Therapists in 11226

My name is Erin Oaster. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in New York State. I am committed to a collaborative approach and to fostering healthy relationships for my clients both with themselves and others. I have experience working with children, teens, college students, young adults, and adults. I am able to provide individual, couples, and family therapy. My interests are in helping my clients navigate concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship stress, family conflict, trauma, grief, life transitions, or just feeling stuck.

Healthy & Better Counseling Services utilizes a Christ-centered approach with a variety of people whether they are individuals, couples and/or families. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist my counseling sessions are geared to help you analyze your life’s perspectives in order to gain freedom from mental and cyclical captivity which leads to relief and restoration. It is my vision to support and encourage individuals as well as families with emotional, physical and mental health. This healthy way of living goes beyond good, because when we both do our part to bring healing to your soul you will be better.

I am a licensed community-based clinical social worker with advanced training in psychodynamic psychotherapy. I received my masters from Stony Brook University and work with children, adolescents, and adults. I also have experience and clinical training in CBT, DBT, interpersonal therapy, and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) with a focus on treating depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, loss, and personality disorders. I focus on helping improve emotion regulation difficulties, interpersonal problems and behavioral dysregulation.

I approach psychotherapy from a transformative stance that empowers the client to explore one's inner self in a nonjudgmental and safe environment. It's a collaborative process involving us working together to navigate life challenges and foster personal growth uniquely tailored to your needs. We are a culturally-centered, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive practice that utilizes clinical approaches so that we as a community can reclaim and experience transformative healing.

In addition to addressing different mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic mental health needs and interpersonal challenges, I hold zeal in supporting those in the LGBTQIA+ community. I also find passion in a foundation of empathetic, strength-oriented and ratifying approaches to non-traditional relationships, sex and sexuality with an understanding of sex work, kink or power dynamics in sessions. It can be exceptionally challenging or isolating to find affirmation while navigating these complex needs!

Are you currently experiencing anxiety, depression, couple, geriatric, Forensic, Trauma and Grief,? Lets come together and talk about issues and concerns from your past, present and problem solve for the future by using Cognitive Behavior Therapy and and Exposure therapy. I have 22 years of experience working with these age groups to resolve feelings of inadequacy, shame, and guilt, I am accepting new clients and look forward to helping you understand, manage, and resolve these issues. Let's work together to receive the outcome you are expecting in order to work through this life with joy and happiness again.

If you are reading this, then you are already taking a significant step towards your development. Know you are acknowledging that there may be an issue and seeking help for it is no easy task. So what ails you? Do you have some difficulties with life stressors or do you need supportive therapy to help clarify presenting ones? Or perhaps you need a little guidance or help with understanding your behavioral actions and consequences in your relationship or of oneself? Well, using an assortment of treatments and techniques at my disposal, I will help you get on the path that is best for you.

My ideal client are individuals who are in current crisis situations or fear entering one in the near future and are looking to improve their quality of life through positive reinforcement and emotional outlets. My ideal clientelle would embody those who wish to achieve positive results in their life.

Are you struggling with a relationship (familial, romantic, platonic, or professional)? Do your emotions, or the emotions of someone close to you feel out of control? Is it difficult for you to practice positive self-talk and refrain from comparing yourself to other people? Are you a caretaker trying your hardest to understand a child or vice versa? We are all raised to believe specific ideas about who we are - beliefs that impact our decisions and behaviors. These concepts are frequently rooted in cultural norms and stereotypes that shape our identities and have an overbearing influence on our experiences.

I work with individuals, couples, families and groups. I accept clients of all ages, genders, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. I work with the full spectrum of mental health concerns and persons who have histories of complex trauma as well as persons seeking help mastering life transitions or existential or relationship issues. I work with you on a path of self-discovery so you may gain an understanding of deep personal truths and bring about desired change. My goal is to empower you to develop a greater sense of agency and self-efficacy so that you become the most actualized version of yourself.

I believe that with intention therapists are activists. I envision therapy as a radical healing space where communities of color, especially Black communities, can feel empowered and validated in spite of life’s messiness and structural oppression. As a co-parenting Black mama and marriage and family therapist intern, it is important for me to serve Black families of all kinds in order to help them cultivate deeper love, safety, and healing.

Everyones initial thought and direction is to ensure that everything goes well for them in all areas of their lives - family and community. Unfortunately, during social interaction and general communication there is no guarantee that all will go well. Their feelings can be hurt, cognitive functioning adversely affected, all of which can lead to the display of unacceptable behavior. Our defenses can become weak. Assistance can be sought to enable the individual to get through those mishaps. The care which I can offer clients will enable them to work on their needs, attain goals to become once again positively functional.

Famed poet Maya Angelou once said, “there is no greater agony then bearing an untold story inside you”. I believe we all have untold stories. Our life stories can produce emotional discomforts and be a source of unresolved pain. With over 20 years’ experience I can support you in the therapeutic journey to gain awareness, insight, and understanding into beliefs about self that disrupt relationships and daily functioning. I specialize in work with couples, but also work with individuals to address an array of life challenges. I am currently completing certification in couples therapy and certification as a sex therapist.