5 Questions for Ditmas Park Psychotherapist Peggy Horwitz

Neighbor Peggy Horwitz has been working as a psychotherapist for more than 20 years, and she recently opened a practice in Ditmas Park, adding to her Manhattan office. Living and working in the neighborhood can have its advantages, and she notes: “I enjoy the diversity, natural beauty, and sense of community that defines this unique part of Brooklyn.”

We asked Peggy a few questions about her practice, and what services she is offering the neighborhood.

Tell us a little about your background.

I received a master’s degree in clinical social work at Hunter College and completed advanced training at the National Psychological Association for psychoanalysis, receiving a certificate in psychoanalysis. I’ve worked with all ages from 3 to folks in their 80s, but now I mostly work with young adults on up. My expertise is working with depression, anxiety, grief, body image issues, relationship problems, and career-related concerns.

What services do you offer in your local office?

My practice includes providing psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and groups. In addition to offering psychotherapy, I offer mindfulness training workshops and seminars. On Friday mornings, I offer “Mindful Mornings,” a group for individuals who want to learn and practice mindfulness techniques. I also offer trainings to individuals in business, health, and service-oriented organizations.

What’s one of the most frequently asked questions you get from people who are looking into your services for the first time, and how do you answer?

Individuals coming for therapy are usually quite distressed and want to know how I might help and whether they will feel better. I tell them that therapy is a process, and that it may take some time to feel better. I tell them that we’ll work together to understand how they came to be in their current situation. Through a process of discovery, they will learn about the origins of their distress, conflict, or unhappiness, and ways to cope with, resolve, or transform their problems. Mostly, I try to reassure individuals that they will be working with a competent, collaborative, and empathic listener.

What are you most looking forward to about having an office in this neighborhood?

I brought my practice to Ditmas Park to make psychotherapy services more accessible to the community. Therapy takes time and energy, it can also be anxiety-provoking. By bringing my practice to Ditmas Park, I hope to take some of the inconvenience out, and ease in to beginning therapy. I hope individuals will take advantage of their neighborhood services.

Psychotherapy is represented more and more in TV, movies, and literature. How do you think that affects therapy?

I’ve had mixed feelings about how therapists are represented on TV and in the movies; however, overall, I think people have a better sense of who therapists are and how therapy works. I think the exposure to the people and the process has reduced the stigma and increased acceptance of seeing a therapist for help. If Tony Soprano can do it, so can you? I’ve noticed individuals who otherwise would not seek help have been doing so, and that’s a really good thing!

Learn more about Peggy and her practice at her website, or call 212-971-4422 for more info.