Therapists for college students near 10003

Modern Psychotherapy with a Creative Edge

As a first or second generation BIPOC person, do you feel like you are stuck between family expectations, your own dreams, and your own needs? As someone who may be defined as “other” are you having to constantly code switch or suppress who you really are to move between different contexts? Do you feel like you are constantly over giving to the point of not having time or resources to yourself? All of this can easily make you feel depressed, anxious, drained in your relationships, and unfulfilled. My clients come to me in the states that I just described and after working with me report living a life that reflects their values on all levels, a more empowered ability to take up space in the world as a BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ person, and ability to ask for and receive more in their relationships. I take the time to get to know my clients and work in a way that empowers them to identify and dissolve old narratives that are keeping them stuck in unsatisfying relationships or situations through an approach that is both conversational and dives deep. If you resonate, I would love to hear from you for a free initial consultation call.

As a licensed mental health counselor based in New York state with more than two decades of experience, I am dedicated to fostering the health, harmony, vitality, and overall well-being of my patients. I specialize in mental health screening and psychotherapy for stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, attention difficulties, and concerns related to health, work, school, family dynamics, and caregiving. If you’re ready to take the next step on your healing journey, please reach out to schedule a consultation or to learn more about how we can work together to support your mental health and emotional wellness. Healing is best achieved in an environment customized to your goals and perspectives. My approach to your care takes this to heart, integrating evidence-based therapies to best suit your struggles that may include emotion-focused therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and family systems therapy. Together, we explore your unique challenges and create tangible improvements in your mental health and overall well-being. I earned a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Albany, State University of New York, and have been committed to providing compassionate, effective counseling since 2002. Throughout my career I have treated a diverse range of individuals, including children, adolescents, college students, working professionals, and seniors. I look forward to collaborating with you as well on your journey of self-discovery and healing. Outside the office, I enjoy a wide range of hobbies to relax, unwind, and keep myself centered, including reading, socializing, caring for animals, art, and music.

Do you struggle with building secure and respectful relationships, communicating confidently, or experiencing fulfilling intimacy? Is it challenging to identify, validate, or express your feelings and set boundaries to honor your needs? Maybe you feel burdened by anxiety or stuck in certain patterns that are not serving you in relationships or in working towards your goals. Together we’ll uncover insight on how your past experiences may be impacting your challenges in the present, reflect on your values and what gives you fulfillment, and use this knowledge to build new ways of moving forward and living your life how you want to. At the same time, we will explore different tools including ways of tuning into your body and developing emotional skills that you can use to manage stress, reduce anxiety, develop kinder self-talk, improve relationships and communication, and overall work towards creating a life full of meaning and enjoyment. I believe that each person is a mosaic of experiences, identities, and values and I will tailor our work to your unique needs and goals. My approach is engaged, collaborative, and not mysterious - I’ll share my observations with you, explain what I believe you may find helpful and why, and welcome your feedback on what is and is not working for you

I GREW UP IN THE IN-BETWEEN — moving back and forth between the US and China, I know first-hand what it is like to be faced with the unknown, the struggle of finding yourself in a new place, a new culture, a new stage of life, or a new identity. I FIND JOY in helping people find the pieces of themselves they can rely on and fall in love with through it all. My goal is to honor the beauty of your existence while teaching you the skills that can carry you through rougher times. The process of healing, learning who you are and what you need to care for yourself, is a challenging but rewarding one. IT TAKES COURAGE to confront and accept yourself completely, and I hope to provide a compassionate and safe space for you to explore, to grieve, to rage, or to find joy in everything that you've experienced. The fact that you have survived everything so far to be here now is more important than anything else. It is an honor for me to witness your courage and your strength. IT IS A PRIVILEGE to be a part of your journey. I admire you. You matter to me.

Growing up with learning disabilities, I had an experience that is all too familiar for the neurodivergent community. Often feeling misunderstood and out of place, I was faced with indifference, ignorance, neglect, gaslighting, shame, and the assumption that I could navigate a world that was not built for me without the support I so badly needed. Lonely, adrift, and struggling to find a sense of belonging, I was cast aside and left to fend for myself. After a series of negative experiences with mental health resources and support, my personal journey led me to a couples therapist in 2014. There, I embarked on a journey of transformation, and I was able to see the profound impact that the right therapy relationship could have on a person. It was then that I was introduced to Gestalt psychotherapy, which I immediately connected with. From there, I set forth on a new journey to study Gestalt psychotherapy at the Gestalt Associates for Psychotherapy, a post-graduate training program. Pursuing this path, I have continued to experience connectedness, belonging, compassion, the wonder of curiosity, and love itself. Arriving at this place of acceptance and understanding changed everything for me. Understanding that this positive experience is not the norm for members of the neurodivergent community, I decided to dedicate myself to providing that same transformation for others. With this mission, I founded Welcome Home Healing in 2023. Since then, I have had the pleasure of helping many clients embrace their own innate worth, gifts, individuality, and the freedom to shed their masks of shame and self doubt.

I am dedicated to providing a safe, empathetic space that encourages vulnerable expression. Together, we can unpack your history and develop a better understanding of your life, which sets the foundation for growth and transformation. Are you feeling lost, stuck, confused, unmotivated, or inhibited in some way? Do you have difficulty coping with stress, anxiety, or negative thoughts? Do you want to explore your past, inner world, and relationship patterns? You may want to change your life, but you're not sure how or what to change. Perhaps you feel like you're not living in alignment with who you really are, or that there's something blocking you from reaching your potential. You may have trouble managing your emotions, thoughts, or relationships. You may want a place to unpack your history and develop a better understanding of yourself. If you relate to any of the feelings above, I can help. When we begin work together, we are going on a journey to discover more about what you already know, and what may be hidden beneath the surface. My practice is a space to explore your whole self: thoughts, emotions, desires, past & present, love & hatred, happiness & pain... With this new awareness, you can begin to change.

Are you a creative person with high aspirations experiencing procrastination, perfectionism, and a hostile inner critic? Do you want to feel more free in your work or your relationships? Do you feel anxious or depressed and want to obsess less and laugh more? We will think together to figure out why you feel stuck, and how you will transform. We will collaborate to your unique strengths, using an eclectic approach. I am a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist in the state of New York and received my Master's Degree from New York University in drama therapy. I completed post-graduate psychotherapy training at the Institute for Developmental Transformations, where I also served as Associate Training Director for three years. I worked at the School of Visual Arts as a psychotherapist and for 9 years worked at Bellevue Hospital in the department of psychiatry. I utilize empirically supported and embodied creative approaches to psychotherapy including Attachment Focused EMDR (completed levels 1 -3). I believe we should all be free to love who we love, to identify in whatever way feels most natural to us, and I am honored to hold space for anyone who is questioning what is "right" for them. I am fortunate to have worked with individuals from many continents. I strive to be aware of the power and privilege I have in the therapy space. I invite dialogue and play for exploring issues of cultural identity, race, class, trauma and abuse of power. I am an out-of-network provider for Wellfleet-Cigna (SVA, NYU, Cooper Union, Sarah Lawrence, etc.) and submit the paperwork on client's behalf.

I'm most passionate about providing a space for individuals who feel stuck in painful patterns to develop a deeper understanding of themselves. I'm particularly drawn to working with people navigating personality-related concerns, OCD and anxiety disorders, and the effects of difficult early life experiences, as these challenges often carry significant shame and misunderstanding. Being able to support that process is both a privilege and the most rewarding part of my work. I also have extensive experience working with individuals experiencing depression, grief and loss, and difficulties related to self-esteem, identity and interpersonal relationships. I have experience treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) using exposure and response prevention (ERP), the gold-standard treatment for OCD, as well as inference-based cognitive behavioral therapy (I-CBT), an emerging evidence-based approach. I work collaboratively with patients to understand the unique ways OCD manifests in their lives, helping them reduce compulsions, challenge obsessive doubt and build confidence in their ability to tolerate uncertainty. I'm formally trained in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and have extensive experience working with individuals struggling with emotion dysregulation, interpersonal relationships and impulsive behaviors. Drawing from DBT's evidence-based framework, I help patients develop skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness, while balancing acceptance and meaningful change. My approach also integrates psychodynamic therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), allowing us to explore both the deeper roots of emotional difficulties and practical strategies for change. Together, we examine how past experiences, unconscious patterns and relationship dynamics may continue to influence present-day thoughts, emotions and behaviors. At the same time, I help patients develop concrete skills to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, improve coping, and create lasting behavioral change. This integrative approach can be particularly helpful for individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, personality-related concerns and difficulties with self-esteem or identity. Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, and I believe one of the most important aspects of the process is finding a therapist with whom you feel comfortable, understood and supported. My hope is that therapy becomes a space where you can show up authentically and feel empowered to explore both the challenges you're facing and the strengths you already possess. Whether you're navigating a difficult period, working through longstanding patterns, or seeking personal growth, I aim to meet you with curiosity and respect for your unique experiences. I also want patients to know that therapy is not about being "fixed." Rather, it is a collaborative process of gaining insight, building skills and creating meaningful change that aligns with your values and goals. My hope is that through our work together, you develop a deeper understanding of yourself and a stronger sense of connection to the life you want to live. Prior to becoming a therapist, I built my career in the corporate world, giving me firsthand insight into the challenges many professionals face. I understand the pressures of high-performance work environments and the difficulty of balancing demanding careers, relationships, family responsibilities and personal well-being. This experience helps me connect with patients navigating both professional and personal challenges.

College is hard enough already - you don't need to let past experiences make it even harder. If you can't stop thinking about certain memories, or people, or pain that you have suffered, you might be burdened by trauma. You might also feel unsafe in particular places, or even in your own body. Feeling this way on a day to day basis is exhausting. Know that you can heal from the discomfort that you are experiencing right now. We can work together to help you feel more at ease on a day-to-day basis. Then, when you're ready, we can dive a little deeper into understanding what happened to you. I look forward to walking alongside you on your journey of growth, healing, and self-love. Contact me through the link below for a free 30-minute phone consultation to see what it would be like to work with me or any other equally compassionate therapists at Clarity Therapy! https://claritytherapynyc.clientsecure.me/request/clinician/

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Healing and growth can be challenging, and you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re feeling the weight of past experiences or facing challenges in your relationship, we offer a warm, welcoming space where you can be honest about what you’re carrying and feel fully supported. We focus on what matters most—the moments that spark insight, the conversations that feel necessary but tough, and the steps that help you move forward. Together, we will process what has been difficult, nurture your connection with yourself, and deepen your bond with the people who matter most.

I work with a variety of people whose active, creative lives have been interrupted by depression, mania, anxiety, mourning, and trauma. Psychotherapy with me is a process of guided expression. Thoughts and feelings, dreams and fantasies, desires and fears are given voice – loud, clear, and without judgment. The experience of formulating authentic verbal and emotional expressions can be transformative in and of itself. Also, as patterns in your way of being become clear, you can begin to consider alternatives, find courage to change, and experience what is commonly known as freedom. I think mental health means developing a Full Self – a progressive version of you that can love hard and work hard, understand complex motivations, and experience feelings, including painful ones, without being overwhelmed. In this process, I draw from extensive, ongoing training in both psychodynamics and cognitive-behavioral work. My training began in 2005 at Bellevue’s Psychiatric Emergency Room and continued at renowned New York City hospitals and institutions. I’ve been in private practice in Brooklyn since 2011. Also, I was an adjunct professor in a clinical Ph.D. program for many years and supervised trainees at two college clinics and psychiatry residents at Mt. Sinai Hospital. My publications are in the areas of loneliness, personality disorders, and art.

My therapeutic work tends to resonate with people who have spent a long time thinking their way through distress and are ready for something that goes deeper. I tend to work well with people who are struggling with a persistent sense of loneliness or feeling misunderstood, and who need therapy to be able to hold complex layers of experience. Many are navigating a queer, trans, or neurodivergent experience that doesn't fit easily into any category, struggling with nuanced questions about relationships and sexuality, or bearing the weight of repeated traumas, anxiety, and depression.

As a queer Asian-American Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), I specialize in supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, as they navigate questions around gender, sexuality, relationship dynamics, and life transitions. I believe that every person deserves access to care and an environment where you can truly be heard. Together, we learn to lean into discomfort as we explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, with the goal of helping you feel more grounded, connected, and understood in your life and relationships. I prioritize culturally responsive, HAES-informed, anti-oppressive, and anti-racist care, so that you feel respected and empowered throughout our work. I am committed to creating a safe, affirming space where you can engage in authentic self-exploration and meaningful growth. My approach is trauma-informed and integrative, drawing from Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectal Behavior Therapy, existential therapy, and Mindfulness-informed somatic practices to support you in processing lived experiences and deepening emotional insight. Grounded in collaboration and compassion, this work centers on your unique values and personal story, while honoring autonomy and resilience. My work is informed by my identity as a lesbian and first-generation Japanese American. This perspective enables me to create an environment where people feel seen, understood, and supported, with care that is grounded in a deep respect for identity, culture, and lived experience. When I’m not helping patients, I stay balanced through a wide variety of hobbies, including reading, cooking and trying new restaurants, dancing, working out, crafting, traveling, and snowboarding.

As a Licensed Master Social Worker, I specialize in depression and anxiety, OCD, self-esteem, relationship issues, stress management, and life transitions for young adults and adults who want more than just a space to process difficult emotions. If you’re looking for practical tools, greater self-awareness, and the ability to navigate life's challenges with growing confidence and independence, then I am here for you. Therapy, to me, works best when it feels like a genuine partnership. I bring authenticity, curiosity, and respect to every session, and am committed to being a warm, honest presence as you work toward the life you want to create. Together, we'll explore the patterns that may be holding you back, develop skills that actually fit your life, and build the insight you need to keep moving forward. I don't believe therapy is about someone else having the answers for you. At its core, it's about creating space to slow down, get curious about yourself, and develop the tools needed to move through life with more confidence and intention. That belief shapes everything about how I work. You are the expert on your own life, and my role is to help you reconnect with your strengths, explore your experiences with openness, and gain a clearer understanding of the patterns that may be keeping you stuck. Rather than directing what you should do, I'll support you in discovering what feels right for you and help you build the confidence to trust yourself along the way. In practice, I draw on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and somatic interventions. Sessions are welcoming and nonjudgmental, a space where you can learn to respond to emotions more effectively and strengthen your ability to act in alignment with your values. My interest in becoming a therapist started early in life. After losing loved ones, I found myself wanting to be a source of support for my family during the hardest moments. As I grew older, that desire evolved into a deeper passion for understanding people and the human experience. Through studying psychology and social psychology, I became fascinated by the ways our thoughts, emotions, relationships, and environments shape how we move through the world. I carry this passion and curiosity with me now, offering a genuine investment in understanding who you are and what you need to move forward. When I'm not working, I love exploring my creative side through art, cooking, baking, and decorating. I'm also an avid runner and regularly race half-marathons. Both creativity and running have taught me a great deal about myself, from learning how to navigate challenges and adapt to setbacks to appreciating the value of patience, curiosity, and growth.

-Are you struggling with the transition to a more independent phase of life? -Are you overwhelmed by the transition to college and balancing everything on your own for the first time? -Do you feel like everyone else but you has somehow figured out “adulting”? -Are you getting into conflicts with your parents, feeling like they still view you as a child? Many young adults feel alone in these experiences, with the idea that everyone else seems to “have it all together.” Transitions such as graduating high school, starting college, starting your first job, experiencing your first relationship, and working towards being financially independent are all exciting moments in time, but they can also bring stress and uncertainty. College students might be thrown by how much harder academic life is than in high school, no longer having the structure and accountability provided by teachers or parents. Making friends in a new setting may also be harder than you expected, leading to feelings of failure. Especially since having a social life with peers can feel even more important when you’re far from home. Coming home from college for the summer or winter break, many people are thrown by the fact that their friends have grown and evolved in ways that may be different than them, making friendships feel different. If things aren’t working out as you expected, you may start to feel down or depressed, or a sense of isolation and loneliness. That’s where we enter in. We’d love to help you feel a little less alone in this phase of life and to start working through the challenges you’ve been dealing with. At Elevate CBT, we specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on addressing thinking and behavioral patterns that may be keeping you stuck and preventing you from having the life you want. It’s a very goal-driven kind of therapy, so your therapist will work with you to identify what is currently a struggle in your life, and what you want to work towards to have a more satisfying life. We have helped many young adults in therapy work towards finding their “people” and figuring out aspects of their identities, improving academic organization and decreasing procrastination, creating a more balanced relationship with alcohol or weed, and asserting independence from parents while still being respectful of the ways in which parental support may still be needed. We also specialize in working with young adults with anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, OCD, BFRBs (hair pulling and skin picking), trauma, and eating/body image concerns. Our goal is to create a comfortable environment for you to learn more about yourself, your emotions, and how to change behavior in the direction of your desired goals. Balancing self-compassion with pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone, we will work together to help you achieve the life you want.

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During college, it's not unusual to feel overwhelmed. Perhaps you want closer friendships. Maybe you get anxious when you talk to new people, or you feel lonely or down. Maybe you're falling back into a familiar depression or returning to high levels of anxiety you hoped wouldn't follow you to college. It can be hard to think about going to therapy when you don't even know what you'd say. If you feel badly about yourself or you feel hopeless, it might be hard to think anything will help. You are not alone. You don't have to have the answers. Listening compassionately, I will invite you to bring your experience into the room. Together, we can collaborate to better understand you and the challenges you're confronting. We may discover unmourned losses or unhealed wounds. We may identify recurring patterns of thoughts, feelings, and interactions that may not be serving you anymore. Experiencing a greater emotional range, you can begin to heal. After working in university counseling centers for over 15 years, I now see many undergraduate and graduate students in private practice. I enjoy working both with students who are new to psychotherapy as well as those who have been in therapy previously. Many students I work with are LGBTQIA+/ queer students.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.