Therapists in Livingston County, NY

I am a multicultural, holistic, trauma-informed, LGBT+ affirmative therapist and a core believer in resiliency of human spirit. Though you may consider me as the professional/expert, you are the expert of your lived experiences. I strongly believe that the client has a right to both be a recipient as well as an influencer within the therapeutic relationship. My job as a therapist is to act as guide while you are empowered to tackle both inner and outer barriers. I aim to hold a space for those who may not have access to any other arenas to feel heard and understood.

Life can get really tough sometimes and I think we all need a place to come and just BE REAL with another person. Vent feelings, share thoughts that one is not really comfortable sharing with close friends and family, just lay it all out however messy. ABOUT ME: I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in both California and New York with over 15 years in the field. I got my Masters degree in Integral Counseling Psychology at California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, CA in 2008. My areas of study was Gestalt Therapy, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Creative Arts Therapy.

I believe that the vehicle of healing is the relationship between the client and the therapist. As a therapist, I strive to be the spark that lights the fire for change & growth within you, occupying the passenger seat while you bravely navigate the vehicle along that path of healing and wellness, helping to empower you, motivate you, support you, and assist you in tearing down any roadblocks that may come your way.

At Wood Psychology Services, our approach is to provide a supportive and encouraging environment to facilitate change and to offer alternative ways of coping. Our goal is to encourage each client's personal growth, help decrease problematic symptoms and behaviors, and increase self-esteem and the ability to resolve life's challenges. We also offer diagnostic assessments to assist in treatment as well as eligibility evaluations for the identification of developmental disabilities, including autism.

“The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.” (Carl Rodgers) We can’t change what we do not explore and the first step in the direction of that journey is always the hardest. But you are here already taking that step, looking for someone to assist with the change that you seek. Everyday life can be in the way of focusing on healing from our past, management of stress/mental health issues and making changes for our future. Setting aside time for yourself is important! You are important!

Welcome and congratulations on making the first step in your mental health journey! -Currently accepting new clients for both Telehealth and in person sessions - Email is the fastest and most direct way to get in touch for new client inquiries. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and parents but am open to all individuals. Anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, family conflict, and navigating life challenges are just a few of the problem areas I help clients with. No matter what area you need a mindful ear to listen or talk with, I feel blessed to be a part of your journey.

I'm passionate about providing a safe and therapeutic space for those who have experienced childhood, sexual, race or gender based, or combat-related trauma. I'm trained in trauma-informed mental health care and developed my therapeutic approach working with a diverse population of individuals and families. I'm deeply sensitive to racial, cultural, occupational, economic, and social justice-related influences on how we experience and heal from trauma.

I have experienced the healing that comes from having the space to explore, grow, and understand new parts of yourself, while also being held and accepted for exactly who you are right now. This doesn’t mean that I won’t challenge you to grow and adapt at times, but my hope is that you will also know you are fully accepted just as you are. I believe that a therapeutic relationship based on trust and collaboration is the foundation of this work and that counseling can not, and should not, look the same for everybody. In my practice, I structure the therapy around you, your needs, and identities.

Do you feel stuck? Are you having trouble regaining balance and moving forward? Sometimes feelings of worry and sadness can interfere with our daily lives. Depression can make going to work or school seem like an enormous task. You may have low energy, lack of motivation, overwhelming sadness or feelings of uncontrollable worry. Therapy can help! www.corementalhealthcounseling.com

Perhaps you're going through a transition or quarter life crisis and trying to cope with hard things that have happened in your life. You have tried everything you can think of to try to feel better and it is just not working. Are you overwhelmed and feeling stuck? Does your mind race? Are anxiety and sadness causing you to lose sleep and feel unmotivated? You may be saying to yourself "something has to change" but feel unsure of what to do. Some days you find it hard to function. Your relationships may suffer. And you long for healthier ways to cope with life.

We all experience struggles throughout our life. Are you or a family member feeling overwhelmed or struggling with depression, anxiety, relationships, career, family issues, or current circumstances? Please know that you are not alone. I am here to assist you in uncovering potential obstacles, defining your life goals, and developing strategies and confidence to achieve them. Although our past cannot be altered, it does not have to dictate our future. We always have the power to shape what lies ahead!

Are you struggling with a mental health issue? Do you lack motivation, focus, and direction? Are you overwhelmed with life stressors and emotions? Are you living in the past, stuck, and unable to move forward? Do you use alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex or gaming to “cope” with life stressors? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you would benefit from counseling with an objective, nonjudgmental, and supportive therapist. Let me be that therapist for you. Life can be hard, stressful, and challenging but you do not have to navigate this trip alone.

At different points in our lives, we can become overwhelmed and unbalanced. We are all human, having good days and bad. While each person is unique, we are not alone in this experience of life. My desire as a therapist is to have a holistic understanding of who you are and help you improve your life in the ways you desire. I work with individuals, couples and families of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life to treat a wide variety of issues.

Creative approaches to mental health treatment can effectively engage children and teens, as well as adults, in this important work. I believe in customizing therapy to each unique individual and family, to bring about the shared discovery of methods that will best suit their needs and support the achievement of their personal goals. Within a therapeutic partnership, my clients build strength and skills for identifying, tolerating, expressing, and addressing what words alone often fail to, so they may better manage through all of life's challenges independently.

During this difficult time, we can all use extra support.. I am a client-centered, multi-disciplinary therapist who has been working in the field for over 13 years. My experience allows me to meet a person where they are and provide support and strategies to guide them to achieving their therapeutic goals. I am currently accepting new patients and have several slots available at this time. However, I am now only able to offer telehealth (video or phone). Email only for new client inquiries please, and please check insurance information below before contacting- all accepted insurances listed.

I bring extensive experience working with diverse populations, including the LGBTQ+ community, individuals navigating family dysfunction, attachment wounds, relationship challenges, codependency issues, as well as those struggling with depression and anxiety. Overall, my approach is centered around fostering self-awareness, promoting personal growth, and empowering you to create meaningful and satisfying connections with yourself and others.