Miriam Benhaim, Ph.D., Clinical Director

Miriam Benhaim, Ph.D., Clinical Director has been a licensed Clinical Psychologist for twenty five years. She earned her doctorate at Long Island University, and received postgraduate training in family therapy at the Postgraduate Center for Mental Health, and completed a program in hypnotherapy from the New York Society for Eriksonian Hypnotherapy.

Prior to beginning her full time private practice in 1985 with children, adolescents,adults, couples and families, Dr. Benhaim was the Acting Director of the Female Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatric Service at King’s County Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. She has taught various psychology courses at the undergraduate level and principles of psychological testing at the graduate level. Her expertise in neuropsychological testing enhances her ability to work with individuals, and particularly families with children in crisis. She is an expert in helping her clients develop enhanced communication skills. Dr. Benhaim’s family system’s orientation contributes to her great success in coaching her clients to understand the dynamics of business and work environments in order to attain desired promotions and improved job opportunities.

For twenty years she has facilitated grief and loss workshops, groups for caregivers and the bereaved and counseled individuals and couples through the grief process. An area of specialization within this field is loss pertaining to adoption, miscarriage and infertility.

R. Benyamin Cirlin, C.S.W., Executive Director

R. Benyamin Cirlin, C.S.W., Executive Director, has been practicing psychotherapy for twenty seven years. A graduate of the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University, Benyamin completed postgraduate program in psychoanalytic and family therapy at the Long Island Institute for Mental Health. His early career included work at a variety of psychiatric settings, including Manhattan Children’s Psychiatric Center, Four Winds Hospital, and North Shore University Hospital, working with children, adolescents and adults.

For seventeen years, Benyamin served as part time Bereavement Coordinator of the Jacob Perlow Hospice of Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City. In addition to his work at the Center for Loss and Renewal, he currently serves as the part time Social Work Supervisor at the Visiting Nurse Service of New York Hospice.

Benyamin has expertise in working with complicated grief situations and post traumatic stress disorder, and works with individuals, couples, families, and groups.

Benyamin is an acclaimed workshop facilitator, and has presented on the dynamics of grief and loss at hospices, health care facilities, and national and international conferences.

Comments are always welcome. Contact us with any feedback or questions you may have.

WORKSHOPS

Coping with the Loss of a Parent - Thursday, 4/3/07, 7:00 - 8:15 p.m.

This workshop will focus on the unique aspects of losing a parent. Many successful adults are surprised at the depth of their reactions following the death of a mother or father, and these workshops will address these issues and offer opportunities for sharing, reflection and insight into coping strategies.

Space is limited - call to register - 212-874-4711.

Coping with the Loss of a Spouse or Partner-For Widows and Widowers UNDER AGE 50 – Thursday, 4/10/08, 7:00 – 8:15 p.m.

This workshop will focus on the unique aspects of losing a spouse at an early age. Loss of a spouse or partner in early or mid adulthood presents many challenges, including single parenthood, renegotiating relationships with friends and other couples, and dating. This workshop will address these and other key issues and offer opportunities for sharing, reflection and learning about coping strategies.

Space is limited - call to register - 212-874-4711.

Helping your Child Cope with Loss-For Parents of Children and Teens - Tues. 5/1/08, 7:00 – 8:15 p.m.

Children who have lost a parent, sibling, grandparent or friend have special grieving needs. This workshop will focus on aspects unique to childhood grief, and offer opportunities for learning about helpful responses to your child’s emotional needs.

Space is limited - call to register - 212-874-4711.

Workshop: Coping with the Loss of an Adult Child- Thurs, 5/1/08, 2:00 – 3:15 p.m.

In the natural order of life, parents predecease their children. This workshop will address the special needs of those parents whose adult children have tragically died an early death. Emphasis will be placed on developing coping skills and strategies for dealing with untimely loss.

Space is limited - call to register - 212-874-4711.

GROUPS

Adult Children Coping with the Loss of a Parent - Six Wednesdays, 4/30/08 - 6/4/08, 7:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.

This group will offer an in depth opportunity to explore the many changes and challenges that ensue from the death of a parent. Each session will focus on a different aspect of grief.

Space in this group is limited - call to register - 212-874-4711.

Coping with the Loss of a Spouse or Partner-For Widows and Widowers UNDER AGE 50 -
Six Tuesdays, 2/26/08 – 4/1/08, 7:30 – 8:45 p.m.

This group will focus on the unique aspects of losing a spouse at an early age. Loss of a spouse or partner in early or mid adulthood presents many challenges, including single parenthood, renegotiating relationships with friends and other couples, and dating. This group will address these and other key issues and offer opportunities for sharing, reflection and learning about coping strategies.

Space is limited - call to register - 212-874-4711.

PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS

We also sponsor the following workshops for professionals. We will be happy to bring any of these presentations to your agency.

Counseling the Dying Patient and Family

Fundamentals of Grief Counseling

Grief and Depression: Similarities and Differences

The Grief of the Professional

Facilitating Effective Bereavement Groups

What to Say: How to Help Someone Coping with a Loss

Adult Children Mourning the Loss of a Parent