Psychologists - Durham, NY

"My wife and I had some ongoing marriage problems that did not involve infidelity, spousal abuse, or gambling, substance abuse, or finances. She was unhappy with our relationship and wanted a separation, and I suggested that we pursue marriage counseling before making that kind of decision. I found Ms. Finlayson name on the web. Ms. Finlayson is friendly but plain-spoken, and did manage to make some sound observations about me and my wife, as well our marriage issues. However, she also a doled out several sweeping conclusions about our marriage based on a very incomplete picture and grossly inadequate knowledge of the details. (As a physician, I know well that diagnoses require a thorough history, and in my opinion, Ms. Finlayson has conducted her job very irresponsibly in that respect). From these sweeping, ill-conceived conclusions about our marriage, my wife’s decision to separate from me became more fervent. My wife continued to see Ms. Finlayson on her own, and each time, I noticed increased resolution on my wife’s part to separate. Clearly, Ms. Finlayson was not an objective counselor, but instead, drew up conclusions of her own and advocated them to my wife. Also, as a marriage counselor, it is noteworthy that Ms. Finlayson does not approach marriage counseling with the intent to fix problems. It was quite clear to me, based on my assessment of her words as well as my wife’s increasing resoluteness after individual sessions with her, that she was on board with our separation from the get-go. This approach is particularly concerning because Ms. Finlayson knew we had a child together. I absolutely cannot recommend her as a marriage counselor. She is not only opinionated, but irresponsible as well. That is a terrible combination for someone with job that demands objectivity and trying to save marriages."