Therapists in Kew Gardens Hills, NY

I have been a psychotherapist for more than 20 years, counseling individuals and couples with a variety of psychiatric conditions and life transitions. I see the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative process and create an environment where you can begin to critically think about your life choices while exploring relationship patterns. I will help you achieve both clarity and resolution with respect to life transitions and relationships by asking precise questions. Together we will focus on issues regarding empowerment, liberation and healing. You will reflect, act, and reflect again on your emotional and social life.

I work with all types of clients (couples, children, individuals) but especially marginalized groups (especially LGBTQ+) who need a place to feel comfortable, accepted, understood and respected. A place where feelings are valued, validated and matter. You may have been displaced, made to feel wrong, unaccepted and unwelcome. You want a safe space where you can express yourself freely and not be judged as society and others may have judged you. A place where you can be heard and work on feeling proud and wonderful with who you are and process negative experiences so you can be fully your authentic self and enjoy a fulfilling life.

The work of therapy entails a deep, genuine engagement with ourselves - at times the unknown or unpleasant parts of ourselves. As with all challenging tasks, therapy is most rewarding when approached with honesty and openness. I have been practicing psychotherapy with individuals and couples for 15+ years and I am committed to offering my clients expert and compassionate help on this courageous journey. I will work with you to tailor a treatment that is both comprehensive and responsive to your needs, whether they involve difficulties with a loved one or problematic patterns that you find yourself recreating in your life.

Therapy can feel incredibly overwhelming for a variety of reasons – whether it is your first session, or your hundredth. My goal as a therapist is to make you feel comfortable, safe, and cared for. I greatly value the relationship I have with each of my clients, as it sets the foundation for the success of the work we will do together. I tailor my approach uniquely to each of my clients, but woven through all my sessions and interactions is a mix of compassion, encouragement, psychoeducation, and sometimes a little bit of humor (life is hard enough, don’t you think?).

Taking the first step towards getting help can be difficult. I want to make this as easy as possible for you, and am happy to speak with you by telephone before scheduling your first appointment. My specialty is working with individuals, couples, and families who are having relationship and communication difficulties. I also provide support for those with depression, anxiety, stress, and those struggling to maintain a work/life balance. The process is collaborative, and can combine both psychotherapy and coaching.

You can call me Lex. We've all faced dark moments and hard times, but letting someone in is the key to turning darkness into light. I'm here to guide you through, no matter how long. With passion and personality, I help individuals and couples navigate relationship struggles and life transitions and heal past traumas. I'm a storyteller and listener. My focused approach often leads to progress within two to three months. With over a decade of experience in crisis management and emergency support, I've assisted people all over the world and in a variety of fields. Together, we can get your life back on track. -Lex E. Santí

My clinical approach to therapy is based mainly on CBT and REBT techniques and facilitates mental, emotional and interpersonal shifts. By focusing on interactions, connections and problem solving mechanisms, I work to strengthen and enrich individuals, couples and families. I believe in direction and collaboration, coupled with warmth, empathy and acceptance, and an openness to change. I welcome clients that are motivated to grow and shift and open to insights and analysis, both self and that imparted by myself.

Do you want to achieve a level of self mastery where you deeply understand yourself and how you operate in this world? Do you want to make conscious choices in your life that bring you fulfillment and joy? Do you want to increase your self compassion and empathy and have an easier time navigating your relationships? Psychotherapy can help with all of this and more. As a therapist, I see us on a journey traveling together. I am a guide and I am here to understand your world. From that understanding, we will begin to explore possibilities, solutions, and ideas which foster growth.

Psychotherapy is a very personal and unique endeavor. Your life experiences, strengths, and current needs along with the therapist’s personality, training, and background will determine the characteristics of your treatment. My personal and professional development have made me sensitive to and interested in personality characteristics and sociocultural factors that shape personal experiences. Therefore, I strive to understand the unique familial and cultural context in which your specific difficulties have developed. Together we can explore how and why they came to be and discover more effective ways to cope in your current life.

Finding the right psychotherapist is challenging and can be a lengthy process. Once the search is completed, and the therapy is under way, it will become rewarding and healing. My approach to psychotherapy is mindful, accepting and supportive. Trained in individual, couple, and family therapy, complex trauma, as well as clinical medicine and public health epidemiology, I provide treatment from an individualized integrative perspective, based on what is most beneficial to each person. My cultural and crosscultural perspectives allow me to also factor in the cultural impact on human behavior.

"Are you ready to impact your life forever? Contact us today! Take charge of your life! 'Personal growth is hot. Diagnosis is not' (USA TODAY). Do you want to experience a more fulfilling life? Do you feel trapped, stuck or helpless? Do you need the courage to change? Always remember: you are one choice away from changing your life! If you feel that you can't manage it on your own anymore or you want to clearly make the best choice and have confidence in your decisions, then I am here to help! Get Coached Free: Same Day Appointments."

Establishing yourself, and your identity, is a lifelong process. You are not alone when you face questions including: Who am I? What is my purpose? Who do I want in my life? What do I stand for? Why am I here? When we consider these questions, along with countless others branching from these, you might find yourself overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or frustrated. Attempting to navigate this process, you may face societal expectations, dysfunctional family dynamics, economic challenges or other stressors operating against you. While desire to be stable, authentic, and true to self is shared, your story will always be unique.

We provide counseling and auxiliary services to seniors, the disabled, caregivers, and their families. ISS is committed to helping our clients develop the coping skills necessary to function at one's maximum ability by providing in-home counseling services. Through therapy, our counselors help clients find renewed enjoyment in life and increased emotional well-being. Counseling may also ameliorate the behavioral problems that come with chronic ailments, such as Alzheimer's disease. By addressing the mental health needs of seniors, the disabled, and caregivers, counseling can help lessen the frequency of hospitalization and enhance one's social life.

I am a compassionate humanist firmly grounded in science and research. I don’t judge, condemn, or rate anyone. Instead, I unconditionally accept all people and encourage them to find new ways to approach life with a minimum of fear and turmoil. I studied Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with its developer, Dr. Albert Ellis, with whom I have written 3 books and numerous articles. My work includes authoring 6 books, 7 chapters, and 20 journal articles. I am a Professor in NYU’s MA psychology program and an examiner for psychologists seeking board certification. But foremost, I am a clinician who understands emotional pain.

There is something so valuable about every person having a space that is their own, and to feel safe enough to say and feel whatever comes up for them in that space. I work from these core beliefs: That curiosity leads to understanding, creativity + play can heal, and comfort is something many of us could use more of these days.

Do you feel challenged or stuck? Are you overwhelmed with life stresses? Do you yearn for a better relationship with your partner or family? You have probably tried working out these problems yourself, but let me help you and your loved ones meet life's challenges and create meaningful relationships. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I believe that trust, understanding and acceptance help create a safe and secure therapy environment. Together we will work to build on your strengths and create attainable therapeutic goals.