Dr. Michael Ivanov

Dr. Michael Ivanov

About

I’m Michael Ivanov, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist licensed in New York with over 20 years of experience in diverse clinical settings. I have worked in universities, inpatient and outpatient facilities, community clinics, and private practice. My expertise lies in relationship issues and couples therapy, and I specialize in evidence-based treatments for mood-related conditions, including anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation. I also provide clinical supervision for graduate students and pre-licensed clinicians. I am fluent in both English and Russian.

Education

  • Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, San Francisco.
  • Master's Degree (M.S.) in Clinical Psychology from San Francisco State University.

Advanced Clinical Training

I have participated in extensive seminars on psychoanalytic theory and therapy at the San Francisco Psychoanalytic Institute, with a strong focus on Psychoanalytic Couples Therapy. My training also includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT), Narrative Therapy, and Family Systems Therapy. I am committed to tailoring the best theoretical approach to each client's unique needs and goals, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all method.

Research

I led the study Perceptual Agreement: Assessing Reality & Illusion in Romantic Relationships and conducted research on Behavioral Communication. I have presented at numerous national and international conferences on topics such as individual differences, personality traits, and relationship assessments. My current work involves developing assessment tools and protocols for couples therapy and consulting with other researchers and graduate students on experimental designs and test development.

Therapy Style

My approach to therapy is both inquisitive and direct. I believe in the power of honest feedback and active engagement, helping clients gain clarity and insight into their lives. While my foundation is psychodynamically based, I integrate evidence-based practices to create a personalized experience. Each session is tailored to your unique needs, guiding you towards meaningful and enduring change. My goal is to empower you with the tools and understanding necessary for long-term personal growth and emotional well-being. Learn more about my approach to Individual Psychotherapy and Couples Therapy.



Knowing your own darkness is the best method for dealing with the darknesses of other people.

- Carl Jung, Psychological Reflections (1973) 

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