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Neal Goldberg
Licensed Psychologist ✔️ Founder of Lev Leytzan, Inc. ✔️Medical Clowning ✔️ Mental Health Consultation & Interventions
Professional Background
Neal Goldberg is a dynamic and licensed psychologist who has made a significant impact in the field of mental health and therapeutic clowning. As the founder of Lev Leytzan: The Heart of Therapeutic Clowning, Inc., Neal is an ardent advocate for healing through laughter and joy. He employs a unique approach to therapy, recognizing the profound power of playfulness in alleviating pain and enhancing emotional well-being.
In his private practice, Neal works with a diverse clientele, including children, adolescents, and adults facing the strenuous challenges of trauma, grief, and intra-psychic pain. His commitment to helping individuals navigate through stress and pain is evident in his tailored therapeutic interventions. With the goal of creating solutions that enable clients to grow beyond their challenges, Neal instills hope and resilience through his compassionate and attentive practices.
At Lev Leytzan, Neal has pioneered training programs for medical clowns, emphasizing the importance of deeply engaging with patients in their unique realities. By fostering meaningful connections, these clowns provide an inviting atmosphere filled with love and laughter to uplift the spirits of those who are hospitalized or homebound. The therapeutic clowning initiatives focus on creating restorative experiences for patients, helping them to feel truly seen and heard during their recovery journeys.
Education and Achievements
Neal’s academic background is rich and varied, equipping him with a robust foundation in psychology. He holds a Doctorate in Psychology and has completed two post-doctorate degrees: one in child and adolescent psychotherapy and another in adult analytic psychotherapy. His deep understanding of educational psychology stems from his undergraduate studies at The Graduate Center, CUNY, where he received his Bachelor of Science. He further honed his skills and knowledge at Fordham University, where he earned both a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology.
Neal’s commitment to education extends beyond his training; he has served as an adjunct professor at esteemed institutions, including Fordham University, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and St. John’s University. With a passion for nurturing the next generation of psychologists, he has shared his extensive knowledge in educational psychology with aspiring students.
One of his notable contributions to the field is his co-authorship of a book focusing on loss and mourning for teens, reflecting his dedication to helping others process grief and trauma effectively.
Neal has not only contributed through direct therapeutic interventions but also has actively participated in research while working at Weill Cornell Medicine, enriching the field of psychology with his findings and insights.
Training and Approach
In his quest to integrate creativity into therapeutic processes, Neal underwent training with Cirque du Soleil’s Cirque du Monde program, where he served as a social action trainer for youth. Additionally, he trained as a professional therapeutic clown, which resonates profoundly within his work at Lev Leytzan. Neal’s expertise as a therapeutic clown reinforces his belief that creativity, curiosity, and playfulness are instrumental in establishing profound connections with clients.
In training volunteers and professionals through the lens of medical clowning, Neal imparts the essential principles of curiosity, playfulness, and open-heartedness. He firmly believes that these qualities empower individuals to forge meaningful connections, enabling them to engage with others compassionately. By embedding these values into his training, Neal equips participants with transformative skills that contribute positively to their personal and professional lives.
Achievements
Neal's remarkable contributions to psychology and therapeutic practices are underscored by various leadership roles and initiatives throughout his career. He previously served as a licensed psychologist, offering child, adolescent, and adult psychotherapy, with a focus on overcoming the impacts of abuse, trauma, and sexuality issues.
As a former co-director of the 9/11 Response Team for the New York State Office of Mental Health, Neal provided crucial support and guidance for victims of terrorism, displaying his unwavering emphasis on social responsibility and community wellness.
In addition to serving as a director of guidance and staff psychologist at Davis Renov Stahler HALB High School for Boys, Neal has had a vibrant history in counseling teens, emphasizing the psychosocial challenges faced by youth.
Neal’s diverse skill set and professional dedication enable him to contribute broadly to the field of mental health, reflected in his former roles, including supervisor of the undergraduate tutoring program and a psychotherapist with support groups during his post-doctoral internship at Jamaica Hospital’s Advanced Center for Psychotherapy. He has also played crucial leadership roles in nonprofits, including serving as the executive director at Pesach Tikvah, focusing on mental health programs addressing child abuse and neglect.
Throughout his career, Neal Goldberg has exemplified a dedication to uplifting others through his profound insights as a psychologist and his innovative practices as a therapeutic clown. His integrated approach to healing through laughter and his unwavering commitment to education underscore his ethos as both a practitioner and a mentor in the mental health field.
Neal continues to inspire those around him, empowering others to connect, heal, and grow through joy and playfulness. Feel free to reach out to Neal to learn more about his transformative work in therapeutic clowning and psychology! 😊
