In-Person
Building Bridges: Effective Communication from Dating to Marriage Part 1 with Penina Flug, LCSW & Caryn Guttman, LMHC
Aug. 15, 2024
Love isnt the icing on the cake its a basic need like oxygen and water. Dr Susan Johnson
Penina Flug, LCSW's style
🎯 Direct 💙 Warm 👂 Listener 🤝 CollaborativeWhy Penina Flug, LCSW chose to be in the helping profession
From a young age, I felt a profound calling to assist others in fostering better relationships. My journey began with my involvement in Camp HASC and NCSY, where I dedicated my time and energy to support and uplift those around me. These early experiences were more than just volunteer work; they were formative moments that shaped my understanding of the importance of connection and community.
Growing up in a home imbued with the values of chesed (kindness) and communal service further fueled my passion for helping others. My family’s commitment to these principles wasn't just a part of our routine; it was the very fabric of our lives. Watching my parents engage in acts of kindness and community work instilled in me a deep-seated belief that helping others is a fundamental part of a fulfilling life.
As I matured, this desire to contribute positively to people's lives evolved into a professional ambition. I realized that by entering the helping profession, I could make a significant and lasting impact. I wanted to be the person who could provide guidance, support, and a listening ear, helping individuals navigate their challenges and improve their interpersonal relationships.
Being a therapist is a natural extension of my upbringing and early experiences. It is driven by a lifelong commitment to fostering better relationships and a desire to perpetuate the values of kindness and community service that I hold dear.
Penina Flug, LCSW's approach
My approach to therapy centers on Emotionally Focused Couples and Family Therapy for adults. This method is particularly effective in fostering deep, lasting connections, making it a cornerstone of my practice. Additionally, I incorporate a tailored approach to premarital education, aimed at building strong foundations for enduring relationships.
I practice with a humanistic, non-pathologizing, and attachment-based perspective. This means I view my clients not through the lens of their problems, but as individuals with unique experiences and inherent worth. By focusing on attachment, I help clients understand the importance of their emotional bonds and how these connections influence their interactions and overall well-being.
A significant aspect of my work involves guiding families to transform their communication patterns. Effective communication is vital for the health of any relationship, and I strive to help families strengthen these lines of dialogue. By doing so, they can create a more resilient foundation, capable of withstanding life's various challenges.
In essence, my therapeutic approach is about empowering individuals and families to build and maintain meaningful, supportive relationships. By fostering a safe, empathetic environment, I aim to facilitate personal growth and stronger connections that enhance the quality of life for my clients.
What you can expect from sessions with Penina Flug, LCSW
When you join me for therapy sessions, you can expect a nurturing environment filled with empathy, validation, and acceptance. I strive to create a safe space where you feel comfortable expressing your thoughts and emotions without judgment. Professionalism is at the heart of my practice, ensuring that our interactions are respectful, confidential, and focused on your well-being.
Collaboration is a key component of our work together. We will work as a team to identify and address the issues impacting your relationships. By improving communication and fostering a deeper connection with your spouse, we aim to build a stronger, more resilient partnership.
My sessions are experiential rather than skill-based. This means that instead of merely teaching techniques, we will engage in experiences that promote emotional insight and connection. These experiences are designed to help you and your partner understand and respond to each other's emotional needs more effectively, leading to meaningful and lasting changes in your relationship.
Through our sessions, you can expect to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your partner, develop healthier communication patterns, and build a more profound emotional connection. My goal is to support you on this journey, helping you create the fulfilling relationships you desire.
Penina Flug, LCSW's experience working with the Jewish community
I am deeply committed to raising awareness within the Jewish community about the critical importance of premarital education. Through my efforts, I aim to equip couples with the tools they need to build strong, lasting marriages. I regularly give talks on marriage, sharing insights and strategies to help couples foster healthy relationships.
In addition to my public speaking, I am actively involved in training premarital educators, including kallah teachers. These educators play a vital role in preparing couples for the realities of married life, and I take great pride in helping them develop effective teaching methods and curricula.
A significant portion of my practice is dedicated to helping Jewish couples. I understand the unique cultural and religious dynamics that can influence relationships within this community. My approach is tailored to address these specific needs, ensuring that my clients receive support that is both culturally sensitive and deeply empathetic.
Through my work, I strive to strengthen the fabric of the Jewish community, one relationship at a time. By promoting the values of understanding, communication, and connection, I help couples navigate their journey together, fostering harmony and resilience in their marriages.
Penina Flug, LCSW's Book Recommendation Zone
Approaches
Concerns
20 years in practice
Licences
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker by florida. License number 8501
Degrees
- Master of Social Work by Fordham University
Average costs per session
$250 - $300
Payment Methods
- Credit Card
- Zelle Quick Pay
What my clients have to say about working with me:
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I have known and worked with Penina for over 10 years. She is an outstanding, compassionate, knowledgeable therapist who does great work with both individuals and couples. She is excellent to collaborate with and I am honored to have her as a colleague.
Dr. Robert Steinberg
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I cannot begin to thank you for everything you did for me and my husband. You taught us how to share more, and to really let each other in to our inner worlds. You showed us how to deeply relate to each other and how to stay connected through the ups and downs that life takes us on. And it makes everything just so much easier and better 💕 I highly reccomend engaged or newly married couples to learn these skills early on, it’s a game changer!
E.S