Ali Khadivi, Ph.D.

My Approach

In my therapy and assessment work with patients, I strive to provide a safe, empathic and open atmosphere. My clinical work is guided by a personality based dynamic therapy in which the focus is more on the here and now than on the past. The aim of the therapy is to bring awareness to underlying feelings, conflicts and self-defeating patterns that impede one’s growth. I work collaboratively to enhance a sense of agency, relieve symptoms and to internally free the person so they can know clearly what they want, and how they feel and what they want to do. When clinically indicated, I also draw on cognitive behavioral and mindfulness approaches to help patients find relief from negative thoughts and overwhelming feelings that they are unable to manage effectively.

Professional Background

I completed my undergraduate studies at Tufts University and obtained my PhD in clinical psychology from the New School for Social Research. I completed my clinical training at New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center. I hold a rank of a full Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. I teach and train medical students, psychiatric residents and psychology interns. In addition I am Adjunct Professor at the New School for Social Research, Department of Psychology, where I teach doctoral level psychology courses in clinical interviewing and diagnostic assessment. I have numerous clinical publications and presents nationally and internationally on evaluation of psychological disorders.