Unlock a Deeper Understanding of Yourself

What dr. samstag offers

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

Meet Dr. Samstag

With a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and a certificate in Psychoanalysis, Dr. Nicholas Samstag offers a distinctive blend of professional expertise and personal life experience. His background in theatre, publishing, and literature profoundly shapes his therapeutic approach, fostering a safe, respectful, and exploratory environment for patients.

NYC

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

20+ years

Expertise in Clinical Psychology & Psychoanalysis.

Ph.D in Clinical Psychology

Ph.D. in clinical psychology, and a certificate in psychoanalysis from the William Allison White Institute. In addition, Dr. Samstag has also completed advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples.

Unconscious Exploration

Focus on Dreams & Free Association for Deeper Healing.

Individual

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.

Couples

Therapeutic sessions designed to help couples enhance their relationship by improving communication, resolving conflicts, and building a stronger emotional connection.

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.

Foster deeper emotional connections and mutual understanding to build a more resilient partnership.

Professional Consultations and 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.

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.

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.”

T.

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”

E.

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.

R.

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.

D.

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

Methods for growth

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.

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.

Take the first step toward clarity