Therapists in New York, NY
Sheridan A. Smith
Licensed Master Social Worker, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10003
I primarily work from an Existential Therapy and Buddhist Psychotherapy lens.
Looking deeply into your life, your struggles, and what gives you strength and meaning can be a transformative and a healing process. Helping people to do this is a passion of mine. Working to understand your struggles in greater context, changing behaviors or transforming suffering through insight, we will work directly with the feelings and roots of your struggles. We will work towards goals of greater presence with all aspects of life, and a steady foundation to live a life that has meaning, value, and joy.
I primarily work from an Existential Therapy and Buddhist Psychotherapy lens.
Looking deeply into your life, your struggles, and what gives you strength and meaning can be a transformative and a healing process. Helping people to do this is a passion of mine. Working to understand your struggles in greater context, changing behaviors or transforming suffering through insight, we will work directly with the feelings and roots of your struggles. We will work towards goals of greater presence with all aspects of life, and a steady foundation to live a life that has meaning, value, and joy.
I incorporate a plethora of approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, IFS, DBT, Relationship and Life Coaching, Mindfulness, Non-Violent Communication, Buddhist Psychology, Somatic Healing, and more.
I invite you to step into a sanctuary of affirmation, warmth, and practical guidance with me, Dr. Deb, a personable and highly experienced licensed psychotherapist and relationship coach. I am here to guide you through life’s ups & downs and get you unstuck and feeling better. I will help you find actionable solutions to the issues you struggle with – work, breaks-ups, mood, anxiety, stress, sadness, unhealthy patterns, pain, depression, relationships, life goals, substances, communication, and so much more. Together we will untangle life’s complexities and find a path to increased happiness and balance. (Really!)
I incorporate a plethora of approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, IFS, DBT, Relationship and Life Coaching, Mindfulness, Non-Violent Communication, Buddhist Psychology, Somatic Healing, and more.
I invite you to step into a sanctuary of affirmation, warmth, and practical guidance with me, Dr. Deb, a personable and highly experienced licensed psychotherapist and relationship coach. I am here to guide you through life’s ups & downs and get you unstuck and feeling better. I will help you find actionable solutions to the issues you struggle with – work, breaks-ups, mood, anxiety, stress, sadness, unhealthy patterns, pain, depression, relationships, life goals, substances, communication, and so much more. Together we will untangle life’s complexities and find a path to increased happiness and balance. (Really!)
My approach draws from a blend of therapeutic modalities: Psychodynamic, ACT, Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Therapy, Buddhist Psychology, and Mindfulness.
Welcome! I am a mindfulness-based therapist who is passionate about bringing a somatic and spiritually informed approach to the therapeutic space. Whether you are a trauma survivor, navigating issues of self-worth, experiencing depression or anxiety, struggling with feelings of disconnection, or trapped in a cycle of unhelpful behaviors, I'd love to support you on your journey. As a mixed-race Asian therapist, I am especially passionate about supporting individuals who identify as AAPI, multicultural, and 1st generation. All are welcome.
My approach draws from a blend of therapeutic modalities: Psychodynamic, ACT, Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Therapy, Buddhist Psychology, and Mindfulness.
Welcome! I am a mindfulness-based therapist who is passionate about bringing a somatic and spiritually informed approach to the therapeutic space. Whether you are a trauma survivor, navigating issues of self-worth, experiencing depression or anxiety, struggling with feelings of disconnection, or trapped in a cycle of unhelpful behaviors, I'd love to support you on your journey. As a mixed-race Asian therapist, I am especially passionate about supporting individuals who identify as AAPI, multicultural, and 1st generation. All are welcome.
Working actively and collaboratively, my treatment orientation incorporates intensive training in Gestalt Therapy (a holistic, present-centered, and relationship-focused approach), Developmental Somatic Psychotherapy (a movement-based approach), and Contemplative Psychotherapy, which integrates mindfulness and compassion practices from Buddhist psychology.
My approach to supporting others to heal, grow, and better cope with life challenges and transitions incorporates awareness-building, cultivating acceptance and compassion, and providing a space that invites the possibility of exploring new ways of being. These elements empower individuals to take ownership of how they choose to create their lives and to find greater wellbeing and fulfillment. We often do not realize that the very habits and behaviors that cause us to feel stuck or block us from having what we want were necessary tools for survival at some point in our lives. Understanding such patterns is an important step.
Working actively and collaboratively, my treatment orientation incorporates intensive training in Gestalt Therapy (a holistic, present-centered, and relationship-focused approach), Developmental Somatic Psychotherapy (a movement-based approach), and Contemplative Psychotherapy, which integrates mindfulness and compassion practices from Buddhist psychology.
My approach to supporting others to heal, grow, and better cope with life challenges and transitions incorporates awareness-building, cultivating acceptance and compassion, and providing a space that invites the possibility of exploring new ways of being. These elements empower individuals to take ownership of how they choose to create their lives and to find greater wellbeing and fulfillment. We often do not realize that the very habits and behaviors that cause us to feel stuck or block us from having what we want were necessary tools for survival at some point in our lives. Understanding such patterns is an important step.
Has talking-only therapy not worked well for you? If you are looking for an experienced holistic practitioner -- a therapist's therapist -- you have found one. My approach is present-centered, relational, and collaborative, informed by understandings from humanistic therapies as well as from spiritual and meditative traditions. This way of working is very interactive and includes methods from Gestalt, Hakomi, and Buddhist practices. I have more than 35 years of experience in both doing experiential psychotherapy and training other therapists in these methods.
Has talking-only therapy not worked well for you? If you are looking for an experienced holistic practitioner -- a therapist's therapist -- you have found one. My approach is present-centered, relational, and collaborative, informed by understandings from humanistic therapies as well as from spiritual and meditative traditions. This way of working is very interactive and includes methods from Gestalt, Hakomi, and Buddhist practices. I have more than 35 years of experience in both doing experiential psychotherapy and training other therapists in these methods.
Psychotherapy and psychoanalysis can be instrumental in enhancing your self esteem, quieting depressive thoughts, unlocking your creativity, improving your relationships and helping you lead a happier, more fulfilling life. I lean toward a self-psychological approach that centers on mutuality, self inquiry and empathic encounter. I work with clients from all walks of life, including academics, artists, writers, executives, couples, people going through important life transitions, and people of different faiths, be it buddhist, christian or secular-spiritual. I also work with children. One of my specialties is giftedness, at any age.
Psychotherapy and psychoanalysis can be instrumental in enhancing your self esteem, quieting depressive thoughts, unlocking your creativity, improving your relationships and helping you lead a happier, more fulfilling life. I lean toward a self-psychological approach that centers on mutuality, self inquiry and empathic encounter. I work with clients from all walks of life, including academics, artists, writers, executives, couples, people going through important life transitions, and people of different faiths, be it buddhist, christian or secular-spiritual. I also work with children. One of my specialties is giftedness, at any age.
My Buddhist Chaplaincy training through my Master’s in Divinity degree, dedication to Buddhist practice, and clinical psychotherapeutic training at Columbia University inform my approach as a spiritually-informed psychotherapist.
When engaged deeply and authentically by both clinician and client, I believe psychotherapy to be one of the most effective tools we have access to in order to transform ourselves, our lives, and the environments that we live in. To this end, I assist patients in exploring and processing the traumatic experiences and constricting stories that are hindering their growth and expansion.
My Buddhist Chaplaincy training through my Master’s in Divinity degree, dedication to Buddhist practice, and clinical psychotherapeutic training at Columbia University inform my approach as a spiritually-informed psychotherapist.
When engaged deeply and authentically by both clinician and client, I believe psychotherapy to be one of the most effective tools we have access to in order to transform ourselves, our lives, and the environments that we live in. To this end, I assist patients in exploring and processing the traumatic experiences and constricting stories that are hindering their growth and expansion.
In addition to my thirty years as a creative art psychotherapist, I completed the Nalanda Institute Certificate Program in Contemplative Psychotherapy, a historic, intensive program integrating mindfulness and compassion-based systems of Buddhist psychology and meditation with contemporary psychotherapy, neuroscience, and health psychology.
I have come to accept that the very thing that causes pain in our lives can be the opportunity for transformation and joy. Death, divorce, loss of employment, and now with Covid-19, are unavoidable human traumas. We simply can not defeat these losses. What we can do is bravely embrace our frailty and slowly discover our inherent well-being and resiliency. Through a trusting therapeutic relationship, you can begin to mend the fragments and feel the soft strength within you.
In addition to my thirty years as a creative art psychotherapist, I completed the Nalanda Institute Certificate Program in Contemplative Psychotherapy, a historic, intensive program integrating mindfulness and compassion-based systems of Buddhist psychology and meditation with contemporary psychotherapy, neuroscience, and health psychology.
I have come to accept that the very thing that causes pain in our lives can be the opportunity for transformation and joy. Death, divorce, loss of employment, and now with Covid-19, are unavoidable human traumas. We simply can not defeat these losses. What we can do is bravely embrace our frailty and slowly discover our inherent well-being and resiliency. Through a trusting therapeutic relationship, you can begin to mend the fragments and feel the soft strength within you.
Olivia Rose Velasquez Weber
Art Therapist, MA, ATR-BC, LCAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10010 (Online Only)
My practice is grounded in buddhist psychology and mindfulness.
As a practitioner I seek to assist my clients to begin to shed the layers of the their cocoon, and accept themselves as whole people. I utilize mindfulness techniques, somatic awareness, meditation, attachment and experiential psychotherapy. I encourage clients to stay with their feelings in the here and now, and ask them to accept and honor the present moment with all its feelings rather than exiling or "fixing" their feelings.
My practice is grounded in buddhist psychology and mindfulness.
As a practitioner I seek to assist my clients to begin to shed the layers of the their cocoon, and accept themselves as whole people. I utilize mindfulness techniques, somatic awareness, meditation, attachment and experiential psychotherapy. I encourage clients to stay with their feelings in the here and now, and ask them to accept and honor the present moment with all its feelings rather than exiling or "fixing" their feelings.
Mike Lubofsky • Psychotherapist and Attorney
Marriage & Family Therapist, JD, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10001
My Reality Attunement Therapy for attorneys and non-attorneys incorporates Buddhist psychology and other modalities and is helpful to anyone interested in cultivating more grounded presence and inner peace.
We are all seeking reliable refuge. Most of us have internalized the notion that refuge is to be found in external phenomena – other people, places and things. While these external phenomena can be pleasing, reality demonstrates that these phenomena are inherently impermanent and unsatisfactory. Most of us have internalized likes and dislikes in ways that have crystallized in a belief in the existence of a "self" - the defense and protection of which has come to dictate much of our decision-making through adulthood.
My Reality Attunement Therapy for attorneys and non-attorneys incorporates Buddhist psychology and other modalities and is helpful to anyone interested in cultivating more grounded presence and inner peace.
We are all seeking reliable refuge. Most of us have internalized the notion that refuge is to be found in external phenomena – other people, places and things. While these external phenomena can be pleasing, reality demonstrates that these phenomena are inherently impermanent and unsatisfactory. Most of us have internalized likes and dislikes in ways that have crystallized in a belief in the existence of a "self" - the defense and protection of which has come to dictate much of our decision-making through adulthood.
Alena Kwong
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, RYT-200, RMT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New York, NY 10012
My sessions are an integration of therapeutic modalities including psychodynamic theory,mindfulness (Acceptance and Commitment therapy),somatic approaches and inquiring deeply within( Buddhist Psychology and IFS).
It is in my belief that we are all intrinsically whole, deserving and worthy of love and meaningful connections. However, somewhere along the way we have incurred pain and hurtful experiences that have tainted our story and lens of how we see the world and ourselves. Sometimes the narrative runs so deep that we can’t stop the thoughts and feelings that flow continuously. In this way, everyday feels like a struggle. Perhaps you secretly feel lost and lonely or you struggle with feelings of anxiety, insecurity or sadness and are uncertain about how to navigate the complexity of your emotions. Wherever you are - your story matters.
My sessions are an integration of therapeutic modalities including psychodynamic theory,mindfulness (Acceptance and Commitment therapy),somatic approaches and inquiring deeply within( Buddhist Psychology and IFS).
It is in my belief that we are all intrinsically whole, deserving and worthy of love and meaningful connections. However, somewhere along the way we have incurred pain and hurtful experiences that have tainted our story and lens of how we see the world and ourselves. Sometimes the narrative runs so deep that we can’t stop the thoughts and feelings that flow continuously. In this way, everyday feels like a struggle. Perhaps you secretly feel lost and lonely or you struggle with feelings of anxiety, insecurity or sadness and are uncertain about how to navigate the complexity of your emotions. Wherever you are - your story matters.
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I have training in psychoanalytic and cognitive-behavioral treatment, including dialectical therapy, that builds on a foundation of (primarily Soto Zen) Buddhist thought, meditation and mindfulness practice of over 40 years.
No matter how fortunate you may be, still human life is difficult. Despite your best efforts, at times life's stresses can be too much: you may be overwhelmed. Hurt, fear, guilt, anger, shame, grief: feeling bad can alert you to where the trouble lies, or add to your emotional burdens. Confusion, isolation, loneliness, restlessness, worry, despair, or addictive attempts to find relief - all of these painful states are attempts to ward off problems or fix what's wrong, but they can also make things worse.
I have training in psychoanalytic and cognitive-behavioral treatment, including dialectical therapy, that builds on a foundation of (primarily Soto Zen) Buddhist thought, meditation and mindfulness practice of over 40 years.
No matter how fortunate you may be, still human life is difficult. Despite your best efforts, at times life's stresses can be too much: you may be overwhelmed. Hurt, fear, guilt, anger, shame, grief: feeling bad can alert you to where the trouble lies, or add to your emotional burdens. Confusion, isolation, loneliness, restlessness, worry, despair, or addictive attempts to find relief - all of these painful states are attempts to ward off problems or fix what's wrong, but they can also make things worse.
Lauren Joy Wichterman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10012 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Are you struggling to balance work, parenting/pregnancy, and staying connected to your partner? You are not alone. I work with clients to see where they can make positive changes in their lives and relieve stress. I also specialize in maternal mental health (postpartum anxiety and depression), and adolescent mental health. I come from a mindfulness-based perspective, and have a strengths-based and Buddhist orientation. I believe that my clients - with the right support - can make meaningful changes that will improve their overall well-being and enhance their relationships.
Are you struggling to balance work, parenting/pregnancy, and staying connected to your partner? You are not alone. I work with clients to see where they can make positive changes in their lives and relieve stress. I also specialize in maternal mental health (postpartum anxiety and depression), and adolescent mental health. I come from a mindfulness-based perspective, and have a strengths-based and Buddhist orientation. I believe that my clients - with the right support - can make meaningful changes that will improve their overall well-being and enhance their relationships.
I work with people to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to achieve a sense of happiness and connectedness in their lives. I am trained in a wide variety of therapeutic approaches and tailor my interventions to each individual patient's needs, personality and strengths. I am equipped to help people with various issues, including those haunted by psychological trauma - childhood abuse and neglect, sexual assault, domestic violence, and near death events.
I work with people to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to achieve a sense of happiness and connectedness in their lives. I am trained in a wide variety of therapeutic approaches and tailor my interventions to each individual patient's needs, personality and strengths. I am equipped to help people with various issues, including those haunted by psychological trauma - childhood abuse and neglect, sexual assault, domestic violence, and near death events.
Dr. Heather Stevenson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
New York, NY 10001 (Online Only)
Do you find yourself feeling disconnected in relationships, no matter what you do? You’re used to giving your all, ensuring others are happy but it feels like you don’t get the same consideration or care in return. Secretly you worry how others perceive you and fear being rejected if you put yourself out there, so you tend to hold yourself and your true feelings back. It’s easier to avoid conflict than risk someone feeling disappointed by you. But the truth is you long to connect and have deeper relationships. If only you could get out of your own way and feel more comfortable expressing the real you.
Do you find yourself feeling disconnected in relationships, no matter what you do? You’re used to giving your all, ensuring others are happy but it feels like you don’t get the same consideration or care in return. Secretly you worry how others perceive you and fear being rejected if you put yourself out there, so you tend to hold yourself and your true feelings back. It’s easier to avoid conflict than risk someone feeling disappointed by you. But the truth is you long to connect and have deeper relationships. If only you could get out of your own way and feel more comfortable expressing the real you.
While my first area of "expertise" is surely in substance use, abuse, and addictions, however, I also specialize in mind and body healing, and helping people to feel more empowered and in charge over their lives. With many therapeutic "tools" to draw from, I work with collaboratively with clients to determine what it is they are looking for from therapy, and which therapeutic path will likely be best for what they are looking for.
While my first area of "expertise" is surely in substance use, abuse, and addictions, however, I also specialize in mind and body healing, and helping people to feel more empowered and in charge over their lives. With many therapeutic "tools" to draw from, I work with collaboratively with clients to determine what it is they are looking for from therapy, and which therapeutic path will likely be best for what they are looking for.
Hello! The process of finding a therapist is not always easy. I prioritize the collaborative relationship between therapist and client, creating an open and non-judgmental space for you to share your thoughts and feelings freely.
Hello! The process of finding a therapist is not always easy. I prioritize the collaborative relationship between therapist and client, creating an open and non-judgmental space for you to share your thoughts and feelings freely.
Are you living the life you want? Stuck or unsatisfied in your relationships? Tired and depleted? Maybe you have friends, but find yourself wondering who you would really call in the middle of the night. Or your romantic relationship feels stuck, like you are repeating the same pattern over and over. We all know that deeper connection and intimacy are necessary for a more satisfying life, yet we feel that we are not getting what we need or want. Or maybe your pain is related to your job. You are working hard but not getting the recognition you crave. For many of us, we feel depleted or anxious and don't fully understand why.
Are you living the life you want? Stuck or unsatisfied in your relationships? Tired and depleted? Maybe you have friends, but find yourself wondering who you would really call in the middle of the night. Or your romantic relationship feels stuck, like you are repeating the same pattern over and over. We all know that deeper connection and intimacy are necessary for a more satisfying life, yet we feel that we are not getting what we need or want. Or maybe your pain is related to your job. You are working hard but not getting the recognition you crave. For many of us, we feel depleted or anxious and don't fully understand why.
I am a neuropsychologist providing neuropsych assessments to preschoolers through young adults with learning and psychiatric issues. My primary goals are to provide families with thorough evaluations, timely reports written in user-friendly language, and a willingness to collaborate with school personnel and other professionals who may be working with their child. Therapeutically, I am also a certified provider of the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) approach, helping parents and children find realistic solutions that address their concerns regarding a wide range of issues, unsolved problems, and unmet expectations.
I am a neuropsychologist providing neuropsych assessments to preschoolers through young adults with learning and psychiatric issues. My primary goals are to provide families with thorough evaluations, timely reports written in user-friendly language, and a willingness to collaborate with school personnel and other professionals who may be working with their child. Therapeutically, I am also a certified provider of the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) approach, helping parents and children find realistic solutions that address their concerns regarding a wide range of issues, unsolved problems, and unmet expectations.
Are you suffering from stress, anxiety or trauma? Are your relationships problematic? Do you have health issues or are in a spiritual crisis? Through my holistic approach, with attention to the mind and body connection, you will deepen your capacity for self reflection and understanding, liberate your creativity and ability to communicate effectively and develop your innate self healing ability. With warmth and empathy we will work on nurturing your mind, body and spirit so that you can gain insight, and find solutions that work best for you that allow you to live your life to the fullest.
Are you suffering from stress, anxiety or trauma? Are your relationships problematic? Do you have health issues or are in a spiritual crisis? Through my holistic approach, with attention to the mind and body connection, you will deepen your capacity for self reflection and understanding, liberate your creativity and ability to communicate effectively and develop your innate self healing ability. With warmth and empathy we will work on nurturing your mind, body and spirit so that you can gain insight, and find solutions that work best for you that allow you to live your life to the fullest.
See more therapy options for New York
Buddhist Therapists
Is buddhism beneficial for mental health?
While Buddhism itself is not a treatment for mental health conditions, its practices can greatly enhance mental well-being by introducing coping skills and ideas that promote overall wellness. Key Buddhist practices, such as mindfulness, have been shown to alleviate symptoms of various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma. Moreover, Buddhism's focus on self-compassion, non-judgment, and acceptance can benefit individuals with particularly negative or self-critical thought patterns.
What are the concepts and principles of buddhism as a therapeutic approach?
Core Buddhist principles are often used in therapy to help clients gain insight into their thoughts and emotions. Concepts such as suffering (dukkha) and impermanence (anicca) are applied to help clients recognize that common forms of suffering, like repetitive negative thought patterns, can be accepted and viewed as impermanent. The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path are additional core concepts utilized frequently in Buddhist therapy sessions. The Four Noble Truths highlight the existence of suffering as an inherent part of the human experience—an insight frequently used to move clients toward greater acceptance. The Eightfold Path, which includes right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right concentration, and right mindfulness, offers practical skills to alleviate suffering.
What is the buddhist approach and practice during a therapy session?
Therapists informed by Buddhist principles often integrate mindfulness and meditation practices into therapy sessions to help clients cultivate greater acceptance, compassion, and non-judgment toward themselves and others. Typically, Buddhist therapists guide clients through mindfulness exercises, such as breathing exercises or body scans, and encourage them to practice similar exercises outside of sessions. Additionally, many Buddhist therapists utilize elements of Positive Psychology or Compassion-Focused Therapy, which can help reduce symptoms of self-criticism and shame common among clients with various mental health conditions. In general, Buddhist therapists strive to embody the compassion and non-judgmental approach they promote, often incorporating exercises aimed at developing compassion in session, such as loving-kindness meditation (Metta).
Is mindfulness the same as buddhism in the context of therapy?
While Buddhist therapists frequently integrate mindfulness practices into therapy sessions, the terms mindfulness and Buddhism are not synonymous in the context of therapy. Therapists may use mindfulness techniques, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), without identifying as a Buddhist therapist. In contrast, those practicing within a Buddhist belief framework typically encourage mindfulness therapies, in addition to foundational Buddhist beliefs, such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. These therapists may also guide clients toward a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy, unlike those who use Buddhist mindfulness principles without the broader spiritual context.