Jacob Mergendoller, LMSW
Message from Jacob
After starting my career in the business world, I eventually took a step back and realized how I was really feeling: burned out, unmotivated, and unfulfilled. I decided to become a therapist so I could build real connections with people and help them find their own version of change and fulfillment. I work with individuals experiencing difficulties with communication/boundaries, relationships, career-related stress, self-doubt, and trauma. With a warm, welcoming approach, I help clients face difficult life circumstances, reframe unhelpful thoughts, and replace self-criticism with curiosity. In turn, this curiosity leads to increased self-understanding, empathy, and confidence. You’re here – ready to start the work. I’m here – ready to support, guide, and explore with you on your journey, no matter what it looks like. Feel free to reach out and I’d be happy to answer any specific questions you may have.
About Jacob's practice
Weekdays After 5pm
Weekdays Before 9am
Weekdays 9am - 5pm
$$
Sliding scale
Directive
Reflective
In-person available: No
Virtual available: Yes
Career-Related Stress
Life Transitions
Quarter-Life Crisis
Masculinity-Related Stress
Romantic Life
Trauma
Anxiety
Depression
Out of network providers
NY
Why state matters
Get to Know Jacob
If I have never been to therapy before, what should I expect? How do I know if I should go, and how do I start?
Maybe you feel stuck. Maybe you feel trapped or are constantly running away from certain issues. If you’ve tried to make changes on your own and found little success, therapy might be able to help. You can expect our sessions to be informal and interactive – it’s an open conversation, not an interview. In the beginning, it will be helpful for me to understand what you’d like to achieve in therapy, your background, and what has worked for you in the past. If you have questions about how therapy works or what to expect down the line, I’d be happy to discuss them so our work starts as transparently as possible.
How can you tell if I am benefiting from working with you?
Sometimes progress will show up in distinct ways, such as a noticeable increase in mood or a decrease in depressive symptoms. Other times, it may be more nuanced and we’ll have to read between the lines (i.e. the subtext of your statements or subtle shifts in perspective). I adopt a strength-based approach to therapy to identify and bring attention to these positive changes, small or large. After all, the small steps pave the way for larger ones. The evidence of growth and change will be most apparent when there is a trusting, authentic relationship between you and your therapist.
What is the best part of the work for you?
I chose to be a therapist for a number of reasons which are constantly evolving with time. At the most fundamental level, I’m a therapist because I love developing connections with people that go beyond the small talk and get to the core of who we are. I enjoy supporting people to reach that moment when they believe they can change and feel empowered. I enjoy being a part of people’s healing and watching shame, guilt, or judgement being released as they gain a better understanding of themselves. And I enjoy that therapy is different with every client and there are very few “right” answers (despite the tempting belief that things would be easier if there were!)
How participatory are you during sessions?
I adapt my style depending on your needs, your preferred form of engagement, and what is most successful in gently guiding you towards your goals. This means our sessions may be more conversational and active. Or, I may step back and give you additional space to unpack and work through what you’re feeling.