Libby Kessman, LCSW

Current

• Faculty and supervisor at Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Study Center
• Psychotherapist at Libby Kessman, LCSW

Past

• Clinical Social Worker at Alfred Adler Continuing Treatment Program
• Clinical Social Worker at Harlem Hospital

Education

• NYU School of Social Work

Recommended

3 people have recommended Libby

Connections

38 connections

Industry

Mental Health Care

Websites

• Psychology Today

Libby Kessman, LCSW’s Summary

I aim to help people empower themselves in a loving way, so I approach psychotherapy in an interactive manner. I see therapy as a process of helping create new options. To this end, I integrate spontaneity and creativity in my work. Some modalities I use are interpersonal and relational psychotherapy (encompassing object relations theory, self psychology, and intersubjectivity), spirituality, and humor. I serve diverse populations--multicultural, LGBT community, creative and performing artists, as well as corporate and business people--believing that "we are all more human than otherwise."

One must often mourn the past before moving ahead; I specialize in working with people who have lost a parent early in life. As a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years experience, I work with individuals and couples. I also teach and supervise other clinicians.

I've presented and taught on money issues, stress management, and hope. I believe one's capacity to grow and change is open-ended, so I see treatment as a way of creating hope for those who have become bogged down on their path.

Libby Kessman, LCSW’s Specialties:

Affective disorders, substance abuse and addiction issues (including eating disorders), couples. Also creative and performing artists' issues and early parent loss.

Libby Kessman, LCSW’s Experience

• Faculty and supervisor

  Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Study Center

  (Mental Health Care industry)

  1996 — Present (13 years )

  Besides having taught a variety of courses for candidates and supervised them, I am an active member of COPAT (Committee on Psychoanalytic Addictions Treatment), which presents a highly regarded yearly lecture series.

• Psychotherapist

  Libby Kessman, LCSW

  (Mental Health Care industry)

  May 1987 — Present (22 years 8 months)

  Independent practice working with adults and couples on issues of relationship, anxiety, depression, stress, and addictions. I also enjoy working with creative people in business, the creative and performing arts, and other fields.

• Clinical Social Worker

  Alfred Adler Continuing Treatment Program

  (Mental Health Care industry)

  1983 — 1985 (2 years )

  Therapist working individually and in groups with people with severe chronic diagnoses (bipolar disorder, schizoaffective, schizophrenia).

• Clinical Social Worker

  Harlem Hospital

  (Mental Health Care industry)

  1980 — 1983 (3 years )

  Worked therapeutically with inpatient and day hospital patients both individually and in groups (multifamily therapy group, creative writing group, relaxation group).

Libby Kessman, LCSW’s Education

• NYU School of Social Work

  msw , social work , 1977 — 1979

Additional Information

Libby Kessman, LCSW’s Websites:

• Psychology Today

Libby Kessman, LCSW’s Interests:

writing, editing, travel, reading, cooking, yoga, spirituality

Libby Kessman, LCSW’s Groups:

New York State Society for Clinical Social Work (NYSSCSW),
American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work (AAPCSW),
Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Study Center (PPSC)

•    Psychologists, psychotherapists and counselors

Libby Kessman, LCSW’s Contact Settings

Interested In:

• career opportunities
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• new ventures
• expertise requests
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