Joseph LaBadia, LMHC, NCC
How Did I End Up A Therapist With My Own Practice?
Really, it was my experience in college that inspired me to become a psychotherapist in NYC before starting my own practice. I had just begun studying psychology in my undergraduate program and quickly realized just how much it resonated within me. I immediately fell in love with the power that counseling and the therapeutic relationship have to help people heal and transform their lives.
During that time, I worked at the Center For Human Development and Family Services, serving juveniles who engaged in risky behavior and found themselves involved with the justice department. Because of that experience combined with all of the literature I had read and the education I received, I knew that I was destined to pursue counseling in graduate school.
I was driven to learn more and eventually start my own private practice treating patients one day—and once I started my internship, I knew I made the right choice. While in graduate school, I had the honor of interning with Midtown Treatment Center at Weil Cornell Medical Center, an outpatient clinic for substance abuse. Then, after graduating, I was hired at New York Presbyterian Hospital where I worked for six years before leaving for private practice.
I suppose it’s my passion for working in fields where there is always something new to study that drives me to keep learning and growing. That’s why I am constantly pursuing additional training and reading about the latest developments in psychology and mental health.
As a therapist, I’m always striving to improve my abilities and expand my skill set. I want to make sure I’m providing each individual with a dynamic approach to psychotherapy that truly speaks to their unique needs and circumstances.
What Kind Of Challenges Can I Assist With?
One of the things I’m truly passionate about is helping individuals work through various forms of trauma and deep emotional wounding. As a trauma-informed therapist certified in EMDR and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)—a specialized form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—I see a lot of my NYC patients struggling with these deep-rooted issues.
I am also a clinical partner with Headstrong, a nationwide organization dedicated to the mental health of military members, where I treat veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD. In addition to trauma treatment, I also specialize in adult ADHD. I frequently use CBT, behavioral interventions, and Motivational Interviewing to help patients improve executive functioning and build more fulfilling lives. I also run a biweekly support group for adults with ADHD.
Lastly, I work with a lot of male patients, addressing the mental, physical, and emotional challenges that men commonly face. This often includes ED, sex addiction, porn addiction, and risky sexual behavior. Furthermore, I have extensive experience utilizing CBT interventions for treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, and depression.
What Is My Counseling Philosophy And How Do I Work?
It’s my belief that the relationship between therapist and patient is extremely important, so I approach counseling with a focus on building a rapport of safety and trust. I want my patients to know that they are always in charge during sessions—that this is a safe place for them to openly express themselves without reservation or fear of judgment.
I meet each person with unconditional positive regard for who they are and where they are in their struggles. Whatever my patients bring into session, we will get through it together. Through my continued educational experiences and my broad expertise in various therapeutic interventions, I truly believe that therapy can completely alter the trajectory of a person’s life.
Therapy, for me, involves a special relationship where we are both “In It Together.” So I really care about the well-being of my patients and the progress they make in treatment. I always use the best of my education, training, and experience to produce positive outcomes for my patients. That usually includes exploring multiple treatment options to find what works best for each individual.
Who Am I Outside Of Sessions?
Like many folks, I enjoy my downtime reading and taking in everything from art and film to music and museums. I focus a lot on maintaining my fitness, making sure my physical well-being stays in stride with my own mental health.
I love my pets dearly and enjoy trying new restaurants—and traveling is a huge part of my life. I simply believe there is so much to do in this world that it’s crucial to be open to exploring new art, food, places, and experiences.
"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts."
– Marcus Aurelius
If you would like to learn more about me or my approach to psychotherapy, I invite you to schedule your free, 15-minute consultation by calling our virtual assistant at (212) 300-3314. I look forward to hearing your story and supporting you on your journey toward a happier, healthier mindset.
Trauma-informed psychotherapist Joseph LaBadia is the Co-Founder and Co-Program Director of Live Well Practice in NYC, New York. He possesses a bachelor’s in Psychology from the New School as well as a master’s in Counseling and Mental Health Wellness from New York University.
Among his credentials, Joseph has completed a one-year intensive psychodynamic psychotherapy program (IPPP). He has also completed his training in psychoanalysis at the prestigious William Alanson White Institute in New York, NY. As a therapist, he is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). He is also fully trained in Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy for PTSD.