Meet the Team

Ezra Cowan, PsyD

Clinical Director

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Ezra Cowan is a licensed clinical psychologist and the founder/clinical director of the Center for OCD and Misophonia. He specializes in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders, anxiety, perfectionism, tinnitus, and is recognized globally as a leading expert in the treatment of misophonia. Dr. Cowan frequently supervises, trains, and lectures in his areas of expertise, sharing his knowledge and innovative approaches with clinicians and professionals worldwide.

Known for his informed, compassionate, and grounded therapeutic style, Dr. Cowan adopts a warm, non-judgmental approach to treatment, fostering an environment where clients feel understood and supported. He views all individuals as making sense within the context of their experiences, understanding symptoms as natural responses to being human. This perspective allows him to approach each client with authenticity and empathy.

Dr. Cowan’s therapeutic approach is integrative and tailored to the individual. He incorporates evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) to create focused, personalized interventions. For example, when treating OCD, he employs Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold standard for OCD treatment, but goes beyond symptom reduction. He addresses the deeper emotional pain and underlying wounds that often drive the disorder, promoting long-term healing and resilience.

As a pioneer in the treatment of misophonia, Dr. Cowan developed a therapeutic approach called EASE, which was published in the Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders. While innovative and unique, EASE is grounded in evidence-based principles and offers a clear, effective intervention for this complex and debilitating condition. Dr. Cowan is widely praised for his ability to explain intricate symptoms, such as those associated with misophonia, in simple, accessible terms, empowering clients and clinicians alike.

Dr. Cowan is deeply committed to disseminating his therapeutic approaches to reach those who need them most. He firmly believes that even the most challenging symptoms can be addressed, offering hope and healing to individuals and families. His mission is to help others overcome difficult conditions and live fuller, more meaningful lives.

Eliyahu Serkez, LMHC

Staff Clinician

Eliyahu Serkez is a licensed psychotherapist specializing in the treatment of anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and misophonia-related disorders. As a dedicated clinician, Eliyahu has committed his career to helping individuals navigate the challenges these conditions present, deeply understanding their significant impact on daily life.

Eliyahu has extensive training and experience in utilizing empirically supported treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Exposure-based Protocols (ERP). Through these approaches, he empowers clients to overcome obstacles, build resilience, and reclaim their lives.

Daphna Ziffer, LP-MHC

Staff Clinician

Daphna is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LP-MHC) dedicated to helping each client achieve their personal goals and better understand their unique challenges. She earned her Master’s degree from Baruch College’s Weissman School of Arts and Sciences, where she developed a strong foundation in evidence-based therapeutic practices and psychodynamic therapy.

Daphna specializes in treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and misophonia. She incorporates a range of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), customizing her methods to suit each client’s individual needs. Her work is guided by a person-centered approach, emphasizing empathy, respect, and collaboration.