Dr. Sonja M. Ramirez, Ph.D

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.”

As a psychologist, Dr. Ramirez evaluates and treats patients through a variety of methods, most typically being psychotherapy or talk therapy. She also suggests books, music, walking, and journaling. Patients usually visit Dr. Ramirez because they have been experiencing depression, anxiety, identity conflicts, relationship problems, trauma, stress, or anger for a significant period of time and feel they need help. “We all get stuck in our own heads and repeat the same negative thoughts and behaviors that make us feel helpless, hopeless, mad, worried, or sad. Sometimes, we need an objective guide with a different perspective to get off that hamster wheel,” says Dr. Ramirez.

According to Dr. Ramirez, “My client is the expert on his/her life. I'm an objective guide. I offer education, support, guidance, and suggestions. My clients do the hard work to create positive change in their lives...I believe in infinite possibilities and potential. My clients choose their paths...I completed 9 years of college and have about 24 years of experience working with diverse populations. So, I do have a rather large tool kit and good perspective. However, my interventions and strategies have to match my client's needs and expectations...I am solution-focused and do short-term work, typically 4 to 6 sessions. I also offer booster sessions as needed via phone, FaceTime, or in-home or office. Sometimes we need a reminder of who we are, what we’ve accomplished, and who we aspire to be. I’m passionate about what I do and seeing my clients’ successes brings me joy and affirmation that this is my vocation.”  

“My dreams are to be an international motivational speaker, author a few books, work abroad as a visiting professor, and volunteer with Doctors without Borders."

Dr. Ramirez works with individuals, groups, and families. She engages in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing for organizations/businesses after a traumatic work-related event, such as an armed robbery, to help employees cope and refer them for further treatment. Dr. Ramirez is an adjunct professor at various colleges and universities in New Jersey; most recently, Montclair State University.

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