About Me
Training and Experience
I came into psychology with a strong interest in the relationship between psychology and philosophy. I began my graduate school education studying Jungian analysis, existentialism, and queer theory at Union Theological Seminary in the city of New York. At the doctoral level I specialized in self psychology and relational/interpersonal psychoanalysis at the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University.
My master’s thesis was focused on transgenderism among a class of priest(esse)s in the Roman empire, while my doctoral research centered on the study of body-image in the gay male community. During my doctoral training, I worked at a variety of clinical sites, including Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Bronx State Psychiatric Hospital, Pace University Counseling Center, and the National Institute for the Psychotherapies.
Since graduating I have completed post-graduate trainings at the Postgraduate Psychoanalytic Society and Institute, The Milton H. Erickson Foundation, and the American Society for Clinical Hypnosis. I am currently a candidate in training with the New School for Existential Psychoanalysis.
Before starting my private practice I worked as a senior supervising psychologist at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.
In addition to my private practice, I currently serve as an adjunct supervisor at the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology.
Carl Hovey, Psy.D., M.A.
About Me
Originally from North Carolina, I lived and worked in China for several years after college before coming to New York City over a decade ago. As a queer adolescent in North Carolina, I learned from an early age that the norms of society and of the family, when they are at odds with our own inner truth, have the potential to cause more harm than good. These experiences still shape my work in powerful and important ways.
Perhaps as an unsurprising consequence of finding myself queer in a hostile society, I became keenly interested in trying to understand that loss of enthusiasm for life which can accompany growing older — In Mallarme’s words, “the child abdicates its ecstasy.” Is it inevitable that we lose connection to creativity and passion for life? Does our existence have to be merely getting through one day at a time? I didn’t think so then, and after many years of study and clinical practice I certainly don’t think so, now.
I am member in good standing with the following professional organizations:
American Psychological Association
The New School for Existential Psychoanalysis
The Association for Transpersonal Psychology
The National Register of Health Service Psychologists
Philosophy
Psychotherapy is a means of deepening one’s understanding of one’s life in order to experience a greater sense of freedom and liberation. As a singular space of encounter, the psychotherapeutic interaction allows individuals to examine and explore aspects of themselves and their experiences which may otherwise be too overwhelming or confusing, or that simply go beyond notice. As Emily Dickinson wrote, “The mind is so near itself - it cannot see, distinctly.” Within the context of an attuned therapeutic relationship, we are empowered to see ourselves and our desires more clearly through a process called existential phenomenology. It is only after we ascertain how we are contributing to the construction of our experience that we can begin to come to terms with ourselves and our lives.
The importance of turning inwards lies in countering the habitual tendency of our day-to-day lives to concentrate our awareness on the external world. Through such techniques as dream interpretation, hypnosis, somatic (body) awareness or simply the specialized mode of therapeutic inquiry, individuals are empowered to explore and assess their thrownness into the world in a way which leads to liberation and greater contact with our essential freedom. We can discover ourselves as creative and spontaneous beings who can take ownership of our lives, choice, and desires.
Finally, as someone who has investigated the toxicity of power structures in our society both through my work at Union Theological Seminary and my investigation of the liberating power of existentialist and other philosophies, I strive to create a therapeutic environment where these power structures can be investigated and dismantled in favor of individual choice and collective action for the liberation of all.
“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self preservation, and that is an act of political warfare. ”
Specializations
What is Existential Psychoanalysis?
“Existential psychoanalysis” is a term originally coined by Jean-Paul Sartre in his work, Being and Nothingness. Sartre’s effort to reconcile existential thought and psychoanalysis would be taken up by a number of prominent psychoanalysts, such as Rollo May and R.D. Laing. The philosophers most relevant for this project include Friedrich Nietzsche, Martin Heidegger, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Maurice Merleau-Ponty. One of the hallmarks of this approach is the phenomenological method, which privileges immediate experience as a starting point for understanding oneself in the world.
Existential psychoanalysis is a talk-based therapy which requires candor and curiosity. It is not tied to the narrow theoretical doctrines of Freud, Jung, Lacan, or any other big-name psychoanalyst, but seeks instead to center the individual as a whole, respecting their unique individuality and life-story. As you get to know yourself better, new avenues and choices are opened up, and a certain integrity of one’s being-in-the-world is facilitated.
In mainstream clinical practice the primary goal is usually described as “symptom reduction,” or an increased insight into one’s own psychology, or improved interpersonal functioning. While these things are important and should be a part of any successful psychotherapy, existential psychoanalysis is also interested in a kind of “growing down” into ourselves, a phrase I borrow from the philosopher Freya Matthews. I like this phrase because it suggests deep inner movement, and underscores the importance of being connected to ourselves, each other, and the world.
Specializations:
Unwanted Thoughts and Feelings
Trauma
Relationship Conflicts
LGBTQIA+ Issues
Indecision and Academic/Career Concerns
Depression and Anxiety
“Anxiety is the dizziness of freedom. ”
The Practice
Psychotherapy Services
My practice began at 177 Prince Street in Soho, New York City. During the Covid-19 pandemic I moved online along with many other practitioners. Although this initial decision was necessitated by circumstances, I soon realized that working online allowed more flexibility for everyone, as well as the ability to offer services more consistently and to a wider range of individuals. What’s more, numerous empirical studies and meta-analyses have demonstrated that teletherapy is equally effective to in-person treatment. As a result of these developments, I decided in 2022 to keep my practice online permanently, and in addition to New York state I am also licensed to provide therapy in Connecticut and Massachusetts. I subsequently received my certification in teletherapy through The Trust. I utilize a HIPAA-compliant encrypted platform for sessions.
I work with adults and adolescents in short or long-term psychotherapy.
I envision my practice to be a place where clients can explore reconnecting with an authentic place of power and creativity. This process begins with clients feeling a good connection or “fit” with me as a practitioner. For this reason I offer a free 15-20 minute phone consultation. If it feels that I am suited to your needs, we can schedule an initial appointment to continue the assessment and develop a collaborative plan for moving forward. I recommend you commit to at least 8 sessions, as it often takes that long for clients to begin to feel an improvement.
I am directly contracted with NYU and do accept the NYU student health insurance (Wellfleet). I am also in-network with Aetna and Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield. Although I am out of network for other insurance plans, I believe therapy should be accessible to all and I do offer a sliding scale fee. I am also happy to assist you in filing for out-of-network benefits from your insurance company.
If you are unable to make your appointment, I am flexible and happy to reschedule. If you have to cancel, just let me know at least 24 hours ahead of time, otherwise the appointment will be charged in full.
Contact
