My name is Andrea Wilkinson Ohle, LMFT and I am a New York State Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am a clinical fellow of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and a member of the state and Long Island chapters of that organization. I am also a certified facilitator for PREPARE/ENRICH, a premarital preparation program for couples. In addition, I taught several classes in Marriage and Family Therapy at Iona College in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and have been a guest presenter at various community agencies on topics including the impact of chronic illness on the family.
The experience that I’ve had treating individuals, couples and families of all ages has come from a variety of sources. Some of these sites included a private practice, community counseling agencies, a high school guidance department and a homeless shelter for men. I have had the privilege of leading a variety of groups on topics including bereavement, teens of divorced parents, and substance abuse recovery. I also had the opportunity to help lead a unique family program that featured play therapy for children, learning opportunities for parents and joining activites for the entire family.
I come to the therapy field via a communications background and I like to draw on that experience in the room. At the simplest level, I find that it is helpful to share with clients how the transaction of a message from sender to receiver can “cause some static on the telephone line” and how this “static” can negatively impact their argument style. I find that this allows the framework for folks to begin exploring the issues that might be "hidden" underneath.
My method of practice draws on--but is not limited to--various systemic theories that have been proven for over 60 years to be effective in eradicating symptoms and providing solutions. In these holistic theories, familial relationships, patterns, communication, and behaviors are examined within the therapy session. This allows the client and therapist (and other family members if present) to observe how certain behaviors could be impacting the family. Once these behaviors are recognized and understood, the client (and family members) can learn new behaviors that have benefits for themselves and the rest of their family.
Should you have any further questions about my background or methodology, I would be happy to chat with you about it.
Thank you for your time and for your consideration of our work together.
Be well,
Andrea
Education
- Master of Science, Marriage and Family Therapy, with honors, Iona College, New Rochelle, NY, 2006
- Master of Arts, Communication Arts, with honors, NYIT, Old Westbury, NY, 1999
License, Certifications & Awards
- New York State Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, number 06-000741
- Iona College Department of Marriage and Family Therapy Award, 2006
- 2023 Nominee for Best Psychotherapist in the Bethpage Best of Long Island program
Additional Training
- American Red Cross Foundations of Disaster Mental Health training
- Prepare/Enrich Facilitator
- SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention & Referral to Treatment) to address Addiction
- Various continuing education conferences, including Adult ADHD, Anxiety and Panic Disorders, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Ethics, LGBTQ Coming Out Issues, Managing Couple Separations, Play Therapy, Sex Therapy, Substance Abuse and Anxiety, Trauma and Addition, and addressing the unspoken needs of veterans.
Professional Activities and Memberships
- Clinical Fellow, American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy
- Clinical Fellow, New York Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
- Clinical Fellow, Long Island Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
