Unveiling the Nuances of Jewish Personality Disorders

Welcome to our dedicated space for exploring and supporting the Jewish community in navigating the profound and complex experiences of personality disorders. Our site features a diverse range of professionals, therapists, and content that look into the nuanced realities of Jewish individuals and families dealing with personality disorders, offering insights and guidance from experts within the community.

The Unique Considerations of Personality Disorders in the Jewish Community

The Jewish experience is deeply rooted in a rich cultural and religious tradition, which can significantly impact the manifestation and understanding of personality disorders within the community. From the importance of maintaining a strong family and communal identity to the complex interplay between spirituality and mental health, Jewish individuals facing personality disorders navigate a unique set of challenges.

Within the tight-knit Jewish community, issues surrounding stigma, access to culturally competent mental health resources, and the balancing of religious/cultural beliefs with modern psychological approaches can all contribute to the unique landscape of personality disorders in this population. Addressing these complexities requires a nuanced understanding of the Jewish experience and a commitment to providing tailored support and interventions.

Watch the videos below to gain insights from Jewish mental health professionals, community leaders, and those who have personally navigated the complexities of personality disorders within the Jewish community. These resources provide a compassionate and culturally sensitive exploration of this profound and often misunderstood experience.

Professionals Who Specialize in Personality issues & disorders

Frayde Yudkowsky

Therapist, LSW, LMSW, CTP

  • In-office Lakewood, NJ
  • $ 225 - $225 Per Session

Frayde Yudkowsky, LMSW helps her clients heal physically, spiritually, and emotionally from the grip of shame and suffering and embrace themselves.


"Inclusive, Evidence-Based Healing for Systems, LGBTQIAPD+ Folks & Complex Trauma Survivors Real tools. Deep attunement. No one-size-fits-all. At THRIVE! Mental Health, our approach is trauma-informed, intersectional, and radically client-centered. We honor the whole youβ€”your identities, your parts, your …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • 🎨 Creative

Rebecca Kivelevitz, M.S. Ed

Therapist, School Psychologist

  • In-office Brooklyn, NY
  • $ 60 - $150 Per Session

Rebecca Kivelevitz utilizes CBT, psychodynamic, and inner child work to support children, adults, and couples through life challenges.


"My approach is eclectic, meaning I thoughtfully tailor each session to the unique needs, personality, and background of the individual sitting across from me. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all method β€” people are complex, and so the …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ‘‚ Listener
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • πŸ™Œ Affirming

Fayga Zellermaier, LMSW

Therapist, Licensed Master Social Worker: IN PERSON SESSIONS ONLY

  • In-office Brooklyn, NY
  • I accept insurance

Fayga Zellermaier, LMSW, uses an integrative approach, including CBT, DBT, IFS, & more to help her clients find immediate relief & create lasting change.


"I use an integrative approach, weaving together multiple modalities to create a uniquely tailored experience for each individual. My extensive training includes CBT, DBT, IFS, and ACT, as well as utilization of psychodynamic therapy, motivational interviewing, and play …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’ͺ Challenging
  • 🎨 Creative

Hannah Pasternak

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW and Clinical Manager

  • Remote only
  • $ 150 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

My aim is to provide a supportive environment where authenticity and compassion flourish, enabling us to work together towards your self-defined goals.


"In therapy, I prioritize building a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust. With a directive and strengths-based approach, I am focused on goal attainment and solutions, while creating a safe and non-judgmental space for you to navigate life's …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ˜ƒ Humorous
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • 🀝 Collaborative

Nina Kaweblum, DSW, LCSW, DBT-LBC, MA, EdM

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

  • In-office Lakewood, NJ
  • $ 260 - $275 Per Session

Nina Kaweblum is a Frum Therapist, LCSW,DBT-LBC,MA,MEd in New Jersey


"In a sentence: My approach is to provide therapy that works to help you reach your goals as effectively and quickly as possible. I offer a full scope of comprehensive DBT and Trauma services. During in-person sessions, we …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ˜ƒ Humorous
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented

Sarah Shasho, LCSW

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

  • Remote only
  • $ 200 Per Session

Sarah Shasho, LCSW, uses EMDR, IFS, somatic & expressive modalities to help clients heal from trauma, reconnect, & build emotional safety.


"My approach to therapy is grounded in the belief that healing happens in the context of safety, attunement, and connection. I offer a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can feel deeply seen β€” not just for what you’re …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • 🎨 Creative
  • 🧘 Calm

Tzippy Farhy, LCPC

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor,LCPC, NCC

  • In-office Southfield, MI
  • $ 125 - $165 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Tzippy Farhy LCPC's therapeutic approach is characterized by proactivity & a focus on solutions, all within CBT, DBT, and positive psychology frameworks.


"When clients come to me after experiencing unsuccessful attempts with alternative therapies, that's when their therapeutic journey truly begins. Many of them often pose the question, "I've been in therapy for years, gained insights, and developed a deeper …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering

Elliott Blitenthal

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

  • In-office Las Vegas, NV
  • $ 175 - $175 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Elliott Blitenthal is a Frum Therapist in Queens


"My approach is integrative, trauma-informed, and personalized to each client’s unique needs. I work holistically, combining mind and body, using modalities like EMDR, parts work (IFS-inspired), mindfulness, and CBT tools. I also offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) and psychedelic …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • πŸ’ͺ Challenging
  • 🌎 Holistic
  • 🧘 Calm

Yaakov Diner, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatrist, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

  • Remote only
  • $ 200 - $250 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Yaakov Diner is a frum psychiatric medication provider integrating therapy, medication management, & more to support healing, resilience, & wellness.


"My approach is deeply holistic and highly individualized. I believe true healing happens when we consider the whole person β€” mind, body, and environment β€” so I take into account psychological patterns, physical health, social dynamics, cultural identity, …

  • πŸ’­ Open minded
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented

Dr. Yosef Tropper, PsyD

Therapist, Doctor of Psychology, LCPC, LMHC, LPC

  • In-office Manchester, NJ

Dr. Yosef Tropper, Psy.D. has a therapeutic approach that embodies a combination of warmth and empathy, coupled with a direct and goal-oriented focus.


"In my therapeutic approach, I try to combine: -warmth and empathy -direct and goal-oriented focus -IFS and other trauma interventions to help you unburden. My commitment is to genuinely comprehend your unique identity, acknowledge your past experiences, and …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • 🐣 Out of the box
  • 🀝 Collaborative

Roxanne Singer

Psychiatrist, DNP, MSN, PMHNP-BC, AGPCNP-NC, AGNP-C, CDCES

  • Remote only
  • $ 250 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

I believe in incorporating a range of traditional and functional modalities to create a personalized, collaborative treatment plan.


"My approach is centered around the patient, taking into account their unique needs and preferences. I believe in incorporating a range of traditional and functional modalities to create a personalized, collaborative treatment plan. By combining conventional medicine with …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering

Shaindy Litchfield, LMSW

Therapist, Licensed Master Social Work: IN PERSON SESSIONS ONLY

  • In-office Borough Park, NY
  • $ 200 - $250 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Shaindy Litchfield, LMSW, draws from evidence-based techniques & approaches to help her clients build resilience & move toward a more fulfilling & balanced life.


"My approach to therapy is grounded in empathy and collaboration, guided by the belief that lasting change happens when you feel fully supported and actively involved in your own healing journey. I view therapy as a partnershipβ€”one where …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering

The Pesach Blues...

The Pesach Blues... by Fayga Zellermaier, LMSW, Licensed Master Social Worker: IN PERSON SESSIONS ONLY

While for some, Pesach and religious holidays are the highlight of the year, for others, these times can be quite challenging.  Whatever your experience, whether anticipating eagerly or dreading anxiously,…

Full Article

Making Space-Exploration of Internal Family Systems Therapy Part 2

Making Space-Exploration of Internal Family Systems Therapy Part 2 by Fayga Zellermaier, LMSW, Licensed Master Social Worker: IN PERSON SESSIONS ONLY

How can we implement IFS concepts into our daily living? Here are some practical tips. For a further exploration of what IFS is, take a look at Part 1.

Full Article

Why Is There a "D" In "DBT?”

Why Is There a "D" In "DBT?” by Fayga Zellermaier, LMSW, Licensed Master Social Worker: IN PERSON SESSIONS ONLY

Dialectics, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Dialecticality. What does this word even mean and why should it suddenly enter our vocabulary?    Marsha Linehan, the founder of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) characterized…

Full Article

Dependency in Therapy

Dependency in Therapy by Shayna Shafier, MHC-LP, Mental Health Counselor, Limited Permit

Am I too dependent on my therapist?         This is a question that many people in therapy find themselves asking. Especially people with a history of attachment wounding…

Full Article

Strategies for Supporting Jewish Individuals with Personality Disorders

Addressing personality disorders within the Jewish community requires a multifaceted approach that honors the cultural, spiritual, and social factors that shape the lived experiences of this population. Effective interventions must acknowledge the unique values, traditions, and community dynamics that influence the manifestation and treatment of personality disorders among Jewish individuals and families.

This includes therapy modalities that respect religious beliefs, community-based support networks that foster a sense of belonging and understanding, and educational initiatives that destigmatize mental health challenges within the Jewish community. By adopting a holistic, culturally sensitive approach, we can empower Jewish individuals and families to navigate the complexities of personality disorders with greater resilience and wellbeing.

Cultivating Healing and Resilience in the Jewish Community

Fostering healing and resilience within the Jewish community requires a deep understanding of the interplay between personality disorders, cultural identity, and spiritual beliefs. This involves seeking guidance from professionals who have extensive experience working with the Jewish population, as well as developing community-based resources that address the unique needs and sensitivities of this community.

By providing access to culturally competent mental health services, strengthening support systems within the Jewish community, and promoting education and awareness around personality disorders, we can help Jewish individuals and families overcome the challenges they face. This can lead to improved mental health outcomes, stronger family and communal connections, and a greater sense of empowerment and resilience within the Jewish community.

It is important to note that our professionals are experts in their fields, bringing both clinical expertise and a deep understanding of the Jewish experience to their work.

Our directory features professionals, including Therapists, Psychiatrists & Coaches, who offer culturally sensitive support for those navigating Personality issues & disorders within the Jewish community.

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