When you step into Patrick Abrams’ office at 437 East Allen Street, you not only experience feelings of calmness and serenity, but also playfulness and whimsy. You cannot miss the rainbow unicorn, or shelves of books, toys and games. His mental health treatments may seem a bit eclectic, however, “I try to infuse play into therapy as much as possible. People do not have to worry about fidgeting or sitting still, but can relax and be in a good zone for sometimes uncomfortable conversations.” Patrick believes, “When people’s hands are activated, it releases more unconscious and subconscious thought.”
Patrick has lived all over New York state. He grew up on New York’s southern tier, his undergraduate degree is from Syracuse University and his training is from New York University. He now calls the Hudson Valley home. He moved to the area almost four years ago and recently set up his office in Hudson.
“I’ve been doing therapy sessions since 2018. I worked at the New School’s student counseling center and New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services, helping in the foster care system. I was working in public health for ten to twelve years, and I kept coming up against mental health issues overlapping with physical manifestations. There are people who are too anxious to get their heart tested, or too depressed to get their annual physical. It will save more money in the long run to deal with mental health issues in the forefront.”
For someone who is contemplating therapy for the first time, Patrick offers a free thirty minute session via zoom to see if there’s a therapeutic alliance between himself and a potential client.
“Therapists are there to share space with your reality, and shine a light on that. The way I was trained, the therapeutic fit is about 70% of the work. If there’s a good therapeutic bond, the psychotherapy is more successful.”
What are some common issues people are facing?
“In my practice, I see a lot of anxiety around perfectionism. Sometimes, highly-achieving, ambitious, well-rounded folks can get in their own way about having a perfect environment. I think the opposite of anxiety is vulnerability – vulnerable enough to know you need a hand, or when things are foggy, or there’s psychic residue from your past. We can explore that in therapy and undo the tendency to careen towards control and order. In reality, a lot of life is chaotic.”
Why do you feel there’s so much anxiety nowadays?
“I think there’s anxiety because there is so much comparison out there. People are more online than ever, and experience internet reality as their own reality. It has physiological effects on your mind, body, and spirit. It’s what you find meaning in the world that matters.
“I help people with digital detox. It can be about screen time or content – content that’s isolating or infuriating. It’s mostly about being aware of your online presence and what that means to your body. Social media can be both destructive and beneficial. It brings communities together, and can help people feel less isolated. But, at the end of the day, it can be overwhelming”
Why Hudson?
“I love Hudson because I’m a huge vintage shopper! I love Second Show. I love finding stories and choosing things that represent who I am. And the food! We have seen our beloved Cascades go, but return as the Cascades food truck.
“I’m staying. That’s why I leased this office space. I’m excited to be part of the community. There’s a openness to wellness. I’m also excited to do therapy in person. I’ve built a space that I hope is comfortable and cool, relaxing, and quiet.”
For more information, visit Patrick Abrams website, ReawakenStudio.com
