About Dr. James D. SterlingDr. James D. Sterling is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. Dr. Sterling joined the hospital in 1982, serving initially as a Clinical Instructor, after spending five years as a Clinical Instructor at Metropolitan Hospital’s Department of Psychiatry.
Dr. James D. Sterling holds a Doctor of Philosophy in the field of psychology from the University of Chicago and Masters Degrees from both the University of Chicago and the Columbia University Business School. After serving internships at the Chicago-Read Mental Health Center, Dr. James D. Sterling obtained his Illinois state psychologist’s license in 1976.
Dr. James D. Sterling spends much of his week serving the New York City community with a private practice in psychology, as well as clinical education work at the Mt. Sinai Medical Center. In addition to these important endeavors, Dr. James D. Sterling recently endowed a program that benefited the fathers of students at the Chapin School for Girls. Below, Dr. James D. Sterling answers a few key questions about this important program.
Q: What is the Chapin School for Girls?
Dr. James D. Sterling: The Chapin School is a noted educational institution in Manhattan for girls in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Q: It has a few notable alumni, correct?
Dr. James D. Sterling: Yes. Among others, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, Jane Wyatt, and Sigourney Weaver attended the Chapin School.
Q: The program you endowed was targeted toward the fathers of Chapin School students. Why fathers?
Dr. James D. Sterling: The father-daughter relationship has been largely neglected in the literature about parenting until very recently is a vital one and the Chapin School realizes it.
Q: What was the program?
Dr. James D. Sterling: The program involved inviting notable experts in the field of child and adolescent psychology and psychotherapy to speak to the fathers of the girls and to answer questions from the fathers at the conclusion of their talks regarding with issues between fathers and daughters at the Chapin School.
Q: Can you explain more about your connection to the program?
Dr. James D. Sterling: I’m a family and couples therapist, so a lecture series dedicated to a parent-child relationship is along the lines of what I work with every day.
Q: You’ve done extensive work with couples and families. What do you feel is the most important part of the father-daughter relationship?
Dr. James D. Sterling: The most important aspect onthe father-daughter relationship s the daughter feels that her father not only loves her very much but also enjoys spending time with her. Open communication is always encouraged at the New York Center for Psychotherapy.
Q: And there’s a New York connection with the Chapin School, as well?
Dr. James D. Sterling: The New York Center for Psychotherapy makes an attempt to be a part of the New York community and support it any way we can.
Q: Does the New York Center for Psychotherapy work with the entire family or family members separately in counseling?
Dr. James D. Sterling: It depends on the situation. Often we meet with the parents and they try to resolve conflicts to open the channels of communication at home.
Q: And if that isn’t effective, then what?
Dr. James D. Sterling: We will then attempt to meet with the family either separately or as one unit, depending on the situation and the parents’ personal preference.
Dr. James D. Sterling heads the New York Center for Psychotherapy, which specializes in family and couples therapy. To make an appointment with Dr. James D. Sterling, call (212) 348-3925.