Cora Schwartz, the owner of My Retreat maintains a private practice as a psychotherapist in both New York City and Sullivan County. She has worked for over twenty years in the field of Psychology. Cora is certified in REBT (Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy) by the Albert Ellis School. She is also a "Quality of Life at the End of Life" Trainer. Cora is a member of the Association for Women in Psychology and the International Association for Coaches.

When available, Cora offers MY RETREAT guests the opportunity to receive a complimentary sample REBT session. Although a brief session, the guest will learn enough of the REBT philosophy to judge whether this might be an effective process for him or her.

In the event that a guest wishes to continue with REBT therapy after he or she leaves the retreat, Cora also offers on-line and telephone sessions. Of course there is absolutely no obligation to continue after the complimentary session.

REBT is a wonderful way for people to look at their lives, change their pre-conceived, irrational belief systems and thereby make positive changes in their lives. That it doesn't take years to change your life is the most significant benefit of REBT!

This website is not appropriate if you are suicidal, homicidal or suffering from long term severe mental health issues. This site is not intended or suitable for emergencies. If you are under 18 years of age we can not assist you; please seek help from an appropriate local agency. If you are in need of urgent help, please call a local counselor or an emergency service near to you. Our services are not suited to respond to e-mails from people who fall into the above categories.

What might set me apart from other Mental Health professionals is my philosophy about who provides the most successful Mental Health Counseling. I have strong opinions about who is qualified (regardless of professional qualifications or education) to help others. I offer services that I would want for myself; to be counseled by another woman who has had, in some way, the same problems and challenges that I am experiencing. I would want her to be a role-model, an inspiration. As in the anonymous programs, when I respond to a client, I try to start a sentence by saying 'From my experience….' in order to feel fully qualified.

The new modality known as Counseling On Line has both advantages and disadvantages; this website will help you decide if a 'virtual office' is for you. In addition to my philosophy, and in keeping with Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, I believe that counseling should lead to a more rational life within months, not years.