Dr. Beth Wecksell, PsyD

I am a bilingual (Spanish-English) Clinical Psychologist. I provide individual, group and family therapy to children, adolescents and adults. I also supervise other clinicians on therapy cases. I am drawn to this work for its power in creating meaning out of difficulty and promoting greater life fulfillment.

When I enter into a therapeutic space with someone, I see the whole person within the context of their environment. I welcome conversations around intersectional identities, such as related to race, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status and ancestral origin.  We will certainly address problems associated with various mental health diagnoses, such as depression, anxiety, trauma and ADHD.  However, we will seek to understand these problems through a non-judgmental lens of acceptance that fosters empowerment and self-love.

My therapeutic approach is primarily drawn from two evidence-based models: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS).  I have received intensive training in DBT through Behavioral Tech, and I am a Level 1-Trained IFS therapist.  Both forms of therapy are rooted in the mind-body connection.

DBT is a structured approach that teaches comprehensive skills to regulate emotions, tolerate distress and be more effective in relationships. These skills can be especially helpful for more acute problems, such as self-harm urges, anger outbursts and panic attacks. IFS is an insight-oriented approach that brings compassionate curiosity to the complex array of parts within us. It is especially effective in treating trauma. One of the essential concepts is that all behaviors have a positive intent. Through warm validation of that intent, we make space for our wounded parts to share their traumatic stories and thus release their pain.  It has been an honor to be part of my clients’ journeys as they heal and flourish.

My primary professional role before working at Mind Body 7 was as a therapist and supervisor at a community mental health center - HeartShare St. Vincent’s Services (HSVS). This organization primarily serves low-income communities involved in the foster care system. I employed a wide range of trauma-informed approaches to support these families, and conducted psychological testing as needed for legal and clinical purposes. I have trained and worked at several other facilities prior to HSVS, conducting both assessment and therapy. They included the following: Pace University counseling center, Four Winds psychiatric hospital, Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center, Jewish Child Care Association (foster care agency), VA hospital in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and an elementary and middle school in Long Island. I greatly valued each of these experiences as they provided opportunities to enhance people’s well-being in far-reaching ways.

In terms of educational background, I earned a Psy.D. in School-Clinical Child Psychology from Pace University in 2013, and an M.S.Ed. in School Psychology in 2011. I received the Outstanding Psychology Doctoral Student Award from Pace in 2012 for my high academic standing. I had also been awarded a research assistantship upon entering due to being one of the top applicants. I received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Tufts University in 2004 and graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Outside of my work as a psychologist, I enjoy connecting with nature, staying active and watching comedy. I long ago ended my pursuit of gymnastics, diving and dancing, but have recently reconnected to my theater-kid roots by taking improv classes. I truly believe that humor has a valuable place in therapy, just as it does in our lives. Lastly, I greatly enjoy traveling, especially to Spanish-speaking places. I became fluent in Spanish after college when living and volunteering in Costa Rica. I relish any opportunity to learn about other cultures, and thus strive to cultivate a therapeutic atmosphere that celebrates one’s cultural identity and uses it as a guiding force for positive change.