About Me

My name is Jose Ruiz and I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 20 years of experience. I received my education at Columbia University and New York University. My approach to therapy is eclectic in nature and grounded in evidence-based clinical research. I use a variety of therapeutic lenses to view my patients' emotional experiences to better understand their perspectives and help them identify ways to better manage their emotions and behaviors with respects to their mental health.

My patients come to me with myriad mental health diagnoses and chronic medical conditions. These conditions, include, but are not limited to, anxiety, depression, anger management, conflict resolution, intimacy, social skills and professional performance.

My private practice spans over 20 years and my training consists of psychodynamic therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Emotional Focus Therapy (EFT). I work with adults, children, couples and families from a broad array of cultural and ethnic backgrounds and sexual orientations.

My work, as I see it, is to facilitate an experience that will allow a patient to explore and gain access to parts of themselves not previously available. The therapeutic journey starts with a trusting environment that propels an in-depth exploration of one’s history, family dynamics, relational patterns and perceived self-image. Inherent in this process is the enhancement and utilization of an emotional vocabulary from which one can learn how to effectively express themselves. The therapeutic process is not an easy one, and is at times uncomfortable, but with time discomfort gives way to happiness and fulfillment.

Hablamos Español

MENTAL PERFORMANCE (MINDSET) THERAPY

For athletes, actors, dancers, and business professionals I utilize a number of cognitive-behavioral techniques such as role playing, exposure, and The PETTLEP model (a visualization/imagery tool), to expand a person's mindset in helping to eliminate fear, doubt, and performance anxiety. The patients can visualize their success before it actually happens. Thus, changing the mindset and the space between the persons' ears from controlling negative thoughts to positive and empowering ones. The total sum being a manifestation of the persons' best version of themselves both in their respective profession and personal life.