By Pearl Markovitz

Located in Teaneck and offering both virtual and in-person therapy, Sara Schreiber’s Collaborative Minds Psychotherapy LLC has expanded its client base during the past year, necessitating its hiring of two new therapists. Schreiber founded her practice with the mission of “helping pre-teens through adults get unstuck, unlock their potential, and start living a life aligned with their values.

“Our approach is collaborative, warm and empathic,” Shreiber continued, “and our treatment is informed by scientifically proven methods to help you on your journey of living your most fulfilled life.”

Collaborative Minds Psychotherapy serves clients in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Florida. Issues addressed include anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, autism and general life stressors, and treats clients through both individual and group therapy.

Individual therapy modalities at Collaborative Minds include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), internal family systems (IFS), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and psychodynamic psychotherapy. The process starts with a free 10-15 minute call to make sure the client and Collaborative Minds are a good fit.

“During this call, you will tell us a little about what you are seeking help for and we will tell you about how we approach therapy,” the website states. “It’s important that you click with your therapist, so this call is also important for you to make sure you feel heard and safe with us before moving forward with your first appointment.”

Joining the team full-time in July is Shira Somerstein, licensed social worker. Coming from Bruriah High School, where she served as director of guidance, she brings her expertise working with teenage girls and their families to Collaborative Minds. Prior to Bruriah, Somerstein worked with children, teens and adults at the Jewish Family Service in Passaic. In both positions, she specialized in social issues including family dynamics and traumatic events. She utilizes an eclectic approach where she draws from IFS and DBT as well as other evidence-based modalities. Somerstein has experience with personality disorders, domestic violence and emotional disturbance. Her sessions will be held both virtually and in person.

Max Kirshblum, LSW, works for the practice virtually. His specialties include trauma, anxiety, depression and social skills groups. The therapy modalities he utilizes include EMDR, CBT and psychodynamic psychotherapy. Kirshblum also comes with a specialty in domestic violence, having worked for the Jewish Family Services’ Project Sarah prior to joining Collaborative Minds. He also offers Sunday social skills groups for teenagers and adults using the PEERS® curriculum.

Schreiber, the company’s founder, attended Yeshiva University Stern College for Women, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in developmental psychology. She went on to earn a master’s in social work as well as her clinical license in social work from Fordham University. Her professional background includes working for the Mental Health Service Corps, where she served as the in-house mental health primary care therapist at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx. During her time there, she worked with children, young adults and their parents. Subsequently, she served as the director of group therapy and intake director at a group private practice in Westchester.

Something that makes Schreiber’s practice unique in the community is its specialization in group therapy for teens and young adults. These groups include:

Social Skills Groups for Teens and Young Adults that utilize the PEERS® Curriculum in social skills training. Individuals who join this group gain valuable tools and strategies to improve their social interactions, develop meaningful relationships and enhance their overall social competence.

DBT Groups for Teens and Young Adults, which provide a structured and supportive environment where adolescents learn practical skills to manage emotions, build resilience, improve relationships and navigate life’s challenges. Both teen and young-adult DBT groups will begin in the first two weeks of July.

Interpersonal Process Groups for Teens and College Students. In this supportive group setting, clients have the opportunity to engage in open and honest discussions, share their experiences and gain valuable insights into their thoughts, feelings and interpersonal dynamics. The groups focus on enhancing self-awareness, fostering healthy relationships and developing effective communication skills.

Transition Groups between high school and college and between high school and seminary. These groups are 10 weeks in length and focus on specific preparation needed for the next step in group members’ lives. Subjects include CBT skills to work on social anxiety; learning and practicing social skills around meeting new roommates and navigating new systems without parents’ direct involvement; learning study and organizational skills; and exploring how to navigate various mental health challenges common in college and gap-year students. The first high-school-to-seminary group of young women will be leaving for their gap year in August.

All groups are currently being held virtually; however, some in-person groups are in the works for the fall.

Visit www.collaborativeminds.net to learn more. Email [email protected] or call 646-450-6964 to be connected with one of Collaborative Minds Psychotherapy LLC’s therapists or learn more about their group therapy options.

Pearl Markovitz is the senior staff writer at The Jewish Link.