Why Another Mental Health Blog?

Welcome to my Real Talk: Relationships and Psychology blog through which I will offer some thoughts on current mental health treatment in the U.S. and its challenges, along with guidance on how to access good-quality mental health treatment and services. One purpose for this blog is to demystify the process of researching and accessing mental health treatment, with a particular focus on my own areas of expertise: individual and couples psychotherapy. Another aim is to pass forward some lessons and guidelines that I’ve come to view as great practices for establishing and maintaining emotionally secure and fulfilling relationships. The focus will not only be on romantic relationships, but also on friendships, chosen family, and familial bonds.

While all people and relationships have their unique circumstances and challenges, there are some science-based as well as common-sense principles and practices that promote healthy relationships. These are often more difficult to put into practice than they sound. For instance: expressing our own practical and emotional needs while being open and receptive to the needs of others. I work with my clients on increasing compassion for oneself and others, and on dismantling negative thought and relationship patterns that cause or intensify symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, and other psychological difficulties. 

To begin, I will write more on some of the general topics mentioned above; different types of individual and couples’ psychotherapy, and how to navigate the challenge of finding mental health support and treatment. A hope for this blog is that it will be interactive and that the content will become increasingly reader-driven once we have gotten to know each other better. I invite all readers to write in to request topics to be discussed that are related to mental health and challenges in close relationships. In the spirit of relationship advice columns like “Dear Abby,” but different in that I will not be giving specific advice and will instead offer my thoughts on the topic or question, drawing upon my professional training and experience as a relationship-focused psychologist.  

As a psychotherapist, I am not an advice-giver, but instead, I offer information and perspective in order to assist clients in clarifying what they really want and need from their relationships. And of course, a blog is not a substitute for counseling or any form of psychotherapy.  

My background and beliefs

This blog will focus on my professional experience and not my personal life. That said, you may want to know a few things about my background and perspective. I’m a New York State Licensed clinical psychologist, with an in-person and virtual psychotherapy practice in Brooklyn, NY. I specialize in attachment and relationship-focused psychotherapy with individuals and couples. 

I grew up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York. I am a White, ethnically and culturally Jewish, cis woman, in my early 40s. I’ve been married for 4 years to my partner of 9 years, and I’m a delighted, exuberant, and often exhausted mother to an almost 3-year-old child, and to two 7-year-old adopted cats. Politically, I identify as left of liberal, or progressive. Spiritually, I identify as agnostic, interested in various faiths, and not immersed in any.

Aside from sharing these few facts, my intention is to keep my family life private and separate from this forum. I will likely share some general thoughts and reflections on romantic partnerships, family, close friendships, and parenting that draws upon my own experience. I will also share a few snapshots of my own history of enduring and managing clinical depression and anxiety, to join an inspiring and growing movement of people who are speaking out and sharing their challenges regarding mental health. 

My professional experience 

I have practiced psychotherapy for 15 years, and I’ve worked in private practice for the past six, since earning a doctorate in clinical psychology from CUNY. After completing a two-year post-doctoral fellowship focusing on attachment-focused individual and couples therapy, I started my private practice in 2019. At present, the approximate demographics of my psychotherapy clientele are: 2/3 are White, 1/3 are People of Color (POC). Approximately 1/3 identify as LGBTQ+, and 1/3 practice some form of consensual non-monogamy in their romantic relationships. 

I affirm my clients’ various aspects of identity, including race, gender identity, sexual orientation, relationship orientation, and preferences, as well as cultural and religious beliefs and practices. I often work with clients on addressing and unlearning implicit and internalized expressions of hate and oppression, such as internalized sexism, misogyny, racism, homophobia, and transphobia. And I view it as essential to my work and to my values to continually work on myself (in psychotherapy and/or in other ways) as it relates to learned and internalized oppression, as well as for support with navigating my own emotional, ethical, and relational conflicts and challenges.

Now that you know a bit about who I am, I invite you to follow me on my psychology & relationships Instagram account @sarahconstantine.psychology

This post was edited by Vicky Choy & Kyra Busch