About David S. Wilde

 

 

 

 

 

It’s my belief that many universities and schools teaching and training clinical psychotherapists do not provide the essential and necessary skill-sets and tools to their students simply because their models of change and healing are often limited and antiquated. These are vestiges of an old psychoanalytic paradigm that, while having helped some, is beginning to be replaced with more pragmatically-based and solution-focused therapies, most notably cognitive-behavioral techniques (CBT), dialectical-behavior therapy (DBT), and a number of other approaches. My approach borrows from and integrates CBT, DBT, and other solution-focused approaches. It brings the coaching model into the therapy space. It is designed to create results.

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My background: I have over 19 years of experience providing psychotherapy and helping couples, teens, families and individuals improve their relationships. I’ve worked extensively with marital challenges, sexuality, parenting, challenging teenagers, ADD/ADHD, families — including blended families and in-law issues, addictions -- including sexual and pornography addictions -- as well as those with job, career and organizational challenges. I’m a published writer and speaker, and a retired NY attorney.

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I’ve been a guest on numerous radio shows and on Lifetime Television’s morning Show, “The Balancing Act”.  My articles cover relationship challenges including marriage, teens, parenting and family issues, dating, sexuality, addictions, as well as topics on related to spirituality, A Course in Miracles and ‘The Secret’ behind “The Secret” Law of Attraction.

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David S. Wilde… History

 

Practicing law as a New York trial lawyer and litigator for ten years in New York was a spiritual springboard for me from an ego-based paradigm of doing battle, judgment, and a scarcity mentality, to an orientation based on compassion and forgiveness as the road to inner peace and abundance in our lives. I have had excellent results in his work as is evidenced by many testimonials, some of which can be viewed under the link with that name, and by scores of satisfied clients.

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I left my career as a New York trial lawyer and returned to my roots in psychology and personal growth as a therapist and a relationship and life coach because I found that my integrity was frequently challenged in an area of law that proved to be unscrupulous; because I wanted to help people with practical problems; and because I found a way to do so that is effective.

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I worked for two of the largest behavioral health care companies in the world – Magellan Behavioral Health and United Behavioral Health – in the capacities of EAP specialist, provider relations coordinator, and intake counselor. I was a milieu therapist on an acute-care inpatient psychiatric unit at Framingham Union Hospital where I worked as part of an interdisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and psychiatric nurses; was trained and served as a crisis counselor at the Worcester Crisis Center; and interned as a therapist in the Hunter College Employee Assistance Program for university staff.

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I have 30 years of experience as a NY licensed psychotherapist and am a trained Life Coach.  I am certified Level II in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing") which is often referred to as the state-of-the-art treatment for trauma and PTSD, in Energy Psychology Level II, in Neuro-Linguistic Programming Level II, and in Reiki Level I.  I hold an MSW from Hunter College, a JD from Brooklyn Law School, and a BA cum laude in Psychology from Clark University. I completed an externship in Sue Johnson's Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples, which is considered one of the best validated couples interventions in North America.  

 

 

Alternative, Holistic, & Non-traditional…

 

I have a unique and proactive, “outside the box” approach to helping people.  My approach is largely non-traditional, solution-focused, and combines alternative and holistic techniques for creating meaningful change and lasting results.

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I guide, share, teach, and facilitate change and healing utilizing your own strengths and based upon both Western and Eastern schools of thought, as well as from lessons derived from my own life’s experiences. My writings, public speaking, and practice are informed by the principles of A Course In Miracles, The “Secret” Law of Attraction, and other eastern teachings including the work of Eckhart Tolle, Wayne Dyer, Deepak Chopra, and Marianne Williamson. I also incorporate principles based upon the work of John Bradshaw and Dr. Scott M. Peck.

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My marriage counseling and relationship coaching work is informed by principles of “Emotionally Focused Therapy”, and “Imago Therapy”, and utilizes an integrative, holistic approach which incorporates mind, body, and spirit. Depending on the circumstances, I may teach healthy communication skills including “active listening”, facilitate guided meditation or teach meditation or “Emotional Freedom Technique” (“EFT”) for help dealing with overwhelming feelings, utilize “Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing” (“EMDR”) or incorporate hypnotherapy into the sessions.

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One of the best documented, most substantive, and well-researched approaches to couples therapy, Sue Johnson's Emotionally Focused Therapy has achieved an astounding 75 percent success rate, with 86 percent of couples reporting feeling happier in their relationships. This is in stark comparison to other forms of couples therapy which have been shown in studies to be only about 35 percent effective in healing relationships.

 

 

Working Together…

 

My approach is compassionate, direct and “hands-on”. I’m there to hold my clients accountable for their work, to help monitor their progress, and to help them work through challenges as they may arise along the way. I see myself as holding the torch or lantern to light the way for your growth and the attainment of your relationship and life goals.

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Whether you’re seeing me for individual or relationship work, in most sessions I’ll often assign “homework” so that you’re actively working between your sessions, and gently hold you accountable in the next session, so that you’re always moving forward towards your goals.

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For years, I’ve led A Course in Miracles study groups, and given lectures and workshops on principles of abundance and change.  I facilitated a weekly separation and divorce support group for many years in Pennsylvania and have given talks on topics including spirituality, psychology, and improving couples relationships.  I've led stress reduction utilizing progressive relaxation and sessions of guided imagery, meditation, and Emotional Freedom Technique, a type of energy psychology.

 

My offices are in New City, NY in Rockland County near Nanuet, Spring Valley and Stony Point, and in Warwick, NY in Orange County near Monroe, Greenwood Lake and Vernon, NJ. also work virtually.