. I work with individuals and couples on relationship themes as well as financial psychotherapy, career concerns, anxiety, depression, and the integration of psychological and spiritual issues in creating a balanced life.
Experience and Training in Psychotherapy
My approach has been formed by a Masters in Social Work from New York University in 1995, psychoanalytic training at The Fifth Avenue Center for Counseling and Psychotherapy, an affiliation for several years with The CognitiveTherapy Center of New York, and a two-year credentialing program in Focusing-Oriented Relational Psychotherapy. For me, psychotherapy and spirituality go hand in hand, and I have pursued my interest in spirituality, meditation and eastern religion for over 20 years.
I have specialized training in couples therapy, including Harville Hendrix’s Imago Therapy, programs at The Ackerman Institute for the Family, and, most importantly, the theory and practice of John Gottman.
Experience and Training in Finance
My work as a therapist has been enriched by a prior career in business and finance. After graduating from Sidwell Friends High School and Smith College, I received a Masters in Public Policy from the University of California at Berkeley and went on to spend sixteen years: 1) at a think tank, The Urban Institute; 2) as Director of Policy Analysis for Finance and Economic Development in New York City government under the Koch administration; and 3) at Smith Barney, where I was promoted to Vice-President and worked as a bond analyst.
I remain fascinated with economics, investing and finance, but my first love since childhood has been to understand people and psychology. My decision to become a therapist came down to two reasons: I wanted to have an overview of the field of psychology and how people function, but I also wanted the opportunity to connect at an emotional level and to work with the poetic, inspirational, “heart-felt” side of life.
I feel grateful to be able to combine my two life passions — psychotherapy and finance — in offering my services as a financial psychotherapist. Now more than ever, no one should ignore dysfunctional patterns regarding their relationship with money. Feeling a sense of ease and empowerment with the financial side of our lives at a time of national crisis is a worthy and realistic goal, and one that, for many people, is the most important factor in reducing stress and creating more room for joy and fulfillment.
180 East 79th Street, Suite 1A
New York, NY 10075
