Meet our Team

Misha Firstein-Rudder, LMSW

THERAPIST

I'm Misha Rudder, LMSW, a licensed clinical social worker providing EMDR therapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy in NYC. I specialize in helping adults navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, and major life transitions.

My Approach: I integrate evidence-based therapies including ACT, CBT, and IFS within a psychodynamic framework. Together, we'll explore your experiences to build a therapeutic relationship focused on authentic, meaningful living.

Specializations:

EMDR trauma therapy

Men's issues, relationship and intimacy issues

College students, Emerging adulthood

Life transitions and existential concerns

Anxiety and depression treatment

Individual and family therapy

Whether you're facing relationship challenges, career transitions, or working through past trauma, you don't have to navigate these alone. I tailor my eclectic, experiential approach to your unique needs.

Credentials & Training:

Master's in Social Work (MSW), NYU - Summa Cum Laude

EMDR Institute Certified

Post Graduate Institute Training

Bachelor's in Psychology, SUNY Geneseo

Pronouns: he/him/his

THERAPY APPROACHES

  • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Biofeedback Therapy

  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

  • Culturally Sensitive, Multicultural

  • Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)

  • Humanistic, Relational, Person-Centered

  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

  • Psychodynamic Framework

SPECIFIC POPULATIONS SERVED

  • Young adults (18+)

  • Adults

  • Couples and Partners

  • Aged & disabled (65+)

AREAS OF FOCUS

Abuse (emotional, physical, sexual, psychological)

Adjustment difficulties

Anxiety Disorders

Depressive Disorders

Existential Crisis

Inferiority Complex

Life Transitions

Mood Disorders

Panic Disorders

Narcissistic Abuse-related Issues

Neuro-developmental Disorders

Obsessive Compulsive & Related Disorders

Other Mental Disorders

Trauma & Stressor-related Disorders

“Misha has Clinical Expertise way beyond his age. His compassionate, trauma-informed approach allowed me to address issues at their core. I also appreciated Misha’s use of BioFeedback & EMDR. Highly recommended!”

-Anonymous

“Misha has shown through our work together, that he is a strong ally and advocate for his patients. I highly recommend him to those looking to work on anxiety or anyone looking for a kind, warm and engaging therapist!“

- Morgan D.

Licenses & Certifications

  • Licensed Master of Social Work, NY

  • Trained Narcan Disperser

  • EMDR (Advanced level Trainee) - The EMDR Institute Inc.

Education

  • Post Graduate Institute Training, EMDR Institute

  • Master's degree in Social Work (MSW), New York University

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, State University of New York at Geneseo

    - Psychology of Happiness, Spirituality, and Religion

Professional Background

Clinician, Embracing Equanimity LLC

Clinician- Behavioral Associates

Social Practitioner- Fountain House

Housing Case Manager- Housing At Risk Program, Montefiore Einstein Medical Center

Frequently Asked Questions

If I have never been to therapy before, how do I know if I should go and how do I start? What should I expect?

Therapy can be valuable for anyone who’s looking to better understand themselves, explore their feelings, or navigate life’s challenges in a way that feels more aligned with who they are and where they want to be. It’s not just for those facing major difficulties, it’s for anyone looking to live more fully, feel more connected, or make changes in their life. 

To start, I encourage reaching out to a therapist who feels like a good fit. I offer a free 15-minute consultation call. It is a great way to get a feel for how we might work together and see if I offer something that you feel could be helpful. 

Therapy is not about erasing problems but learning to navigate them with intention and purpose. Together, we can focus on what is meaningful to you and what you want to create in your life. In therapy, you are encouraged to explore, heal, and grow at a pace that feels right for you with support along the way. 

How have you found your work to be different from that of your colleagues?

Every therapist has their own way of working with and connecting with the people they work with. I believe that just trying to ‘fix’ challenges without understanding why they are there leads us to miss the bigger picture. This is why I use an eclectic blend of therapy that helps you understand your past, navigate the present, and move toward a future that feels more aligned with what you value.