Unlock a Deeper Understanding of Yourself

An approach that extends beyond symptom relief, exploring the deeper layers of your psyche to uncover the stories that shape your life.

Dr. Nicholas Samstag is a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst with over 20 years of experience helping individuals and couples in New York City and virtually. Trained at the William Alanson White Institute with advanced certification in Emotionally Focused Therapy, he brings a distinctive background in theatre, publishing, and literature to his practice - creating a safe, exploratory space where dreams, free association, and personal narrative become pathways to deeper healing.

Dismantle your defenses in a safe, non-judgemental space.

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Individuals

Personalized therapy sessions that support individuals in exploring their inner world, understanding their psychological narratives, and fostering personal growth through psychoanalysis and psychotherapy.

Delve into personal history and unconscious processes to uncover underlying patterns and narratives.
Adapt therapy style to suit individual needs, whether through deep psychoanalysis or more structured psychotherapy.
Focus on guiding individuals to a deeper understanding of themselves and their unique psychological landscapes.

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Couples

Therapeutic sessions designed to help couples enhance their relationship by improving communication, resolving conflicts, and building a stronger emotional connection.
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Work on effective communication strategies to better understand each partner’s needs and perspectives.
Address and resolve ongoing conflicts or issues that may be impacting the relationship.
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Foster deeper emotional connections and mutual understanding to build a more resilient partnership.
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Personal Consultations & Supervision

Specialized services offering expert guidance and clinical supervision for mental health professionals looking to deepen their psychoanalytic practice or seek advice on complex cases.

Provide oversight and guidance for therapists seeking to enhance their clinical skills and understanding of psychoanalytic concepts.
Offer expert insights and strategies for handling complex psychological cases or specific patient challenges.
Support ongoing learning and development for mental health professionals through tailored consultations and mentoring.

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Understanding your personal narrative

Dismantle your psychological defenses

Dynamic therapy for a dynamic life

Personalized Therapy Plans

The patients I work best with are curious about how to change their current behavior to reduce psychological difficulties, as well as to address how their prior history has influenced their current situation.

Method

While I am always respectful of the patient's presenting problem, I am also interested in what underlies it. I encourage an exploration of unconscious processes, dreams, and free associations for the purpose of unearthing the patient's historical narrative.

Unconscious Exploration

Focus on Dreams & Free Association for Deeper Healing.

Testimonial

“Have been seeing Nick now for 5 or 6 months. There's so much I could write, but suffice to say our sessions have instigated a sort of revolution in my life; an accelerated evolution in my thinking, my feeling, and my being. He has a very feet-on-the-ground, non-woo woo approach that tends to cut straight to the heart of what's going on. He then offers very simple yet effective strategies and ways of viewing issues that have had such a positive affect on my life this review is the least I could do. Whatever you may be struggling with, I would highly recommend Dr. Samstag.”

New york

Testimonial

“Nick Samstag is an extraordinarily gifted psychoanalyst. I’ve worked with him for many years and my life is inexorably improved for it. He is effortlessly empathetic, incisive, and passionate about his work. 5 stars doesn’t seem adequate, somehow- MS”

New york

Testimonial

Working with Dr. Nicholas Samstag has been an extraordinary experience. His profound intelligence and exceptional ease in communication make each session highly engaging and enlightening. For those who appreciate delving into complex psychological insights and exploring a wide range of topics, his therapeutic approach is both intellectually stimulating and deeply rewarding. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Samstag to anyone seeking a professional to foster personal growth.

CHICAGO

Testimonial

My business parter started going to see Dr. Samstag and the changes have been great. He calls me often with new ways of articulating issues we've been working through as an organization and the new perspectives have been instrumental to our growth. We've pivoted based on conversations he's had countless times. It's more than therapy, sometimes it's a place to understand where you're getting in your own way.

CHICAGO

Testimonial

Working with Dr. Samstag has changed my life.
He is smart, funny, compassionate, and insightful. I am much better able to understand and communicate how I feel after working with him. Together, I learned how to pay attention to my feelings, draw boundaries, advocate for myself, and value my own subjectivity in a way that has vastly improved my life.

C.R. Langston, Senior Partner

N.Y.C, Big Law

Testimonial

Dr. Samstag is a student of culture.
As an artist, finding a psychoanalyst at home in the world of ideas was essential. We talk a lot about dreams — both the nighttime and daytime kind. So it has been interesting to see how both kinds have changed during my time in treatment. His intellectual rigor and genuine curiosity have helped me grow personally and professionally. 11/10 would recommend.

A. Thomas

Writer / Director

Method for Growth

Words, behavior, and the meanings that are made define the crucible within which psychoanalysts and their patients engage in the complex play called psychoanalysis. There is a linearity to this, a subject-verb-object reality in which conventional sense is recognized. There is also a non-linear, curvilinear engagement where the free expression of associations predominates and forms a bridge between conscious and unconscious realms of experience. Chaos and order, figure and ground, sense and nonsense alternate in the flux of multiple impressions. (The silences lack language, per se, but much is communicated within them.) Meanings compete in an associational slurry until they crystallize against the background hum of inchoate ontological gestation. It is this practice, to keep these two disparate forms of mentation in mind, at the same time, and to toggle between them, that distinguishes psychoanalysis from other forms of psychotherapy.

Understanding Your Narrative

Every individual deserves the opportunity to understand who they truly are. Dr. Samstag is dedicated to guiding patients through the process of uncovering their authentic selves by dismantling psychological defenses and gaining clarity about their personal narratives.

Curiosity & Play

Dr. Samstag brings a sense of curiosity and play into every session, believing that personal growth is most effective when approached with openness and a willingness to explore. The capacity to play allows for deeper reflection, encouraging patients to engage with their own minds in a way that feels both safe and transformative.

Psychological Depth

At the heart of my practice lies a deep commitment to exploring the complexities of the human mind. I believe that true healing comes from uncovering and understanding the deeper layers of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By creating a space for honest self-reflection and meaningful exploration, I help my patients gain profound insights into their inner worlds, fostering personal growth and lasting change.

Take the first step toward clarity

Empower your life through self discovery

Book an intro call

About Dr. Samstag

Tailored Psychoanalytic Therapy for Individuals & Couples in New York City & Virtually.

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Frequently asked questions

What makes Dr. Samstag’s method unique?

Dr. Samstag’s approach goes beyond traditional therapy that focuses only on symptom relief. He believes that true growth comes from understanding the deeper layers of your psyche. By exploring unconscious processes, dreams, and personal narratives, he helps you unravel the stories that shape your life. This process not only addresses current challenges but also leads to lasting self-discovery and transformation.

Who is the ideal client for Dr. Samstag?

Dr. Samstag works best with individuals who are intellectually curious and open to self-exploration. If you are committed to understanding how your past has influenced your present and are ready to make meaningful changes, Dr. Samstag’s approach can help you unlock deeper personal growth. His patients are often those seeking more than just symptom relief—they want to understand themselves on a profound level.

What is the cost of therapy, and do you accept insurance?

Dr. Samstag’s fees range from $375 to $475 per session. He works on an out-of-network basis, which means you can submit claims to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement, depending on your plan.

What results can I expect from therapy with Dr. Samstag?

Rather than striving for a single emotional state, like happiness, Dr. Samstag helps you achieve a deeper understanding of yourself. His method encourages personal growth, self-discovery, and a more profound connection with the human experience. The goal is lasting transformation, not quick fixes.

Where is Dr. Samstag Located?

Dr. Samstag’s practice is located in the heart of New York City at 130 Fulton Street, Suite 9A. He also offers virtual therapy sessions for those who prefer remote consultations.

Guiding thoughtful adults who want to understand themselves more deeply through transformative therapy that helps you unravel psychological defenses, make sense of your past, and unlock your potential.

An approach that extends beyond symptom relief, exploring the deeper layers of your psyche to uncover the stories that shape your life.

Dismantle your defenses in a safe, non-judgemental space.

Dynamic therapy for a dynamic life

“Nick Samstag is an extraordinarily gifted psychoanalyst. I’ve worked with him for many years and my life is inexorably improved for it. He is effortlessly empathetic, incisive, and passionate about his work. 5 stars doesn’t seem adequate, somehow- MS”

Method for Growth

Understanding Your Narrative

Curiosity & Play

Psychological Depth

Empower your life through self discovery

Frequently asked questions

Find clarity in complex narratives