“YOUR TASK IS NOT TO SEEK LOVE, BUT MERELY TO SEEK AND FIND ALL
THE BARRIERS WITHIN YOURSELF THAT YOU HAVE BUILT AGAINST IT.”
– Rumi
Dr. Rel Friedman
PSYCHOLOGIST & POST-DOCTORAL FELLOW
Hi, I am Dr. Rel Friedman, a full-time Psychologist and Postdoctoral Fellow
at The Center for Progressive Psychotherapy.
I am particularly passionate about assisting adults who face dissatisfaction in their relationships, careers, and self-perception and those exploring their gender and sexual identities. I am committed to supporting individuals through complex life challenges, including trauma and minority stress.
Our therapeutic sessions are designed to create a safe and supportive environment where you can extend compassion to yourself, even in moments of hopelessness. My approach is to build a therapeutic relationship grounded in trust and humility, enabling us to deeply understand your unique experiences. Together, we will work to enhance your insight into how your past shapes your relationships with others and yourself, and make the necessary changes to bring you relief and foster personal growth.
My academic background includes a B.S. in Psychology from Clark University, an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University. Prior to joining CPP, I completed my pre-doctoral internship at Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center in Brooklyn, New York. This experience allowed me to work with a diverse range of individuals and families, representing the broad spectrum of New York City’s population and has equipped me with a deep understanding of various life experiences.
“Dr Friedman helped me work through some major changes in my life and establish what was in my best interests. I tend to put other people before myself at times, but therapy with Dr F helped me find the courage to put myself first for once.”
“I really enjoyed my sessions with Ariel. She was so warm, and I’m someone who needs to feel safe. I can’t just open-up if the therapist is cold and distant and expects me to do all the talking without saying a word. I’ve had too many bad experiences like that. But Ariel was nothing like that at all. I felt like we were teammates, figuring things out together. She’s one in a million.”
