Valery Fradkov, LCSW, Sc.D.
1. What's your practice focus and what kind of clients knock on your door ?
I specialize in interpersonal communication, emotional distress, anger, anxiety, depression, and addictive behaviors. With almost 20 years in clinical psychology and decades of experience as a NASA physicist, university professor, software engineer, and financial quant, my approach to therapy is a unique blend of analysis and compassion. My methods have been clinically tested and proven to be highly efficient in improving the quality of my clients' lives and their relationships.Sessions are available online.
2. Tell us about yourself.
In the wake of the 9/11's tragedy, I was inspired to seek deeper meaning in life and to help others. This led me to pursue a new degree in clinical psychology, where I mastered blending scientific rigor with the empathetic side of psychology, creating a unique treatment approach. My work with clients mirrors my passion for travel: . Eeach interaction is a journey into their unique inner universes, where I encounter a fascinating blend of the familiar and the intriguingly new, always rich with unexpected and exciting discoveries.
3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.
Oh, I wish I could share more than one! But if I had to choose, I am most proud of saving a marriage by precisely calculating and executing a pinpointed one-sentence intervention. That is when I realized that my non-traditional approach brings a new dimension to counseling. Since scientists and psychologists think and communicate differently, I needed to reframe most of whatI studied in my master's program. That resulted in new methods and techniques that work beyond my wildest expectations.
4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?
The most challenging aspect is when I encounter new clients in dire need of help, and I have the knowledge to assist them, but I'm at my capacity limit. Taking on more work would compromise my health and the quality of care I provide. To address this, I'm expanding my practice into an institute. Here, I'm not only sharing my expertise with other practitioners but also conducting extensive research to validate the effectiveness of my methods across a broader spectrum of psychological and psychiatric issues.
5. What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a private practice today?\
This is such a great question!
- Enter this profession only if you genuinely enjoy working with people; the job can become a living hell without this. And never hesitate to seek therapy for yourself. It's not only normal, but also beneficial for therapists to see a therapist.
- Envision the type of practice you aim to establish - solo or collaborative - and plan accordingly from the beginning.
- Understand that your reputation is your most valuable asset, not just your skills or services.