Joy A. Dryer Ph.D.

About

Joy A. Dryer, Ph.D., is a relationship expert wearing two hats: First, as a psychologist/psychoanalyst in private practice in New York City and New Paltz, New York, she now works remotely. A former adjunct associate professor at New York University, she now supervises at Long Island University and CAPA, conducting therapy with individuals, families, and couples using the Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT). Second, she’s a certified divorce mediator, specializing in helping couples decide whether to stay and work on their relationship or to separate—and if so, how to do so amicably.

Books by Joy A. Dryer Ph.D.

Recent Posts

Could Adding New Partners Help a Couple Find Happiness?

A close colleague dies of Covid, trigging a woman's grief. She then wonders if her life is enough, and arrives at a startling question.

“Why Are We Here?"

For one partner, feelings seem too dangerous to talk about. For the other, a dream forewarns that it’s dangerous not to talk about feelings.

How Couples Can Find an Interfaith Solution

A newly-engaged couple struggles to start their own interfaith tradition, and discovers that finding a universal theme helps.

Is She Really Gone?

Ghosts of past losses can echo in our present.

When "Thank You" Is Not Enough

Asking for a “Thank You” can mean more than it seems. But defining what you really want may be hard to pinpoint.

We’re Unmasked Now, and Separating Is Scary

A trial separation is a crucial unmasking time, revealing who you are, and what you want. It’s less scary to work together, even when living apart.

"I’m Not Your Mother"

Replay a fight until you get it right. This bottom-up, in-your-body approach helps you experience both your and your partner’s other-side-of-the-mountain perspectives.

“You Can't Just Walk Out..."

Partners are like kings and queens who need to make agreements under which they live and rule. They thrive when their realm is governed by fairness and sensitivity for all.

Is There a Right Time to Stop Couples Therapy?

Relationships are never free of “issues.” We all continue to work on the basics to enjoy a secure functioning relationship, in or out of therapy.

"I'm Not Your Father"

He insists he’s not unfaithful like her father was. She insists she won’t be a victim like her mother was.