top addiction therapist upper east side manhattan

About Me

Expert Therapy for Relationships, Addiction, and Life Transitions

George Embiricos

I am a lifelong New Yorker fulfilling my childhood dream of helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and build meaningful connections. I specialize in supporting those struggling with intimacy, relationship issues, addiction recovery, vulnerability, and life transitions. My practice offers a safe and judgment-free space where we can begin the healing process together. My goal is to help you rebuild your emotional wellbeing and move forward toward a healthier, more purposeful life.

With over seven years of experience in clinical practice, I dedicated four years to working at New York City’s Center for Intimacy Recovery, where I helped individuals and groups overcome barriers to connection and emotional closeness. I earned my Master’s Degree in Advanced Clinical Practice from Columbia University’s School of Social Work, graduating at the top of my class. Under the guidance of seasoned therapists with over 30 years of expertise, I have accumulated thousands of hours of hands-on, patient-focused experience. My most recent and impactful work has been treating gambling addiction, for which our society is wildly under-resourced and is just now entering the early stages of what will soon become a nationally problematic epidemic.

Asking for help is not easy, but just by being here, you have taken the first (and often hardest) step. I am committed to creating a space where you feel supported in establishing trust and connection. Together, we will work to help you feel emotionally strong, deeply connected, and in control of your life.

Background and Expertise

Reconnecting with yourself and others

Intimacy & Relationship Challenges

Helping individuals and couples navigate closeness, trust, and communication.
Individuals often struggle with forming or maintaining emotional connections, frequently due to their family dynamics, religious beliefs, and/or past traumas. These factors can manifest as emotional disconnections in a variety of ways, such as a constant fear of closeness in personal relationships. Therapy for intimacy and relationships identify patterns, draw connections, and learn how to unlearn unhealthy behaviors that may have been present for much of one’s life.

Finding balance in uncertain times

Addictions & Compulsive Patterns

Supporting recovery through awareness, accountability, and compassion.
Many clients face challenges with addiction, which greatly impact their relationships and emotional health.We help clients break free from compulsive behaviors using a two-pronged approach: tracking immediate and tangible progress while also exploring and addressing the deeper roots of issues. We collaborate to identify coping mechanisms that were initially adaptive but have since become maladaptive, while developing healthier habits. Our addiction recovery therapy approach is grounded in awareness, accountability, and compassion.

Learning to trust your own voice again

Opening Up & Vulnerability

Creating a safe, supportive space to express what’s been hard to say out loud.
Working with a licensed therapist who focuses on emotional healing and growth can give you the safe, supportive space to process your experiences and emotions, learn to unbind yourself from unhealthy habits and patterns, and build resilience and confidence. Being vulnerable and learning to trust yourself again are brave steps to take, and you can do so with the right focused therapy option. We’re here to help you create positive change within and rebuild a foundation rooted in support, patience, and compassion.

Breaking cycles with clarity and care

Life Transitions and Trauma

Guiding you through change, loss, and rebuilding after adversity.
“Get up, you’re fine.” “We don’t cry in this house.” These kinds of household messages are ingrained in us, and many of us were raised to believe that vulnerability equates to weakness. Whether you struggle to develop familial or romantic connections, recognize recurring patterns in relationships, or wish to form close bonds, we strive to model a trusting and open connection in our sessions. We offer a safe space to explore therapy for life transitions, trauma, emotional challenges, and more, even if it’s your first time considering therapy.

Every session is shaped around what matters most to you.

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Building trust through expertise and continued education.

Professional Affiliations and Features

Professional Licenses & Certifications

Vanderbilt University, B.S. (Child Psychology)
Columbia University’s School of Social Work, M.A. (Advanced Clinical Practice)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker New York #098331
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Connecticut #15366
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Telehealth Vermont #089.0136376TELE
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Telehealth Florida #TPSW5719
Certified Partner Trauma Therapist New York #2022-3534

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (NY, CT, FL, VT)
Certified Partner Trauma Therapist (CPTT)

Media & Industry Recognition

Columbia School of Social Work (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)

National Association of Social Workers (NASW) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)

New York State Education Department License (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)

IITAP (International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)

The National Herald (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)

CAB NYC Society Member (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)

Trustworthy

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Non - Judgmental

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Personalized

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Confidential

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Trustworthy ○ Non - Judgmental ○ Personalized ○ Confidential ○

A personalized, trust-centered process designed to meet you where you are.

My Approach to Therapy

01. Non-Judgmental

A compassionate environment where you can share openly without fear or shame.

I offer a safe, supportive space where you can share your challenges without fear of judgment or shame. My goal is to offer a compassionate therapy approach and to help you feel comfortable expressing yourself, no matter what you are going through.

02. Confidential

Your privacy is always respected and protected.

Your privacy is my priority. Everything we discuss remains confidential (as required by law), so you can feel secure knowing that your personal journey is protected and respected. For all my clients, I always aim to provide therapy that you can trust.

03. Trustworthy

Grounded in integrity, experience, and genuine care.

Building trust is at the heart of my practice. With years of experience helping individuals navigate intimacy and relationship, addiction, and emotional issues, I provide a reliable and compassionate partnership to support you on your journey toward self-healing.

04. Personalized

Therapy tailored to your unique story, goals, and pace.

Every person’s journey is unique, and I tailor each session to fit your individual needs. Together, we will create a plan that works for you, helping you overcome challenges at your own pace. Every session is shaped around your pace, needs, and goals

How I Have Helped Others

“I started working with George around four years ago after finally having enough. Years and years of running from myself and using coping mechanisms such as drugs and alcohol had taken a toll on my life. Throughout my time with George I’ve learned to embrace outside accountability, self-respect, grace & patience. All within myself.”
- David P., Patient
“George and I worked together for close to four years. During that time I found him to be caring and able to hold his clients in their greatest moments of need. He is engaging, compassionate, and relatable. I would highly recommend him.”
- Gary K., Colleague
“George has had a significant impact on my life during our time together and I will never forget his wisdom or kindness. Any strides I have made over the past year are largely a result of his guidance and compassion and I will never forget him. I am eternally grateful that fate allowed our paths to cross and I consider him a friend and trusted confidante.”
- Ray M., Patient
“George is the kind of person that people come and feel safe sharing their worst fears off the bat. He is caring, funny, and incredibly intelligent. His knowledge in the field and his empathy towards clients is admirable. I highly recommend him!"
- Rosie S., Colleague
“George is a no-brainer for men (and women) struggling within relationships. He is exceptionally compassionate, insightful, and patient. I can refer out to George in good faith knowing people will be taken care of.”
- Fred K., Colleague
“I had the pleasure of supervising George for three years at The Center for Intimacy Recovery. George is a thoughtful and caring therapist who is able to create an atmosphere of acceptance and warmth with his clients. I recommend him without hesitation.”
- Nancy T., Colleague

"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change."

⎯ Carl R. Rogers

Let’s Talk — Begin Your Journey to Healing

Schedule a Free 15-Minute Consultation

I get it - reaching out can be tough, but it represents a huge move toward making real changes. Regardless of what challenges you are dealing with in life, I am here to help you work through them in an individualized way that makes sense for you.

Take the first step toward building a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Reach out today — you don’t have to do this alone.

📞 917-410-1203

📩 george@healthierconnections.com

🗓️ Free 15-Minute Consultation

@healthierconnections

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