Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Merrick, NY

If you are experiencing anxiety or depression and want professional help, feel free to call me to talk about what you would like to accomplish. I offer brief, solution-focused treatment in a comfortable, confidential setting. My underlying therapy approach is Internal Family Systems. Cognitive and behavioral approaches are also utilized, depending on what best meets your needs. I believe therapy can be short-term and can successfully resolve issues, if the therapist is tuned in and focused on how you want to change, deal with your fears and your unique personal self.

Like many other parents, I’m sure you are prepared for a lot of things when it comes to your child. Scraped knees, fevers, colds, maybe even a broken bone. All things that are stressful, but also things that you know how to handle. But now you’re faced with something that’s different. Something that feels scarier, more unfamiliar. Your child is struggling, they’re in pain. However, this pain is an emotional one and can’t be fixed by a band aid or a quick trip to the doctor. No one talked to you about this and now you don’t know what to do.

I am a psychotherapist who is passionate about helping others navigate the pressures and stressors of life. The world we live in can feel overwhelming, demanding and overly competitive. Our culture can be harmful when it comes to ideas about happiness, success and beauty ideals. My past work experience in the fashion industry and prior to that, being a Division 1 athlete, give me a unique insight into common societal pressures we face and the need to manage our mental health as a result. My goal as a therapist is to help heal and empower individuals to manage the pressures of life and find their own version of happiness.

I am a social worker and enjoy working with individuals, families, couples and children. I understand the many dynamic and complex issues that arise throughout our lives and am here to help you navigate through those challenges. I believe through a strong therapeutic relationship growth and transformation are possible.

I have been working in the mental health field for the past 15 years. I have experience working with children, adolescents, parents, families, couples and adults.

I believe the most important relationship you can have is the one with yourself. The relationship you have with yourself is the foundation in which everything else relies on. How you view yourself and your capabilities impacts how you show up in the world and how you navigate interpersonal relationships. My goal as a therapist is to help you feel safe, heard and comfortable to unpack the weight that you’ve been carrying. We will explore and develop different coping skills to best help you manage your emotions, feelings of anxiety, depression and everything in between.

My ideal client is trying to understand not only the root causes that created a less than optimal life functioning emotionally, socially, occupationally, academically, or intrafamilially, but the actual cognitive behavioral steps to remedy the problem. I believe most problems we encounter in our everyday lives can be improved upon and transformed into a life we have chosen.

As a mental health counselor, I am committed to creating a safe, empathetic, and supportive space for my clients. I believe that there is not a “one size fits all” approach to therapy; therefore, I utilize an eclectic approach to best address each client’s unique needs and goals. I enjoy sharing my knowledge of psychology with my clients and aim to help them gain insight into their emotions, learn healthy coping skills, develop tools to achieve their personal goals, and improve their self-esteem. My goal is to empower my clients throughout their journey in pursuing positive mental health.

With over ten years experience in mental health and educational settings, I am skilled at engaging clients with a wide variety of backgrounds and goals. By building a strong therapeutic relationship, clients share their life stories in an open, non-judgmental, and supportive space. Together, we triage issues that may come up and explore relationships, patterns, and blind spots that get in the way. Throughout this journey we focus on solutions and discover opportunities to get you closer to the life you have always imagined. I take pride in helping my clients cultivate skills to achieve their goals on their path to wellness.

Therapy is about exploring, experimenting, discovering, and being vulnerable. In our therapy together you will learn to increase self-compassion and mindfulness, and your ability to sit with uncertainty and bear witness to uncomfortable feelings and body sensations. You will gain awareness of the role negative core beliefs and thoughts have upon mood and learn how to challenge those negative thought patterns. You will learn to set appropriate boundaries by asserting feelings, recognizing wants and needs, and identifying the role shame and guilt might play in causing unhealthy, harmful, stale, and inauthentic behaviors.

People come into therapy for multiple reasons. It could be an issue with coping when something bad happens or feeling anxious or depressed or having interpersonal difficulties. I understand how painful emotional problems can be, and how they can interfere with everyday life. I believe in understanding what’s going on in the present and then building skills to deal with the future. Coping and overcoming pain and building skills are the best ways to actualize this future you. I am a full professor in the clinical psychology doctoral program at Hofstra. I am trained in CBT and have been able to help people with treatments that work.

In my 25 years of practice I have worked with, and helped, hundreds of people from different social and economic backgrounds. The commonality I have found in working with all of these people is that they come into therapy with the strong desire to talk and connect with someone who is accepting and not judgmental of them. I provide this atmosphere with the people who come in to see me, as well as provide them with competent therapeutic guidance.

Every person has a story to tell and I am ready to hear yours. As a therapist, my goal is to provide a safe environment for you to discover more about yourself, through identification and clarification of your emotions, thoughts and behaviors. By forming a relationship based on trust and compassion, we can address any obstacles preventing you from achieving your full potential. Implementing effective coping skills and adaptive thought patterns will provide you with comfort from potential challenges and the confidence to be the leader of your own story. Together, we can navigate and cultivate your life’s journey to self-fulfillment.

Perhaps you are new to the therapeutic experience, or may just wish to advance your best self. Or, as many people may be feeling in this modern world, that even under optimal circumstances, life can seem quite challenging and stressful. For through this process of self discovery, and the processing of troubling or complex emotions, you may actually find that you create an opportunity for healing and develop a feeling of autonomy. I believe the therapeutic environment should be one that feels safe and secure, and provides all the compassion, understanding and professional guidance needed for one to travel successfully on this road.

Anxiety, insecurity, anger and depression get in the way of success and even more than that - they get in the way of you being happy with yourself and your life. Freeing yourself of these issues gives you the opportunity to experience life in a new way that improves your life, relationships, and your performance at work/school. Therapy can help you with these issues and you can begin to enjoy life again.

As an English and Spanish speaking therapist, currently my private practice focus is working with Spanish-speaking clients and families applying for immigration and who need an evaluation for a Waiver, VAWA, asylum, U-Visa, or cancellation of deportation cases. I have a warm and empathic nature and create a setting where you can be yourself and be vulnerable. As someone who has experienced the challenges of immigration in my family, I understand the importance and gravity of the situation.

Finding the right therapist can be challenging. If you are tired of struggling with feelings of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem or feel unfulfilled in your relationships, allow me to help you manage these difficulties. My goal in our work together is to help you reach your potential and build lasting solutions. I am a Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work who provides psychotherapy to teenagers, adults, and couples. I have professional experience working in an outpatient substance abuse agency, a mental health clinic, and the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District.

If you’re reading this, know you’re not alone. One in five Americans are diagnosed with a mental health condition every year, and one out of six teenagers struggle currently with depression. You’re probably looking for compassionate and effective therapy either for yourself or your child. Well, you’re in luck. At InsightDBT, we provide cutting edge, compassionate, and effective Dialectical Behavior Therapy to teens, adults, and their families.

I am energetic,motivated and goal-oriented working with populations of all ages.I specialize in child/family therapy, family conflict, all types of relationship issues, couples therapy, women's issues and life management.I utilizie an eclectic therapeutic approach to assist you in achieving maximum results.