Sexual Abuse Therapists in Lower Manhattan, New York, NY

My professional experience comes from working with youth who are victims of sexual + physical abuse, and/or witnesses to domestic violence in the home, as well as adults who are survivors of childhood sexual abuse . sexual violence, and/or domestic violence. I understand therapy can be a confusing and sometimes uncomfortable process. I hope to provide accessible space to process and heal from trauma; allowing you to utilize strengths and practice radical self-acceptance, while also honoring the identities and experiences you hold.

Welcome to my art therapy and psychotherapy practice page. For over 25 years I have successfully worked with adults and young people seeking change. I am equally at ease with traditional talk therapy, art therapy, or an integration of the two and collaborate with my clients to establish the safest approach to realize personal intentions. My engagement style is gentle and encouraging, yet more thought-provoking and compassionately challenging when it is advantageous to the therapy.

People most often contact me when a critical life event has occurred. They may be feeling anxious or depressed, or have become newly aware of a need to make changes in the way they handle their relationships, emotions, and self-esteem. For some, this is the beginning of a long journey of self-exploration. Others prefer to seek new, more effective tools to address the immediate situation. I think that a good clinician should be able to tailor the treatment to fit the needs and preferences of the client. Too often it is the other way around.

Being a trauma-informed, client-centered, & strength based practice, I understand that you are the expert of your experiences, and I’m here to listen, and support you in your healing. I specialize in working with people who have experienced sexual abuse , sexual assault , and intimate partner violence. Under the supervision of Dr. Dulcinea Pitagora, I'm expanding my knowledge and skills in sex therapy. Treatment styles can vary, and be tailored to your needs. My practice is Queer, kink, sex work and poly positive; originally from Canada, my practice is also immigrant affirming, and I can speak conversational French if needed.

Sometimes it is a struggle to face thoughts and feelings that you are having. Various events have happened to us in our life that continue to haunt us causing harmful and troubling feelings. These troubling feelings can feel shameful and unforgiveable. It helps to have a safe environment to talk.

It's often difficult to find a safe space to express and process traumatic events, challenging family dynamics, and violations of consent. Traumatic experiences affect perception of self, how interactions and information is processed, and how environments are navigated. I am here to help you navigate these difficult experiences.

Footprints was started by a therapist who realized that often times the services provided to low socio-economic communities is lacking quality care. We noticed these communities where confronted with long wait times, disrespectful admins, and subpar treatment. The one and only purpose was to exploit the community for profit without providing the level of care deserved. Feel Better Therapy began from the inspiration to provide quality mental health care to the poorest of communities and treating the clients of this community the same way a rich patient would be treated in a clinic treating affluent clients.

If you want change at a pace you need, I can help you through a personalized therapy plan. I will provide a warm environment to help you discover and accomplish your own goals and reach your fullest potential. I am practical in my effective approach and I work from an integrated approach (supportive, dynamic, Cognitive Behavioral) that draws from my 25+ years of diverse work experiences in health care, psychiatry administration, behavioral health clinics and for-profit business. Our focus is on your getting better and staying better. Long-standing problems can be resolved.

My clients often struggle with relationship issues stemming from early childhood trauma; this results in coping mechanisms that work, but may carry a big price tag. They may grapple with sexual abuse , partner violence, sexual orientation and/ or disability related issues. Often, these manifest as substance abuse, cutting, communication problems or self- isolating behaviors. They may have friends and family members who do not truly "see" them, and as a result their own view of self is dim. Other clients are coping with situational anxiety and depression related to Covid, and need to establish safety, structure and hope.

My clients often struggle with relationship issues stemming from early childhood trauma; this results in coping mechanisms that work, but may carry a big price tag. They may grapple with sexual abuse , partner violence, sexual orientation and/ or disability related issues. Often, these manifest as substance abuse, cutting, communication problems or self- isolating behaviors. They may have friends and family members who do not truly "see" them, and as a result their own view of self is dim. Other clients are coping with situational anxiety and depression related to Covid, and need to establish safety, structure and hope.

I am a NYS licensed Clinical Psychologist with expertise in individual, group, couples, and family therapy ranging across various therapeutic modalities. I received my PhD in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University. I utilize an integrative approach to treatment such that strategies and techniques from various evidence-based therapies such as short term psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, and interpersonal therapies are combined to create individualized treatment in a collaborative, and goal-directed manner. This allows for treatment to be tailored to the needs of each individual client.

My clients often struggle with relationship issues stemming from early childhood trauma; this results in coping mechanisms that work, but may carry a big price tag. They may grapple with sexual abuse , partner violence, sexual orientation and/ or disability related issues. Often, these manifest as substance abuse, cutting, communication problems or self- isolating behaviors. They may have friends and family members who do not truly "see" them, and as a result their own view of self is dim. Other clients are coping with situational anxiety and depression related to Covid, and need to establish safety, structure and hope.

Hey there, and welcome to this next part of your journey. Let’s take a moment to recognize that you are a total badass for just being here. For surviving whatever it is that has brought you to this place. It takes awesome courage to explore working with a therapist, whether it’s your first or fifth time searching for the right connection. Here’s what I will always strive to provide for you: a wholly safe and judgment-free space, where we hold a deep respect for what you’ve been through, and honor the resources you contain within yourself to have survived to this point.

Are you exploring your gender, sexuality, alternative sexual practices and/or relationship dynamics? Have you tried to heal from your past trauma and been unable to feel more embodied and liberated? Do you find yourself feeling hopeless that you will ever find a sense of belonging or connection with others because your way of engaging in the world or an identity you possess is labeled as “other”? Would you like to live life with greater authenticity, self-compassion, empathy, and self-confidence? Are you looking to dismantle internalized oppression or privilege to be a more accountable partner in creating a more just society?

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with an extensive background in anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction. I provide therapy for individuals and couples in a safe, judgment-free environment. I've helped many people overcome obstacles to satisfaction in life. My clients have found this work leads to transformation and empowerment. In addition to talk therapy, I have experience providing treatment in different modalities, including Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and Somatic/Body awareness work.