Alcohol Use Therapists in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, NY

Connection. It’s what we are all looking for. Connection with ourselves. Connection with others. But how do we achieve that in a world that constantly forces us to disconnect in order to survive? To numb out, to run from conflict, to judge, to avoid our vulnerability. Our vulnerability is what makes us beautiful. Let’s get back to that beauty. Whether you’re struggling with romantic relationships, work and family stress, or trying to cope with the multiple crises happening around the world, I’m here to support you. I’ve been a therapist for more than a decade and have helped hundreds of people just like you.

Sometimes there are not words to describe how we feel. Art, historically has offered us all an alternative method of expression. When applied in therapy, art can be that bridge, a planted seed, a farewell, or a lasting reminder of an experience or relationship we needed/wanted to honor or transform. These intuitive tools allow us to go deeper into our (un)conscious stories, and gets us to those insights that our egos, traumas, and words have been defending, guarding, hiding, or blocking from ourselves and others. Using Art Therapy, you'll be able to experience different perspectives and empower yourself to tell new stories.

From personal experience, I know how difficult it can be to ask for help and how overwhelming it can be to find a counselor who feels like the right fit. Through years of experience as both client and the counselor, it is my firm belief that each client deserves a trusted guide who lets you set the pace and direction on your path towards mental wellness. I strive to be an ally and advocate for my clients, and create a warm, soothing space for you to share your story. I have experience and interest working with adults struggling with anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, relationship challenges, addiction and behavior change.

My clinical approach is rooted in the therapeutic relationship. Empathy, validation, and the provision of a safe environment are essential aspects of a positive healing alliance. It will become easier to make more satisfying choices by gaining a fuller understanding of yourself. Together, we can develop an approach that feels comfortable and help you find greater fulfillment in your life.

Starting therapy is a leap of faith at a time when hope is scarce. It is an act of courage. I prioritize symptom relief and stabilization, but I believe that lasting change and growth stem from a deeper understanding of our histories, relationships, internal worlds, and motivations. I work best with people who are willing to take a risk and become curious about their own complexity. I believe social and political environments, genetic predispositions, and intergenerational histories all interact to manifest our challenges and gifts. Ideally, my clients would be open to uncovering the many unconscious forces at play in their lives.

Many people approach therapy as a last resort, when most everything else has disappointed them. Some know what they are missing in their life, but not how to begin to find it. Others know that something is "off," but not what that something is. Whatever may have brought you to the moment in time when you are looking at this, it is a unique opportunity to begin -- or continue -- to look at your life with another person essentially bearing witness to the process.

Life is hard. Let's team up to help you get through it as efficiently as possible. My educational background as an LCSW and your lived experience will help us develop a well-balanced life to deal with life stressors in an appropriate manner. I look forward to partnering with you.

I am a queer NB trans masc psychotherapist who focuses on the mental health and wellbeing of queer, trans and NB folks of all ages. While I work with people across the life span, I generally do not see people under 16. I also work with people navigating the spectrum of pregnancy, adoption and traversing LGBTQIA parenthood. I have been practicing social work for 15 years and am licensed in NY and Florida. I am anti racist, trans affirmative, sex positive, sw positive, body positive + kink allied. I use a psychodynamic approach in my work with clients incorporating elements of intersectionality, mindfulness and harm reduction.

I work with individuals, couples, multiples to help identify disconnections and barriers to smooth communication w self and others. I work with damage inflicted by trauma (sexual and otherwise), breaches of trust, relational conflict as well as dislodging people from repetitive and often punishing loops (with self and others). I am versed in non-binary/trans experiences, as well as those who do not identify with normative relationship structures.

You may be feeling stuck, knotted up; undone by anxiety or anger; haunted by memories you simply cannot shake. Our work together can help. Attending with care to your unique passions, desires, fears—and to a history that may feel known but not quite your own—psychoanalytic work can help transform the very narrative of your life. Inviting into speech parts of yourself that may be hungering to speak, and sometimes hiding in plain sight, psychodynamic treatment can lead even the deepest of psychic pain to fall away, all the while allowing something new, something freeing, to emerge.

Whether you are new to therapy or returning, finding someone who we feel understands and cares for us is hard. Each person has their own story and all of us have different reasons for seeking out help. I believe therapy is a safe place to share our stories, learn who we are, and develop effective skills to improve our lives. In therapy, I emphasize creating a nonjudgemental, empathetic, welcoming, and safe environment. I believe that patience and trust are essential for healing, and through the therapeutic relationship clients can explore their inner selves.

Change is possible. You CAN feel better. You may be skeptical that what you're struggling with can be helped, blaming and judging yourself instead. You may be frustrated by many attempts to make things better without helping. A part of you may want to avoid looking at what is happening straight on for fear it could make things worse. These fears are normal. With kindness, curiosity, and a helpful framework, we can address these concerns while also allowing you to get the help you need.

ACCEPTing New Clients. Elizabeth Willems leads the Intercultural Psychological Services (IPS) practice. She focuses on traumatic memories, depression, stress management, relationship problems, and acculturation. Dr. Willems sees residents of CA, NY, MD, MA, FL, USA and select countries via phone/video. She holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University. She completed clinical training at the Center for Multicultural Training in Psychology, Harvard Longwood Psychiatry Massachusetts Mental Health Center, BMC Department of Behavioral Medicine, and Casa del Sol as well as other community clinics.

As your therapist, I provide a warm and supportive space where you can talk freely without being judged. I won't just sit quietly – instead, I'll ask questions, offer suggestions, and reflect on what you share. Together, we'll work on dealing with the things that might be bothering you in your everyday life, whether that be challenges with relationships, work, or family. Our goal is to help you feel better, be true to who you are, and improve your relationships. And along the way, you'll get valuable skills to reduce stress and move your life forward.

Are you living the life you want? Is your relationship a source of pain for you? Are you arguing more, trusting less, or finding yourself not looking forward to spending time together? Maybe your relationship feels stuck, like you're just replaying the same disagreement over and over again. Do you not like the person you are when you're in a relationship or wonder why you keep repeating patterns in the type of person you date? Human beings are wired for connection, yet somehow the people we are closest with also seem to cause us the most pain.

Since we were kids, everyone tells us, "be yourself!" If we can just do that, everything will work out alright. But what happens when that simple advice feels impossible? When anxiety, trauma, shame, or a major life change keeps us from fully knowing ourselves, let alone being able to show that to others?

I am a collaborative, calm, empathic, non-judgmental and flexible therapist, and I am pleased that you have found your way to my page. I have 10 years of experience in NYC-based social work and specialize in therapeutic work with adults, with a focus on depression, anxiety, relationships & boundaries, self-esteem, and explorations of gender identity and sexual identity. I am polyamory and LGBTQIA+ affirming. There are many different paths that lead one to therapy, and I am excited to have the opportunity to learn about the unique set of circumstances that have brought you to my (currently virtual!) office.

I love to work with perfectionists, those who suffer from "imposter syndrome." My patients live with a sense of not being or doing enough. They are spouses, parents and adolescents with histories of trauma and abandonment. They are tired of trying to please others, without a sense of how to soothe themselves. Many have developed addictions, chemical or "process" ones, in search of an inner solace that eludes them. Others simply live with a sense of feeling separate and alone, alienated from their work, family or community. They are coming to therapy, because some part of themselves hopes that it can be otherwise.