Being human is difficult. Stressors like adapting to college, managing family dynamics, climbing the corporate ladder, and navigating parenthood can push us to our limits. I get it.
Add to that, most of us have experienced trauma in some form. It’s not surprising that to cope, you might have developed a disordered relationship with food, your body, alcohol, or drugs. Maybe you find yourself struggling with distraction, multitasking, overworking, overthinking, perfectionism. I actually think of these symptoms as strategies for coping; we do the best we can to survive.
I’m here to help you find a more effective way.
In my almost twenty years as a therapist, I’ve learned that finding the right provider is a must. Even the best therapy techniques aren’t effective without a solid therapeutic relationship. So while I can help you with tools and skills, we’ll actually rely on our unique relationship as a springboard for your healing.
I’ve learned that the more active I am in your process, the more engaged our work becomes. I’m not afraid to share what I’m thinking and feeling. In fact, I think it’s important for you to do the same, both in our work and in your relationships outside of therapy. Authenticity isn’t just something to aspire to, it’s something I pride myself on, and what I hope you can gain for yourself.
We are nothing if not real.
I’ve learned that being an empathic and supportive therapist isn’t enough, although I am certainly both. Often, you’ll need direct feedback, and someone to call you out—in a caring, non-judgmental way.
I’ve learned that one-size-fits-all counseling doesn’t work. During training, therapists are often encouraged to learn and practice a particular therapeutic philosophy or orientation. I always had trouble defining and limiting myself to one orientation, instead taking a bit of each to develop a unique way of thinking about and working with my clients. Even that will vary depending on the person and the problem. Maybe you want witnessing and connection. Maybe you want skills. Maybe you want both. Together, we will forge our own unique path to your healing.
I truly believe that you hold the key to your healing. You are the expert. I’m just here to help you access your innate wisdom.
I’ve learned that therapy is sometimes a place for humor; even the doldrums and crises of life can be eased with a healthy dose of humor. I’m not afraid to bring humor into our work. On the other hand, I’m not afraid to sit with you in fear or witness your tears. Some of my clients have witnessed mine.
I’ve learned that some of the most remarkable gains in therapy sometimes come in group settings. There’s something about learning you’re not alone, about receiving feedback from peers—in addition to a therapist—and about practicing new ways of communicating emotions and relating to others that can exponentially increase the gains from our work together. Some of my most valuable personal and professional growth has come out of the group experience.
And, finally, I’ve learned that there’s always more to learn (and unlearn). The more I learn, the more I realize there’s space for deeper growth and understanding. I read, research, attend educational events, and seek out the mentorship and guidance of more experienced professionals. I constantly rethink and rework my clinical approaches, my role in the professional world, and the ethics of this practice. This is my commitment to you and to our work together.
Stacey Rosenfeld, Ph.D., CGP, CEDS is a clinical psychologist specializing in eating disorders, trauma, and substance use disorders, who also focuses on anxiety and mood disorders, fertility challenges, relationship concerns, and sport and exercise psychology. She was awarded a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The George Washington University, a Master of Arts in Exercise Science (Sports Psychology) from The University of North Carolina, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Cornell University. Dr. Rosenfeld also completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in College Counseling. In addition to her schooling, Dr. Rosenfeld, a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist, has specialized training in eating disorders (including Family-Based Treatment – FBT, also known as the Maudsley Approach), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (intensively trained in DBT through Behavioral Tech), and group psychotherapy (and holds the Certified Group Psychotherapist credential). In 2020, Dr. Rosenfeld, deeply committed to Intuitive Eating and the Health at Every SizeⓇ Approach, became a Certified Body TrustⓇ Provider. She is interested in trauma (and trauma-informed care) and is trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD and in NARM, the Neuro-Affective Relational Model, an approach to healing complex trauma. Prior to opening Gatewell Therapy Center, Dr. Rosenfeld worked at some of the finest institutions in the country, including Columbia University Medical Center and UCLA, and now, through an affiliation with a local university graduate counseling program, trains the next generation of therapists. Dr. Rosenfeld is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the the Florida Psychological Association, the Academy for Eating Disorders, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and the Association for Size Diversity & Health. Her prior board positions include the Academy for Eating Disorders (Social Media Committee), The National Alliance for Eating Disorders (Treasurer), and the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals, Miami Chapter (Social Media Chair). For a more complete list of Dr. Rosenfeld’s affiliations and publications, please see her extended biography.