“One day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful.”
PSYCHOTHERAPY WITH BOB LESSER
My Approach
I believe we all have healing to do and my therapeutic approach seeks to normalize the process of turning pain into purpose. I remain optimistic that the hard work of finding truth and reconciliation in one’s own life is the most meaningful thing we can devote ourselves to.
In my work as a psychotherapist, I am focused on finding answers to the question of what is most therapeutic for my patients. How can they understand themselves better, feel a greater sense of efficacy in the world, and build a stronger sense of self? And, when that sense of self has become obscured, how can it be clarified and reclaimed? These questions drew me to Self Psychology’s blueprint for self-actualization and to the American Relational school which stressed the therapeutic dimensions of the relationship between the client and therapist.
My Training and Credentials
My training is in psychodynamic psychotherapy, that is, the theory and techniques developed by Sigmund Freud which were further developed by those who followed him. I use these theoretical approaches along with attachment theory, infant research, and Bionion theory, among others, to form a guiding approach to my clinical practice. I have completed additional training in trauma, neuroscience, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Hypnotherapy, and Internal Family Systems to further enhance my ability to support my clients toward healing and growth. I am also a long-time student of Buddhism and meditation.
I attended the National Institute for the Psychotherapies in New York City where I completed the Adult Training Program in Psychoanalysis & Comprehensive Psychotherapy. I received my certificate in Psychedelic Therapy and Research (more on that here) from the California Institute for Integral Studies, the leading Psychedelic Medicine Certificate Program worldwide. I am a Licensed Psychoanalyst in New York State.
I also hold a Masters in Public Policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government which helps me understand the intra- and inter-physic dynamics of my clients through a broader cultural lens.
My Services and Specialties
I provide Individual psychotherapy to adults. I offer my services virtually (by phone or video), and am able to work with individuals residing in New York State. My areas of specialization include:
Finding meaning and direction in life
Life transitions into early adulthood and mid-life
Depression and Anxiety
Loneliness and Social Anxiety
Support for Parents
Men’s work
Work and Career issues
Stress Management
Grief and loss
Chronic pain
Addiction
Conflict Resolution
Psychedelic Assisted Therapy (click here to learn more)
I also offer executive and organizational coaching services as well.
Fees and Insurance
Fees are discussed as part of our initial consultation. I do not accept insurance, although patients may submit to their insurance provider for reimbursement.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality between client and psychotherapist is sacrosanct. What is discussed in session will not be shared with anyone (unless you are planning to harm yourself or others).
Next Steps
If you are interested in embarking on this journey, the process begins with a free thirty-minute consultation where we determine if working together is the right fit. I learn about you and what you are seeking and you see how I work. Once we agree to continue, we will set a time to begin our work together. Sessions are typically weekly, lasting 45 minutes in duration.
To set up a preliminary consultation please email me at bob@boblesser.com or at my Contact page.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Yours, in the beautiful struggle,
Bob
Ready to get started?
Psychedelic Assisted Therapy
In addition to traditional therapy, I provide psychedelic assisted psychotherapy (for clients in New York State) and psychedelic assisted coaching for clients around the world.
This unique approach combines profound insights and healing that can be achieved with psychedelics with the complementary support of psychotherapy or coaching broadly falling into three phases:
Preparation and mindset work for optimal psychedelic experiences.
Integrating, processing and understanding your psychedelic experiences.
Long-term planning support for lasting change.
If you would like to work with me in holistic medicine experience, I specifically offer the following:
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
Ketamine is a safe and widely prescribed dissociative anesthetic. Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy combines the use of this medicine with psychotherapy to provide a powerful, evidence-based approach for people seeking deep healing from depression, anxiety, trauma, and a wide range of other conditions. It works by creating new synaptic connections and opening a critical window of neuroplasticity in the brain, allowing you to access new perspectives, soften rigid defenses, and create new narratives to help you move forward in your life.
In this work, the medicine and therapy combine to create an incredibly effective treatment with the potential for profound results. The treatment provides a carefully structured therapeutic container that includes preparation, the ketamine experience, and integration. Together, we clarify intentions, build psychological safety, and create a grounded plan for translating insight into real change.
Ketamine has been shown to successfully treat:
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
Suicidal ideation and intrusive thought rumination
Major depressive disorder (MDD)
PTSD
Anxiety disorders
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Chronic pain
Substance use
Eating disorders
End-of-life distress
Burnout and moral injury
Developmental trauma
Ketamine works across so many conditions because it is not disorder specific but rather acts on creating new synaptic connections and opening a “critical window” for change in the brain.
My approach is both clinical and relational. I combine trauma-informed psychotherapy, somatic awareness, and depth psychology to support experiences that are safe, meaningful, and transformative. This work is ideal for those who want rapid reduction in their symptoms along with a more lasting sense of resilience, connection and wholeness.
The medicine administration can be done at home or in a clinic setting and the therapy sessions are virtual.
This Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) program is for you if:
You have been living with with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or emotional stagnation
You want to access deeper layers of insight and self-compassion
You’re ready to release patterns formed through trauma or long-held stress
You want to create lasting psychological and nervous system change
You live in New York State.
How it works:
Preparation
2 therapy sessions that will prepare you for an optimal experience.
Medical Evaluation & Prescription
After your first therapy session you will have your on-line evaluation with a prescriber who will provide your medication prescription and answer any questions you have.
Ketamine Dosing and Integration
You receive and self administer medication at home with designated supervision or visit a clinic.
After each medicine session you will have a therapy session with me within 24-48 hours to help you process and integrate your experience and prepare for the next session.
Completion
We will have a final therapy session after your last medicine session where we will discuss next steps and a plan for continuing your journey of healing and growth.
Get Started
To find out more about my Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) program please contact me here.