
Michali Friedman, LCSW-C
Orthodox Jewish Sex Therapist & Couples Therapist
Hi, I'm Michali!
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I'm so glad you're here!
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I'm Michali Friedman, a licensed clinical social worker, NYU-certified sex therapist, and founder of Embrace Therapy.
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I started Embrace Therapy because I believe deeply in the beauty, sanctity, and healing power of relationships. There's something incredibly meaningful about watching individuals and couples grow, discover themselves, and build relationships that bring greater connection and fulfillment to their lives.
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I love helping couples navigate the sometimes complicated world of marriage, relationships, and intimacy.
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Whether you're struggling with physical intimacy, feeling disconnected from your spouse, preparing for marriage, or simply wishing things felt a little different, you don't have to figure it all out alone.
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As an Orthodox Jewish therapist, I understand that intimacy and relationships can come with unique questions, challenges, and sensitivities. My goal is to create a warm, comfortable, and judgment-free space where you can talk openly, feel understood, and explore what works for you while honoring your values.
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My approach is warm, practical, and collaborative. Together, we'll explore what's getting in the way and work toward building the connection, confidence, and intimacy you're hoping for.
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A Little About My Background
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I'm a licensed clinical social worker in New York and Maryland, with a master's degree in social work from Fordham University.
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I've also received specialized training in sex therapy through NYU, completed Level II Gottman Method couples therapy training, and studied Jewish intimacy education through Nishmat's Kallah Teaching Program.
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These experiences have helped me bring together two things I'm passionate about: understanding the emotional and psychological sides of relationships and appreciating the important role that Jewish values and traditions can play in intimacy and marriage.
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Through Embrace Therapy, I offer online sex therapy, couples therapy, marriage counseling, and premarital counseling for English-speaking women and couples, including Orthodox Jewish clients in Israel and eligible locations in the United States.
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What I Do at Embrace Therapy
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At Embrace Therapy, I help individuals and couples build healthier relationships with themselves and with each other.
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Helping individuals and couples navigate sexual concerns, intimacy difficulties, and challenges related to desire, arousal, and sexual connection.
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Supporting couples as they strengthen communication, work through conflict, and deepen their emotional and physical connection.
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Helping engaged couples prepare for marriage, develop realistic expectations, and build a strong foundation for their relationship.
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Helping individuals and couples navigate the unique emotional and relational complexities of remarriage.
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Individual Relationship Therapy
Supporting people as they explore relationship patterns, self-esteem, emotional well-being, and personal growth.
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Providing professional guidance and supervision for therapists within the scope of my qualifications.
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I draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Method couples therapy, solution-focused approaches, and strengths-based therapy, tailoring our work to your individual needs.
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My Specialties
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I work with a variety of relationship and intimacy concerns, including:
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Low sexual desire and differences in desire between partners
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Trauma-informed support for relationship and intimacy challenges
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I understand that talking about these concerns isn't always easy, especially when sexuality has been a private or sensitive topic throughout your life.
You deserve a space where your questions are welcome, your experiences are taken seriously, and your values are respected.
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My Training & Qualifications
I'm passionate about continuing to learn and grow as a therapist so that I can offer thoughtful, informed, and compassionate care.
Education & Clinical Licensure
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Clinical Social Work Licensure — New York and Maryland
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Master's Degree in Social Work — Fordham University
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Bachelor's Degree in Psychology — Thomas Edison University
Specialized Certifications & Training
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Sex Therapy Certification — New York University (NYU)
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Gottman Method Couples Therapy — Level II Training, Gottman Institute
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Group Therapy Certification — Fordham University
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Board Certified Supervisor — Maryland
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SIFI Supervision Certification — Fordham University
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Nishmat Kallah Teaching Program — Jewish intimacy education and preparation for marriage
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Additional Professional Training
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Safety Kids Training — Aleinu
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Digital Citizenship Training
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FEGS Self-Esteem Training
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Professional Affiliations
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OK Clarity
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Psychology Today
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Get Help Israel
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Frum Therapist
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Nefesh International
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My training through Nishmat has been especially meaningful in helping me bring together clinical sex therapy and an understanding of Jewish law, religious values, and the cultural sensitivities surrounding intimacy in Orthodox Jewish communities.
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Online Therapy for English-Speaking Couples
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Through Embrace Therapy, I offer online sex therapy, couples therapy, marriage counseling, and premarital counseling for English-speaking individual and couples.
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I particularly enjoy working with Orthodox Jewish and frum clients who are looking for a therapist who understands their religious and cultural world.
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My practice works with clients in eligible locations in the United States and Israel, subject to applicable professional and telehealth requirements.
Online sessions make it possible to receive support in a comfortable, private environment, wherever services can legally be provided.
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Let's Connect
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I believe everyone deserves to experience meaningful relationships, healthy intimacy, and a deeper connection with themselves and the people they love.
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Whether you're facing a specific challenge or simply looking to strengthen your relationship, I'd love to help you take that next step.
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Embrace yourself. Embrace each other. Embrace life.
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OK Clarity
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Frum Therapist
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Nefesh International
