Carole J. Symer, Ph.D.
20 + years of experience as a psychologist, teacher, and consultant
Specializing in Neuropsychology, Psychotherapy, and Psychoanalysis
Testimonials
I am grateful for the many children, adults, and families, who have shared with me their deepest joys and most painful secrets and allowed me to collaborate with them in their journeys. And for a community of colleagues who are exquisitely dedicated to listening closely to their clients as well.
From a Colleague:
"Dr. Carole Symer has been a treasured colleague of mine for over 20 years. She possesses in abundance the key qualities of an excellent therapist: a depth of compassion and wisdom that combines clinical understanding with humor, absence of judgement, and mindful engagement."
-- Alizah Brozgold, Ph.D.
From a Supervisee:
"Dr. Symer was nothing short of incredible during my time in supervision with her and even after. From her kind heart to her wealth of knowledge, I never stopped learning. "
Nicole Frasier, M.S., L.L.P.
From a Parent:
"My husband and I have only the highest praise for Dr. Symer’s neuropsychological testing services. She tested both of our children, first in grade school and again as they entered high school. Dr. Symer creates a comfortable environment where the child feels both safe and motivated to try his or her best to answer Dr. Symer’s questions, solve the puzzles presented, and share their thoughts and emotions. Dr. Symer also is an excellent writer and provides a written report that is clear, descriptive, and enlightening. Any person who gets the opportunity to work with Dr. Symer is extremely fortunate."
-- J.C.
From a Colleague:
"I’ve been a colleague of Dr. Symer's for almost 20 years, and she has consistently revealed herself to be a great intellect with effortless and authentic compassion. I only refer to a small group of therapists, ones that I trust and admire, and she sits at the top of that list. She’s respectful of all of her clients and is the rare clinician who truly supports each person’s individuality and integrity without judgment. Her credentials are impressive, but perhaps more importantly, she is a lovely human being."
-- Joyce McFadden, M.S.W., author of Modern Mothering: What Daughters Say They Need From Their Mothers Regarding Sexual Development and Its Impact on Their Self Worth
From a Parent:
"Our son started seeing Dr. Symer the last half of high school in preparation for his transition to college. Her evaluation and a well-thought study/college plan have been key to a successful first semester in college. She established a relationship with him built on trust, respect and realistic expectations. Our son knows that Dr. Symer is vested in his emotional, social and intellectual development. We couldn’t be happier."
-- C.B., parent
From a Patient:
"Dr. Symer saved my life. When she starting working with me, I was living as a high performing senior executive with a glamorous life—but on the inside I was a brutally broken being longing to die. She was my last stop. Seeking mental health help was excruciatingly humbling for me, but her wisdom, empathy, and intellect have helped me heal. Today on the outside I am even more highly performing, but, far more importantly, on the inside I am whole and at peace and growing into a better person. And alive."
-- Alex M.
From a Colleague:
"Dr. Carole Symer has been my trusted colleague for over a decade. Collaborating with her has always been enlightening, as her assessments are not only insightful but comprehensive. She captures the essence of her client’s strengths in a way that allows for their true potential to be seen and understood. Dr. Symer is also extremely professional. Working collaboratively with her has enhanced the work that I do in my practice as an occupational therapist greatly. Her strengths include her ability to instantly connect with her clients. Her knowledge-base is plentiful. While she has an impressive background and is highly intelligent, her greatest strength is that of her heart."
-- Molly Piekut, OTR/L, BCN
From a Colleague:
"Dr. Symer draws her expertise from a broad range of sources. As a clinical supervisor she was able to assess my level of understanding and offer succinct advice as well as readings to further my learning. As a colleague she has provided my clients with comprehensive neuropsychological testing that’s always well executed and insightful. I have provided medication for some complex clients who saw Dr. Symer for therapy and they benefited from her deep knowledge and compassionate approach."
-- Thomas Atkins, M.D.
From a Patient:
"I began seeing Dr. Symer early on in college. Things in my life were grim. I was plagued with anxiety and depression that disrupted my academic career. Not only did I feel lost, but I felt I had no way to express the constant weight I was bearing. The vulnerability of starting therapy scared me. Dr Symer offered me patience, kindness, and enduring non-judgement. She bridged the gap to find me where I was. With her calming presence and insight, I was able to navigate my way out of a dark place. I went from suffering in a way I thought no one could understand to being on a path towards self-actualization, self acceptance and healing. I’ve regained the confidence that my true potential is within my reach. Dr. Symer’s expertise in neuropsychology has been a game changer for my management of ADHD and dyslexia. She has taught me so much, and the progress I’ve made with her has been absolutely pivotal."
-- S. W.
From a Colleague:
"I have known Carole Symer for over 20 years as a friend and an associate. As a pediatrician, I have worked with her caring for mutual patients and have found her to be knowledgeable, talented, compassionate and very personable. I would highly recommend her for any child needing psychotherapy or neuropsychological testing and evaluation. "
-- Gail Schonfeld, M.D., F.A.A.P.
From a Patient:
"I started seeing Dr. Carole Symer in January of 2002, after surviving the collapse of the World Trade Center on September 11th. I was a Lieutenant in the FDNY. I was buried under rubble after the North Tower came down and had to be rescued. The neurologist I saw recommended Dr. Symer. I didn’t realize at the time but I was suffering from PTSD. One of my symptoms in the subsequent months was that I didn’t know if I was dead or alive. At our first meeting, I immediately felt comfortable. She was sincere, caring, and warm. Very easy to talk too. We talked about PTSD and survivor’s guilt. I learned that PTSD was cumulative. We talked about how my traumatic childhood had an effect on my present condition. Looking back, it was like putting together a puzzle. Over time, I developed a level of trust which I had never experienced in my life. With Dr. Symer’s gentle persistence, I've been able to move past my symptoms of PTSD, including my memories of an abusive childhood and the alcoholism I suffered as a young adult. Dr. Symer was always present for me. And having never really trusted another human being before, that level of trust I developed in the treatment was crucial to my growth. I’ve lost a lot of people important to me over the years. If it were not for Dr. Symer, I don’t know how I would have remained sane and sober, much less found a way to love people and life again."
-- B. W.
From a Patient:
"Our family cannot think more highly of Dr. Symer, and we recommend her wholeheartedly. She evaluated our children and found her insight, professionalism, and compassion to be unparalleled. The neuropsychological tests she administered were comprehensive and shed light on the full picture of our children’s profiles. Dr. Symer is extremely supportive, easily helping to overcome any apprehensions or shyness our children might have had during the testing process. She is a fantastic advocate, and we feel lucky to have had Dr. Symer on our team."
-- L. R.
From a Supervisee:
"Since first meeting Dr. Symer nearly 4 years ago, I have called upon her for case consultation, career development quandaries, referred patients to her for neuropsychological testing, and have participated in several of her relational study groups. Not only has she provided attuned guidance and valuable insights into cases for myself and my colleagues, the patients I have referred to her have felt heard, understood, and helped by her expertise. Dr. Symer’s vast knowledge in the realm of psychoanalytic theory and neuroscience, as well as her warmth and thoughtfulness, have consistently contributed to a cohesive group atmosphere and rich learning environment where deep thinking occurs and diverse perspectives are encouraged and held. I have always appreciated the value that Dr. Symer places on incorporating recognition and understanding with regards to diversity, privilege, and oppression for both patients and practitioners alike. I highly recommend Dr. Symer as a teacher, mentor, supervisor and clinician."
-- Corie Gould, Psy.D.
From a Parent:
"The work that my daughter has done with Dr. Symer has truly been life-changing. Dr. Symer's expertise, experience, and excitement working with adolescents has created a safe atmosphere of trust and support. My daughter knows that the time she spends in therapy will not always be fun - or easy - but she is confident that Dr. Symer cares about her and that she is an invested adult prepared to help her work through the challenges of being a teenager in this ever changing and challenging environment. As a parent I am comforted to know that my daughter has Dr. Symer on her team!."
-- J.H., parent