Philosophy
Dr. Perkel utilizes or encourages a range of therapeutic tools including appropriate and conscious use of medicines and psychotherapy. He is a firm believer in evidence-based treatments but also recognizes the limitations of the scientific paradigm. He is open to the use of any tool that helps without harm, including the therapeutic use of psychedelic medicines, which he sees as a potentially potent change tool. He has assisted patients in preparation for and integration of these experiences.
Treatment Approach
Dr. Perkel embraces an holistic approach and sees his clinical role as a guide to individuals struggling with emotional problems. He regards treatment as a healing journey aiming for the recovery of wholeness of self. He believes that problematic behaviors are driven by defensive adaptations that become maladaptive over time. In his view, learning to tolerate intolerable feelings and making conscious these defensive layers is an essential part of recovery. He also recognizes that emotions are embedded in the body and encourages somatic work as a part of healing from trauma and pain.
Dr. Perkel regards the therapeutic relationship as a critical place for healing and endeavors to maintain a safe, supportive and empathic practice.
Methodology
Dr. Perkel uses the initial meeting with a patient to get a comprehensive history and a sense of the person, both for diagnostic purposes and to develop a nuanced understanding of who that person is in the world. This then guides the treatment process. He tailors treatment and recommendations to the specific needs of each individual.
He utilizes various therapeutic skills including motivational interviewing, short-term dynamic psychotherapy, supportive psychotherapy, and cognitive therapy. He supports the use of medication-assisted treatment for addictive disorders and is a Suboxone prescriber. He can also administer injectable medications such as Vivitrol. Besides treating addictive disorders he has extensive experience in treating many other psychiatric and emotional problems.
