Dr. Tema Watstein

I am a clinical psychologist working with professionals, emerging adults, and couples. In treatment I strive for flexibility and spaciousness in the relational process.

As a therapist, my aim is to help you transform unformulated experience and distress into a more integrated narrative, facilitating confidence, authenticity and readiness for new relationships. While psychodynamic in orientation, I view my practice as integrative. Looking at patterns present in affect, behavior, and cognition, as well as through interpersonal experience, I endeavor to meet you where you are. Developmental history and early attachment patterns are also instrumental in my understanding of you as a full person.

I currently work with adults, adolescents, and couples. I have extensive experience in relationship and group therapy, particularly with non-monogamous and queer-identified populations. My clinical approach is informed by Emotion Focused Psychotherapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness. Struggles addressed regularly in my practice include depression and anxiety, trauma, relationship conflict and crisis, fertility, life transitions, grief, spirituality, chronic illness, immigration, and creativity. I believe in the utility of a strong working alliance, and strive to make you feel both understood and empowered throughout the evolution of treatment.

I earned my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at CUNY City College. I have worked in hospitals, college counseling centers, and in a community psychological center in Harlem with individuals, couples, and groups across the lifespan from a broad range of ethnic, racial, gender identity, age and belief system designations. I provide clinical supervision to doctoral and masters-level clinicians. I also hold a Masters in Violin Performance from the Manhattan School of Music, where I subsequently served as a therapist in residence. I was formerly a violinist in the NYC-based quartet, ETHEL, and continue to consult and coach for Liberated Performer, helping musicians build confidence and cope with performance anxiety.  My musical background and capacity for self-observation continue to inform my practice, It is my experience that therapy provides a valuable stage for change and growth.

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I am currently accepting new patients for in person and remote sessions, and am happy to provide a complimentary 15-minute consultation. My office is located in Flatiron.