Dr. Patricia Hunter

Psychologist

Grow Past What Hurt You!

I work with people who’ve experienced trauma that may still feel confusing or overwhelming—even after many years. Whether it was a single painful event (Big T) or a buildup of difficult experiences over time (small t), healing is possible. You may feel stuck in patterns that once helped you cope. With care and the right support, you can begin to move forward and truly thrive.

It’s common to feel unsure about where to start. Old habits and defenses can feel safe, even if they hold you back. In trauma-focused therapy, we gently explore what’s getting in the way and work toward rediscovering your inner strength, clarity, and sense of self—at a pace that feels right for you.

My journey as a therapist began by supporting abused children, which shaped my deep commitment to understanding trauma and healing. Over the years, I’ve trained in EMDR, IFS, AEDP, and the Gottman Method, and earned advanced certification in couples and family therapy. Today, I teach and practice with the goal of creating a safe, compassionate space where you can feel understood, supported, and ready to heal—on your own terms.

“While many of us work hard to earn the right to be comfortable and avoid challenge in later adulthood, this strategy runs the risk of sending our brains the message that they no longer need to keep growing this is the worst message you can give to an organ of adaptation.”

– Colarusso
2008
Contact me by calling 917.306.4167 or online

Growing and Flourishing

"When individuals reach old age, the aging stereotypes internalized in childhood, and then reinforced for decades, become self stereotypes that contribute to unnecessary and tragic emotional and cognitive decline." Becca Levy

 As people age, they can mimic other  older people,  brainwashed by negative stereotypes,   through imitation, and develop negative self-beliefs, such as"I'm no longer attractive" or "It's hard to get old," whichcan become ingrained over time. However, with modern medical advances, these ideas don't have to dominate the field. There are cultures where older people feel proud, remain strong and healthy, and see themselves as valuable members of the community. Feeling depressed, pitiful, and sorry for ourselves for being older need not be the norm. Speaking with someone who understands you, along with techniques like dream work and EMDR, can help awaken your mind, making it more creative, energized, and flexible. While aging in certain areas can slow us down, we can also  see it all in a larger context,  embrace the process, and grow through it. By changing how we think about ourselves, we can improve how we live, transforming our present and future in much more empowering ways.

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