Jeff Adelson
LSMW, CPTT
Intimacy & Sexuality Specialist | Problematic Sexual Behavior Expert | LGBTQ+ Advocate | Anti-Racist Clinician | Certified Partner Trauma Therapist | Trauma-Informed Care Leader
Jeff Adelson is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Certified Partner Trauma Therapist (CPTT) with over 15 years of experience guiding individuals and couples through challenges related to intimacy, sexuality, addiction, and relational healing. A trailblazer in LGBTQ+ advocacy and trauma recovery, Jeff’s practice blends psychodynamic insight, sex therapy techniques, and anti-oppressive frameworks to help clients dismantle shame, reclaim agency, and rebuild trust. His work is deeply informed by lived experience as a gay man, AIDS crisis survivor, and lifelong activist, ensuring care that centers the voices of marginalized communities.
Specializations & Expertise
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Problematic Sexual Behaviors: Addressing compulsive patterns, shame cycles, and the intersection of self-soothing behaviors with addiction.
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LGBTQ+ Affirming Care: Supporting gender-diverse, trans, and queer individuals in navigating identity exploration, societal stigma, and holistic sexual health.
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Intimacy & Relational Healing: Helping partners rebuild communication, trust, and connection after betrayal or emotional trauma.
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Cultural & Racial Equity: Advocating for intersectionality in therapy with sensitivity to systemic oppression, neurodiversity, and body liberation.​
Therapeutic Approach
Jeff’s integrative methodology prioritizes client autonomy and cultural humility:
Psychodynamic Exploration: Uncovering unconscious drivers of compulsive behaviors and relational patterns.
Sex Therapy Techniques: Facilitating open dialogue about desire, consent, and identity with a sex-positive lens.
Trauma-Informed Models: Addressing roots of addiction and betrayal trauma while fostering resilience and self-compassion.
Collaborative Care: Co-creating actionable strategies to transform destructive habits into sustainable growth.
Sessions are anchored in nonjudgmental curiosity, empowering clients to align their actions with their deepest values.
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Commitment to Social Justice
Jeff’s practice is an extension of his activism, driven by:
LGBTQ+ Leadership: Leveraging decades of advocacy in New York City to challenge systemic barriers faced by queer and gender-expansive communities.
Anti-Racist Frameworks: Centering racial, cultural, and socioeconomic equity in client care and clinical supervision.
Inclusive Spaces: Championing accessibility for trans, non-binary, polyamorous, and kink communities through education and allyship.
Education & Credentials
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Master of Social Work (MSW): Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College.
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Certified Partner Trauma Therapist (CPTT): Advanced training in betrayal trauma and relational repair.
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Sex Therapy Certification (In Progress): Institute for Contemporary Psychology.
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15+ Years of clinical experience in addiction recovery, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and trauma-focused care.
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Why Work With Jeff?
Jeff merges warmth with expertise, offering a brave space where clients confront shame, heal relational wounds, and redefine intimacy on their terms. His dual focus on trauma recovery and social justice ensures therapy is not only transformative but culturally resonant. Whether navigating problematic behaviors, betrayal, or identity struggles, Jeff equips clients with tools to cultivate self-trust, authentic connection, and liberation.
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Begin Your Journey
Jeff provides therapy for:
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Individuals and couples navigating sexual addiction or intimacy challenges
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LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse clients exploring identity or societal stigma
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Partners healing from betrayal trauma and rebuilding trust
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Communities seeking anti-oppressive, trauma-informed care
Key Highlights: CPTT certification, 15+ years in LGBTQ+ advocacy, anti-racist clinician, psychodynamic and sex therapy integration, Silberman School of Social Work alum.