Optimal Living Talks Series

Creating a Container in Times of Uncertainty

The video recording is now available!

The introduction of COVID-19 into the psychological fabric of society has served to highlight and reinforce the existential reality of living with and negotiating uncertainty in everyday life. Clients we work with may deal with this uncertainty in a myriad of ways: At times using coping strategies that may be maladaptive – involving impulsive, compulsive, and other addictive behaviors.  As a means of coping with uncertainty in more adaptive ways, Dr. Adam Frankel discussed the importance of containment in the treatment setting. To this end, he will discuss how he uses the pillars of Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy (IHRP) in conjunction with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help patients tolerate affective and cognitive dysregulation more effectively. In joining IHRP, ACT and somatic-based approaches, Dr. Frankel presents how “containers” can manifest (e.g., relational interactions, habits, and routines) and be therapeutically reinforced through clinical intervention. Using clinical case examples and role play, he will demonstrate how values-based interventions (crystalizing what the client holds important in their life) can act as both a containing and catalyzing force to help the client develop the ability to be with and tolerate uncertainty in more adaptive ways. The aim of this presentation is to give the clinician pragmatic tools that support the client to continue to act in line with their values amidst uncertainty towards progressive development as opposed to reengaging in behaviors that they wish to change.

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Our Presenter

ADAM FRANKEL, PhD, CGP | Psychologist

Dr. Adam Frankel is a psychologist who specializes in the treatment of substance misuse and co-occurring anxiety and mood challenges. He employs an integrated therapeutic framework to help those he works with gain a greater sense of agency in their lives through the development of active coping skills and self-understanding. Adam integrates insight-oriented, mindfulness, motivational, and cognitive and behavioral therapeutic approaches. He has a particular interest in group psychotherapy and its relationship to the improved capacity for managing difficult emotional states, interpersonal intimacy, and personal creativity. Dr. Frankel is a Certified Group Psychotherapist from the American Group Psychotherapy Association and is a graduate of the Eastern Group Psychotherapy Training Society. He received his Ph.D. in psychology from Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus. He completed his internship at Mt Sinai Medical Center and his post-doctoral fellowship at the Addiction Institute of New York at Mt. Sinai-Roosevelt Hospital. Adam presents nationally and internationally on integrated therapeutic treatment modalities and is a clinical supervisor and teacher to advanced Ph.D. students in psychology, and psychiatric residents throughout the New York Metropolitan Area.