Dr. Janet Kennedy

Modalities & Approaches

Populations Served

Therapeutic Style

I am an active, solution-focused therapist. My foundation is psychodynamic, which informs how I think about clients in the big picture, but my focus is on helping clients move forward in their lives. My goal is to help my clients identify areas where they are stuck and the patterns that keep them there, developing skills and insights through therapy that foster healing and change. I use evidence-based treatment where appropriate (e.g., CBT for Insomnia, CBT for Nightmares) and incorporate relational therapy, ACT, and even coaching at times. Insomnia treatment is typically 4-8 sessions. Most of my general psychotherapy patients stay for 3-6 months, sometimes up to 12. There's no time limit, but the point is to use therapy as a process that helps the client to move through and beyond.

What Makes Me Unique

I am a clinical psychologist and the founder of NYC Sleep Doctor, a psychotherapy and consulting practice dedicated to addressing behavioral sleep disorders. With more than 20 years of specialized experience, I use scientifically proven techniques to help clients break out of the cycle of bad sleep, stop relying on sleep aids, and restore normal, healthy sleep patterns. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) and CBT for Nightmares, both evidence-based treatment protocol proven to be more effective and longer lasting than medication for treating insomnia and other behavioral sleep problems. Most of my clients see improvement within a few sessions. I frequently provide CBT-I and CBT-N as a stand-alone treatment for clients who have primary therapists and I enjoy collaborating with other providers on comprehensive, coordinated care. I really enjoy working with people who are in a moment of change or adjustment--young professionals, new parents, women in perimenopause, new retirees, and older adults adapting to aging--to name a few.