Ariel Hochster, PsyD

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” - Robert Frost

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Ariel Hochster, PsyD's style

Why Ariel Hochster, PsyD chose to be in the helping profession

Growth is one of the most exciting and meaningful things I have discovered. It brings a sense of hope, inner strength, and a clearer path toward the life each person truly wants. The more we learn how to grow, the more doors begin to open, and over time, the right doors become clearer and easier to choose. It is a process that builds confidence and direction, even when the path ahead feels uncertain.

At the same time, growth can be a difficult and lonely journey when faced alone. There are moments that call for support, reflection, and someone to walk alongside you. I feel deeply honored to be given the opportunity to be part of that process and to support individuals as they move forward. Being able to witness the progress, resilience, and meaningful change that unfolds is something I never take for granted.

Ariel Hochster, PsyD's approach

The difference between those who choose to come to therapy and those who do not is not that some have problems and others do not. All people have struggles, except perhaps those we do not know very well. What I have found instead is that those who seek therapy tend to share three important qualities. First, the honesty to admit that some things are not as good as they could be. Second, the bravery to say that out loud to another person. Third, the willingness to try something different.

Because of these three qualities, those who come to therapy often already have what it takes to make things significantly better. That foundation matters, and it is something I respect deeply in every person I work with. It becomes the starting point for real movement and meaningful change.

It is truly my joy and privilege to partner in that process. Together, we work to clarify your goals and find the most direct and thoughtful path toward them. Through a trauma-informed approach, combined with moments of joy, humor, humility, and a strong sense of purpose, we take steps forward with intention and courage.

What you can expect from sessions with Ariel Hochster, PsyD

The intake process is an opportunity to step back and look at the bigger picture of how and why you became who you are today. Together, we explore the experiences that have shaped you, identify the concerns you would like to address, and take an honest look at both strengths and areas for growth. This process also allows us to begin clarifying your goals and mapping out a thoughtful, realistic pathway toward achieving them. It is a collaborative space where understanding deepens and direction starts to take shape.

Sessions that follow are grounded in both reflection and forward movement. We begin by revisiting the work you have done between sessions and identifying what stood out, then set a clear agenda for our time together. From there, we move into the core of the work, building on insights, practicing new approaches, and taking steady steps toward your goals. Each session is structured yet flexible, allowing us to stay focused while also making room for what feels most important in the moment.

Ariel Hochster, PsyD's experience working with the Jewish community

I have more than ten years of experience working both within and beyond the Jewish community, with Jews of all backgrounds and religious perspectives. This experience has allowed me to connect with individuals across a wide range of identities and levels of observance, and to develop a deep respect for the diversity within the community. I approach each person with sensitivity to their unique background, creating a space where their experiences and perspectives are understood and valued.

Ariel Hochster, PsyD's Book Recommendation Zone

• The Body Keeps the Score
  One of the best books for understanding the impact trauma has on the body.
• The Little Prince
  A timeless, allegorical children's book that criticizes adult superficiality and celebrates childlike imagination and curiosity. Among other things it examines what love really is.
• When breath becomes air
  A profound, posthumous memoir by Dr. Paul Kalanithi, documenting his transition from a neurosurgeon to a terminal lung cancer patient, exploring how to live a meaningful life when facing impending mortality. It is a moving reflection on the intersections of science, literature, and human experience.

Approaches

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Art Therapy
• Breathwork
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Couples Counseling
• Existential
• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
• Family Therapy
• Inner child work
• Logotherapy
• Mindfulness and Meditation
• Narrative Therapy
• Person-Centered Therapy
• Play Therapy
• Positive Psychology
• Premarital Counseling
• Prolonged Exposure Therapy
• Somatic Therapy
• Supervision Services
• Trauma Focused Therapy

Concerns

• Abuse/Violence
• Addiction
• Anxiety
• Bereavement & Grief
• Crisis Intervention
• Dating
• Depression
• Drug/Substance Abuse
• Emotion regulation
• Insomnia & sleep issues
• Life purpose and meaning
• Mood Disorders
• Obesity
• Pain Management
• Panic attacks/panic disorder
• Parenting
• Personality issues & disorders
• Relationships
• Religious Identity Issues
• Self-Harm/Suicidality
• Sexual health & dysfunction
• Stress management
• Time Management
• Transitions & Change
• Trauma
• Weight Management

10 years in practice

Licenses

• Psychologist by The University of the State of New York 2019. License number 023338
• School Psychologist by New Jersey Department of Education 2015
• Out of State Telehealth Provider by Florida Department of health 2024

Degrees

• PSYD in Clinical & School Psychology by Kean University 2017
• MA Educational Psychology by Kean University 2015

Average costs per session

$100 - $200

Payment Methods

• Insurance
• Sliding Scale
• Credit Card

Insurances

• Aetna
• Anthem
• BlueCross and BlueShield
• Carelon
• Cigna
• Empire BlueCross
• Optum
• Optum EAP
• Oscar
• Oxford