About Me, My name is Yale Kushner and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC # MH 17121) in Florida and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC. 0015635) in Colorado. In addition to my licensure I have completed studies in sex addiction and am a Certified Sexual Additions Therapist certified by the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals. I had the unique opportunity to raise my family in three countries experiencing the difficulties related to changed language, culture, religion and world view. As a result of this lifestyle I have grown into an open minded and straight forward individual who understands the needs of others. Having raised 4 kids in other cultures I am uniquely qualified to assist men and women who find themselves “out of sorts” wherever they are living. Having a few years of life behind me allows me to enter into most challenges people are faced with not only from a solid therapeutic approach but also from personal life experience, having experienced it myself. I have learned that life is made up of the good, bad and ugly and the stories of our lives, when complete, will be a blend of laughter, tears, triumphs and tragedies, all of which will be cherished. I am a hope filled therapist knowing from years of life and experience that the change always desired is just around the next corner. As to my therapy, I focus mainly on CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) which is a short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy treatment that takes a hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving. Its goal is to change patterns of thinking or behavior that are behind people’s difficulties, and so change the way they feel. It is very effective in helping make quick but significant change in a person’s life. Along with CBT I believe having a strong therapeutic Alliance with the client is essential. In simple terms this means I as your therapist am “all in” for you and your success. I am your cheerleader/coach and help keep you on track and moving in the right direction, especially if you get a bit stuck. Over the years I have worked with men and women who find themselves caught up in unhealthy relationships, self medicating through drugs, alcohol and sex to deal with the challenges of our day along with stress, anxiety and depression. I have found combining CBT with a healthy therapeutic alliance contributes to good progress in all these area with long lasting results. Finally I would be amiss to not say that I would consider myself a man of faith. Even though I think faith is important I also think faith should only be brought into therapy if the client desires to include that. The purpose of therapy is to not push any one faith over another but rather as a professional counselor my role is to accept where you are with all that and help you move forward in the areas you’ve identified are needed for change and development. It would be a pleasure and honor to have the opportunity to engage with you for awhile and I look forward to the time we will meet. Sincerely, Yale Kushner