Michael Fischman, MA, MSW, LCSW-R, CGP - Brooklyn, New York

Queen’s B.

This person should not be practicing psycho therapy. Before our appointment he sent me 12 pages of intake forms. I completed them and sent them back to him within 24 hours of receipt. When he called for our appointment he asked if I had sent the forms. I assured him that I did and after looking at his email he was able to find them. He then asks if I could put them in pdf format , saying I could go to Staples to take care of that (?). I told him I was unable to go to Staples because I had recently had two major surgeries and was unable to take public transportation. He then asked what type of surgeries I'd undergone and proceeded to then tell me, "It sounds like you're overweight. Are you overweight?" He asked why I was seeking psychotherapy. When I told him he told me to "slow down, you're being hyperactive."

All of the information he was asking for was on the intake forms that he did not read. When he asked about current medications I was taking I had to go to a different room to access the information. I told him to give me a minute because I had mobility issues due to the recent surgeries. At that point he said he couldn't work with me because the tone of my voice indicated anger issues and that we would not be a good match.

How does someone like him have a license to practice psychotherapy? He's supposed to be helping people in their most vulnerable state. Not only that, for arguments sake, let's say I do have anger issues. His website says he is certified in court ordered anger management therapy.

I should have read reviews because there are several complaints of similar nature as mine. He also claims on one of his sites that if he hasn't solved your problems within 6-8 weeks then you need to see a different therapist because he's that good!

Char

This positive review has been long overdue. I have been working with Michael Fischman for 5 years. At the time, I moved from Florida to New York. I had a new career after having difficulty finding a job in Florida and left a 10 year chaotic relationship. I was very lost and unsure how to move forward with my life. Over the years Michael was able to bring to light my behaviors that were holding me back. Most of the time I did not want to face those things and did not want to see things in reality. However, as I started to come around and really face the unconscious things I was doing to hold me back in life, I was able to make vast changes. Before I met Michael I was very angry and unable to truly show loving feelings. I am eternally grateful for the insight that Michael has provided. My hope as a mental health counselor myself is to work like he does by helping others work on addressing anger appropriately, providing genuine insight, promoting expression of true emotions, and to connect in a caring way. I would not be where I am emotionally or professionally if I did not meet Michael. I believe the spirit guided me towards him when I decided to move to New York.
It is truly surprising to see these false negative reviews. At times people may hear things in reality that is very hard to hear and to come to terms with. I can attest to the fact that Michael does this in the most empathetic and caring way as the main goal is to help you gain insight into the things that caused you to come to treatment in the first place. I hope this review can provide some insight and reassurance. I encourage anyone reading this to be bold in taking the positive steps towards true mental health and stability.

John C.

I have been working with Michael for over 4 and a half years. I see Michael for both individual and in group therapy sessions that he leads. Michael is exceedingly engaging. A well credentialed psychiatrist put it best; he described Michael as the hardest working talk therapist he knows. This doctor lamented too many times he sees that analysts will just watch the clock, and let a patient get away with the pathologies that are holding them back. Michael is engaged in every single session he holds. With Michael, you first identify the goals that you want to achieve. Then Michael will guide you to these goals that you expressed. Michael’s therapy environment is not a theoretical one, it is very present and direct. For example, one of my goals was to lose weight, and working with Michael I have lost over 120 pounds, and now our goal is to keep it off. Loneliness and an inability to connect is a significant part of my issues with food. So for me the work is in sessions is to observe and discuss how I am struggling to make such meaningful emotional connections in that exact moment with Michael and other group members. As we do this, I am building a sense within myself how I can emotionally connect with anyone. It is an active reflection and expression of feelings so that we (Micheal, the groups and I) can directly work on the issues that hinder me from reaching my goals. The best part about working with Michael is simply the fact that Michael will present you with a mirror of yourself. You will start to see yourself and your pathologies differently (and sometimes for the first time) Now, if you’ve been with any good therapist, you know this is not always a pleasant experience (note: consider this if you ever read a negative review). It is easy to want to coast, or fall back into horrible patterns that keep you from your goals. The great gift that Michael gives each of his patients is the dedication to keep working you through your own issues and towards your goal. Michael will always be honest with you, and will be tough on you when it is required, but most of all he will fight for you.

Kristina A. B.

I was in the middle of recommending michael to a close friend of mine and wanted to make sure he was still practicing when i stumbled on these reviews. I am surprised to see negative ones. I saw michael for quite some time for group and individuals and terminated because i continued to stay in an abusive relationship. Michael is an amazing therapist and although i did not stay in therapy i took his advice to stop living a life of chaos and went forward with a divorce once my now ex husband would not go to therapy. Michael along with the group gave me the confidence to pursue a healthier life for me and my children. He went above and beyond and taught me how to utilize the court systems without fear. I was able to break free, obtain a divorce, and got full custody of my children because of michaels therapeutic approach. Yes, michaels approach may seem a bit abrasive at times but he teaches you to TRULY reflect on your behavior in an effort to become a better person. It has been years since i am in therapy with him and i still follow the advice he gave me... Thankfully i am in a healthy relationship and own my own home without chaos and drama. I would recommend michael 100 times over.

Raymond W.

Michael Fischman is an excellent therapist. For most of my life I’ve suffered from crippling social anxiety. This anxiety has inhibited any ambitions I’ve had for pursuing a successful career or developing fulfilling relationships with others. I’ve been to several therapists in the past before Michael. I can honestly say that no amount of time spent with any of my past therapists could have bought me to a point where I no longer feel anxiety is an issue for me. This has allowed me to actively pursue a new career and anxiety is no longer the roadblock it once was in developing relationships with others. Michael is intelligent, insightful and his therapy reaches levels of both spiritual and emotional depth that in my experience is extremely rare in a therapist. I am very lucky and grateful to have found him. I highly recommend him and I can say without any hyperbole that Michael is the best therapist there is.

Anthony G.

I have worked with Michael for several years. He has helped me with my career and my marriage. I recommend him highly! He is a spiritual and caring therapist who is devoted to his patients.
I truly owe him a debt of gratitude!

Marlaina H.

Michael understood me before I understood myself. He is an amazing clinician who creates a safe space to explore more about who you are. He has rightfully earned the trust and love of his patients.

rob L.

Absolutely atrocious mental health “professional”. Michael is overly aggressive, overbearing with his political and personal ideologies to allow you to make any progress. I DO NOT RECOMMEND Michael in the slightest.