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Counseling in Long Island
Garden City Therapy
I am a NYS Licensed Master Social Worker and a graduate of Hunter College.
As a therapist I aim to offer a supportive, compassionate and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their thoughts, emotions and behaviors. My approach acknowledges and seeks to synthesize various perspectives on human experiences. Aspects of perception may be explored, including patterns, narratives, memories and triggers. Identifying one’s thoughts can be a powerful step in understanding them as a source and product of our emotions. I invite clients to express, challenge and reframe their distressing thoughts.
I find it important to remain focused on enhancing a person’s innate ability to claim expertise on their own life and clearly identify their desires, needs and motivations. Establishing boundaries, learning to say no and caring less what others think are challenges that may be addressed when seeking increased comfort and stability in social interactions. I have experience working with various anxiety issues including social anxiety, health anxiety, panic symptoms, anticipatory distress and adjustment periods.
My interests include cultural fluency, humor, relaxation skills and nurturing compassion and empathy toward the authentic self.
Areas of Focus:
• Anxiety and Depression
• Relationship/separation issues
• Obsessions
• Grief
• Trauma
• Emotional dysregulation and Anger
• Life adjustments and identity issues
• Employment challenges
• Lack of direction/motivation
I am a Licensed Master of Social Work in both the State of New York, as well as Virginia. I have received my Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work degrees from Adelphi University.
I prioritize and value the importance of building a safe and trusting therapeutic alliance with each of my clients, and do so, by encouraging a collaborative approach. I am dedicated in helping my clients develop the necessary tools needed to challenge unhealthy expectations and beliefs and to better understand themselves, including their personal goals, needs and wants. I utilize a variety
of evidence-based approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and strength-based approach. Together, these approaches help individuals better understand the ‘why’ behind their behaviors, responses, and emotions and help them to feel empowered to make the healthy and positives changes needed to heal.
I aim to meet each of my clients where they are, while guiding and supporting them through their own unique and individualized healing process. I recognize the vulnerability and courage it takes to begin this journey and want to help each of my clients become the best version of themselves and to recognize and appreciate their own unique strengths.
Areas of focus:
• Relationship stressors (interpersonal, romantic, family)
• Life adjustments and transitions
• Anxiety
• Depression
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker in the State of New York. I have received my
degree in social work from Binghamton University in Binghamton, New York . In my experience, I have had the pleasure of working with adults who battle
depression, anxiety, trauma, family conflict, ADHD, grief, and mood disorders.
Providing clients a safe, non-judgmental space in which they can process and heal is my passion. I recognize the importance of acknowledging the past and finding ways to feel more alive in the present. I don’t have all of the answers, but I will work with you to challenge your beliefs about yourself and your current situation. Together we can set goals and improve your circumstances.
My counseling style is relaxed, realistic and client centered which I believe is so important when processing difficult emotions and/or traumas. I combine different approaches such as strengths based therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy and motivational interviewing.
I aim to help you develop healthy productive coping strategies, and allow you to take control of your life. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said to “try and leave the world a little better than you found it.” This is my goal with every client I have the pleasure of serving. Give me a try, I’m already so happy to meet you.
Areas of focus:
• Trauma and PTSD
• Relationship and family issues
• Anxiety and stress
• Depression
• Grief
• Life transitions and self-esteem
• Women's issues
I am a Licensed Social Worker in the State of New York. I have received my master’s in social work from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. In addition to general counseling, I have been a chemical dependency counselor for six years.
When working with clients I find it essential to build a strong therapeutic alliance by being warm, engaging, and compassionate to develop overall trust. My great passion is helping my clients achieve their true and authentic life as we explore the eight dimensions of wellness. As we unpack and explore life stressors may have impacted our emotional, spiritual, social, physical, intellectual, environmental, financial, and occupational wellness. I know that no single approach is the right one for every individual, and so I have been trained in a range of modalities
including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, REBT, Seeking Safety, Mindfulness Therapy, Progressive Counting, and Craft. When we are experiencing life stressors or have experienced trauma, it is not uncommon for our lives to unravel and require a variety of therapy tools to reduce our somatic experience.
I aim to help my clients obtain understanding of their current challenges, notice their thoughts and emotions as well as be open minded to responding in a healthy manner. I help my clients think of therapy like a GPS, I provide them with tools to help reach their destination while facing life challenges.
Areas of focus:
• Trauma, Vicarious/Secondary Trauma
• Relationship Issues
• Anxiety and stress
• Depression
• Grief
• Life adjustments, coping skills, self-esteem
• Experience working with those who struggle with substance abuse as well as their family members and loved ones.
I hold a Masters Degree in Social Work from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Services and am licensed in the State of New York.
Regardless of your reason for seeking a therapist, by building a therapeutic alliance with every client, I try to foster an environment that is supportive, responsive and oriented toward each client’s identified goals and desired outcomes. As a clinician, I try to exude warmth, foster respect, trust, and empathy to help every client feel supported in their endeavors.
Typically I will employ an integrative approach to therapy built on a foundation of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and psychodynamic methodologies. My hope for any client is that through this therapeutic alliance, we can work toward your goals, and to help in understanding how the tools, skills and work in therapy can help you to create meaningful and enduring change in your life.
Areas of focus:
● Anxiety and OCD
● Mood disorders
● Loss and Grief
● Fertility issues, post-partum depression and peri-natal mood disorders
● Trauma and PTSD
● Life transitions and adjustments
● Self-esteem and social matters
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker in the State of New York. I have received my Master's degree in Social Work from Long Island University. Prior to that, I received my Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Binghamton University.
I know that reaching out for help can be scary and anxiety inducing, but it is a commendable and amazing thing to do for yourself. Because of this, I try my best to make therapy as comfortable and inviting as possible. Everyone goes through challenges and difficult seasons of life, and deserves a safe and supportive space to navigate these things. I am dedicated in helping my clients to feel heard, supported, and more capable of taking control of their emotions, thoughts, personal goals and relationships. I utilize a humanistic approach, practicing person-centered therapy and narrative therapy to help clients learn more about themselves. I also utilize CBT, DBT, and solution-focused therapy.
A goal I have for all clients is to feel self-assured, so it is important to develop a partnership in which you are an active participant. That said, I am committed to meeting clients where they are at. If you feel lost or discouraged, I'd be honored to help you begin your own personal journey.
Areas of focus:
● Anxiety and stress
● Mood Disorders
● Grief
● Relational concerns
● Aging
● Life transitions and adjustments
● Self-esteem
I am a Licensed Permit Holder of Mental Health Counseling in the State of New York. I have received my Bachelor Degree in Communication and Children and Youth Studies at Brooklyn College. I have a Masters Degree in School Counseling from Brooklyn College and an Advance Certificate of Mental Health Counseling from Alfred University.
Starting therapy can elicit myriads of emotions and having a safe space to explore and understand is essential to the therapeutic process. My professional background includes working in a school and with young adults. I help identify their emotions and utilize coping strategies to process them in a healthy way. I have a special interest and experience with self-esteem, self-care, self-awareness, anxiety and life transitions. I focus on exploring early and current experiences and how they shape our patterns of behavior.
My approach to therapy consists of different modalities which allows me to meet your needs and goals. My goal is to create a warm, therapeutic environment for us to identify and process our patterns and behaviors and learn new ones to help create the life of your dreams.
Areas of focus:
• Relationship stressors (interpersonal, romantic, family)
• Life adjustments and transitions
• Anxiety
• Depression
I am a LP-MHC in the state of New York. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology from Stony Brook University and my Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University.
The therapeutic process can be intimidating, and I hope to help clients feel more
comfortable to be curious about themselves using a warm, compassionate, and exploratory style. I am dedicated to helping my clients learn more about themselves emotionally, mentally, and relationally, and to feel empowered to make meaningful change.
I utilize an integrative and trauma-informed approach of psychodynamic therapy,
cognitive behavioral therapy, person centered therapy, and emotion focused therapy combined with multicultural competency and cultural humility. We will explore how your past experiences, current thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors, all impact you. Looking outward can be just as helpful as looking inwards, seeing how systems and culture impact your unique experience. We will develop coping strategies and objectives to navigate life’s challenges using a combination of this information.
I aim to provide an empathetic and non-judgmental space, a listening ear, collaboration, and support. Growth is an ongoing process, and I am thankful for the opportunity to accompany you at this point in the process toward self-reflection, self-awareness, and empowerment.
Areas of focus:
● Anxiety and stress
● Depression
● Trauma recovery
● Identity
● Life transitions and adjustments
● Interpersonal conflicts
● Self-esteem
● LGBTQ+ affirming
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker in the State of New York. I have received my Masters Degree in Social work from Adelphi University.
My therapeutic style when working with clients is compassionate, engaging, friendly, and empathetic. I am passionate about encouraging clients to utilize their strengths to enable positive changes and live a more fulfilled life. I utilize evidence based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), psychodynamic, and strength and solution based thinking.
I aim to create a safe and comfortable environment that promotes emotional wellness and individual growth. I am dedicated to working with you to identify and communicate your goals and effectively reach your desired wants and needs.
Areas of focus:
● Anxiety and stress
● Depression
● Trauma
● Relational difficulties
● Life adjustments and coping skills
● Grief
● Self-esteem
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of New York. I have received my Masters Degree in Social Welfare from Stonybrook University. I am the Director of Clinical Operations and help to coordinate treatment for clients, support and supervise our clinical team, and carry out administrative functions. I work as a clinical therapist as well.
My therapeutic approach is relaxed, engaging, casual and empathetic. I am dedicated in helping my clients identify and communicate their emotions regarding what brings them to treatment and to foster emotional stability and self-love. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Intervention, and Motivational Interviewing. These interventions are helpful in restoring homeostasis and establishing healthy, rational thought processes, along with maintaining lasting change.
I aim to provide my clients with treatment that is molded to their needs. My goal for your treatment is to keep you engaged, relaxed, and validated while exploring the core of your symptoms. Therapy is deeply personal, and I am here to provide you with what you need in the moment- whether it be validation, empathy, psychoeducation and/or active listening, I am here for the ride!
Areas of Focus:
● Anxiety and stress
● Depression and mood disorders
● Personality Disorders
● Grief
● Adjustment Disorders
● Relational Issues
●LGBTQ+ Affirming
Rachael Shine, LMSW
I am a LMSW in the State of New York. I have received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from SUNY Oneonta, and a Masters degree in Social Welfare from SUNY Albany.
I strive to approach the therapeutic relationship in a warm, understanding, and receptive way. I provide a safe space for clients to feel heard and validated while being supported through the psychotherapy process and am dedicated in helping my clients cope with their anxiety and stress, aiming to help assist them in feeling better equipped to navigate their symptoms and life events.
I utilize several theoretical approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic, Strengths based, and a Holistic Style. With these approaches I see the person in their environment, as as whole, and assist in making connections to the unconscious mind, as well as identifying behavioral trends.
I aim to instill a sense of confidence and self sufficiency with the clients I have the privilege to work with, while acknowledging their strengths and skills, and providing the necessary tools for them to be successful. Life is a journey and I hope to be a light in a period of darkness.
Areas of focus:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Grief
• Self harm
• Life adjustments
Reaghan Smith, LP-MHC
I am a LP-MHC in the State of New York. I have received my Master’s Degrees, Professional Counseling and Human Services Counseling- Marriage and Family Cognate, from Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA.
I have been told throughout my life that it is easy speaking to me as I assist my clients in connecting the dots. I am passionate about being a presence for my client but also in the process with them as I build our therapeutic rapport. I empower clients to search for options and create boundaries that can afford them a balance which gives them peace of mind.
Clients are unique and my eclectic approach allows me to explore different modalities such as Gestalt, CBT, Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic therapies.
Upon the request of my clients, I draw from faith to bring insight to the client and encourage them to lean upon their own faith which may be utilized to foster peace, understanding and improve mental and emotional well-being.
Areas of focus:
● Anxiety
● Depression
● Grief
● Life adjustments
All of our clinicians treat depression, anxiety, relational concerns, and help with a variety of matters.
You may click above to read about each individual and their highlighted strengths, focuses, and experiences.
