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Dr. William L. Golden, PHD

Psychologist

Dr. William Golden is a psychologist practicing in Briarcliff Manor, NY. Dr. Golden specializes in the treatment of health mental problems, and helps people to cope with their mental illnesses. As a psychologist, Dr. Golden evaluates and treats patients through a variety of methods, most typically being psychotherapy or talk therapy. Patients usually visit Dr. Golden because they have been experiencing depression, anxiety, stress or anger for a significant period of time and are seeking help. Psychologists may perform a variety of exams and assessments to diagnose a mental condition.
Learn More About Me
49 years Experience
Dr. William L. Golden, PHD
  • Briarcliff Manor, NY
  • New School for Social Research
  • Accepting new patients

What are the best ways to overcome negative thoughts?

Cognitive therapy is the best way of controlling negative thoughts.

My sister had a car accident last month. What can we do to help her?

Sounds like she has Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD. The most effective treatment for PTSD is behavioral therapy.

Is fear of closed spaces a real disorder?

Yes, fear of closed places, such as elevators, is claustrophobia. The treatment of choice is behavioral therapy.

My wife is scared of having sex. How can I help her overcome this fear?

I would suggest sex therapy. A marriage counselor may or may not be qualified to provide sex counseling. Make sure they have that expertise.

I am unable to manage my stress. How can I help myself?

You need stress management therapy, where you will learn techniques to reduce stress.

I am scared of darkness. Is this normal?

Your reaction to darkness sounds like you are having panic attacks and have a a phobia. I recommend that you seek behavioral therapy.

My son is 16 years old and afraid of his exams. Should I send him to a psychologist?

It sounds like your son has test anxiety. I did my doctoral dissertation and a subsequent research project on the treatment of test anxiety. I have successfully treated hundred READ MORE
It sounds like your son has test anxiety. I did my doctoral dissertation and a subsequent research project on the treatment of test anxiety. I have successfully treated hundred of students with test anxiety. It is best treated with a combination of desensitization therapy, test taking skills training and study skills training.

Dr. Bill Golden

What causes my brain to think negatively most of the time?

Negative thinking is a part of depression. The best treatment for depression and negative thinking is cognitive-behavior therapy.

Is being a bisexual a problem?

Bisexuality is normal. It is only a problem if you are troubled by it. If you do have a problem with your sexual identity, then I recommend that you get help in gaining self-acceptance. READ MORE
Bisexuality is normal. It is only a problem if you are troubled by it. If you do have a problem with your sexual identity, then I recommend that you get help in gaining self-acceptance.

My husband is recovering from a stroke but is getting depressed. How should I help him?

You can encourage him to be hopeful. Get him to focus on incremental improvements. Also, encourage him to engage in whatever pleasurable and constructive activities that he can READ MORE
You can encourage him to be hopeful. Get him to focus on incremental improvements. Also, encourage him to engage in whatever pleasurable and constructive activities that he can do now. In addition, you can still validate his feelings of grief. It is normal for people to feel sadness and grief whenever they experience a loss, including a temporary loss, such as the loss of function during the recovery process.

Is anxiety disorder normal with aging?

Normal aging does not automatically include getting an anxiety disorder. It sounds like your father may be experiencing an adjustment disorder in response to aging.

I think I may be depressed. What do I do?

First of all, where are you located? If I know your location, I can make some specific recommendations. Depending on the nature of your depression, I would recommend a cognitive-behavior READ MORE
First of all, where are you located? If I know your location, I can make some specific recommendations. Depending on the nature of your depression, I would recommend a cognitive-behavior therapist, a psychopharmacologist or both. If your depression just started when you retired, you might just need some counseling for help with dealing with the transition. I can suggest specific resources, if you get back to me with more information about your location and your symptoms.

Bill Golden

Do therapists lead therapy sessions or do I?

It depends on the type of therapy. In Client-centered Therapy, the therapist does not direct the therapy. In Cognitive-behavior Therapy, the therapist is more active and directive. READ MORE
It depends on the type of therapy. In Client-centered Therapy, the therapist does not direct the therapy. In Cognitive-behavior Therapy, the therapist is more active and directive. My approach is Cognitive-behavior Therapy. I emphasize a collaborative approach between therapist and patient. I provide direction and teach the patient therapy techniques. But the patient sets the goals for the therapy and the agenda for each session.

Sudden mental fatigue--what can it be?

It could be depression or it could be a result of prolonged stress. But the first step should be your getting a medical evaluation because it could be a symptom of a medical problem. READ MORE
It could be depression or it could be a result of prolonged stress. But the first step should be your getting a medical evaluation because it could be a symptom of a medical problem.

At night, thinking prevents me from sleeping. Can I do anything about it?

Several suggestions: 1. Get out of bed if you do not fall asleep within 20 - 30 minutes and do something else. 2. Only get into bed if you are sleepy. 3. Do not nap. 4. Get up READ MORE
Several suggestions:
1. Get out of bed if you do not fall asleep within 20 - 30 minutes and do
something else.
2. Only get into bed if you are sleepy.
3. Do not nap.
4. Get up the same time every morning.
5. Learn some relaxation techniques or see a stress management therapist
who could teach you relaxation techniques.
6. Use the relaxation techniques as soon as you get into bed.

I'm having some severe chest pain with anxiety. Is this dangerous? What could it be?

Sounds like panic attacks. But it would be a good idea to see a physician just to rule out anything physical. Assuming they are panic attacks, what you will need is cognitive-behavior READ MORE
Sounds like panic attacks. But it would be a good idea to see a physician
just to rule out anything physical. Assuming they are panic attacks, what
you will need is cognitive-behavior therapy. That is what I use in treating
panic attacks.
Dr. Bill Golden

Depression and Alcohol..Chicken or the egg?

As a psychologist, I can't give you advise about medication specifically in your case. But I can say that reseach has found that Cognitive-behavior Therapy and antidepressant medication READ MORE
As a psychologist, I can't give you advise about medication specifically in
your case. But I can say that reseach has found that Cognitive-behavior
Therapy and antidepressant medication are effective treatments for
depression. Which treatment, or combination, is best for a given individual
requires clinical assessment.

How to deal with the anxiety of getting cancer?

In my opinion, the best treatment for your health-related anxiety is cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) which is what I employ. As applied to what you describe, the first step is READ MORE
In my opinion, the best treatment for your health-related anxiety is cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) which is what I employ. As applied to what you describe, the first step is to identify your fear-producing thoughts. Then, the CBT therapist helps you to challenge these anxiety-producing thoughts and helps you to come up with a rational perspective. You are then
taught how to apply the technique when needed. Relaxation techniques are also frequently taught in CBT.

Dr. William Golden