Dr. Sigal Levy (she/her)

I have treated different forms of depression for over 20 years, including post-partum depression, bipolar, dysthymia and adjustment disorder.

I have treated couples who were stuck in unhappy relationships but were able to overcome dissatisfaction in their relationships as they learned authentic and healthier communication in addition to active listening.

I have treated individuals who suffer from eating disorders as I worked at the Renfrew Center, other residential treatment centers. Treatment of eating disorders is coupled with other mental health issues which need to be explored and treated. DBT treatment has been effective with individuals who suffer from eating disorders.

I have utilized cognitive behavioral therapy for over 20 years in treatment of those who deal with depression, anxiety and other mental health issues, resulting in decreased symptoms of depression anxiety and other symptoms.

I have focused on helping couples shift from an adversarial or withdrawn pattern of relationships to a more collaborative one.

I have used CBT for over 20 years as it is highly effective with a wide range of mental health problems: different forms of depression and anxiety, bipolar, eating disorders, stress reduction, addictions all of which I have treated. As a clinician, I collaboratively implemented CBT with my clients. CBT focused on challenging distorted thoughts, changing unhelpful beliefs, attitudes, improving emotional regulation and adopting better coping strategies.

I have practiced DBT in residential/inpatient and outpatient treatment settings. It has been useful for the treatment of my clients who suffered from substance use addictions, eating disorders, depression, bipolar disorders, and borderline personality disorders. It's geared towards learning and practicing mindfulness, attaining interpersonal effectiveness, and gaining emotional regulation and distress tolerance, all of which are tools to improve life experiences.

Couple counseling is effective in various types of relationships. It is important to be able to communicate effectively, examine one's own schemas which were created early in life an may influence the relationship. Oftentimes, couples make a commitment in their relationships, lacking the awareness of what is important to each person in their relationship. It is important to be able to get to know each other views about life important matters, sexual preference, values etc. early on.

I have worked with individuals who suffer from PTSD in various treatment setttings for over 20 years. Symptoms of PTSD can occur due to a deeply threatening event. Symptoms can include: insomnia, flashbacks, unpleasant emotions, nightmares etc. The goal of treatment to reduce symptoms, teach tools to deal with interfering symptoms, and restore mental health. Individuals who seem treatment tend to benefit from symptom reduction and improvement of self-esteem.

There are different forms of grief/losses: death, relationship breakup, loss of health, financial and job losses. I have treated many individuals who sought treatment for over 20 years. Symptoms of grief may include: headaches, upset stomach, lack of energy, distraction, preoccupation, anger, depression etc. Grief/loss treatment usually entails education about stages of grief, acceptance of loss, being able to talk about the loss, identify and express feelings and gain a support system.