There are many ways to process experiences and feelings, not simply limited to talking. Integrating psychotherapy and creative expression can provide a refreshing, insightful, and effective experience in therapy. Some of my areas of focus include trauma, anxiety and depression, stress, loss and life transitions, as well as family and relationship difficulties, among others.

Do you ever feel like your mind won't stop racing? Like your worries are taking over and you just can't turn them off? You find yourself "on edge" much of the time--you snap at your kids or your partner, you can't focus at work or school, you have trouble falling asleep at night. It is all so overwhelming, and you can't imagine getting through the day with this enormous weight on your shoulders....you just want to feel normal again, but you can't even remember what "normal" feels like.

You don't have to be held back by doubts or uncertainty about yourself. It's possible to live more freely. You can bring your struggles and wounds, parts of yourself that you embrace and parts that you may not be so proud of. Our space is safe. Collaboratively, we will work towards a deeper understanding of the recurring ways in which you feel stuck, as well as how past painful experiences may still live on in the present. Through this process, you can begin to find relief, discover new perspectives, and we can come up with ways to create a more fulfilling and authentic life. Let’s embark on this journey of healing.

An expert in psychology, sexuality, relationships, couples counseling, and gender issues conveniently treating via telehealth. Treatment for both couples and individuals. One time sex-therapy consultations also available. There is no shame in your thoughts or sexuality, so remove the stigmas now! Correct issues like differing libidos within a couple, sexual dysfunction for both men and women, and relationship/intimacy issues (single or coupled). I am confident your problems can be resolved, in less time than you think! But you have to take the first step... Read more or book now at www.drvalentino.nyc today!

Expansive Therapy is a bicoastal psychotherapy practice with locations in New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. We have a diverse team of therapists offering a wide variety of modalities and specialties, and we match you with the therapist who best meets your needs and availability. Our website is expansivetherapy.com and you can reach our office manager Maria at info@expansivetherapy.com or 212-655-9817 to book an appointment.

“Life is an ever-flowing process and somewhere on that path, some unpleasant things will pop up.” And this is okay! The key to managing through those tough moments is balance, which can be effectively achieved through the practices of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. DBT’s main goal is to create a life worth living for yourself. Dialectics, in essence, suggests that opposites can both be true at the same time: that you are doing the best you can, AND can still try harder. DBT therapists and their clients work in tandem to harness the power of behavioral change to move you closer to your goals, whatever they may be.

Enrolling in therapy is an important step in taking good care of yourself. Do you want to increase your self-awareness and improve your well being? Perhaps you wonder how to heal from your past negative experiences? Or may be you have daily struggles which interfere with work or your relationships? Whether you would like to make positive changes in any area of your life or figure out how to address current stressors, I am here to support you on your journey of self-discovery and to help you overcome any obstacles on your path.

I am a seasoned psychotherapist and business coach with over 20+ years helping clients improve their personal, interpersonal and professional lives. My psychotherapy practice is ideal for those interested in overcoming psychological and emotional obstacles that cause unnecessary suffering, create confusion, and lead to an absence of purpose, energy and excitement in life.

Has your life taken a sharp, unexpected turn at a terrible time? Or maybe you just feel yourself drifting off the path you're traveling and are having difficulty getting back on track. Your vision may be cloudy and that can intensify the amount of distress you feel in your pursuit to returning to your previous level of functioning. What can be even scarier is not knowing when exactly you lost control of the steering wheel or who to rely on in your time of need.

In this stressful and unprecedented time, processing feelings in a safe and healing environment can assist with lessening anxiety, better sleep, and finding a feeling of safety and security. I have extensive experience working with patients and families during times of illness and at end of life. As a medical social worker, I have also been supporting medical professionals during this pandemic. My expertise extends into grief and bereavement. These can be defined and understood in many ways. Some examples are found in my work with caregivers who have lost loved ones, while other forms of grief can mean grieving our old way of life.

Creating a space where you feel understood is my priority. Employing humility and humor throughout sessions allows me to be flexible when helping you to strengthen your inner resources. I have been trained in a variety of therapeutic models and offer tailored sessions for individuals who are struggling with various challenges and specialize in high functioning anxiety, depression, and trauma. At this juncture in my career, I have gained further specialty in treating women during their reproductive years, including the psychological trauma, anxiety, and depression that accompanies infertility, pregnancy, motherhood, and miscarriage.

Alyssa utilizes an integrative, outside the box approach that emphasizes the therapeutic relationship, radical non-judgement, and a dash of humor. Believing deeply in the power of insight, Alyssa strives to help clients explore their underlying motivations and goals. Through the lens of Attachment Theory and Family Systems Theory, Alyssa combines psychodynamic techniques with practical cognitive-behavioral strategies to lay the groundwork for long term change. Alyssa works with individuals with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder as well as substance abuse, family problems, trauma, and other related issues.

Curiosity and compassion are the foundation of my practice. I encourage clients to view therapy as a journey we embark on together with a goal of greater self-awareness and self-acceptance. If you're feeling stuck in some aspect of your life, feeling there must be something more, experiencing loss or life transition, coping with trauma or illness, I would be honored to provide support.

Expansive Therapy is a bicoastal psychotherapy practice with locations in New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. We have a diverse team of therapists offering a wide variety of modalities and specialties, and we match you with the therapist who best meets your needs. Our mission at Expansive Therapy is to create a safe space for the LGBTQ community to heal and grow, to expand the things that are working, and to encourage personal freedom. Our website is expansivetherapy.com and you can reach our office manager Maria at info@expansivetherapy.com.

I believe that mental health issues arise when we are faced with overwhelming emotions in isolation. Without the necessary support, emotions get so big and daunting that we defend ourselves against them, leading to numbness, anxiety, and depression. My goal is to invite intense emotions into the room so that we can learn to regulate them together and they can be reincorporated into the psyche, leading to a fuller and healthier life.

Expansive Therapy is a bicoastal psychotherapy practice with locations in New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. We have a diverse team of therapists offering a wide variety of modalities and specialties, and we match you with the therapist who best meets your needs. Our mission at Expansive Therapy is to create a safe space to heal and grow, to expand the things that are working, and to encourage personal freedom. Our website is expansivetherapy.com and you can reach our office manager Maria at info@expansivetherapy.com.

Do you struggle with asking for what you want, saying no, and want to feel more confident and empowered? Do you want to communicate with more ease and authenticity? Do you feel insecure or anxious in romantic relationships, or find yourself questioning your worth and repeating negative patterns? Maybe you’re aware of these things and you’ve tried to change but don’t know how. Maybe you don’t believe that change is possible. Humans have evolved to flourish, but sometimes we get tripped up in the process of becoming who we want to be. This is normal, but it’s uncomfortable at best and painful at worst - and there is a solution for it.

I believe that mental health issues arise when we are faced with overwhelming emotions in isolation. Without the necessary support, emotions get so big and daunting that we defend ourselves against them, leading to numbness, anxiety, and depression. My goal is to invite intense emotions into the room so that we can learn to regulate them together and they can be reincorporated into the psyche, leading to a fuller and healthier life.

East meets West. It is a phrase we hear often but how does it translate into practice? The pull lies in the strength of the familiar; the push is an urge to create space and jump into the unfamiliar. As an individual who was raised between two cultures, I offer a warm and safe space to discuss cultural competency as it relates to your life. Retaining your cultural values and traditions while simultaneously assimilating to the societal norms of your geographic upbringing can lead to many questions about ourselves in the past, present and future. I believe strongly in your ability to grow if nurtured in an encouraging environment.