NYT: ‘He Needs His Pretty Little Face Bashed In,’ a Therapist Tells an Undercover F.B.I. Agent

From the New York Times:

The New Jersey psychotherapist wanted revenge, and, as luck would have it, one of her patients had revealed in his therapy sessions that he was a former member of an organized criminal gang, according to a criminal complaint unsealed on Monday.

And that’s how the therapist, Diane Sylvia, ended up giving orders to an F.B.I. agent posing as a hit man to beat up someone who was blackmailing her, according to the complaint.

“He needs his pretty little face bashed in, that’s what I really want.”

“A broken arm would help, too.”

“Something so he can’t do push-ups, so he can’t work out.”

A licensed social worker who counsels individuals, couples and children in her office in Linwood, N.J., Ms. Sylvia, 58, was charged on Monday in federal court in Camden with one count of solicitation to commit a crime of violence. She was released on $50,000 bail. If convicted, she faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

From her page on Psychology Today:

Diane Sylvia, MSW,LCSW

As seen on a Sussex Directories Inc site

A little about my practice: I work with Individuals, Couples,Families and the Children involved in these relationships. My approach is that of the Family Systems Model. All relationships and states of mental health are affected by factors both present and past, including the environment in which we were raised. By strengthening our sense of self, we can restore functioning and create a life of positive satisfaction. Our words and thoughts are powerful and help create the life we desire. The most important component of therapy is the relationship between the client and therapist and the client’s willingness to make the decision to change.
I help people cope with every day stress, and most mental health conditions.Creating safe, supportive relationships is often the key to health. I also treat those with addictions (including Gambling) and their family members. Change is achieved by using a positive approach focused on setting and achieving personal goals.
PLEASE NOTE: I value your time. I request that you value mine. I have a limited number of appts per week. When booking your appt, you will be asked to provide your Credit Card Number. If the appointment is not held for any reason, the $125.00 fee will be charged to your card.
Call or Email Diane Sylvia, MSW,LCSW for a free phone consultation now – (609) 949-5127
Qualifications
Years in Practice: 23 Years
School: Rutgers Graduate School of Social Work
Year Graduated: 1993
License No. and State: 44SC04609500 New Jersey
Finances
Avg Cost (per session): $120 – $150
Accepts Insurance: Yes
Accepted Payment Methods: Cash, Check
Accepted Insurance Plans
Medicare
Out of Network
Verify your health insurance coverage when you arrange your first visit.
Additional Credentials
Certificate: National Association of Forensic Counselors / CDVC
Certificate Date: 2005
Membership: ICISF / Critical Incident Stress Mgt
Member Since: 2002

About Luke Ford

I've written five books (see Amazon.com). My work has been covered in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and on 60 Minutes. I teach Alexander Technique in Beverly Hills (Alexander90210.com).
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