Yvette Branson, PhD

New York, NY

I received my PhD in Clinical Health Psychology in 2006. Previously, I worked for 10 years in education as a learning specialist for students who were troubled or had learning differences. At the New York Harbor Department of Veterans Affairs, I coordinate the VITAL Initiative (Veteran Integration to Academic Leadership), an innovative program for college student veterans working to overcome the pain of war and the stress of readjustment. In addition, in my private practice I see both individuals and couples in Manhattan.

In private therapy sessions, I integrate Breath-Body-Mind techniques to help foster a more holistic healing process. Through empathic injury and somatic exercises, I support clients in exploring their emotional unease and, when relevant, its connection to their physical health. Breath work and simple movements like T’ai Chi and Qi Gong have incredible power to transform anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, and many other symptoms.

I also bring Breath-Body-Mind techniques into my work at the VA hospital Occupational stress and burnout are common among health workers, and Breath-Body-Mind practices have helped me greatly in supporting my own wellness. I now develop and facilitate training for other health workers at the VA using Breath-Body-Mind techniques, and I plan to expand and offer this training in a range of organizational settings.