I am an innovator in blending methods and techniques of verbal psychotherapy along with the more non-verbal approaches of creative arts therapy.
I am NYS licensed as an LMHC and LCAT—offering four decades of dedicated expertise to guide you in your therapy process.
Seeking support is a courageous step. Reach out, and let’s work collaboratively to create a path toward healing, resilience, and empowerment.
Your well-being matters.
Explore new possibilities for attaining personal growth and building resilience.
I’m here to support you every step of the way.
I offer a unique blend of verbal and non-verbal therapeutic approaches grounded in Developmentally-based, Relationally-focused Integrative Psychotherapy and Creative Arts Therapy. These approaches inform my work with clients, as well as my clinical trainings and supervision for psychotherapists, counselors, and other health care providers.
With over four decades of committed practice, I proudly hold titles as a New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT). Additionally, I am a Certified Trainer/Supervisor for the International Integrative Psychotherapy Association (CIIPTS), Certified Clinical Transactional Analyst, and a Fellow of the Association of Music and Imagery (FAMI). I am on the faculty at the Institute for Integrative Psychotherapy, Vancouver, B.C., and Practicum Supervisor/Assistant at the Institute for Music and Consciousness, Worcester, Massachusetts USA.
My academic journey includes a B.A from Bard College and a Master’s degree from New York University, complemented by post-graduate training at the Institute for Integrative Psychotherapy and the Institute for Music and Consciousness.
In the early stages of my career, I immersed myself in various hospital and clinical settings, working as a Music Therapy clinician, consultant, and supervisor, and taught in a number of undergraduate and graduate Music Therapy programs.
My formal training in verbal psychotherapy includes Transactional Analysis, Gestalt Therapy, and Developmentally-based, Relationally-focused Integrative Psychotherapy, leading to certifications as a Clinical Transactional Analyst and an International Integrative Psychotherapist/Trainer/Supervisor.
My Approach
I offer a unique spectrum of verbal and non-verbal modalities, tailored to each client’s specific needs, and based on my training in verbal psychotherapy and counseling, and creative arts therapy. I bring expertise in:
- Developmentally-based, Relationally-focused Integrative Psychotherapy
- Music Therapy and Music Psychotherapy
- Guided Imagery in Music
- Resource-oriented Music and Imagery
- Continuum Model of Music and Imagery
- Prenatal/Postpartum support and counseling
- Support and counseling for new parents
- Becoming a grandparent
- Support and counseling for grandparenting challenges
- Women’s life-span issues
Let’s Connect.
Whether in-person in Northern Westchester County, New York, or through telehealth, my commitment extends to clinical supervision, training, and workshops for psychotherapists, creative arts therapists, and healthcare professionals.
Publications
- Merle-Fishman, C., (2010) “An integrative psychotherapy of postpartum adjustment.” Vol.1, No.2, International Journal of Integrative Psychotherapy, 29-46. [PDF]
- Katsh, S. and Merle-Fishman, C., “Metaphoric improvisation therapy: A comprehensive description of the integration of Gestalt Therapy, Transactional Analysis and Music Therapy.” Bruscia, K. Improvisational Models of Music Therapy. Springfield, Illinois: Charles C. Thomas, 1987, p. 319-334. [PDF]
- Katsh, S., and Merle-Fishman, C. The Music Within You. Gilsum, New Hampshire: Barcelona Publishers, 1995.
Professional Activities
- Frequent presenter at national and international conferences
- Author of professional articles on music therapy, Integrative Psychotherapy, and post-partum adjustment
- Co-author of The Music Within You
- Faculty member at the Institute for Integrative Psychotherapy in Vancouver, B.C.
- Practicum Supervisor/Assistant at the Institute for Music and Consciousness, Worcester, Massachusetts USA
- Founding member of the International Integrative Psychotherapy Association
- Past-President of the Board of Trustees of the International Integrative Psychotherapy Association (2019 – 2023)
- Member of the Board of Trustees of the International Integrative Psychotherapy Association
- Editorial Advisor – International Journal of Integrative Psychotherapy (2023 – current)
- Past Co-Editor of the International Journal of Integrative Psychotherapy
- Musician since age 7, actively participating in choral and instrumental groups
