Benjamin Swerdlow, LCSW

Benjamin Swerdlow is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in New York with three years of direct clinical experience. He has focused much of his work with older adults and with people of all ages who are managing chronic pain, offering tailored support informed by practical experience and evidence-based methods.

His background includes leading group therapy, conducting diagnostic assessments, and providing case management for people experiencing depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, traumatic brain injury, and bipolar disorder. That range of work has shaped a practice centered on listening carefully and helping clients build concrete skills that address their immediate needs.

When assisting people with chronic pain he employs an established educational tool known as pain trainer alongside motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral techniques. He also prioritizes connecting individuals with relevant community and clinical resources to support recovery and daily functioning. Benjamin approaches therapy as a collaborative process and aims to create a supportive environment where clients feel heard while learning strategies that can improve coping and well-being.

He recognizes that beginning therapy is a courageous step and is committed to using best practices to support each person’s goals and path forward.

Therapeutic Techniques and Online Care

Benjamin Swerdlow uses several evidence-based approaches suited to online delivery. Motivational interviewing is a collaborative conversation style that helps people explore ambivalence and strengthen their own motivation to change; it is often helpful for setting goals and increasing commitment to treatment. Cognitive behavioral techniques focus on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, teaching practical skills for managing anxiety, depression, and stress in everyday life. He also employs an educational pain trainer tool when addressing chronic pain, which provides structured strategies to understand and manage pain symptoms.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Benjamin works collaboratively with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences, and he adapts methods over time to find the best fit. This collaborative process helps ensure interventions align with what matters most to the client.

Online therapy with Benjamin is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain consistent sessions, access care from home, and incorporate therapy into daily life while working with licensed professionals and therapists who tailor treatment to individual needs.