Lyles Swift, PhD (They/Them) JOINING SOON!

I am a Clinical Psychology Postdoctoral Fellow working with adolescents and adults in individual, couples and family psychotherapy. I am available both in person in Midtown West, and online throughout New York State. Patients of mine have struggled with relationship issues, substance misuse, feelings of numbness and disconnection, trauma, sexual abuse, substance use, anxiety, depression, obsessions and compulsions, sex and intimacy, questions about sexuality and gender, and those who are simply interested in learning more about themselves.

Ideally, therapy is a space where you feel safe enough to explore all parts of yourself — even those you may not like. As a relational psychodynamic therapist, I believe our subconscious drives many of our actions, often leading to unwanted patterns in relationships, emotions, and thoughts. I help you become aware of these inner processes so you can feel more grounded, confident, and in control of your life. My approach is gentle yet direct, helping you build a deeper connection with yourself, and in turn, more fulfilling connections with others. I am calm and caring, and I enjoy adding a touch of humor when appropriate. I listen closely to understand who you are while attuning to the deeper meaning embedded within your narrative. While lasting psychological change takes time, I aim to help you feel better sooner so that you have the energy
to continue taking the risks required for healing.

In addition to practicing relationally and psychodynamically, I am trauma-informed and specialize in treating complex developmental trauma, which can often manifest in adulthood as persistent difficulties in intimacy and interpersonal relationships. At times it can be difficult to know what we are feeling. I integrate somatic principles and mindfulness to help my patients link bodily sensations with feeling states and thought processes. I attend to each patient’s ethnocultural background and broader social context, recognizing the impact of systemic influences on well-being. I am LGBTQ+ affirming. My patients come from a variety of backgrounds, many of whom are queer, trans, and gender diverse. I support patients exploring and practicing non-normative relationship structures as well as kinks and fetishes. I treat substance use from a harm reduction perspective.

I obtained my PhD in Clinical Psychology from The New School for Social Research with a concentration in Substance Use and Mental Health Counseling. I am an alumna of the Trauma and Affective Psychophysiology Lab with research examining shame, dissociation, anger, aggression, and childhood trauma. I have provided therapy and assessment services in a variety of settings including college counseling centers, community mental health centers, private practice, outpatient and in-patient hospital settings, and chemical dependency programs.

A good alliance between us is essential to the success of our therapy work. I encourage you to reach out to feel for yourself if working together is the right fit.