Akiva Gornish, PsyD

I earned my doctorate in clinical psychology (PsyD) from the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology at Yeshiva University, an American Psychological Association accredited program with a strong emphasis on hands-on clinical training. My training included extensive experience in evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy, with a focus on developing strong case conceptualization skills across modalities.

Over the course of my training, I worked in a wide range of clinical settings with diverse populations, including a college counseling center, community mental health clinics, and private practice settings. My training culminated in an APA-accredited predoctoral internship at North Central Bronx Hospital, where I worked with patients across acute inpatient units, a partial hospitalization program, and outpatient services.

Across these settings, I developed a broad clinical skill set and, most importantly, a central guiding principle in my work: there is no one-size-fits-all approach to psychotherapy. Each person’s symptoms, stressors, and struggles must be understood in the context of their history, relationships, and lived experience before meaningful change can occur.

When working with individuals, couples, or families, I focus on developing a deep understanding of the person behind the presenting concerns in order to create a thoughtful, individualized treatment plan. I draw from multiple therapeutic modalities and collaborate closely with clients to create a tailored approach that will be most effective for their goals. While my interventions are grounded in current research, I also draw from the humanistic tradition to ensure that therapy is experienced as warm, collaborative, growth oriented and aligning with my clients’ values and aspirations.