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Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC

Marriage & Family Therapist

Moshe Ratson is the Executive Director of spiral2grow Marriage & Family Therapy, a coaching and therapy clinic in New York City. Moshe works with individuals, couples, and families as well as business executives and organizations to help them emerge stronger and more adaptable while liberating them from their internal and external constraints. His counseling approach focuses on improving a client’s strengths rather than pathology and offers practical and solution-focused intervention strategies.

Education

  • Iona College, MS MFT, Marriage and Family Therapy
  • MBA, Baruch College
  • Fashion Institute of Technology, BS, Marketing and International Trade

Professional Achievements

  • Contributor for Psychology Today
  • Published “Anger Is Your Compass: Harness the Wisdom of Anger and Transform Your Life” in 2023
  • Listed as one of the Best Marriage Therapists in New York

Certifications & Organizations

  • International Coach Federation Accredited Professional Certified Coach (PCC)
  • Clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
  • Member of the International Coach Federation (ICF)

Philosophy

Moshe operates from the belief that people have the ability to change and that they can reach their potential given the right conditions, which involves people creating the right conditions for themselves.

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Forum Comments (4)

Help, I have a crush on my best friend!
Having a crush on your best friend is both exciting and nerve-wracking—you deeply value this person, and the fear of losing the friendship is real. First, recognize that your feelings are valid, and it’s okay to have them. The key is to navigate this in a way that honors your emotions while also respecting the friendship. Ask yourself: Do I need to express my feelings, or am I content just enjoying our connection as it is? If the desire for something more is strong, consider whether there are signs she might feel the same way.

The risk, of course, is that she may not share your feelings, and that could shift the dynamic between you. But if handled with honesty, care, and respect, it can also deepen trust, whether it leads to romance or strengthens your bond in a different way. If you decide to share your feelings, do so in a way that leaves space for both of you to respond openly, without pressure. The worst-case scenario is temporary awkwardness or a change in the friendship, but the best case? You gain clarity, deeper emotional honesty, and perhaps even a new chapter together. Either way, you’re choosing courage over regret, and that’s something to be proud of.
Should I cut someone toxic out of my life?
Yes, this is a difficult dilemma. Letting go of someone, even when they’re toxic, isn’t easy. It’s not just about the bad times; it’s about the history, the good memories, and the uncertainty of what comes next. But ask yourself: does this relationship bring you peace, or does it drain you? If nothing changed, would you be happy staying in it five years from now? Walking away doesn’t have to mean an immediate, drastic cutoff—it can start with small steps, like creating distance and protecting your energy.
Fear of regret is natural, but don’t mistake comfort for safety. The discomfort of change is temporary; the harm of staying is cumulative. Trust yourself. You don’t need permission to choose peace, and you don’t have to apologize for prioritizing your well-being. Whatever decision you make, know that you’re strong enough to handle it—and your future self will thank you.
What are the secrets to make a long distance relationship work?
We are lucky to have the technology today that allows us to stay close in a long distance relationship. To continue to foster intimacy in a long-distance relationship, regularly check in over Zoom or WhatsApp to update each other on what's going on in your life.

Basically, think about how can you use technology to maintain your connection and understand each other's needs. If you can meet from time to time physically, that would also be great. But each person needs to understand what they need to do to overcome distance and simply have a healthy communication, and to express those needs to one another while maintaining healthy dynamics and positivity.
Is flirting considered cheating? Give me your hot takes.
To me, cheating is betrayal, however that's defined in the relationship. A betrayal is when both parties have a clear understanding of what needs to be done and one of the parties acts against that. So, if a person says one thing and promises one thing and then doesn't do that, that sounds like some level of betrayal.

Co-authored Articles (183)

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Flirt with a Guy over Text Long Distance

Crushing on a guy who lives far away has its challenges, but flirting isn't one of them! Texting is a great way to get your on, but where do you start? Don't worry, we'll walk you through a range of possibilities, start...

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Convince Your Parents to Let You Have Snapchat

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Signs He’s Abusive—22 Warning Signs Your Boyfriend May Have Anger Issues

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Why Do I Cut People Off? 8 Potential Reasons & Benefits

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How to Tell if a Married Man is Using You: 16 Red Flags

Every sign that the married man you’re dating might actually be taking advantage of you Dating a married man can feel exciting and intense, but how can you tell when he’s serious and when he’s just using you? Lucki...

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React if a Guy Tries to Make You Jealous

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120 Funny & Sentimental 50th Birthday Messages

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Can My Boyfriend Tell if I Slept with Someone Else?

If you cheated on your boyfriend, you may be feeling a lot of anxiety, confusion, and fear of being caught, regardless of the reasons you cheated.. 7 August 2019. We’re not here to judge you, but to give you all the in...

How to Make Guy Friends

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13 Reasons Why Married Men Cheat

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Get a Pisces Woman to Chase You

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