“We are here to love; and to love is to give.”  – Jeffrey D. Levine

When Jeffrey D. Levine says, “We are here to love; and to love is to give,” it represents the wisdom gained from a life dedicated to understanding what it means to be human. As a psychotherapeutic professional, he has spent more than three decades helping others find a path to the meaning in their lives – and to more loving and growth-oriented relationships.

Levine’s Nyack, New York area private practice, Levine Counseling, focuses on relationship counseling, addressing interpersonal dysfunction – romantic, parent-child, marital, business. Through his unique ability to build a strong therapeutic relationship, he is able to reinforce motivation and support the sometimes-difficult progress of therapy, creatively and intuitively bringing the most appropriate and effective therapeutic techniques to each moment.

“To learn to love ourselves – the love that ultimately allows us to enjoy healthy relationships with others – we each need a relationship with someone who can help us through consistent, unconditional and positive regard,” said Levine. “This is what I give to those who come to me, most of whom have not experienced it before. I am committed to using all my care and professional skill to create an environment where it’s possible to find what I call, ‘The Courage to Love.’”

The son of a family physician father and podiatrist mother, and with other close family member physicians, Levine came naturally to his care-providing career. He brings to it his own desire to help others, first articulated as a child who answered, “A psychologist,” when asked what he wanted to be.

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Levine returned to the states from the war in Vietnam in 1969. He explored a number of interests before resuming his education and training for a career in mental health. He earned his undergraduate degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey and in 1984 completed an advanced Master of Clinical Social Work degree program at Fordham University in New York City.

He entered clinical training concurrent with his university years, working then and subsequently in a variety of public and private health care and mental health settings in the New York metropolitan area. These positions involved working with children, the frail elderly, employees of major corporations through their Employee Assistance Programs, and individuals with HIV/A.I.D.S. He also provided clinical supervision to students from Western Connecticut State University.

Beginning in 1985, Levine established a private practice. Since 1997, he has devoted himself exclusively to this practice. Levine has synthesized a number of proven therapeutic techniques into an approach that has helped scores of people succeed in the therapeutic process – many of whom had tried unsuccessfully prior to working with him. Levine serves individuals, families and couples from many walks of life who seek his professional services, as well as children and adolescents who are referred to him.

Levine is a Diplomate of the International Academy of Behavioral Medicine, Counseling and Psychotherapy. He has earned the highest level of certification and licensure from the New York State Department of Education. He is also certified as an Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapist and member of the American Psychotherapy & Medical Hypnosis Association.

“Most human suffering — anxiety, anger, fear, loneliness, addictive, abusive and self-destructive behaviors – originate and then continue because of a failure to love — first oneself, and then others,” said Levine. “What I work passionately for is helping people understand that it’s possible for them to change their lives, and find the courage to do it successfully.”