Your Therapist
Jamie Schwartz, MSW, LCSW-R, ACT is a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of clinical experience. Trained in a variety of evidence-based practices including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). She received extensive training at The Beck Institute and is certified by the Academy of Cognitive Therapy in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. In 2011, she was trained and certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) from the Perelman School of Medicine at The University of Pennsylvania.
Jamie specializes in and has extensive experience treating individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, insomnia, and ADHD. She works with patients as young as grade school age to high school and college through to adults.
Jamie’s approach is both supportive and collaborative, offering her patients individualized and practical interventions to gain perspective and allowing practice and development of skills.
Licensed in NY and NJ
NJ License #44SC05262700
NY License #086839-1
Ages Treated: Adults, Young Adults, Adolescents
What is CBT-I?
CBT-I offers numerous benefits for individuals struggling with insomnia, including:
1. Effective Treatment: CBT-I is considered the most effective treatment for chronic insomnia, with research showing significant improvements in sleep quality and duration for the majority of participants.
2. Long-lasting Results: Unlike sleep medications, which may provide temporary relief but often lead to dependency and rebound insomnia, the benefits of CBT-I tend to persist over time, even after treatment has ended.
3. Addresses Underlying Causes: CBT-I targets the underlying factors contributing to insomnia, such as negative thought patterns, maladaptive sleep behaviors, and environmental factors, rather than just treating symptoms.
4. Improves Sleep Quality: By promoting healthier sleep habits and addressing cognitive and behavioral factors that interfere with sleep, CBT-I helps individuals achieve more restful and restorative sleep.
5. Reduces Dependence on Medication: For individuals who rely on sleep medications to manage insomnia, CBT-I offers a drug-free alternative or can be used in conjunction with medication to reduce reliance and improve overall sleep outcomes.
6. Enhances Daytime Functioning: Better sleep quality and duration resulting from CBT-I can lead to improved cognitive function, mood regulation, and overall daytime functioning, including concentration, memory, and emotional well-being.
7. Customized Treatment: CBT-I can be tailored to the individual needs and preferences of each participant, allowing for personalized interventions that address specific sleep challenges and goals.
8. Minimal Side Effects: Compared to sleep medications, which may cause side effects such as daytime drowsiness, cognitive impairment, and dependency, CBT-I is generally well-tolerated and associated with minimal adverse effects.
9. Teaches Lifelong Skills: The strategies and techniques learned during CBT-I can be applied long-term, empowering individuals to manage sleep difficulties independently and prevent relapse.
10. Improves Overall Health: Chronic insomnia has been linked to various health problems, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, and mental health disorders. By improving sleep quality and duration, CBT-I may help reduce the risk of these comorbidities and promote overall health and well-being.