Therapists in New Paltz, NY

."I belong, therefore I am." The sense of belonging has often been wounded, damaged or undeveloped. Initially in our family, later in school, with friends and at work. Through the process of exploration and self-searching, we can begin to let ourselves go. When we are kind, and less consumed by our own ego; the darkness of depression and anxiety have less of a hold and we can find freedom.

Are you an adult navigating the challenges of school, career, and relationships? Do you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or uncertain about your future? I am a biracial and multicultural psychotherapist who specializes in working with adults, couples, and college and graduate students. I understand the unique challenges that you may be facing, and I am here to help you navigate this uncertain time. I offer a safe and compassionate space for you to explore your feelings, thoughts, and experiences. Together, we will develop strategies to help you reclaim your life and flourish.

Coming to therapy takes a lot of courage, and it also probably means you have been doing your best to address your personal issues for some time now. I work from the vantage point that growth is always possible no matter how dire or stuck you may feel. In my practice, I use an eclectic therapeutic approach that stresses reflection, support, validation, collaboration, and aims to foster the insights and behaviors needed for change. My goal is to meet you where you are and get you to where you would like to be. I specialize in stress, depression, anxiety and related issues.

You're slamming the alarm clock; it was another night of broken sleep. You're feeling drained and wishing for a moment of peace and happiness. You are constantly giving to others when you're running low and rarely have time for yourself. You feel pressures and stress piling up and weighing on your shoulders. You want to reach out for help but are scared of being vulnerable and driving people away. At night when you lay down to sleep, the thoughts are racing and the worries return. All that you want is understanding, support, and acceptance.

My name is May, a bilingual (English and Mandarin) therapist with 6+ years of experience who was born and raised in Shanghai. I came to the U.S. as a teen, and now I live in NYC. I have been a therapist for the past six years working with a variety of populations with different needs and struggles in life. I have interned at a public high school and then a community mental health center in Philadelphia. Previously, I worked at a nonprofit in Brooklyn, serving mostly Asian and Latino immigrant families by providing individual, couple, and family trauma-informed therapy for the past four years.

Seeking a therapist is the first step towards taking control of your life. Maybe you’re feeling pain, stress, frustration, or hopeless. You’re tired of pretending to be happy and sacrificing your own needs for the needs of others. Sometimes, you’re balancing so much you’re not sure what to tackle first.

Are you feeling overwhelmed in areas of your life including career, relationships, family; or notice you are repeating the same patterns? Perhaps, you are looking for ways to create a more balanced life and build closer relationships. Maybe you are looking for more fulfillment and meaning than your job provides, or experiencing unhappiness but you are unsure what to do about it. I understand that life can be hectic and sometimes we can get caught up in the events of daily life, experiencing anxiety or doubts about ourselves.

I aim to provide an inclusive, affirming, and empowering space for therapy, emphasizing interactive, collaborative, and client-centered sessions. With a foundation in cognitive-behavioral and humanistic theories, I tailor my approach to your unique needs and goals. My expertise lies in working with adults from diverse backgrounds facing anxiety, navigating major life transitions, workplace or academic stress or family/relationship issues. I'm particularly passionate about supporting BIPOC and LGBTQ+ populations, creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and goals.

Contact me if you are struggling with relationship difficulties, sex, sexuality concerns, trauma, losses of loved ones, ADHD, depression or anxiety. I will help you better understand and accept yourself, and use your own insights and strengths to change and grow. I am also passionate about working with individuals, families and groups with cross-cultural/immigration background. Coming to United States as an international student myself, I deeply understand the challenges in the international community, the painful process of loss and separation from home countries, and difficulties to fit in due to language and cultural barriers.

Even under the best of circumstances, life includes some unavoidable disappointment and unexpected challenges. As a compassionate and culturally attuned therapist, I am dedicated to guiding individuals on their unique paths towards self-discovery, personal growth, and emotional well-being. I will listen to your stories with curiosity and empathy, and I would like to supportively accompany you to walk through those challenging moments, and live a life that you are satisfied with. With fluency in both English and Mandarin Chinese, I provide a safe and supportive environment for clients seeking therapy in either language.

I specialize in helping you process through emotions and develop healthy coping skills to promote growth. I take pride in helping individuals like yourself, figure out who you are by helping you cope with feelings of anxiety, depression, and self esteem. As a South Asian American, stigma and judgment from family and friends can stop people from seeking counseling. This is why it is important for people of color to feel comfortable reaching out for support. I have a passion for working with women, most specifically women of color, to help process through feelings.

I have experience working with a wide range of patients from young children to older adults. I approach therapy from a patient-focused and strengths-based lens, believing that each individual has the capacity to overcome life's challenges when it comes to all areas of work, relationships, and family. Additionally, growing up in a Chinese (Fujianese) immigrant family in America, I understand the impact of generational trauma and cultural identity struggles that first generational individuals and people of color may deal with. I work with patients and within the community to mend and grow from these experiences.

I specialize in working with POC, immigrants, first-generation Americans, and those with LGBTQ+ identities. Maybe you want to enforce boundaries with your family, navigate cultural differences with your partner, stop seeking perfection at work, understand your emotions, increase your self-esteem, or simply live a more authentic and satisfying life. With your identity and cultural context in mind, I use evidence-based therapies to help you achieve your goals.

When we are navigating life's challenges and emotional complexities including anxiety, stress, the shadows of depression and past traumas, we are seeking not just a listening ear but a compassionate companion, desiring a safe space where vulnerability is met with understanding. Our aspirations extend beyond mere healing; we aim for a life colored with resilience, joy, and authentic connections. The therapeutic journey we embark upon is a collaborative effort, fostering growth, and celebrating self-discovery. Together, we'll navigate towards a future where you feel empowered, grounded, and truly alive.

Donna Poon is a mental health counseling professional with several years of experience working with individuals to address issues related to culture, academic, family, relationship, career, and finance.