Group Psychology and Supervision — A Lesser-Known Side of Michael A. Civin, Ph.D.
How a Senior NYC Psychologist Extends His Impact Beyond One-on-One Clinical Work
When people think of psychology, they typically picture a private session between therapist and patient. But for Michael A. Civin, Ph.D., the scope of psychological practice has always extended well beyond that familiar image. His work in group psychology and supervision reflects a broader vision of mental health care — one that recognizes the importance of community, peer experience, and professional mentorship in the therapeutic process.
Group psychology operates on the principle that healing is not always an entirely solitary endeavor. When individuals work through psychological challenges in a group setting, they benefit not only from the guidance of a skilled clinician but also from the shared perspectives and lived experiences of other group members. Dr. Civin’s incorporation of group psychology into his practice speaks to his understanding of this dynamic — and to his flexibility as a clinician willing to meet patients where they are most likely to grow.
Supervision is another area in which Dr. Civin’s influence extends outward. Working in a supervisory capacity means guiding other mental health professionals in developing their clinical skills, case conceptualization, and therapeutic technique. It is a form of teaching in clinical dress — and it suits someone with Dr. Civin’s academic background particularly well. Having served as a faculty member, associate professor, and full professor at various institutions of higher learning, he brings genuine pedagogical instinct to his supervisory work.
This breadth of clinical and educational engagement is supported by a strong academic foundation. Dr. Civin earned his A.B. cum laude from Harvard University in 1968, completed studies at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and went on to earn graduate degrees from the University of Oregon and Adelphi University. His doctorate from Adelphi came in 1988, followed by a Postdoctoral Certificate in Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy in 1993.
He currently serves as a senior psychologist at Rose Hill Psychological Services in the Bronx, which he co-founded in 2008, and also maintains private practice locations across Manhattan, Astoria, and Bayville since 2007. Psychodiagnostics, adult psychology, and adolescent psychology round out his broader specialties.
The full scope of Michael A. Civin, Ph.D.’s professional contribution becomes clear only when all of these roles are seen together — clinician, supervisor, educator, and scholar, operating in service of better mental health care across New York City.