If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
Therapy is the most decadent gift you can give yourself. You are paying someone to listen to every thought and action you choose to share. You have hired someone to help you figure out how to make you feel better. That's a decadent- albeit difficult at times, process.
In what ways do your life philosophy and treatment philosophy overlap?
I firmly believe in the spirit of Eleanor Roosevelt, which is to say 1) it is far better to truly live life than merely exist and 2) fear should not motivate you to do or not do anything in life. For example, fear is what keeps you in a job that makes you unhappy. Fear keeps people in unhealthy relationships. Fear prevents you from living and keeps you existing. Fear prevents change. It takes courage and strength to overcome fear. The fact is, No One lives a charmed existence their entire life. I try and connect who I am with what I do as your Coach/psychologist/advisor (or whatever other name you'd like to call me) to my life experiences with purpose. I live rather than exist. As a clinical psychologist with scientific training, I help people live fuller, healthier more purposeful lives, with the evidence, training, and knowledgeability to back up what I say. I function as a life coach-it is a shorter, more positive process than therapy. I live my life being of service to others; I don't exist in some microcosm.
What is your style/approach to therapy?
I function as your Coach by helping you identify what your goals are, the blockages you have to achieving those goals, and then developing a plan of action so that you can achieve your goals. Together, we embrace a relationship wherein we are both living our life with purpose. Trust is the cornerstone of any relationship, but without trust, no relationship - therapeutic or otherwise succeeds.
Specialties
Depression
Depression often causes people to feel sad, empty, or hopeless, and can cause a lack of interest in life. It can also affect a person's thinking patterns and physical health.
Anxiety
Anxiety can mean nervousness, worry, or self-doubt. Anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder that entails excessive, repeated bouts of worry, anxiety, and/or fear.
Divorce & separation
Separation and divorce can trigger a range of mental health challenges, even when the split is mutually agreed upon. Prolonged challenges can lead to stress, anxiety, depression and more.
Medical professionals' mental health
Many medical professionals have extremely difficult jobs. When the result of one’s work is a matter of life or death, stress is typical. Medical professionals’ mental health is oftentimes impacted by experiencing vicarious trauma, working long hours, feeling underpaid or unappreciated, and believing that the well-being of others is more important than their own. This may lead toward distress, compromised performance, resentment, poor mental and/or physical health, and burnout.
Psychological evaluations & testing
Psychological evaluations and testing are structured, evidence-based means of diagnosing a condition or disorder. Such instruments include specific criteria associated with a diagnosis or diagnoses. They are conducted by licensed professionals who are trained in their delivery.
General Expertise
Depression
Depression often causes people to feel sad, empty, or hopeless, and can cause a lack of interest in life. It can also affect a person's thinking patterns and physical health.
Anxiety
Anxiety can mean nervousness, worry, or self-doubt. Anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder that entails excessive, repeated bouts of worry, anxiety, and/or fear.
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
Academic challenges
Concerns that impact school performance or academic life. Can include perfectionism, bullying, financial stress, academic transitions, test anxiety, balancing school with other responsibilities, discrimination, or harassment.
ADHD
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) causes a hard time focusing attention and controlling restless or impulsive behavior. People with ADHD might have emotional outbursts, be forgetful, and/or find it difficult to stay organized.
Fees
$200
First Session
$200
Couples Therapy
$200
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Existential Therapy
Humanistic Therapy
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Marriage and Family Therapy
Licensure
NY, Psychologist, 015934
FL, Psychologist, PY6540
Education
Post Doctoral Fellow, Behavioral Medicine, University of Miami School of Medicine
Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Nova Southeastern University
Psy.D., Clinical Psychology, Nova Southeastern University
M.A., Psychology, Nova Southeastern University
M.S, Mental Health Counseling, Nova Southeastern University
B.S., Psychology/Special Education, University of Miami
Work History
Amy Trachter, Psy.D., Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with those living with medical illnesses. She spent the early part of her career in academics at the Miller School of Medicine University of Miami, working with those with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and gastrointestinal disorders, and has published multiple works about the Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. She has worked extensively with both individuals and couples of all nationalities. She has treated those living with hepatitis, cancer, cardiac and liver disease as well as those living with HIV/AIDS. Dr. Trachter was a special education teacher prior to becoming a psychologist. She cares deeply about the needs of children. She also works with children and adolescents – as well as their families assisting the family unit in adjusting. She has conducted psychoeducational evaluations of both children and adolescents, working both with schools and with parents, advocating for the special needs of those who are suffering, regardless of their age or ailment.
Location
Main Street, Tappan, 10960, NY