Patricia Thornton, Ph.D. Psychologist, PLLC
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Welcome
As your psychologist my job is to help you live the life you want to live, fully and completely, and to accomplish this as soon as possible. My area of expertise is in the treatment of Anxiety Disorders and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Having anxiety keeps you from doing the things you want to do in life. I treat all types of Anxiety Disorders, including General Anxiety (which may include rumination, worry and catastrophic thinking), Phobias, Panic, Hypochondriasis, Social Anxiety, and OCD.
OCD is a debilitating brain disorder whereby you feel as though your brain has been hijacked. You are consumed with disturbing thoughts (obsessions) that you cannot control and you engage in rituals (compulsions) in an attempt to get rid of the anxiety caused by these disturbing thoughts. Thankfully, there are effective treatments to help you control Anxiety and OCD.
Treatment
I practice Third Wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, including Exposure and Response Prevention. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold standard treatment for OCD. I practice Strategic ERP which is an accelerated type of treatment and patients usually get relief from their symptoms fairly rapidly.
Treatment is generally brief.
I also have extensive training and experience in working with couples and families.
In addition to treating all Anxiety Disorders, I see patients who are struggling with body-focused repetitive behaviors, including trichotillomania (hair pulling), skin-picking, and sound sensitivity disorders such as misophonia.
Qualifications
I have been a licensed psychologist for over twenty-five years, after earning my Ph.D. from New York University.
In addition to working as a psychologist in private practice, I have been a staff psychologist in college counseling centers, as well as community mental health and inpatient hospital settings.
I have been an adjunct professor and clinical supervisor of graduate students in psychology.
I am licensed to practice in New York and Connecticut.
Contact
Dr. Thornton is no longer taking new patients. If you are a former patient, or if you have general questions for Dr. Thornton, send a message using the form below.
Media
Interviews
Healthline: Being Mindful During COVID-19
US News and World Report: New Years Resolutions for Better Mental Health
NYTimes: How to Feel at Home on the Road
Healthline: Motherhood and Anxiety
Refinery29: Dating Someone with Anxiety
Refinery29: Mental Health and Exercise
Hope to Cope: Overcoming Anxiety
Strings Magazine: Overcome Stage Fright
ADAA Blog Posts
Testimonials
Because people who come to see me are often anxious about treatment, I am including excerpts from (unsolicited) letters sent to me by former patients to give you a sense of what you may gain from working with me.
"It’s really amazing to look back at the progress. I’m so so grateful for the growth and tools you gave me."
"I wanted to say thank you for all that you helped me through a few years ago. I feel so blessed to have met you. Though it was hard work, you provided me with invaluable tools and a very helpful new perspective."
"I have gained confidence that I never thought I would have and I feel ready to conquer anything! My work with you has been life transforming."
"It has been so helpful for me to meet with you each week, in large part because of your treatment approach. Having seen at least six other therapists in the past, I know with certainty that ERP is what I really needed. I know I still have a lot to work on, but I will take the skills I have gained from our sessions with me for the rest of my life."
"I wanted to let you know that six months post-treatment I am still doing well. My wedding in August was, objectively, the best wedding ever. Several of my close friends told me they had never seen me so happy, which is both a credit to my wonderful husband(!), and to you, for finally getting me the help I needed. I can't tell you how thankful I am to you."