Join our community of aspiring therapists and embark on your journey towards becoming a successful Schema Therapy practitioner.
Travis Atkinson, a pioneering figure in the field of schema therapy, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with nearly 30 years of experience in therapy and couples therapy, and is the founder and director of the Schema Therapy Training Center of New York. He is the visionary founder of the Schema Therapy Training Center of New York and the Director and Creator of the Loving at Your Best Plan. With a deep passion for advancing the practice of schema therapy, Travis has played a pivotal role in shaping its development and dissemination worldwide. As one of the original founders and a founding member of the International Society of Schema Therapy (ISST), he has served on its executive board and as Media Coordinator from 2014 to 2020, being instrumental in establishing schema therapy as a recognized and respected therapeutic approach.
Travis Atkinson believes that understanding each couple’s unique story is crucial for effective therapy and conflict resolution.
Having collaborated closely with Jeffrey Young (also known as Jeff Young), the esteemed founder of schema therapy, Travis made significant contributions to the early stages and evolution of Schema Therapy for Couples. Recognizing the importance of providing standardized and comprehensive training, Travis worked alongside Jeffrey Young in creating and developing the first international training program in schema therapy. Their collaborative efforts laid the foundation for today’s structured and evidence-based training programs in schema therapy. Travis specializes in transforming complex emotional challenges into opportunities for deep connections.
Travis is a founding member of the New York Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy, the Schema Therapy Institute, and the Schema Therapy Training Center of New York (York Center). He has held leadership roles and contributed to organizational growth and strategic initiatives within these institutions. He holds dual graduate degrees in Clinical Social Work and Management from New York University (NYU), further establishing his academic foundation and authority in the field.
Driven by a commitment to excellence and a desire to empower therapists with the knowledge and skills of schema therapy, Travis established the Schema Therapy Training Center of New York. With a focus on providing high-quality training programs, the center serves as a hub for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding and practice of schema therapy training online toward certification. Under Travis’s leadership, the center has gained recognition as a premier institution for schema therapy training, attracting participants from around the world who seek to enhance their therapeutic effectiveness and positively impact their clients’ lives.
Travis Atkinson is a co-author of the latest schema mode therapy inventory (SMI) and has authored works on schema therapy for couples, including a chapter in the Handbook of Schema Therapy and contributions to Creative Methods in Schema Therapy, reflecting his broader role as an author and trainer at the Schema Therapy Training Center. His role as a co-author and contributor to these authoritative handbooks and resources further establishes his expertise and leadership in the field.
Attaining certification from the International Society of Schema Therapy in individual schema therapy and couples schema therapy can truly help therapists stand out in a field where premium care is valued.
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Who we are
Introduction to Clinical Social Work
Clinical social work is a cornerstone of mental health care, dedicated to supporting individuals, couples, and groups as they navigate life’s challenges and strive for greater well-being, and structured schema‑focused therapy training programs for certification help clinicians apply these principles with greater depth and effectiveness. As a Clinical Social Worker/Therapist, Travis Atkinson, LCSW, LICSW, brings a wealth of experience and extensive training to his practice at Loving at Your Best. Travis specializes in emotionally focused therapy, schema therapy, and Gottman method couples therapy, allowing him to address a wide range of relationship and emotional concerns. His approach is rooted in understanding each client’s unique story, providing a compassionate and supportive environment where healing and growth can flourish. Whether working with couples seeking to rebuild their connection or individuals looking to overcome personal obstacles, Travis’s clinical social work practice is dedicated to helping clients achieve meaningful, lasting change in their relationships and lives.
Premier Schema Therapy Training, Elevating Standards in Mental Health Education
Empowering Therapists Through Comprehensive, ISST-Approved Schema Therapy Instruction: Learn from the Masters, including Founding Members and Past and Present Presidents of ISST.
Online Courses
Learn at your own pace with our weekly modules, allowing you to practice and absorb each topic between trainings rather than being overwhelmed by a concentrated multi-day trainings, an approach that mirrors our flexible individual schema therapy training program. Travis Atkinson has trained couples therapists nationally and internationally for over 15 years, sharing his expertise at renowned institutions such as the New England Educational Institute and England Educational Institute in Cape Cod, where he has conducted professional development and advanced certification programs for couples and individual therapy professionals.
Upgrade Personal Skill
Elevate your therapy skills with our specific Schema Therapy trainings tailored for individual or couples counseling, including our Schema Therapy for Couples Certification Course. Our programs incorporate creative methods in schema therapy and emotionally focused couples therapy training to help you achieve the best outcomes for your clients. Travis Atkinson is a certified group psychotherapist, bringing advanced training and specialized credentials in group psychotherapy, schema therapy, emotionally focused therapy, and the Gottman Method to every training.
Certifications
Complete our carefully designed trainings to fulfill all coursework requirements for the Individual or Couples Certification in Schema Therapy by ISST. The program offers opportunities for advanced certifications, supporting your professional growth and credibility, and aligns with top couples therapy training programs that enhance counseling skills. The training is suitable for couples therapists and those specializing in marriage and couples therapy. Travis Atkinson has trained couples therapists nationally, ensuring the program meets the needs of professionals across the country.
Our Approach
At Loving at Your Best, our approach to couples therapy is rooted in creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where partners can rediscover connection and strengthen their relationship. We specialize in emotionally focused therapy (EFT) and schema therapy—two evidence-based approaches that empower couples to break free from negative patterns and foster deeper emotional bonds. Our founder, Travis Atkinson, is a certified emotionally focused couples therapist and supervisor, as well as a certified schema therapist, with extensive training in the Gottman Method couples therapy. In our work, we view couples as healing partners, emphasizing the collaborative effort between both individuals to foster emotional healing and relationship growth throughout the therapeutic process. This integrated approach allows us to tailor each session to the unique needs of your relationship, ensuring that your journey toward healing and growth is both effective and meaningful. At Loving at Your Best, we believe that every couple’s story is unique, and we are committed to helping you and your partner find the best plan for lasting love and connection.
Personal Philosophy and Approach
Travis Atkinson’s personal philosophy centers on the belief that every person and couple brings a unique story to therapy—one that deserves to be heard, understood, and honored. He is committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly. Drawing on his extensive training in schema therapy, emotionally focused couples therapy, and Gottman method couples therapy, Travis helps clients identify and break free from negative patterns that may be holding them back. By focusing on understanding each client’s individual journey, Travis empowers clients to develop deeper self-awareness and more fulfilling relationships. His approach is collaborative and tailored, ensuring that therapy is always aligned with the client’s needs and goals, and that every step forward is meaningful and sustainable.
Specialized Programs
We offer a variety of specialized programs designed to help couples and individuals build stronger, more loving relationships. Our schema group therapy provides a cost-effective, supportive environment where participants can explore challenges and develop healthier coping strategies. For couples seeking a more personalized experience, our couples therapy sessions are tailored to help partners deepen their connection and resolve conflicts. We also offer men’s group therapy, creating a safe space for men to address relationship challenges and strengthen their emotional skills. Our Wednesday co-ed group therapy brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds to support one another in building healthier relationships. Each program is flexible and adaptable, ensuring that your unique needs are met as you work toward greater connection and well-being.
Loving at Your Best Program
The Loving at Your Best Program, developed by Travis Atkinson, is a comprehensive and integrative therapy program designed to help individuals and couples achieve their relationship and personal goals. By combining emotionally focused therapy, schema therapy, and Gottman method couples therapy, the program offers a holistic approach to healing and growth. Each client receives a personalized plan that addresses their specific needs, whether they are seeking individual therapy, couples therapy, or group support. Through the Loving at Your Best Program, clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships, learn effective communication strategies, and build stronger, more loving connections with their partners. Travis’s commitment to evidence-based care ensures that every client receives the highest standard of therapy, tailored to foster lasting change and emotional well-being.
Areas of Expertise
Our team brings extensive expertise in a range of therapeutic approaches to help you achieve your relationship goals. We are highly trained in emotionally focused therapy (EFT), which helps couples create secure, lasting bonds. Our schema therapy services guide individuals and couples in understanding and transforming deep-seated patterns that may be impacting their relationships. With advanced training in Gottman Method couples therapy, we help partners build trust, intimacy, and effective communication. We are proud to serve couples from diverse backgrounds, including gay and lesbian couples, and understand the unique challenges that can arise in these relationships. Whether you are seeking couples therapy, relationship counseling, or support for specific patterns, our team is dedicated to helping you build a stronger, more fulfilling connection.
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Approach
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) is at the heart of Travis Atkinson’s approach to helping couples transform their relationships. As a certified emotionally focused couples therapist with extensive training, Travis guides partners through a process of identifying and reshaping the emotional patterns that drive disconnection and conflict. EFT creates a safe, supportive environment where couples can explore their feelings, understand each other’s needs, and develop a more secure, loving bond. Travis’s expertise in emotionally focused couples therapy enables him to help clients break free from negative cycles and build a foundation of trust, empathy, and connection. By focusing on the unique dynamics of each relationship, Travis empowers couples to achieve greater understanding and a more fulfilling partnership.
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
The Gottman Method is a research-based approach to couples therapy that Travis Atkinson expertly integrates into his practice. As a certified Gottman method couples therapist with extensive training, Travis uses proven strategies to help couples strengthen their relationships, improve communication, and resolve conflicts effectively. The Gottman Method emphasizes building a positive relationship environment, fostering trust and intimacy, and deepening understanding between partners. Travis’s application of the Gottman Method is tailored to each couple’s unique needs, ensuring that therapy is both practical and transformative. With his guidance, couples learn to navigate challenges, repair trust, and create a loving, supportive connection that endures. Whether addressing long-standing issues or seeking to enhance an already strong relationship, Travis’s expertise in the Gottman Method offers clients a clear path to lasting love and partnership.
ISST-Approved: Pathways to Individual and Couples Certification
An Alliance Rooted in Excellence: The Schema Therapy Training Center of New York proudly collaborates with the International Society of Schema Therapy. Travis Atkinson, a Certified Gottman Method Couples Therapist, Certified Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist, and Advanced Certified Schema Therapist, leads our program. As a certified gottman method couples therapist, Travis brings expertise as one of the certified gottman method couples in NYC, and our program includes training in emotionally focused couples therapy. Travis integrates multiple therapeutic approaches to tailor therapy to each couple’s unique story. Join us in pioneering advanced therapeutic practices.
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You can also read our latest blogs, including what makes a top-pick for therapy training programs in 2025.
What to Expect
When you choose Loving at Your Best, you can expect a warm, welcoming environment where your relationship is our top priority. We begin with a comprehensive assessment to identify your strengths and areas for growth, then develop a personalized plan tailored to your unique needs. Throughout your therapy journey, you’ll receive ongoing support and expert guidance as you work through challenges and build a more loving, connected partnership. Our therapists are committed to providing a safe space where you can openly share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns, knowing that your journey toward a stronger relationship is supported every step of the way.
Individually we achieve progress, collectively we revolutionize Schema Therapy.
Join our collaborative community at the Schema Therapy Training Center of New York and be part of the transformation in mental health care by engaging with top schema therapy certification programs that set the standard for professional excellence. Research plays a crucial role in advancing schema therapy and couples therapy practices, ensuring that our approaches are grounded in the latest scientific findings. Effective communication is essential for resolving conflicts in relationships, and Travis Atkinson’s therapy integrates multiple approaches to help couples improve their communication skills.
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Meet our Trainers
Premiere Training from Founders of ISST
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Travis Atkinson
STTC Founder & Trainer; Honorary Lifetime Member of the International Society of Schema Therapy (ISST). Travis Atkinson has six years of leadership experience in professional organizations related to schema therapy. He has nearly 30 years of experience working with gay couples and is recognized for developing the ‘5-Step Plan’ for couples.
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Jeff Conway
Former ISST President + Prior Trainer at STTC
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Poul Perris
1st ISST President + Prior Trainer at STTC
Insurance and Payment
We strive to make therapy accessible and convenient for all our clients. Loving at Your Best accepts a wide range of payment options, including ACH bank transfer, American Express, cash, check, Discover, Health Savings Account (HSA), Mastercard, Paypal, Venmo, Visa, and wire transfer. We also offer a sliding scale fee structure to help make our services more affordable. Many clients use out-of-network insurance benefits to access our premium therapy services. If you have questions about insurance or payment options, our therapists are here to help you navigate the process and find the best solution for your needs, and you can also review our schema therapy training tuition options to plan your professional development investments. Please contact us to learn more or to schedule a consultation.
Embark on Your Path to ISST Certification – Apply Now
Experience Cutting-Edge Learning: Engaging, Relevant, and Highly Effective Online Training Techniques. Travis Atkinson offers secure and effective online therapy sessions for clients in NY, NYC, and other states where he is licensed, through a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. Clients can access therapy remotely on their favorite device. Therapy topics include issues related to sex and intimacy, as well as relationship and communication challenges. The cost of therapy sessions with Travis Atkinson ranges from $100 to $350 per session, and insurance reimbursement is available for many carriers, depending on the specific policy.
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