Miriam Adler, PhD

I am a licensed clinical psychologist and Clinical Director of Clifton Psychotherapy & Neurofeedback Associates in Clifton, NJ.

My passion is integrating gold standard therapy with integrative, holistic approaches.

I look for ways to understand challenges from multiple perspectives at once, and put together a plan that is multifaceted- with short term goals for more immediate relief, and long term goals for real change for the inside out.

I strongly believe in tailoring therapy to each individual's personality, so the plan we collaborate on will be different than anyone else's!

I like to focus on proactive approaches that emphasize the importance of self-acceptance (as even as we aim to grow!), positive self-talk, constructive problem solving, effective communication, balanced priority setting, healing inner child wounds (we all have some!) and recognizing natural brain wiring strengths and weaknesses.

I am an Evergreen certified Integrative Mental Health Professional - which means I’ve received many hours of advanced training in holistic, complimentary approaches for mental health treatment. This allows me to make recommendations for natural supplements, nutritional changes, and other add -ons to therapy that can make a big difference! I share this insight with staff so that you benefit from this extra training no matter which therapist you work with…

I also have advanced training in EMDR and am a certified trauma specialist. Traumas (big and small) account for so much of why we get triggered AGAIN and AGAIN by certain themes as we go through life, and why our nervous systems can be wired for anxiety. There are so many effective ways to turn down the trauma response and calm our nervous systems!

I am also trained in Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP) and empirically tested OCD and anxiety treatments, as well as energy psychology techniques, positive psychology and Gottman relationship enhancement training. As a certified hypnotherapist, I often augment therapy with relaxation exercises, guided imagery and hypnosis. Research shows that these are very effective tools, particularly for reducing anxiety. Most of my staff is trained in elements of these approaches as well- and I am always available to them for consultation.

Neurofeedback brain training is another passion because I believe that a self-regulating brain simply works better! it is so rewarding to enable the kind of self-regulation and brain wave balance that facilitates purposeful and positive choices.

As a mother of five, (and grandmother) I also relate to the way us women (and men too) can get pulled in too many directions. Work-family pressures can be overwhelming for virtually everyone at times, and adding intentionality to how we navigate the pressure of wanting to be everything to everyone is SOOO important.

I enjoy helping others find a balance between family, community, and work responsibilities, so that each role can be enjoyable and rewarding, without perpetual cycles of stress and guilt.

I truly love what I do!

I feel privileged to be able to share holistic perspectives on wellbeing, and be apart of your journey…

Our staff are all invested in the same principles, and we work together as a team to blend a mix of approaches. You may choose to see the same therapist every session for comprehensive weekly therapy, or you may choose to build a program that includes a primary weekly therapist as well as consults with other staff for EMDR, guided imagery or between session coaching. There are so many different ways we mix and match services to meet your needs!

I am licensed for Telehealth in over 30 states , and some of our therapists are licensed in both NJ and NY.

Want more facts?

My undergraduate degree is from Stern College of Yeshiva University, and I earned my doctorate from Fordham University.

I have presented at many community and professional events and offered CE accredited workshops on a variety of topics.

My dissertation looked at the way emotional and spiritual support mitigates life stress. I NEVER talk about religion or spirituality unless you want to- but I personally believe there is great holiness in helping others develop their potential- and in taking the time to find our inner gifts and spark.

The work we do here feels deep and meaningful, and I strive to connect to a higher being and purpose by making our office a source of light and goodness in the world.