Matthew Jacofsky, Psy.D.

Director of Training & Continuing Education

Dr. Matthew Jacofsky, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and the Director of Training and Continuing Education at the Bio Behavioral Institute. With more than two decades of experience at the Institute, Dr. Jacofsky specializes in the assessment and treatment of obsessive-compulsive related and anxiety disorders across the lifespan.

In addition to providing direct clinical care, Dr. Jacofsky oversees the Internship/Externship program, provides supervision to doctoral externs and post-doctoral fellows, and manages the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for research studies. He has presented and published on topics such as body dysmorphic disorder, hoarding, and self-injurious behaviors. His clinical approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), focusing on helping clients not only reduce symptoms but also enhance their quality of life and overall well-being.

Dr. Jacofsky earned his Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) and two Master’s degrees in School and Experimental Psychology from St. John’s University. He completed his externship, internship, and postdoctoral training at the Bio Behavioral Institute. Outside of work, he enjoys mentoring clinicians, spending time with his family, and advancing behavioral research.

September 16, 2019

Introduction to Mindfulness

Mindfulness means simply paying attention to the present moment without judgment. This practice shifts you off autopilot and gives you the choice to respond to reality, not impulses.

September 23, 2016

How Can I Practice Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is practiced formally (exercises) or informally (daily tasks). A check-in uses senses to focus on the surroundings and internal state, labeling emotions and thoughts without judgment.

November 6, 2019

Participating in Life

Mindfulness has three parts: observe (creates space for choice), describe (labeling thoughts/feelings as what they are), and participate (fully engaging with reality to cope and live).

December 16, 2019

Positive Clinical Psychology - Part I

Psychology's original goal was to foster happy, meaningful lives, but post-WWII, it shifted to focusing heavily on treating disorders. The field is now rediscovering its mission to help people thrive, not just survive.

December 26, 2019

Positive Clinical Psychology - Part II

Happiness is defined as Subjective Well-Being, which combines affect balance (more pleasant moments) and life satisfaction (overall positive beliefs). This is subjective, so happiness can exist despite difficult circumstances.

January 2, 2020

Positive Clinical Psychology - Part III

P.T. Wong defines four paths to happiness: Hedonic (pleasure), Prudential (engagement), Eudaimonic (meaning), and Chaironic (awe). This helps people find joy even during suffering.

March 7, 2020

The Path to Self Acceptance

REBT promotes Unconditional Self-Acceptance (USA): choose to live happily regardless of your flaws or others' judgment. Instead of rating your worth, only rate your actions based on how they align with your goals.

March 10, 2021

How Little We Know

We can't control the future, as much of life is unknown. True confidence comes from engaging effectively with the present moment and prioritizing action over speculating about outcomes.

January 4, 2022

Ain't No World But This World

Regret involves fantasizing about a better life in a possible world, but the actual world is the only reality. Use these thoughts only to identify what is missing now, motivating you to accept what you can't change and take action in your current life.

August 11, 2022

The “Positive” of “Negative” Feelings

Negative emotions are normal and serve to motivate and communicate. They are only unhelpful when their intensity leads to maladaptive coping or blocks problem-solving.

June 13, 2023

Sitting With the End of Our World

The core fear of OCD is dread, which is addressed by Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). ERP involves exposing the individual to anxiety triggers while preventing the compulsion, which slowly "retrains" the brain and reduces anxiety.

January 8, 2024

Tips on New Year's Resolutions

To make New Year's Resolutions easier to keep, set specific, measurable goals connected to your personal values. Also, find supportive accountability, focus on progress over perfection, and maintain a positive mindset to manage setbacks.

February 28, 2024

Benefits of Altruism: Helping Others Is a Way to Help Yourself

Altruism benefits both the giver and receiver by increasing happiness and reducing stress. This "Contributing Skill" in DBT should be balanced and planned using the SMART strategy (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to ensure sustainability.

THE HEALING POWER OF VALIDATION

You can experience life again. Let’s take steps together.

At Bio Behavioral Institute, we’re here to be your team and get you back to the life you deserve. Schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a more meaningful life.

Call our office at 516-487-7116 or complete the form to schedule your consultation.

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