You don’t have to keep going in circles.

You know something needs to change. You may not know where to start.

You might be getting through the day while feeling disconnected from the life you’re living. Relationships may feel difficult or unsatisfying. Things you turn to for relief may have started creating problems of their own.

Maybe you can explain what’s wrong, but that hasn’t made it easier to do things differently. Or you’ve tried therapy before and still felt that something important wasn’t being understood.

You don’t need a clear explanation—or a neatly defined goal—to begin.

A place to make sense of what’s happening

I’m Jakob Schnaidt, a licensed clinical social worker. I work with adults who want to better understand themselves, their relationships, and the patterns that make life harder.

My approach is collaborative. We’ll pay attention to what’s happening in your life now, how you came to this point, and what you want to be different. There is room for both practical work on immediate problems and deeper exploration of the experiences that keep repeating.

You don’t have to arrive knowing exactly what to say. We can start with what feels most important—or most difficult—to put into words.

What we can work on

• Depression, disconnection, or a sense that life has lost its meaning.
• Loneliness and difficulty finding or sustaining connection.
• Concerns about alcohol or other substance use.
• Recurring patterns in relationships, coping, or daily life.
• Questions about identity, direction, and what you want from your life.

Therapy that makes room for you

I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all model. I use a psychodynamic perspective to explore how your experiences and relationships shape the present, and draw on approaches including CBT, DBT, ACT, and EMDR when they fit your needs and goals.

We can work on what’s difficult right now while also asking bigger questions about connection, meaning, and how you want to live.

How to get started

1. Get in touch

   Use the scheduling link below to take the first step.

2. Talk about what brings you here

   We’ll discuss what you’re looking for, the practical details, and whether working together feels like a good fit.

3. Begin the work

   We’ll develop a shared understanding of what you want help with and revisit it as therapy unfolds.

More room to choose how you live

Therapy isn’t about becoming a different person or getting everything right. It can be a place to understand yourself more fully, approach difficult experiences differently, and work toward relationships and choices that feel more your own.

You don’t need to know exactly where this will lead to take the first step.

Get in touch

I offer in-person therapy on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, as well as virtual sessions.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting. Use the scheduling link to find a time.