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Paul Pasternak

Therapist profile

Paul Pasternak

New York

Calm, goal-focused support for life changes

Continue with Paul

Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.

  • Client-centered
  • Practical tools
  • Men's wellbeing

About Paul

Paul Pasternak is a New York licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with 25 years of experience. He supports people facing anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship strain, anger, grief, parenting questions, and stress. He also works with concerns related to career change, intimacy, and men’s wellbeing. Paul aims to help people find steady ground when life feels overwhelming.

Paul uses a client-centered, strength-based style. He listens first, then helps clients set realistic change goals. He blends motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral techniques to turn goals into practical steps. Sessions focus on what the client wants to change and on small actions that build momentum.

He creates a Care Plan tailored to each person’s situation. The plan highlights priorities, tracks progress, and is revised as needed. Paul pays attention to past trauma and to how daily habits affect mood and relationships.

Paul’s background spans many settings where he supported people through addiction, parenting struggles, and major life transitions. That range informs how he adapts tools to fit each person. He emphasizes hope and steady effort as the basis for lasting change.

People who choose Paul can expect straightforward, practical work. Conversations will focus on clear goals, coping skills, and steps to manage stress and impulsive reactions. His approach is warm and focused on helping people move forward.

How these approaches guide online work

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on the client’s goals and perspective. The therapist listens deeply, reflects what matters, and helps people decide what changes to try. This approach supports work on identity, self-esteem, and life transitions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It uses simple exercises to test unhelpful thoughts and build new coping skills, which can help with anxiety, depression, and stress. Motivational Interviewing is a brief, goal-focused method that helps people find their own reasons to change, often used with addiction and behavior change.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels workable. Together they shape a Care Plan that can mix these methods so the work fits the client’s needs.

Practical benefits of online therapy depend on the session formats offered. Because formats are not listed here, confirm the current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. It also lets clients use tools like worksheets and guided exercises between meetings so progress continues between sessions.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Family conflictsAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching

Also works with

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesCareer difficultiesDepression

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesCaregiver issues and stressControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMulticultural concernsPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Social anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational Interviewing

Experience

25+ years

Credentials

New York

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Paul help with?

He helps people with anxiety, depression, stress, addiction, anger, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, parenting challenges, career change, and related struggles.

How would you describe his therapeutic style?

He uses a strength-based, client-centered style that begins with listening and moves toward practical steps chosen by the client.

What is his professional background?

Paul has 25 years of experience in varied settings working with people on addiction, parenting, life transitions, and mood concerns.

What credentials and location are listed?

He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, practicing in New York.

Which languages are supported and can international clients join?

Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.

What session formats are available?

Session formats are not specified here; please confirm current session options before booking.

How does payment and cost work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with him?

Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Paul PasternakContinue with Paul