Seeing clients at North Brooklyn Location
I’m a NYC Based Psychotherapist with Master’s degrees in Psychology and Mental Health Counseling. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I help my clients remove the roadblocks in their lives, and help them get to a place where they can really thrive.
Currently I work with adolescents and adults on a wide range of challenges from general counseling and adjustment issues (feeling “stuck”) to more clinical issues such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. I predominantly use Cognitive-behavioral therapy, but have additional and post master’s training in many areas and use whatever therapeutic techniques are most appropriate for the client (relational psychoanalysis, gestalt therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness based therapy).
I focus on LGBTQ+ clients at all stages of life, the coming out process, and relationship issues, and have a lot of experience working with transgender clients. I believe that the relationship between the therapist and client is the absolute most important part of the process, so I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space for people to explore whatever they need to explore during the course of therapy.
A little about me- I have been teaching Psychology, Neuroscience and Psychopharmacology as an instructor for over ten years so far at various colleges. I worked for 2 years in Neuropsychology as an assistant psychometrist, and have worked with clients from childhood to late adulthood. I also work on research projects examining physiology and trauma (since 2012), and am currently working on a project examining the cellular basis of trauma memories as well as multiple pharmaceutical avenues impacting depression and anxiety using nontraditional substances. My current project is exploring the neurobiology of childhood stress and accompanying adult depression and anxiety disorders.
Education:
Ph.D. 2023 SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Neural and Behavioral Science
M.S Ed. 2016 Hunter College- Mental Health Counseling
M.A. 2006 The New School- Psychology & Neuroscience (in coordination with NYU)
B.A. 2003 The University of New England- Psychology/Medical Biology
Seeing clients at North Brooklyn Location
To those considering beginning their therapy journey, I understand it can feel like a daunting commitment. It is my mission to create a meaningful, interesting and collaborative environment that meets a client where they are and shows them that they have the capacity for meaningful change. Shift in perspective is crucial to an evolving sense of self. I believe in the power of culture, myth, laughter and metaphor to explore a client’s issues. I draw from Jungian, Humanistic and Existential theory and believe therapy is a creative as well as healing enterprise. Engagement and curiosity on a fundamental level weigh equally with practical application of CBT, problem focused and evidence based techniques. I specialize in intimacy issues, anxiety, depression, struggle with family, issues having trouble making meaning out of life and finding purpose.
Sarina DeStefano works Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays with availability early morning and later evening hours to accommodate working people.
Education:
M.S Ed. 2018 Brooklyn College- Mental Health Counseling
B.A. Wagner College- Psychology
With so many options in NYC, finding the right therapist can be challenging. Wherever you are at and whatever you have experienced, if you are interested in healing and the possibility of change, please contact me to set up an appointment. I have extensive experience working with adolescents and adults in various settings, including schools, university counseling centers, inpatient and outpatient hospitals, and community mental health agencies. I specialize in mood disorders, the treatment of trauma, identity related concerns, career transitions, and transracial adoption. I received my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Fordham University and work as an Assistant Professor in the Counseling Psychology program at Seton Hall University. I teach and supervise doctoral students about the process of therapy. I primarily work from a relational psychodynamic orientation with strong attention to issues of diversity.
Education:
Ph.D. 2016 Fordham University, Counseling Psychology
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study 2008 Boston University, Counseling
M.S. 2006 Wheelock College of Education and Human Development, Child and Family Studies
B.A. 2005 SUNY Geneseo, Psychology
I work with clients on a wide range of issues from anxiety and depression, to relationship issues and personality disorders to name a few. I specialize in working in the LGBTQIA+ community, helping clients navigate matters such as transitioning, coming out, or seeking support. I work with a wide range of adult clientele in regard to sexuality, religion and race/ethnicity.
I offer a compassionate, empathic, individualized, and challenging approach to counseling that is collaborative and nonjudgmental. In my work, I utilize elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma- focused CBT, dialectical behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based strategies in order to best support you in navigating life’s challenges. I utilize evidence-based therapies in order to provide support while also challenging clients to take on a different perspective. In sessions, I find it valuable to utilize a collaborative approach in our therapeutic relationship. I am open to working with you to create a treatment plan tailored uniquely for you and your needs to meet your goals.
One of the hardest parts of therapy is reaching out. In order to make this process slightly easier for your, I offer a free 15-minute consultation to see if we would be a good fit.
Education:
Master of Science in Education, Mental Health Counseling – Hunter College, CUNY
Bachelor of Art in Psychology – Hunter College, CUNY
I welcome clients of all backgrounds and identities with a focus on working with the LGBT community, specifically gay men and trans folks at all stages of their personal/ sexual identity exploration. When we work together you can expect to see a mix of the following: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge negative automatic thoughts, good for anxiety and depression. A psychodynamic approach which looks at family development, past and present relationships. Or Gestalt/ parts work, which could take the form of role plays with others, or conversations with our childhood selves. The most important of all is our relationship and how safe you feel. Your experience, your voice, is the most critical part of the whole process.
It’s my belief that you are inherently capable of healing and growth on your own. My job is to create a space that’s peeled away all the external pressures that are normally placed on us, where you can be totally free to think and feel through whatever needs to be processed. By building a safe environment and a secure relationship, together we can work towards a more integrated and whole version of you. No matter how much time it takes, we’ll figure it out together.
Education:
M.A. 2021 CUNY Baruch- Mental Health Counseling
B.A. 2014 SUNY Geneseo- Business Administration
My work engages people of all backgrounds, but with a particular emphasis on LGBTQ clients. I see clients experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD and other mental health concerns, as well as life transitions, relationship struggles or stressful moments or relationship struggles, who need support while they move through adjustment issues or simply “feeling stuck”.
My first priority is a warm, trusting, and non-judgemental relationship so that we can comfortably explore whatever you need to in a safe environment. I use primarily evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and trauma therapies, as well as mindfulness and gestalt therapies.
Education:
MSW 2017- McGill University
Feeling stressed out or anxious? Since 2020, many of us have experienced loneliness, struggling to understand our lack of motivation and turmoil in our personal lives. Maybe you’re just feeling ‘stuck’. I provide a warm, non-judgmental, and supportive environment for clients to explore their selves, feelings, and relationships. Together we can address symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues that may be causing duress. I work with a diverse population, particularly LGBTQ+, gender non-conforming, in-transition. I am also working under supervision to specialize in couples, relationships, and sex therapy.
Gestalt, Humanism and Mindfulness form the basis of my strengths-based approach. While I use many CBT and DBT interventions to assist clients develop new perspectives, experiential exercises such as role play can help clients integrate what they learn. I use a mind/body approach (soon incl. EMDR), useful for processing trauma and other developmental wounds.
I strive to help clients find greater self-acceptance and -compassion so they can develop more effective coping methods and communication skills to lead more rewarding and purposeful lives. The most important factor in the success of therapy is the therapist-client relationship. I offer a 15 minute consultation to see if we might work well together.
Education:
Master of Science in Education, Mental Health Counseling – Hunter College, CUNY
I provide psychotherapy to adults who are, in a general sense, struggling to thrive: you may be anxious about a major change in your life, or burdened by old habits and ways of being which no longer serve you; maybe the struggle is relational, with a sense of unwelcome strife or discord between yourself and a partner (or partners), friends, or family. If so, I encourage you to come as you are, and meet me in a space that is fundamentally collaborative and nonjudgmental.
Through our work together, by cultivating both curiosity and acceptance, we can discern patterns in your particular way of understanding yourself, and the world around you. We may then use that knowledge to agree on both short- and long-term goals, and take concrete steps toward establishing a better, more fulfilling life.
Education:
Master of Science in Education, Mental Health Counseling – Hunter College, CUNY
Bachelor of Art in Religion – Hunter College, CUNY
Beginning the healing process can feel quite daunting and understandably so. The good news is that narratives can be unlearned! As a healer, I challenge my clients to turn inward and learn how to consciously trust their natural intuition while gaining awareness towards a deeper sense of self. Here, we will explore the body and mind connection, and how it relates to your current coping and behavior. Whether you have spent years in therapy or if this is your first time, you can anticipate a judgment-free space informed by creativity, humor, and compassion. I welcome all backgrounds and identities, and cater to each individual, while focusing on feminist therapy, internal family systems and other specific techniques such as mindfulness, DBT, CBT, and motivational interviewing. I support each client with warmth and will meet you where you are.
Education:
M.S Ed 2022 Hunter College – Mental Health Counseling
Seeing clients at North Brooklyn Location
You deserve to be understood as you navigate your mental health journey. Whether you are fighting suicidal ideation or pushing yourself to thrive, I will meet you where you are and draw on all my knowledge and experience to support you in a safe and nonjudgmental space. My life experiences thus far give me the confidence to support those in the LGBTQ+, polyamorous, Effective Altruist, Asexual, Aromantic, STEM, and Spanish-speaking communities.
I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP). As a lifelong learner, I am passionate about continuing to explore emerging theories and techniques.
Education:
M.S Ed. 2023 Hunter College- Mental Health Counseling
B.S. 2018 Harvey Mudd College- Computer Science & Math