David Yusko, PsyD

POSITION

Co-Founder & Staff Psychologist

EDUCATION

Psy.D in Clinical Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

SPECIALTIES

OCD, Panic Attacks, Social Anxiety, Anxiety & Worry, Trauma & Post-Traumatic Stress, Emetophobia, Athletes/Sport Psychology

MY APPROACH

MY EXPERIENCE

I approach the process of therapy from two main perspectives – relational and behavioral. When I decide to begin working with an individual, I am making a decision, first and foremost, to start a relationship with that person, couple, and/or family. Establishing that relationship, in my opinion, is the foundation of the therapeutic process. Understanding my patient’s unique experiences and how those experiences have shaped them into the current version of who they are is the beginning of bringing about change. I lean heavily on collaboration with my patients and the joining of two experts coming together for a shared purpose - to bring about meaningful change. From there, I believe that changing our behaviors, how we do something, can fundamentally change the way we also feel and think about ourselves, others, and the scenarios we find ourselves navigating day to day. The power of behavior change cannot be underestimated in its ability to provide new experiences, that can ultimately bring forward new learning, and new learning can truly help alleviate psychological and emotional suffering. I work toward establishing a relationship based in warmth, trust, and safety in order to work together to harness the science backed power of behavior therapy to help my patients achieve the change they desire.

  • Previous experience as a Staff Psychologist, Clinical Director, and ultimately the Associate Director at the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety under the mentorship of Dr. Edna Foa.

  • Recognized as an expert in Prolonged Exposure (PE) for PTSD; Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD; and exposure-based treatments broadly speaking.

  • Co-authored “Gag Reflections: Conquering a Fear of Vomit Through Exposure Therapy” and co-founded the Emetophobia Institute at CABT.

  • Highly experienced in disseminating and implementing evidence-based practices in community mental health and large health care organizations.

  • Experienced performance coach and sport psychologist working with youth amateurs through professional athletes/performers.

WHY I DO THIS WORK

I have always known I wanted to be in a job that helped others. At first, I thought that might have been through more traditional healthcare, until I began to see how mental health (or the lack thereof) could derail someone from the life they want to be living. That is when I found the path of being a psychologist. I truly enjoy being a part of meaningful change in a person’s life that helps them suffer well. While I wish suffering broadly speaking could be eliminated, my more realistic goal is to learn how to navigate the complexities of life the best way possible – whatever that may mean to a given person. I find tremendous reward and satisfaction working with my patients to navigate their own path of wellness to live day to day more easily.