Dr. Elissa Lefkowitz
meet Dr. Elissa Lefkowitz
Dr. Lefkowitz is a New York State licensed psychologist who received her Bachelor of Science (with Honors) from Cornell University in the area of Human Development and Family Studies, her Master of Arts and Educational Masters in Psychological Counseling, and her Ph.D. In Counseling Psychology (with Distinction) from Columbia University.
Dr. Lefkowitz specializes in working with older adolescents and adults cope with life transitions which may be impacting their social and emotional functioning. Utilizing varied techniques and therapeutic modalities within a CBT framework, treatment plans are tailored specifically to the needs to each individual client. A holistic approach considering cultural and environmental factors is taken, assisting clients in dealing with various challenges which may give rise to accompanying symptoms within the anxiety and/or depressive disorder spectrum. These individual or familial life stressors include, but are not limited to; relationship problems, school or work difficulties, and major life changes. While individual goals vary based on presenting issues, the overall therapeutic goal is for Dr. Lefkowitz to provide a supportive space for clients to learn to understand their thoughts and feelings, how those thoughts and feelings are impacting current behaviors, and work collaboratively to develop strategies to cope with problems more effectively.
Dr. Lefkowitz completed her Post-Doctoral Fellowship at The American Institute for Cognitive Therapy (AICT), internship at The Payne Whitney Clinic, New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical College, and externships at both AICT and The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx. Dr. Lefkowitz also worked as an Academic Counselor at Baruch College’s Center for Advisement and Orientation throughout her graduate school career.Prior to joining AICT, Dr. Lefkowitz was an Instructor of Psychology for over twenty years at Weill Cornell Medical College and New York Presbyterian Hospital, where she taught and supervised post-doctoral fellows in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy training and techniques, earning the accolade “Supervisor of the Year” multiple times. Additionally, she has led workshops on stress reduction techniques, anger management and the Imposter Phenomenon. Dr. Lefkowitz is a member of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies.
Prior to joining AICT, Dr. Lefkowitz was an Instructor of Psychology for over twenty years at Weill Cornell Medical College and New York Presbyterian Hospital, where she taught and supervised post-doctoral fellows in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy training and techniques, earning the accolade “Supervisor of the Year” multiple times. Additionally, she has led workshops on stress reduction techniques, anger management and the Imposter Phenomenon. Dr. Lefkowitz is a member of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies.