My name is Dr. Beverly S. Adler and I am a licensed clinical psychologist with a specialty treating patients with diabetes. Known as “Dr. Bev” to my patients, I see children, adolescents, adults, and seniors in my private practice in Baldwin, New York.  In addition to discussing issues of diabetes management, therapy focuses on processing feelings of denial, depression, anger, guilt, stress and anxiety regarding adjustment to this chronic illness. Utilizing a cognitive-behavioral orientation, I provide individual, family, and/or group therapy sessions.

 

I am a member of the American Psychological Association, as well as a professional member of the American Diabetes Association.  

I am also a member of the Lions Club International Foundation, an organization that works to prevent blindness (including diabetic retinopathy).  I am the secretary of our local chapter of the Baldwin Lions.  I was also recently elected to the Board of Directors of the Lions Clubs’ Diabetes Education Center (in Nassau County, Long Island, NY).     

Professionally, I have presented a paper entitled “Individual Psychotherapy Approach for the Treatment of the Diabetic Patient and the Role of Family Support” at the 13th Annual Marriage and Family Therapy Conference, in April 2001.   

I’ve also made numerous presentations to various diabetes support groups for adults with Type 1 diabetes, adults with Type 2 diabetes, as well as to a support group for parents who have children with diabetes.  

My topics have included:   “Changing Stinkin’ Thinkin’ to Smart Thinking: Learning How to Improve Coping with Diabetes using Cognitive Therapy Strategies”, "Coping with Stress and Diabetes",  and  "Taking Control of Your Diabetes Before it Controls You." My teen topics have included: “Helping Your Diabetic Child or Teen Cope with Teasing and Bullies” and "Safely Shifting Diabetes Responsibilities to Your Child." 

Most recently, I was the invited guest speaker to present the Keynote Address to The Long Island Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at their one day seminar “Living with Diabetes -  Dealing with the Day-to-Day Issues” on November 18, 2006.  My presentation was entitled:  "‘Psycho-Glycemia’ – When Your Blood Sugar Goes Crazy.”

 

I, the self-proclaimed “Diabetes Diva”, love what I do and feel that I am uniquely qualified to treat diabetic patients, as I am also a “practicing diabetic” myself. I have been a Type 1 diabetic for the past 32 years. I feel that I am a good role model for my patients, as well as, someone with a lot of empathy for the daily coping that people with diabetes must face. I am able to successfully treat patients with diabetes with an understanding that comes from my own first-hand experience. My own personal philosophy is to take control of my diabetes and not let diabetes control my life. My focus strongly endorses empowering the lives of people with diabetes. 

 

 Lastly, it is with great pride, that I can announce that I am the 2007 winner of the LillyforLife Achievement Award, in the category of “Professional Hero”, presented by the Eli Lilly and Company pharmaceutical company.  The award reads: "In recognition of outstanding contribution to the diabetes community."  In addition to the engraved trophy, I will receive a cash award  which I will donate to the Baldwin Lions Club for their involvement with Diabetes Awareness, among other worthwhile causes related to sight conservation.