Expressive Arts Therapists in Island Park, NY

Do you struggle with anxiety and depression? Self-esteem issues? Unprocessed trauma? Managing the many stressors of daily life? Starting therapy can be scary but it's the first step toward leading a more content life! My approach is eclectic and draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, while also incorporating Yoga, Movement, Meditation, and Expressive Arts. Together we can work toward developing healthy coping skills to help you to be your best self. As Jon Kabat-Zinn said, “You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”

Like the mythical Phoenix which arises anew from its ashes, we each have the capacity to survive, and emerge stronger from our difficulties, life circumstances, personal and professional setbacks and even tragedy. Therapy is often a vital tool in finding our way back from or out of situations that overwhelm us. A therapist and coach, with over 20 years of experience and training, I have worked effectively with adolescents, adults, families, young professionals, and groups; addressing issues inclusive of depression and anxiety, trauma, addiction and recovery, parent-child conflict, emotional/behavioral disruptions, life and career transitions, gender, sexuality, and spirituality.

On the outside, you seem like you've got it all together. You've got a social crew, you've got a decent job, and you even have hobbies...but something isn't feeling right inside. It's like you've got this empty nagging feeling, and it's been bothering you for some time. You want to be able to enjoy the life you have, you want to be able to be present, and to finally get relief from the nagging pressure, spinning thoughts and discomfort you've been feeling.

I provide therapy to improve my client's reconnection with their own sense of competence and worth, improve their relationships, and reduce underlying stressors that may cause overwhelming feelings, anxiety, and/or depression. I combine psychotherapy and expressive arts to help people become better connected with their social and physical environments, live happier, and become more productive towards their own mental health. As a NYS professional, I am licensed to practice pscyhotherapy and creative arts therapies [art modality]. I have been working for 5+ years with inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services.

I create an empathetic and non-judgmental space for you to feel safe and supported in your most vulnerable state as I accompany you on your self-discovery journey. I consider you to be a multifaceted human being with an innate intelligence, and want to empower you to lead a resilient, authentic, and joyful life. I hope to help you develop skills to manage uncomfortable emotions and symptoms, reprocess old wounds, heal generational trauma, and gain greater self- compassion and self-acceptance. I advance Mindfulness based transpersonal counseling that is Jungian informed and supportive of Expressive arts practices.

You’ve been looking for someone to help you you feel better - emotionally, physically and energetically. The anxiety and past hurts have taken their toll and you are tired and worn out. I help people who need a different way, beyond just talking about the past, to heal their anxiety and pain. Don't worry, I won't put you into the "one size fits all" therapy plan. Rather, together with you, we map out a plan using creative & science based methods to help you! Most of my clients reach out seeking relief from toxic family of origins, and I help them find a way to release the pain, let go of the burdens and shake off the sadness.

When coming in for therapy you will be given the utmost comfortable setting to feel at ease and talk about what is on your mind. After each session, the areas you want to change or develop will be by us working together. You will begin to grow and learn about yourself. The sessions will bring on positive changes that will empower you to want to continue to work on yourself. Transformation and healing can happen if you allow it.

While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.

The therapists at Creative Arts Therapy Source are compassionate and person centered psychotherapists specializing in innovative approaches to help children, teens and adults overcome grief, anxiety and depression. Our team of creative arts therapists have exceptional training in evidenced based techniques and creative approaches that set us apart from more traditional talk therapy methods. We offer individual, couples and group therapy sessions throughout New York and New Jersey.

Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, stress, or relationship challenges? Perhaps you're grappling with the demands of parenting, trauma, or OCD. Whatever your circumstances, you deserve to feel understood, empowered, and guided towards greater well-being. At Expressive Connections, our team of compassionate therapists provides a nurturing environment where you can explore your emotions, gain insights, and develop effective coping strategies.

Constant stress and anxiety are overwhelming. They can leave you feeling stuck and in panic. Guilt & frustration develops. Being a mother & communicating with your partner is interrupted. It all leaves you completely exhausted, burnt out and becoming more difficult to remember life without these constraints. It’s time to understand a deeper body mind connection to create your ideal balanced lifestyle and reduce anger, OCD, & intrusive thoughts. Online sessions. Questions? Visit www.NicoleLeeTherapy.com

As you progress, you may strive for more out of life yet, are unsure how to get to where you may wish to be. I will support you on your journey as we explore what your needs are, your long term/short term perceived goals & best practices in fulfilling such. I use the therapeutic process to assist in empowering my clients so that you come to realize & acknowledge the wealth of inner resources you have within & without, to build on your strengths & gain confidence to accept & create your personal story. I provide individual & group therapy to adolescents & adults, & have extensive experience working with issues related to depression,

My personal philosophy in life is that you can do anything you set your mind to when you have the support and faith to spur you forward. Without support or a belief system, I believe it’s harder if not impossible to be a better/matured version of yourself. If you have felt stuck or felt unmotivated by life's present challenges or past hurts and pains or just overwhelmed by it all, You have a place to find that comfort, guidance, and solutions, where it was believed there, were not.

Therapy offers a safe place for exploration and a greater depth of understanding of both yourself and your relationships. It is also an avenue to enhance social connections, and a way to set goals and chart a path to achieve them. I work with clients to address any obstacles they may be facing and in helping them to enact a plan to achieve their desired outcomes. This partnership is different from person to person, because it’s about identifying any stumbling blocks clients may be facing and working through them. I value approaching people from a place of curiosity, empathetic understanding, and use a collaborative approach.

Have you been feeling overwhelmed, lonely, or unfocused lately? Are you experiencing more days filled with confusion or sadness? Contact me because I understand. My experience as a psychotherapist has afforded me unique insight into knowing how stress can impact your life. I will help you better manage ongoing stressors, improve your self-esteem, and confidently handle toxic relationships. You will feel a sense of calm and clarity in a brief period of time. Others will notice the change as you boldly address issues and assert yourself differently, as well.

Great strength and drive can be found in struggle. It is my goal to assist clients in discovering this resource within themselves as a method of healing from trauma, anxiety, depression and loss. Reaching out for help can be a challenging process. You will be surprised how much shifts as soon as you take that first step. We will work together to establish more productive and healthier relationships with the events, circumstances and processes that you are coping with. We will explore this with a holistic approach that not only takes your thoughts and feelings into account but also integrates your whole self.

You're not feeling like yourself. You've been feeling anxious, irritated and out of sorts. In some ways, your life is pretty much where you hoped it would be, but on the inside you're feeling scared. A little lost. And maybe even lonely. You're using all the skills, supports and outlets you can find, because you're the "I can do hard things" kind of person.. But you're not feeling much better. You've got little patience for your partner, your kids and your friends, and you're losing your focus at work. You want better ways to cope with these feelings. And more than that, you want to grow beyond the pain and find inner strength.