Schema Therapy in Garden City, NY
My niche in marginalized mental health specifically focuses on the Black American woman’s experience in navigating professional and personal labor. My ideal clients are professional Black women who struggle with balancing labor with self-care and mental health wellness practices. My objective is to assist Black women in decentering labor from their identities and redefining themselves, for themselves.
An additional area of practice is helping people navigate "alternative" or lifestyles beyond the status quo. Women interested in pursuing childfree, non-monogamous, polyamorous and/or kink lifestyles are enthusiastically welcome!
My niche in marginalized mental health specifically focuses on the Black American woman’s experience in navigating professional and personal labor. My ideal clients are professional Black women who struggle with balancing labor with self-care and mental health wellness practices. My objective is to assist Black women in decentering labor from their identities and redefining themselves, for themselves.
An additional area of practice is helping people navigate "alternative" or lifestyles beyond the status quo. Women interested in pursuing childfree, non-monogamous, polyamorous and/or kink lifestyles are enthusiastically welcome!
My specialties include trauma therapy by utilizing EMDR as well as other evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Schema Therapy, Emotion Freedom Technique, Humanistic Therapy, Cognitions work, Strength Based Therapy, Mindfulness skills and Psychodynamic therapy.
It takes a tremendous amount of courage to seek help when you are feeling stuck. I'm glad that you took the first step in seeking a therapist to help with how you're feeling. You may be experiencing moments of sadness, anxiety, need help navigating relationships, or maybe something bad has happened to you that you feel is now holding you back from enjoying life again. Working with a therapist like myself, we can work together to identify areas of concern and set obtainable goals to work toward and improve your mental and emotional wellbeing to get you “unstuck”. With 9+ years of experience, I'm happy to help you reach these goals!
My specialties include trauma therapy by utilizing EMDR as well as other evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Schema Therapy, Emotion Freedom Technique, Humanistic Therapy, Cognitions work, Strength Based Therapy, Mindfulness skills and Psychodynamic therapy.
It takes a tremendous amount of courage to seek help when you are feeling stuck. I'm glad that you took the first step in seeking a therapist to help with how you're feeling. You may be experiencing moments of sadness, anxiety, need help navigating relationships, or maybe something bad has happened to you that you feel is now holding you back from enjoying life again. Working with a therapist like myself, we can work together to identify areas of concern and set obtainable goals to work toward and improve your mental and emotional wellbeing to get you “unstuck”. With 9+ years of experience, I'm happy to help you reach these goals!
Welcome—starting therapy can feel like a big step, and finding the right support matters. I provide a warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where adolescents and adults can feel understood and empowered. I specialize in helping clients navigate anxiety, relationship challenges, family dynamics, eating disorders, and life transitions. Using a holistic, strengths-based, and person-centered approach, I tailor therapy to your unique goals and needs, helping you build insight, confidence, and meaningful lasting change.
Welcome—starting therapy can feel like a big step, and finding the right support matters. I provide a warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where adolescents and adults can feel understood and empowered. I specialize in helping clients navigate anxiety, relationship challenges, family dynamics, eating disorders, and life transitions. Using a holistic, strengths-based, and person-centered approach, I tailor therapy to your unique goals and needs, helping you build insight, confidence, and meaningful lasting change.
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to even start is often the reason people reach out to me. I work with clients navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, and the aftermath of trauma or major life transitions, using CBT, trauma-informed care, and a person-centered approach — meeting you where you are rather than pushing a one-size-fits-all plan.
Licensed in New York and New Jersey, I offer sessions in English or Spanish. I also facilitate a weekly DBT support group for clients seeking extra support with emotional regulation.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. I offer a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your needs
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to even start is often the reason people reach out to me. I work with clients navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, and the aftermath of trauma or major life transitions, using CBT, trauma-informed care, and a person-centered approach — meeting you where you are rather than pushing a one-size-fits-all plan.
Licensed in New York and New Jersey, I offer sessions in English or Spanish. I also facilitate a weekly DBT support group for clients seeking extra support with emotional regulation.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. I offer a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your needs
I graduated from LIU Post in 2018 and I have been working with individuals for 2 years in group practices and individual settings focusing on issues such as depression, anxiety and addiction. Helping you to overcome these obstacles and empower you to create meaningful change in your life.
I graduated from LIU Post in 2018 and I have been working with individuals for 2 years in group practices and individual settings focusing on issues such as depression, anxiety and addiction. Helping you to overcome these obstacles and empower you to create meaningful change in your life.
I am dedicated to help clients navigate their emotional challenges and improve their relationships in a supportive and non-judgmental environment through mindfulness techniques, cognitive-behavioral strategies, psychoanalytic skills, and self-compassion. Together, we will work to identify patterns, develop coping skills, and cultivate a more fulfilling life. I integrate treatment modality techniques to provide a comprehensive approach to psychotherapy. I have extensive experience supporting individuals and families through grief and bereavement, with a special focus on those navigating the loss of a child.
I am dedicated to help clients navigate their emotional challenges and improve their relationships in a supportive and non-judgmental environment through mindfulness techniques, cognitive-behavioral strategies, psychoanalytic skills, and self-compassion. Together, we will work to identify patterns, develop coping skills, and cultivate a more fulfilling life. I integrate treatment modality techniques to provide a comprehensive approach to psychotherapy. I have extensive experience supporting individuals and families through grief and bereavement, with a special focus on those navigating the loss of a child.
Valerie Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, IFS, EMDR, IADC, DBT
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
Full/waitlist-only for weekly therapy. IADC and EMDR intensives still accepted.
You're tired, emotionally and physically. I support new mothers who are up at 3 a.m. wondering why they feel so sad when they thought this was supposed to be the happiest time of their life. I work with people who are grieving and are so tired of being told to “move on” when all they really want is to still feel connected to the person they lost (and yes, we can find ways to do that together). I work with young adults who have lost a parent and feel like no one else understands, and the thought of a college commencement is depressing, not exciting.
Full/waitlist-only for weekly therapy. IADC and EMDR intensives still accepted.
You're tired, emotionally and physically. I support new mothers who are up at 3 a.m. wondering why they feel so sad when they thought this was supposed to be the happiest time of their life. I work with people who are grieving and are so tired of being told to “move on” when all they really want is to still feel connected to the person they lost (and yes, we can find ways to do that together). I work with young adults who have lost a parent and feel like no one else understands, and the thought of a college commencement is depressing, not exciting.
We all desire happiness, fulfillment and peace - but how do we get there when we feel like we have so little control over our situations? Healthy individuals and relationships are the cornerstone of our well-being, however, at times we all feel like we have lost control or are overwhelmed by challenges and changes in our lives. As a Marriage and Family Therapist I will help you recognize and change ineffective, repetitive or destructive patterns of thoughts, communication and behavior in a safe, supervised atmosphere. Together we will focus on strengths, healthy interactions, goals and solutions to achieve positive changes in your life and relationships.
We all desire happiness, fulfillment and peace - but how do we get there when we feel like we have so little control over our situations? Healthy individuals and relationships are the cornerstone of our well-being, however, at times we all feel like we have lost control or are overwhelmed by challenges and changes in our lives. As a Marriage and Family Therapist I will help you recognize and change ineffective, repetitive or destructive patterns of thoughts, communication and behavior in a safe, supervised atmosphere. Together we will focus on strengths, healthy interactions, goals and solutions to achieve positive changes in your life and relationships.
I’m Mozelle, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 15 years of counseling experience. I specialize in working with women navigating infertility, parenting challenges, caregiver role strain, retirement transitions, and professional growth. Many of my clients feel overwhelmed, anxious, or uncertain about their future. Perhaps they are pursuing parenthood, balancing family responsibilities, or seeking professional growth as they learn to set healthier boundaries and protect their peace.
I’m Mozelle, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 15 years of counseling experience. I specialize in working with women navigating infertility, parenting challenges, caregiver role strain, retirement transitions, and professional growth. Many of my clients feel overwhelmed, anxious, or uncertain about their future. Perhaps they are pursuing parenthood, balancing family responsibilities, or seeking professional growth as they learn to set healthier boundaries and protect their peace.
More Therapists Nearby
If you’re not feeling like yourself lately, you’re not alone. Many Americans feel the country is out of control and is careening towards an existential crisis. Typical everyday stressors like work, relationships, and family are being exacerbated feelings of a loss of individual agency. We demand a lot of ourselves, and sometimes we feel that we’re not living up to our own standards, or that we’re not where we should be in our lives, that success and happiness might not even be achievable anymore. Therapy can help you get a sense of perspective, express your emotions, and regain a sense of self.
If you’re not feeling like yourself lately, you’re not alone. Many Americans feel the country is out of control and is careening towards an existential crisis. Typical everyday stressors like work, relationships, and family are being exacerbated feelings of a loss of individual agency. We demand a lot of ourselves, and sometimes we feel that we’re not living up to our own standards, or that we’re not where we should be in our lives, that success and happiness might not even be achievable anymore. Therapy can help you get a sense of perspective, express your emotions, and regain a sense of self.
Do you find yourself overthinking, worrying about what could go wrong, or feeling stuck in patterns you can't seem to break? Maybe you understand your thoughts logically but still can't quiet your anxiety, stop seeking reassurance, or feel confident in your decisions. I work with adults navigating anxiety, OCD, depression, relationship concerns, and self-esteem, using a warm, practical approach to help you understand what's keeping you stuck and develop tools that actually fit your life.
Do you find yourself overthinking, worrying about what could go wrong, or feeling stuck in patterns you can't seem to break? Maybe you understand your thoughts logically but still can't quiet your anxiety, stop seeking reassurance, or feel confident in your decisions. I work with adults navigating anxiety, OCD, depression, relationship concerns, and self-esteem, using a warm, practical approach to help you understand what's keeping you stuck and develop tools that actually fit your life.
From the outside, your life looks perfect. The career, the friend group, the accolades, the one everyone counts on.
But inside, you’re stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, and spiraling until 2am, replaying every conversation, overthinking, second-guessing every decision.
You check every box, but something still feels off. You’ve learned your worth is based on what you do, or maybe what you achieve.
What if I told you that you could trade chaos for calm, perfection for peace, without losing your drive?
From the outside, your life looks perfect. The career, the friend group, the accolades, the one everyone counts on.
But inside, you’re stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, and spiraling until 2am, replaying every conversation, overthinking, second-guessing every decision.
You check every box, but something still feels off. You’ve learned your worth is based on what you do, or maybe what you achieve.
What if I told you that you could trade chaos for calm, perfection for peace, without losing your drive?
Do you ever feel stuck, disconnected, or weighed down by the challenges of daily life? Many people find themselves going through the motions—caring for others, managing responsibilities, striving to keep up—yet still feeling stressed, unseen, or unfulfilled. Life’s pace, constant demands, or unspoken longings can leave you feeling drained and uncertain. Therapy offers a space to pause, reflect, and reconnect—helping you find clarity, strengthen relationships, and create balance within yourself and your life.
Do you ever feel stuck, disconnected, or weighed down by the challenges of daily life? Many people find themselves going through the motions—caring for others, managing responsibilities, striving to keep up—yet still feeling stressed, unseen, or unfulfilled. Life’s pace, constant demands, or unspoken longings can leave you feeling drained and uncertain. Therapy offers a space to pause, reflect, and reconnect—helping you find clarity, strengthen relationships, and create balance within yourself and your life.
I work with adults and couples who might describe themselves as stuck, or repeating patterns that perpetuate difficult emotions, feelings of disconnection, self-critical thought patterns, and strained relationship dynamics. Some people come to therapy highly self-aware and ready to do the deep work of looking inward to build a compassionate, accepting relationship with themselves. Others are just starting to recognize that something in life no longer feels sustainable, and aren’t quite sure why just yet. There is no singular way to come to therapy; wherever you are in your process is a meaningful place to begin.
I work with adults and couples who might describe themselves as stuck, or repeating patterns that perpetuate difficult emotions, feelings of disconnection, self-critical thought patterns, and strained relationship dynamics. Some people come to therapy highly self-aware and ready to do the deep work of looking inward to build a compassionate, accepting relationship with themselves. Others are just starting to recognize that something in life no longer feels sustainable, and aren’t quite sure why just yet. There is no singular way to come to therapy; wherever you are in your process is a meaningful place to begin.
Is it time for a change? Do you feel anxious, depressed, stuck, or angry? Do past experiences continue to shape your present? At times we all feel lost or overwhelmed. I believe these moments, while painful, can also become powerful opportunities for growth, healing, and meaningful transformation.
Is it time for a change? Do you feel anxious, depressed, stuck, or angry? Do past experiences continue to shape your present? At times we all feel lost or overwhelmed. I believe these moments, while painful, can also become powerful opportunities for growth, healing, and meaningful transformation.
Over the last decade I've trained in Internal Family Systems Therapy, Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
I am a certified EMDR therapist. Are you holding onto distress or overwhelming emotions tied to past scary or traumatic events? Did you grow up in a chaotic environment or have caregivers who couldn't meet your needs? Maybe you are currently navigating major life transitions like reproductive trauma or grief. Perhaps you continue to engage in behaviors despite knowing they no longer serve you. Would you like help confronting something you're avoiding, establishing healthy boundaries, or deepening connection and intimacy with those you care about? If you answered yes to any of these, EMDR may be right for you.
Over the last decade I've trained in Internal Family Systems Therapy, Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
I am a certified EMDR therapist. Are you holding onto distress or overwhelming emotions tied to past scary or traumatic events? Did you grow up in a chaotic environment or have caregivers who couldn't meet your needs? Maybe you are currently navigating major life transitions like reproductive trauma or grief. Perhaps you continue to engage in behaviors despite knowing they no longer serve you. Would you like help confronting something you're avoiding, establishing healthy boundaries, or deepening connection and intimacy with those you care about? If you answered yes to any of these, EMDR may be right for you.
You may be someone who thinks deeply about your life, relationships, and inner world, yet still feels unsettled or disconnected in ways that do not resolve with insight alone. Questions about identity, meaning, or direction continue to resurface, even after reflection, growth, or past attempts to understand yourself. Familiar explanations no longer feel sufficient. You want space to examine emotional and relational patterns carefully, to think honestly about your experience, and to explore what feels unresolved without quick answers, labels, or pressure to simplify experiences that feel complex, layered, or internally contradictory.
You may be someone who thinks deeply about your life, relationships, and inner world, yet still feels unsettled or disconnected in ways that do not resolve with insight alone. Questions about identity, meaning, or direction continue to resurface, even after reflection, growth, or past attempts to understand yourself. Familiar explanations no longer feel sufficient. You want space to examine emotional and relational patterns carefully, to think honestly about your experience, and to explore what feels unresolved without quick answers, labels, or pressure to simplify experiences that feel complex, layered, or internally contradictory.
As a queer, Black therapist, the lenses of identity, culture, and sociopolitical context are key to my understanding of my clients’ experiences. I'm especially drawn to clients who feel disconnected from themselves, their relationships, and their environment, and those who are so used to being relied on that they’ve lost sight of their own needs. Through our work, I aim to offer my clients a chance to write new stories about who they are and who they can grow to be.
As a queer, Black therapist, the lenses of identity, culture, and sociopolitical context are key to my understanding of my clients’ experiences. I'm especially drawn to clients who feel disconnected from themselves, their relationships, and their environment, and those who are so used to being relied on that they’ve lost sight of their own needs. Through our work, I aim to offer my clients a chance to write new stories about who they are and who they can grow to be.
I received my Doctorate and Master's Degree from Simmons College of Social Work. My primary focus has been on substance use and compulsive behaviors treatment. I have extensive experience working with clients during life transitions and navigating uncertainty. I enjoy working with clients through ambivalence as they navigate big and small life changes.
I received my Doctorate and Master's Degree from Simmons College of Social Work. My primary focus has been on substance use and compulsive behaviors treatment. I have extensive experience working with clients during life transitions and navigating uncertainty. I enjoy working with clients through ambivalence as they navigate big and small life changes.
My approach is integrative, drawing from CBT, DBT, Schema Therapy, Psychodynamic, and Structural Family Systems.
I treat a wide spectrum of conditions including mood and anxiety disorders (e.g., bipolar, depressive and anxiety disorders), ADHD, marital issues and PTSD. My niche is in personality disorders (e.g., borderline and narcissistic PD). I have extensive experience treating trauma sequelas, dissociative disorders and helping individuals overcome grief. Although my practice is mainly guided by empirical modalities, I tend to approach each client in an eclectic manner to customize treatment as needed.
My approach is integrative, drawing from CBT, DBT, Schema Therapy, Psychodynamic, and Structural Family Systems.
I treat a wide spectrum of conditions including mood and anxiety disorders (e.g., bipolar, depressive and anxiety disorders), ADHD, marital issues and PTSD. My niche is in personality disorders (e.g., borderline and narcissistic PD). I have extensive experience treating trauma sequelas, dissociative disorders and helping individuals overcome grief. Although my practice is mainly guided by empirical modalities, I tend to approach each client in an eclectic manner to customize treatment as needed.
See more therapy options for Garden City
Nearby Schema Therapy Searches for Garden City
- Astoria
- Bronx
- Corona
- Flushing
- Forest Hills
- Great Neck
- Huntington
- Jamaica
- Manhasset
- Merrick
- Old Westbury
- Ridgewood
Schema Therapy
How does schema therapy work?
Schema therapy is based on the idea that maladaptive thought patterns formed in childhood—that other people can never be relied on, for example—can interfere with healthy functioning in adulthood. Accordingly, schema therapy works by directly targeting such unhealthy schemas, identifying their consequences, and replacing them with more adaptive ways of thinking. To this end, schema therapists aim to “reparent” the client by offering what they didn’t get in childhood—validation, for instance, or compassion—to reorient their worldview.
Is schema therapy evidence-based?
Schema therapy is still considered relatively new, and research on its efficacy is still in progress. However, some studies have concluded that it can be effective at treating certain mental health conditions, most notably personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder. Evidence for its efficacy in treating conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD is promising but less conclusive, and experts warn that much of the existing research is of low quality.
Is schema therapy a type of CBT?
Schema therapy is based on many principles of CBT, most notably the process of recognizing and challenging maladaptive thought patterns. But because schema therapy also draws from other approaches,including psychoanalysis and Gestalt therapy, it is not considered a form of CBT. It also typically delves deeper into the client’s childhood than does CBT.
How does schema therapy work?
Schema therapy does not call for a set number of sessions and is instead open-ended, with the treatment timeline depending on the client’s primary concern(s), progress, and preferences. Treatment that lasts between six months and two years is common, though many clients will start to see progress much earlier than that.