Jordana Skurka

I am a clinical psychologist and have been in practice for over 20 years. I specialize in working with individuals and couples ages 18 years and older. I address a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship/family dynamics and trauma, as well as stressors particular to the college and graduate school experience. My Interest in psychology is based in my wish to help people decrease their pain and expand their lives in ways that are important to them. I am described by my patients as a warm person who creates a safe environment through being respectful and sensitive to who you are: your personality, family, developmental and cultural history, other identities and the emotions you are experiencing.

Psychodynamic and insight-oriented, I utilize a variety of techniques, especially Internal Family Systems (IFS), a therapeutic approach that is extremely effective for many issues and is known to be especially helpful with trauma recovery. IFS helps individuals, as well as couples, tease apart and learn about conflicting feelings or parts of themselves. Doing so improves one’s ability to feel better, function effectively and heal painful experiences from the recent and distant past.

In couples work I also utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), an attachment-based model that helps couples identify difficult cycles of interactions and recognize the needs, hurts and fears that underlie them. Partners emerge from this process feeling more connected with one another in meaningful, supportive and secure ways and are better able to communicate. Research has proven this to be a highly effective form of therapy.

I have held positions at several university counseling centers including Fordham University where I was Assistant Director of Counseling and Psychological Services, The Graduate Center in New York City and Princeton University. College and graduate students have always been a significant part of my practice.