Therapists in 10010

At Orchard Blue Counseling Services (OBC), our focus lies in assisting children and adolescents. We are dedicated to delivering culturally-affirming, holistic psychotherapy with deep sensitivity and understanding towards diverse communities. As a NYS Contractor and DOE vendor, we provide school based mental health and wellness services, community workshops and speaking engagements.

If you’re feeling stuck in the same patterns you don’t need to struggle alone. Therapy with me is a relationship where you can feel free to be (and discover) who you are. Together we create a space where you can speak openly to examine present and past, so that your desires for the future can be fulfilled. In our work you can expect to gain insight into underlying narratives and beliefs that are shaped by a unique personal history, learn new skills that alleviate suffering, heal, notice increased confidence and reduced conflict. When your perspective shifts so does the way others relate to you.

Therapy can be challenging work, but the benefits are profoundly rewarding: deeper self-understanding, releasing yourself from patterns that don't serve you, leading a more energized and satisfying life, and more. Because therapy is such a personal process, I believe that these goals are best met when I join my clinical expertise with your expertise on your life. This means that your expertise and perspective are every bit as important as mine, and that our work together will be collaborative and empowering.

My passion and focus is working with adults, adolescents, and families experiencing distress in their relationships and/or symptoms of depression and anxiety. I approach my work with clients from a place of genuine curiosity and understanding. I aim to provide a safe space where we can discuss the challenges getting in the way of achieving your goals and create a sustainable support system for lasting change in your life. I pride myself on being transparent during the process and an active participant in session.

My first goal in working with individuals and couples is to provide a non-judgmental, accepting and affirming space. Through our unique therapeutic alliance, you will develop awareness around the thoughts, feelings and behaviors that have perhaps made life feel unmanageable. We will develop strategies based on various modalities which have proven to be successful in bringing positive change. Together we will create a picture of what a meaningful life looks like for you and we will work together to manifest it into reality.

All of us have moments in our lives when we could use a little extra help. Therapy can be that support, whether we’re facing big changes, past traumas, issues in our relationships, ongoing mental health struggles, or burnout from the demands of everyday life. It allows for the time to be heard and seen, to talk things through, to build better coping skills, and reach greater fulfillment. I’ve felt privileged to see and aid in this growth process throughout my time working with adults struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and eating disorders.

It is a huge feat to have arrived at a place where you are ready to start therapy. Even taking that first step in looking for help says a lot about who you are and how you are prioritizing yourself in this moment. I would be honored to be able to join you in your journey of self-discovery, self-actualization, and acknowledgment of all you have accomplished up until this point. I will help you find understanding of your place in the world and help you create a calm environment for yourself.

Have you been disappointed in how you react in certain situations, in how patterns from your past repeat themselves? For many of us, losses or harms of the past haunt our present and complicate our choices. You may feel stuck or adrift, unable to find traction toward your goals or hounded by an inner critic or persistent shame.

I work with people who struggle with anxiety and/or depression; families; workplace issues; co-dependency; compulsive sexual behavior and love or relationship addiction; Seasonal Affective Disorder. I also work with adolescents and people who are struggling with grief and loss. As of April 1, 2023, I will be offering Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP).

Perhaps you are going through a transition, want to make a change, or have a nagging feeling you should take a closer look at neglected aspects of yourself. Do you feel unhappy or ambivalent about your career, studies, or relationships? You may need a place to process grief, loss, or other past experiences. Whatever your sources of anxiety, anger, or sadness we can work together to help you gain self-knowledge and skills as you move forward in your life.

Sonja Stengel (she/her/hers) is a licensed, board certified psychotherapist and art therapist with certifications in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness. Her 15+ years of experience has provided opportunities to work with a variety of people who have struggled with many kinds of human conditions, diagnosis and illnesses such as depression, anxiety, personality disorders, loss & bereavement, interpersonal and relational difficulties as well issues related to creative processes and professional/career challenges. Sonja's client-centered approach helps individuals initiate change and foster empowerment.

My approach to therapy is collaborative and goal-oriented. Within a non-judgmental space that feels safe, supportive, and empathetic, we dedicate ourselves to the exploration of inner life experiences and associated emotions and behaviors. The goal is to be heard and understood while progressing thoughtfully toward desired change by integrating various therapeutic techniques, including talk-therapy (psychodynamic), trauma-informed (EMDR and RTM), mindfulness and somatic (body centered) approaches. As a twin, I also specialize in twin-loss, in all stages of bereavement.

I believe strongly in the trans-formative energy of the human spirit. I believe that with self determination and a knowledgeable, non-judgmental approach one can reach a place of absolute self-fulfillment, genuine inner peace & meaningful healthy connections with others. Clients have told me that I have a natural ability to create an environment that encourages self exploration & a safe space. I work with adult ADHD/ADD; I offer organizational and time management techniques. I specialize in couples work. I also specialize in treating therapist as the client around issues of professional burn out, stress management and trauma.

I meet my clients where they are through an acceptance, holistic, client-centered, and nonjudgmental perspective. I integrate multiple approaches including psychodynamic, acceptance-based, and values in order to guide my clients towards healing and growth. I tailor evidence-based and effective treatments to the needs of my clients. My style is collaborative, open, and curious. I want to foster comfort for my clients. Together we can create space that feels safe for you. My goal is to find a pathway in understanding ourselves in the service of finding and achieving our true values and happiness.

Beginning therapy can be scary and is a bold step toward making proactive changes in your life. I provide a warm and relaxed atmosphere to explore your emotional life in a safe and supportive space. Aware of the importance of the body, I experience you as a whole person: your words, life themes, affect, posture, and your presence. By experiencing you in your wholeness, I can contextualize what can feel confusing or fragmentary. I can share what I see and understand, helping you raise your self-awareness. This process can harmonize your thoughts and emotions. Insight alone often is not sufficient for healing.

If this is your first step into therapy, I congratulate you on being here. For others, this may be a really comfortable place to be in and I join you with excitement.

You have made an admirable choice to serve people with honor and integrity. It is time for you to do the same for yourself. Sometimes you may feel like you’re in a pressure cooker. I am here to assist in turning down the heat and releasing the inner tension and barriers that hold you back. You face incredible challenges, each and every day and sometimes that can be difficult but your work does not need to have an indelibly negative impact upon you or your loved ones.

People start therapy for different reasons. Sometimes people come in to see me during a period of transition - starting or ending school or work, moving to a new city, beginning or leaving a relationship. You might feel something isn't quite working in your life, like you're frustrated, uncertain, or slightly out of step. Maybe you feel yourself hitting the same walls in friendships or relationships repeatedly. Maybe you feel lost. I'll work with you to help you find what's getting in the way of getting what you really want from your life and to find a way forward that feels right to you.

As a clinician, the therapeutic process is only meaningful and complete with the reciprocity and engagement of those I work with. Each individual is unique and their stories are interwoven with a rich tapestry of diverse emotions. By balancing the abstract, creative, philosophical, and introspective aspects of life with friendliness, compassion, empathy and care, I walk the path with you on your journey toward peace and happiness.