Gershon Basch, LCSW

Your mind is a tapestry of beliefs

Gershon Basch, LCSW's style

Why Gershon Basch, LCSW chose to be in the helping profession

I embarked on a career in this field driven by the recognition from others that I possess a natural sense of compassion and an innate ability to listen effectively. Beyond this, my inclination to genuinely help people, coupled with my passion for fostering deeper insights, became the catalyst for my decision. I am profoundly passionate about guiding individuals on a journey toward a comprehensive understanding of themselves.

In my quest to make a positive impact, I have consistently honed my skills in active listening and empathy. These qualities, combined with my commitment to assisting others, allow me to create a supportive environment where individuals can explore their thoughts and emotions in a meaningful way.

Gershon Basch, LCSW's approach

My therapeutic approach is grounded in the principles of memory reconsolidation, a perspective embraced by effective modalities such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Coherence Therapy. Understanding memory reconsolidation is key to comprehending the transformative power of these therapies.

In simple terms, our automatic feelings and behaviors are often shaped by underlying belief systems that convince us of their effectiveness in navigating life's challenges. These beliefs become ingrained, leading us to react in certain ways. Memory reconsolidation involves unraveling these deep-seated beliefs to bring about positive change.

Imagine your mind as a tapestry of beliefs—some outdated or hindering. My role is to help you identify and make sense of these beliefs that may be holding you back. Once we shed light on these limiting beliefs, we can introduce new emotional experiences that act as mismatches to the old, no longer helpful ones.

This process is akin to rewiring the intricate network of beliefs in your brain and body. By providing alternative emotional experiences, we facilitate the rewriting of your belief system, allowing you to discard outdated and unproductive beliefs. The goal is to empower you to act in alignment with your true desires, fostering personal growth and well-being.

In essence, the power lies in reshaping the narrative of your experiences, enabling you to overcome automatic responses and embrace a more authentic way of living. It's a journey of self-discovery and transformation, where we work collaboratively to help you break free from the constraints of old beliefs and pave the way for a more fulfilling and intentional life.

What you can expect from sessions with Gershon Basch, LCSW

In my therapy sessions, I strive to provide a space where individuals can efficiently address the changes they seek in their feelings and behaviors. To expedite this process, I work collaboratively with clients to clearly define the challenges that brought them to therapy and establish their desired outcomes. Operating from a trauma-informed lens, I recognize the profound impact our personal histories have on our belief systems.

Before our initial official session, I utilize intake forms to gather essential information, allowing us to delve into our work more effectively. While some clients prefer a deeper exploration of their background and family dynamics before delving into their goals, I respect their pace and provide the necessary space for those discussions.

I begin our sessions by asking, 'What brings you here?' In subsequent meetings, I inquire whether we should continue from our previous discussions or if there's a new topic to explore. Once we've identified the desired changes in feelings or behaviors, my primary focus is on helping clients uncover the barriers hindering their progress and articulate them.

Often, these barriers manifest as inner voices or physical sensations—tension, heaviness, or dread—that impede personal growth. Employing various therapeutic tools drawn from modalities like IFS, inner child work, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, EMDR, and narrative therapy, I guide clients in understanding and expressing these feelings. Together, we explore the roots of these challenges in personal history and develop strategies to heal and release the grip of limiting beliefs.

Ultimately, my goal is to empower individuals to be their best selves by facilitating a transformative journey that addresses the underlying factors contributing to their present difficulties. By integrating a range of therapeutic approaches, I tailor my methods to each client's unique needs, fostering a supportive and dynamic therapeutic alliance.

Gershon Basch, LCSW's experience working with the Jewish community

Throughout my years as a therapist, I've had the privilege of working with a diverse population, and fostering connections with individuals from various communities, cultures, religions, and ethnicities. This includes engaging with members from different factions within the Jewish community, encompassing diverse levels of religious observance. The richness of these experiences has been a source of fulfillment for me both personally and professionally.

My openness to learning and understanding new perspectives has been a guiding principle in my journey. I firmly believe that this diversity of encounters has profoundly shaped both who I am as an individual and the kind of therapist I've become. Drawing from this extensive background, I bring a breadth of understanding and cultural competence to my practice.

As someone who grew up in, benefited from and continues to be an integral part of the Jewish community, it is my heartfelt desire to contribute as much as possible to its well-being. I recognize the importance of giving back to a community that has played a significant role in my life.

Acknowledging the unique challenges and cultural nuances within the Jewish or Orthodox community, I understand that some individuals may feel a therapist from within the community has an intuitive understanding of their experiences. While I am committed to providing culturally sensitive and inclusive therapy to all, I am particularly attuned to the specific needs and intricacies of individuals within the Jewish or Orthodox community.

I aim to create a therapeutic space that honors the diversity within the community and fosters a sense of understanding, support, and empowerment. I approach each client with respect for their journey, recognizing the importance of cultural awareness in the therapeutic process.

Gershon Basch, LCSW's Book Recommendation Zone

• Rethinking Trauma Treatment
• How to Remove Trauma Response
• The Therapeutic “Aha!”
• Self-Therapy
• Running on Empty No More

Approaches

• Attachment-based
• EMDR
• Inner child work
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Motivational Interviewing
• Narrative Therapy
• Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
• Trauma Focused Therapy

Concerns

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Relationships
• Stress management
• Transitions & Change
• Trauma

7 years in practice

Licences

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker by NJ State Board of Social Work Examiners 2019. License number 44SC05888500

Degrees

• Master of Social Work by Long Island University 2016

Trainings

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) by Dr. Russ Harris 2017
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) by Dr. Jeffrey Riggenbach 2019
• Eye Movement Desensitization, and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) Basic Training by FACETS 2019
• Internal Family Systems (IFS) Training Course by Bonnie Weiss 2021
• Intensive Trauma Treatment Certification Workshop: EMDR, CBT, and Somatic Based Interventions to Move Clients from Surviving to Thriving by Dr. Jennifer Sweeton 2021
• Internal Family Systems: A Conceptual Overview by by Dr. Lois Ehrmann 2021
• Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy Externship by by Debi Scimeca-Diaz 2022
• Introduction to the Internal Family Systems Model of Psychotherapy: Working with the Inner Parts of the Person by by Dr. Lois Ehrman 2022

Average costs per session

$ - $120

Payment Methods

• Insurance
• Free consultation
• Credit Card

Insurances

• Aetna
• BlueCross and BlueShield
• Cigna
• Oscar
• Oxford
• United Healthcare