About Me

Qualifications

My name is Dr. Meredith Friedson and I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist.  I received my Ph.D. from The Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies at Adelphi University in New York and my B.A. in Psychology at Montclair State University, in New Jersey.  I completed my clinical internship at Nassau University Medical Center and my postdoctoral experience as a staff psychologist on a long-term inpatient unit at Rockland Psychiatric Center. After that, I spent two years running the morning program for young adults at The Center for Intensive Treatment of Personality Disorders (CITPD) at Mount Sinai Hospital, where I still maintain affiliation as a voluntary faculty member through my work as a supervisor to 3rd and 4th year medical residents on their clinical work with patients. I am currently pursuing certification in psychoanalysis as a candidate at NYU’s Postdoctoral Program and teach courses and seminars at various psychoanalytic institutes and universities in NYC and abroad. I am engaged in ongoing qualitative research for publication, and am passionate about my clinical work with patients in my private practice.

My clinical experience includes working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in hospital, residential, foster care, outpatient, school, and university settings.  I have worked with patients both individually and on a group basis.  I also have extensive experience conducting comprehensive psychological evaluations, particularly with children and young adults in need of academic accommodations.

How I Work

I view therapy as a collaborative, interpersonal experience that can ultimately lead to more personal freedom, self-acceptance, and inner peace.   There is no specific formula for how each session will go, as each individual is unique.  What I do strive to foster is a safe environment that will allow you to feel free enough to explore the issues that matter most to you.

Taking the first step towards therapy can feel intimidating, especially if it is your first time pursuing it or you are unsure of what to expect. What I can say is that it takes courage to seek help and to reflect on issues that may not always feel comfortable.  In order to support you in this process, I believe that my role is to listen attentively and to be respectful, non-judgmental, and curious.

My orientation to treatment is psychodynamic and psychoanalytically informed, meaning that I value the unconscious.  This includes dreams and fantasies, inner conflict that may be out of awareness, and relational patterns that may reflect earlier childhood experiences.  I also place a strong emphasis on the therapeutic relationship, and recognize that sometimes important things cannot be spoken about, and may be communicated non-verbally.  Regardless of this theoretical standpoint, my goal is to adapt to your specific needs and to be as fully present in the moment with you as possible.