Dovi Shenkman, LMSW, M.Ed

If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And when I am for myself, what am I? And if not now, when? - Pirkei Avos

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Dovi Shenkman, LMSW, M.Ed's style

Why Dovi Shenkman, LMSW, M.Ed chose to be in the helping profession

I chose to become a therapist because I want to support teens and adolescents as they navigate the challenges of growing up, figuring out who they are, and dealing with the pressures that come from school, friends, family, and life. The teenage years can be an exciting time, but they can also feel confusing and overwhelming, especially when there are so many expectations coming from different directions. I want young people to have someone they can talk to who will truly listen, take them seriously, and help them make sense of what they are experiencing. For me, there is real meaning in being able to support teens during this important stage of their lives.

As a Jewish therapist, I also understand that Jewish teens may face unique experiences and pressures. They may be balancing their Jewish identity with other parts of their lives, navigating expectations from family or community, or simply trying to figure out what being Jewish means to them personally. I want to create a space where they can talk openly about these things without feeling judged, pressured, or like they have to have all the answers. My goal is to help teens feel heard and supported, build confidence, learn healthy coping skills, and become more comfortable being themselves as they grow into the person they want to become.

Dovi Shenkman, LMSW, M.Ed's approach

My approach to therapy is relatable, supportive, and built around connection. I believe teens and adolescents need a space where they can be themselves, talk openly, and feel genuinely heard without judgment, pressure, or lectures. Building trust is an important part of the process, and I take the time to understand each teen as an individual rather than assuming that one approach will work for everyone. I want therapy to feel like a place where they can show up as they are and feel comfortable talking about what is really going on.

I tailor therapy to each teen’s personality, experiences, and goals, while also focusing on practical tools they can actually use in everyday life. Whether they are navigating anxiety, confidence, friendships, family dynamics, school pressure, identity, or simply feeling overwhelmed, we work together to understand what they are experiencing and what can help. My goal is to help teens feel understood, build confidence, find their voice, and feel more in control of their lives. Therapy should be a place where they can be honest about what they are going through and leave feeling a little more capable of handling what comes next.

What you can expect from sessions with Dovi Shenkman, LMSW, M.Ed

You can expect our sessions to be real, supportive, and focused on what matters to you. This is a space where you can talk openly, ask questions, be yourself, and know you’ll be taken seriously without judgment, pressure, or lectures. I want you to feel comfortable being honest about what is going on, even when it is difficult to put into words. We will take the time to build a relationship where you feel heard and understood, rather than feeling like you have to say the “right” thing.

We’ll work together to understand what’s going on, figure out what you want to change, and build practical tools you can actually use in your everyday life. Whether you’re dealing with stress, friendships, family, school, confidence, identity, or simply feeling stuck, we’ll take it one step at a time. I won’t expect you to figure everything out at once, and we can focus on what feels most important to you. My goal is for you to leave sessions feeling heard, understood, and more confident in yourself and your ability to handle what comes next.

Dovi Shenkman, LMSW, M.Ed's experience working with the Jewish community

For over 15 years, I’ve worked with the Jewish community through both formal and informal education, including schools, shuls, and youth settings. Much of my work has focused on supporting teens, adolescents, and young adults as they navigate the real-life challenges of growing up, relationships, identity, family expectations, and finding their place within the Jewish community. Being part of these different settings has given me a deep understanding of the experiences and pressures that young people can face. It has also taught me how important it is to meet each person where they are and create a space where they feel comfortable being themselves.

I’ve also focused on supporting young people facing addictions, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, stress, and other challenges that can feel difficult to talk about. My experience has taught me that there is no one-size-fits-all approach because every person has a different story, personality, and set of experiences. Meaningful support starts with listening without judgment and taking the time to understand what someone is really going through. I bring a deep understanding of the Jewish community and a genuine ability to connect with young people from different backgrounds and experiences. My goal is to create a space where they can feel understood, talk openly, build confidence, and develop the tools they need to move forward.

Dovi Shenkman, LMSW, M.Ed's Book Recommendation Zone

• Motivational Interviewing: Helping people change and Grow
  A wealth of vignettes and interview examples (engagingly read by multiple narrators) illustrate the dos and don'ts of successful implementation in diverse contexts.
• Man's Search for Meaning
  Viktor Frankl’s riveting account of his time in the Nazi concentration camps, and his insightful exploration of the human will to find meaning in spite of the worst adversity.
• Tshuvah Through Recovery by Abraham Twersky
  Experience the transformative power of the twelve steps recovery.

Approaches

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Couples Counseling
• Family Therapy
• Motivational Interviewing

Concerns

• Addiction
• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Dating
• Depression
• Financial Stress & Avoidance
• Infertility
• Stress management

11 years in practice

Licenses

• Licensed Social Worker by Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs – Social Workers’ Registry 2015
• Licensed Social Worker by NJ 2026. License number 44SL07473500
• Licensed Master Worker by NY 2023. License number 121041

Degrees

• Masters of Social Work by Wurzweiler School of Social Work 2015
• Masters in Jewish Education and Administration by Azrieli School of Education 2013

Affiliations

• Talmudic Rabbi by Yeshiva Ashreinu in Israel 2016

Average costs per session

$100 - $150

Payment Methods

• BIT
• Paybox
• Insurance
• Sliding Scale
• Credit Card

Insurances

• Aetna
• AmeriHealth
• BlueCross and BlueShield
• Cigna
• ComPsych
• Healthfirst