How I work

I work from a wellness perspective of ‘how do we improve our quality of life regardless of our circumstances?’ I will ask the questions that will make you reflect and contest what you may think you know, and I will ask you to consider solutions you may have never considered, written off, or even thought of before. I develop unique and creative solutions to assist in breaking down the overwhelming tasks into doable “baby steps”. I use any solution that works for you as an individual, from the use of religion or spiritual beliefs to culture to upbringing. Any solution you want to act on is fine with me so long as it does not create conflict or do harm to you or others. I use a somewhat kaizen (the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement of working practices and personal efficiency) approach that encourages the trend of continued success by rewarding you with pure and personal empowerment with each mini-accomplishment, which in turn, perpetuates the goal of wanting more feelings of reward and more success... all by your own doing. By challenging you to challenge yourself in a non-judgmental, open and interactive environment, you too, can grow and flourish mindfully and successfully.

About me

My philosophy in life is to follow the doors as they open...my own life especially is an example of that: babysitting to physical education, dance and gymnastics to professional dancer/entertainer, entrepreneur and small business owner, movement therapist to a behavioral scientist, psychotherapist to coaching, and becoming an Airbnb host in semi-retirement.

As I look back, I have transitioned almost seamlessly between them all.  I made the choices and stayed open-minded to the new and varied opportunities as they presented themselves to me.  I bring these collective experiences to my professional practice, as well as four degrees (B.S., M.A., M.S., Ph.D.) and numerous certifications. I believe in the power of positivity, embracing of fear and still taking an action, and pursuing any interest as long as the doors continue to open smoothly (for example, if I don’t get a return phone call or answers to requests, or the requirements are unrealistic or impossible to achieve, I advocate “not beating one’s head against the wall...move on”). Life is about ease, efficiency and most importantly, love and joy.

* Education, Certifications, Licenses

New York State Certification in Women’s Physical Education DHS (465-127)

* Publications

• Forman, E.S. (1979), “Relaxation Therapy in the Treatment of Alcoholism”. Journal of Dance Therapy.

* Media

• Forman, E.S. (1978). Dance therapy segment of One Man’s Vision, a documentary commemorating Dr. Harvey Tompkins of St. Vincent’s Hospital, New York, N.Y.

• Forman, E.S. (1976) Dance therapy training video for Department of Psychiatry, St. Vincent’s Hospital, New York, N.Y.

• Forman, E.S. (1976). Interview and radio presentation: “Relaxation Therapy in the Treatment of Alcoholism.” Nassau Community College Radio Station, Hempstead, N.Y.

* Affiliations

• American Dance Therapy Association

• American Psychotherapy Association

• American Psychological Association

• Association of Addiction Professionals of New York
  - 1998 to 2000: President
  - 1997 to 1998: Vice President
  - 1996 to 1997: Vice President, NYFAC Metro

* Manuscripts

• Forman, E.S. (ed). (1983). “Treatment Effectiveness for the First Time Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) Offender: Theme vs. Non-theme Group Therapy Treatment”. Counselor Training Manual For the Treatment of DWI Offenders, written for the Westchester County Medical Center for Alcoholism Treatment Services, Westchester, N.Y.