EXPERT

Dr. Sonja M. Ramirez, PH.D.

Psychologist

Dr. Sonja M. Ramirez is a licensed clinical psychologist in New York and New Jersey. She has a mobile office under the business name Ramirez Behavioral Healthcare, LLC. Dr. Ramirez also works as a Contract Psychologist for both acute and sub-acute rehabilitation centers. Dr. Ramirez engages in sessions in client's homes, as needed if a client is unable to travel due to physical or mental health issues, such as agoraphobia, major depression, trauma, postpartum depression, or physical injury. Dr. Ramirez will also meet at a park and walk and talk to stimulate the brain, reduce stress and focus on moving forward, one step at a time.

Dr. Ramirez specializes in the treatment of mental health problems. She helps people to cope with their distress by identifying the underlying repetitive thoughts and behaviors leading to poor habits and negative emotions. Dr. Ramirez helps by reframing how the client thinks about him/herself, their future and the world, assisting the client in creating and practicing new behaviors, and focusing on solutions. She’s known for giving “homework” between sessions because “Practice makes progress...I write my weekly affirmations/goals in a dry erase marker on my bathroom mirror. As I get ready for my day, I read it until it sticks. I do something different and I start repeating the adaptive thoughts and behaviors habitually. Then, I erase the learned lessons and write new goals & affirmations. Today’s is, ‘I’m powerful and surround myself with supportive people.’ I practice what I preach, as best I can, with myself and my children.”

Learn More About Me

26 years Experience

Dr. Sonja M. Ramirez, PH.D.

New York and Northeastern, NJ
St. John’s University
Accepting new patients

My Latest Posts
My Answers

Neuroplasticity through Alohamora!

Our amazing brains can change and heal themselves!!! Say the words and it will begin. Yes, like magic! Neuroplasticity through Alohamora!Open the door to neurological and behavioral...

I’m on the naMENDa: We Deserve to Heal

Initially, it was a tough pill to swallow - literally and figuratively. I was embarrassed and sad because I filled my head with self-judgement and helpless, cynical thoughts....

I Can See Clearly Now

Finally, I can see clearly, even in the dark!While this seems to be a very simple, straightforward statement, it contains many layers that have formed over the past two decades....

Take a Walk; Charge your brain!

Take a walk! Recharge! Plug in to nature; tune out from your phone. Your brain needs it!Your brain needs three times more oxygen than your muscles to stay healthy, boost its...

Happiness Jar

What has lead us to believe that we have to wait until Thanksgiving Day to gather as a community or a family to speak aloud about what we are grateful for? Gratitude is a daily...

Rise Up!

Life is a series of lessons. Some we learn the first time, others require us to get knocked down a few times to finally look up and see the light. In AA, they call this the black...

Hope is Born in Hopeless Places; Compassion Saves Lives

Yesterday, I watched a story on the news about a high school coach who disarmed a teenage shooter and then hugged him with tremendous strength, force, and compassion. It brought...

Relationships are Meant to Be 50/50

If we don’t take care of ourselves, eventually, taking care of others becomes a stressor and wears us down. I’ve been learning this lesson for the past 21 years. If you’re always...

Believe in Yourself

I couldn’t have said it or written it better. Thank you, Eminem. Many of us have the same story regardless of race, ethnicity, environment, socioeconomic status, etc. We express...

Rap is a Gift with a Bad Rap

If I could rap well, my lines would be: “I’m a conflict wrapped in a resolution. I’m a conundrum wrapped in an oxymoron. I‘m strongest after being knocked down. I’m as loyal...

Happiness is the best medicine. I’m high from healing!

When I go to physical therapy, I do shots of water and socialize, I get high on healing. Physical activity, socializing, and self-care get you “high,” naturally. They stimulate...

You Are the Author of Your Thoughts!

Dr. Seuss was a genius. I’m reminded of a quote from a book that I often read to my kids and still read to myself, “The storm starts, when the drops start dropping. . . When...

The Calm AFTER the Storm

There's a coastal storm coming through that will literally be a force promoting clean up and renewal. Choose to be prepared. Gather what you truly need to get through the night...

Change your mind, change your day, week, life!

I remind myself of this daily. We are so powerful and full of infinite potential. We can change a bad mood or adapt to a tough situation by changing what we say to ourselves....

Ocean Breakers as Reminders/Guides

Chaos proceeds change. This statement has been made by many people in various forms. The message is the same. Repeating the same thoughts and behaviors will lead to the same...

Timing Isn’t Everything

This is not only a play on a cliche, and the title of one of my favorite songs sung by Garrett Hedlund in the movie Country Strong. It’s the truth. Timing is personal and we...

Do I have a sleeping disorder?

It sounds like you're going through some scary and uncomfortable things. It’s great that you’re reaching out for some help. However, I would suggest a more thorough evaluation READ MORE

It sounds like you're going through some scary and uncomfortable things. It’s great that you’re reaching out for some help. However, I would suggest a more thorough evaluation by a mental health professional who can rule out whether it’s a parasomnia, sleep apnea, sleep paralysis or part of another disorder. The web is a great source of information, but it can never take the place of an accurate diagnosis by a visit with a health professional.
I wish you the best on your treatment journey.

How often should you see a therapist for depression?

The frequency of therapy is based on your level depression. It is individual based. Most frequently, you will engage in therapy once to twice a week.

What are the advantages of a humanistic approach?

Humanistic therapy is individual centered, Unconditionally supportive and often perceived as very rewarding by individuals. The humanistic approach focuses on self-fulfillment READ MORE

Humanistic therapy is individual centered, Unconditionally supportive and often perceived as very rewarding by individuals. The humanistic approach focuses on self-fulfillment and personal ideals, The client is considered to be the therapists equal. The therapist does not claim to be an expert on the unique presentation of each individual. Therapy is a joint endeavor to create change. Often, it is combined with other therapeutic approaches.

What is the main treatment goal of humanistic therapy?

Humanistic therapy is individual centered, Unconditionally supportive and often perceived as very rewarding by individuals. The humanistic approach focuses on self-fulfillment READ MORE

How do you relax when stressed?

Can you identify some of your specific stressors? Because different strategies work for different stressors.

Mental health issues from date rape drugs?

I’m sorry that you’ve experienced this traumatic event. Unfortunately, there isn’t one simple, generalized treatment plan that helps everyone overcome trauma. Your specific strengths, READ MORE

I’m sorry that you’ve experienced this traumatic event. Unfortunately, there isn’t one simple, generalized treatment plan that helps everyone overcome trauma. Your specific strengths, your manifested symptoms, your automatic thoughts that guide your behaviors, your support system, etc., would need to be identified to create a personalized plan. It sounds like therapy could be a useful tool to help you move forward.
I wish you a healthy road to recovering from this experience.

Psychoanalysis vs. Cognitive behavioral therapy?

CBT will address her underlying thoughts and triggers. It’s the best evidence-based treatment for OCD.

How do I know if I have bipolar or borderline personality disorder?

I always suggest getting evaluated by a profesional. When we self-diagnose we often overdiagnose ourselves and it’s not helpful. You’re asking about a life-long personality disorder READ MORE

I always suggest getting evaluated by a profesional. When we self-diagnose we often overdiagnose ourselves and it’s not helpful. You’re asking about a life-long personality disorder versus a biochemical mental illness. The diferencies are significant.

Is my boyfriend a sociopath? What do I do?

I don’t know your boyfriend so I couldn’t possibly help you diagnose him. I also advise against diagnosing significant others because it leads to conflict. I suggest communicating READ MORE

I don’t know your boyfriend so I couldn’t possibly help you diagnose him. I also advise against diagnosing significant others because it leads to conflict. I suggest communicating openly and without judgment. It is possible that he may not be as socially or emotionally developed as you or he may be a little self-centered or he may not have been raised with the same social customs as you. Without all the background information, I always advise people not to jump to conclusions about such strong diagnoses. We all have a backstory and our current behavior usually reflects what we’ve seen or been reinforced for or all that we know. Maybe there’s a communication issue or a cultural issue or a social interaction differential. It’s worth a discussion that’s open minded and flexible.

Can ADHD be cured?

This is a really loaded question because I always suggest a second opinion regarding any diagnosis that’s going to effect a child’s self-image, personal interactions, academics READ MORE

This is a really loaded question because I always suggest a second opinion regarding any diagnosis that’s going to effect a child’s self-image, personal interactions, academics and responses of his community. Additionally, each case is unique and there are usually symptoms associated with each unique individual child. This is more of an in person conversation about your specific teen’s symptom presentation.

What is the main cause of ADHD?

I always say it is better to admit that I don’t know something than to try to explain something based on statistics that may not apply to the person you’re speaking about. I’m READ MORE

I always say it is better to admit that I don’t know something than to try to explain something based on statistics that may not apply to the person you’re speaking about. I’m not sure that we know the exact cause of ADHD for each individual child. Some people point to diet or environment in conjunction with a genetic predisposition. That is about as vaguely honest as I can get to answer your question.

How serious is ADHD?

It depends on your son’s presentation, behaviors, interactions, school performance, social skills, etc. This is a very specific question that cannot be answered without a person READ MORE

It depends on your son’s presentation, behaviors, interactions, school performance, social skills, etc. This is a very specific question that cannot be answered without a person who has been able to observe him, interact with your son and acquire all the ancillary data to put together his specific story and prognosis.

Is it better to take sertraline at night or in the morning?

It depends on whether or not it makes you feel drowsy. If it does sell, I will take it at night. If you feel clearheaded then you can take it to her in the day. I am not a psychiatrist READ MORE

It depends on whether or not it makes you feel drowsy. If it does sell, I will take it at night. If you feel clearheaded then you can take it to her in the day. I am not a psychiatrist or a medical doctor, so I am only providing guidance about your own personal reaction to something that you’re taking.

Does anti-anxiety medication change your personality?

Some medications can stimulate or relax certain parts of your brain, so you may behave differently or feel differently, but they don’t change your personality. Changing your personality READ MORE

Some medications can stimulate or relax certain parts of your brain, so you may behave differently or feel differently, but they don’t change your personality. Changing your personality is a very conscious choice that takes a lot of practice because you’ve been you for a very long time.

What happens when you come off antidepressants?

It is my understanding that it is best to stop the medication with the advice of the physician, and it is likely that you’ll have to titrate off the medication under observation READ MORE

It is my understanding that it is best to stop the medication with the advice of the physician, and it is likely that you’ll have to titrate off the medication under observation to make sure that the side effects do not outweigh the decrease in medication and to ensure your safety and emotional well-being.

Do antidepressants make you worse before better?

Sometimes they feel that way. Most take up to 6 weeks to take full effect. Consult your prescribing physician.

Can personality disorders be cured?

If you want to change and you commit to a daily practice, you can change. It’s work. It’s possible.

Do we need marriage counseling?

It sounds like you’re having primarily financial concerns, which can create strife in any relationship and permeate and amplify other issues that are completely unrelated. Therapy READ MORE

It sounds like you’re having primarily financial concerns, which can create strife in any relationship and permeate and amplify other issues that are completely unrelated. Therapy is always an option. A financial advisor may also be helpful in your case. Are the primary issues finances and communication? Are your relationship roles and goals well defined and agreed upon? Is your relationship reciprocal? Is intimacy an issue? Your question is very broad. I hope this helps you hone in on identifying your specific issues so you can get the help you need to move forward with less conflict.

What is the difference between neurosis and psychosis?

There’s a saying, “ A neurotic is a man who builds a castle in the air. A psychotic is the man who lives in it.“ Neurotic individuals have unrealistic expectations or ideas, while READ MORE

There’s a saying, “ A neurotic is a man who builds a castle in the air. A psychotic is the man who lives in it.“ Neurotic individuals have unrealistic expectations or ideas, while psychotic individuals are completely out of touch with reality.

Do antidepressants make you sleepy?

It sounds like your medication makes you sleepy. Everyone responds differently. Ask your doctor if you can take it at bedtime.

Have a restful night.

Dr. Sonja

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