Buddhist Therapists in New York, NY
I’m a Vietnamese, Queer, Buddhist, refugee, cisgender woman with a passion to help others relieve their life stressors, which has been heightened by COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing racism/injustice, transphobia, homophobia, xenophobia, climate change, wars, violence, and unrest in our world.
I believe that everyone has the strength to change and grow. Therapy is one way of getting there, and I would be honored to work with you. I have expertise in helping those struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, life transitions, interpersonal issues, LBGTQIA2S+ issues, gender/identity, polyamory, trauma, loneliness, & alcohol/substance abuse.
I’m a Vietnamese, Queer, Buddhist, refugee, cisgender woman with a passion to help others relieve their life stressors, which has been heightened by COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing racism/injustice, transphobia, homophobia, xenophobia, climate change, wars, violence, and unrest in our world.
I believe that everyone has the strength to change and grow. Therapy is one way of getting there, and I would be honored to work with you. I have expertise in helping those struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, life transitions, interpersonal issues, LBGTQIA2S+ issues, gender/identity, polyamory, trauma, loneliness, & alcohol/substance abuse.
In addition to my thirty years as a creative art psychotherapist, I completed the Nalanda Institute Certificate Program in Contemplative Psychotherapy, a historic, intensive program integrating mindfulness and compassion-based systems of Buddhist psychology and meditation with contemporary psychotherapy, neuroscience, and health psychology.
I have come to accept that the very thing that causes pain in our lives can be the opportunity for transformation and joy. Death, divorce, loss of employment, and now with Covid-19, are unavoidable human traumas. We simply can not defeat these losses. What we can do is bravely embrace our frailty and slowly discover our inherent well-being and resiliency. Through a trusting therapeutic relationship, you can begin to mend the fragments and feel the soft strength within you.
In addition to my thirty years as a creative art psychotherapist, I completed the Nalanda Institute Certificate Program in Contemplative Psychotherapy, a historic, intensive program integrating mindfulness and compassion-based systems of Buddhist psychology and meditation with contemporary psychotherapy, neuroscience, and health psychology.
I have come to accept that the very thing that causes pain in our lives can be the opportunity for transformation and joy. Death, divorce, loss of employment, and now with Covid-19, are unavoidable human traumas. We simply can not defeat these losses. What we can do is bravely embrace our frailty and slowly discover our inherent well-being and resiliency. Through a trusting therapeutic relationship, you can begin to mend the fragments and feel the soft strength within you.
My training as a mindfulness instructor, Engaged Buddhist practitioner, and Clinical Trauma Professional deeply informs my approach to therapy.
Current Availability: Tuesdays (telehealth) and Thursdays (limited in-person openings).
Welcome! I am a mindfulness-based therapist who is passionate about bringing a relational and spiritually informed approach to the therapeutic space. Whether you are a trauma survivor, navigating issues of self-worth, experiencing depression or anxiety, struggling with feelings of disconnection, or trapped in a cycle of unhelpful behaviors, I'd love to support you on your journey. As a mixed-race Asian therapist, I am especially passionate about supporting individuals who identify as AAPI, multicultural, and 1st generation. All are welcome.
My training as a mindfulness instructor, Engaged Buddhist practitioner, and Clinical Trauma Professional deeply informs my approach to therapy.
Current Availability: Tuesdays (telehealth) and Thursdays (limited in-person openings).
Welcome! I am a mindfulness-based therapist who is passionate about bringing a relational and spiritually informed approach to the therapeutic space. Whether you are a trauma survivor, navigating issues of self-worth, experiencing depression or anxiety, struggling with feelings of disconnection, or trapped in a cycle of unhelpful behaviors, I'd love to support you on your journey. As a mixed-race Asian therapist, I am especially passionate about supporting individuals who identify as AAPI, multicultural, and 1st generation. All are welcome.
Drawing from Buddhist philosophy and mindfulness techniques, I help individuals cultivate greater self-awareness, resilience, and inner peace.
My approach combines evidence-based therapies with mindfulness practices to address depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. Through our work together, you'll develop: · Greater self-compassion and understanding · Improved emotional regulation and resilience · Enhanced relationships and communication skills · Increased sense of purpose and meaning
Drawing from Buddhist philosophy and mindfulness techniques, I help individuals cultivate greater self-awareness, resilience, and inner peace.
My approach combines evidence-based therapies with mindfulness practices to address depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. Through our work together, you'll develop: · Greater self-compassion and understanding · Improved emotional regulation and resilience · Enhanced relationships and communication skills · Increased sense of purpose and meaning
My practice is grounded in buddhist psychology and mindfulness.
As a practitioner I seek to assist my clients to begin to shed the layers of the their cocoon, and accept themselves as whole people. I utilize mindfulness techniques, somatic awareness, meditation, attachment and experiential psychotherapy. I encourage clients to stay with their feelings in the here and now, and ask them to accept and honor the present moment with all its feelings rather than exiling or "fixing" their feelings.
My practice is grounded in buddhist psychology and mindfulness.
As a practitioner I seek to assist my clients to begin to shed the layers of the their cocoon, and accept themselves as whole people. I utilize mindfulness techniques, somatic awareness, meditation, attachment and experiential psychotherapy. I encourage clients to stay with their feelings in the here and now, and ask them to accept and honor the present moment with all its feelings rather than exiling or "fixing" their feelings.
My orientation comes from Buddhist psychology and its goal of ending suffering.
I believe that therapy can develop non-judgmental awareness of what we face in the present, of thoughts and feelings that are based on conditioned reactions from our past, and of the ability to then cultivate the inner freedom that allows us to move into a future grounded in experience and directed at a positive and compassionate understanding of ourselves and of others. Developing the ability to be aware is a practice that each client learns and practices according to their needs, interests, and learning styles. There is no ideal client, there is only the commitment to practice awareness and find freedom from the past.
My orientation comes from Buddhist psychology and its goal of ending suffering.
I believe that therapy can develop non-judgmental awareness of what we face in the present, of thoughts and feelings that are based on conditioned reactions from our past, and of the ability to then cultivate the inner freedom that allows us to move into a future grounded in experience and directed at a positive and compassionate understanding of ourselves and of others. Developing the ability to be aware is a practice that each client learns and practices according to their needs, interests, and learning styles. There is no ideal client, there is only the commitment to practice awareness and find freedom from the past.
I work with clients from all walks of life, including academics, artists, writers, executives, couples, people going through important life transitions, and people of different faiths, be it buddhist, christian or secular-spiritual.
My psychoanalytic writing has been published in several peer reviewed journals, and recently by Oxford University Press. I am on the faculty at The National Institute for the Psychotherapies and the Training Institute for Mental Health in NYC. I bring to the work my own background as artist, writer, teacher and scholar.
I work with clients from all walks of life, including academics, artists, writers, executives, couples, people going through important life transitions, and people of different faiths, be it buddhist, christian or secular-spiritual.
My psychoanalytic writing has been published in several peer reviewed journals, and recently by Oxford University Press. I am on the faculty at The National Institute for the Psychotherapies and the Training Institute for Mental Health in NYC. I bring to the work my own background as artist, writer, teacher and scholar.
In my own mindfulness practice, I draw from Buddhist and Quaker traditions.
Are you struggling with rumination, obsessive thinking, or overwhelming anxiety? Are your intense emotions and impulsive behaviors in the driver's seat? Not sure how to describe what's going on, but feel you're ready to change? I'm passionate about getting evidence-based psychotherapy to my clients in a way that's timely, identity-affirming, and culturally sensitive. I provide comprehensive support to individuals struggling with self-harm, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and emotion dysregulation. I also work with those struggling with depression, health anxiety, climate anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder.
In my own mindfulness practice, I draw from Buddhist and Quaker traditions.
Are you struggling with rumination, obsessive thinking, or overwhelming anxiety? Are your intense emotions and impulsive behaviors in the driver's seat? Not sure how to describe what's going on, but feel you're ready to change? I'm passionate about getting evidence-based psychotherapy to my clients in a way that's timely, identity-affirming, and culturally sensitive. I provide comprehensive support to individuals struggling with self-harm, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and emotion dysregulation. I also work with those struggling with depression, health anxiety, climate anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder.
My psychotherapeutic training through my Master's in Social Work at Columbia University and Buddhist Chaplaincy training through my Master’s in Divinity degree at Union inform my approach as a spiritually-informed psychotherapist.
When engaged deeply and authentically by both clinician and client, I believe psychotherapy to be one of the most effective tools we have access to in order to transform ourselves, our lives, and the environments that we live in. To this end, I assist clients in exploring and processing the traumatic experiences and constricting stories that are hindering their growth and expansion. I work psychoanalytically to unveil the unconscious, and allow clients to discover their own agency and freedom.
My psychotherapeutic training through my Master's in Social Work at Columbia University and Buddhist Chaplaincy training through my Master’s in Divinity degree at Union inform my approach as a spiritually-informed psychotherapist.
When engaged deeply and authentically by both clinician and client, I believe psychotherapy to be one of the most effective tools we have access to in order to transform ourselves, our lives, and the environments that we live in. To this end, I assist clients in exploring and processing the traumatic experiences and constricting stories that are hindering their growth and expansion. I work psychoanalytically to unveil the unconscious, and allow clients to discover their own agency and freedom.
My approach is highly interactive and incorporates methods from Gestalt, Hakomi, and Buddhist practices.
This is a here-and-now approach that can address relationships, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and existential unsatisfactoriness.
My approach is highly interactive and incorporates methods from Gestalt, Hakomi, and Buddhist practices.
This is a here-and-now approach that can address relationships, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and existential unsatisfactoriness.
Therefore, she uniquely tailors therapy sessions to each client’s needs by utilizing integrative techniques and modalities, including solutions-focused & evidence-based cognitive therapies, positive psychology, mindfulness and Buddhist Psychology.
Jenna Sackman is a holistic and integrative therapist who specializes in working with individuals (children, teens & adults) and couples and is passionate about making therapy a meaningful, joyful experience. Her areas of expertise are anxiety/stress, relationship challenges, depression, loss/grief, life transitions, and negative thought patterns. Most clients choose to work with her because she uses an active approach and provides her clients with concrete skills and tools. Jenna understands that therapy is a big investment, and she, too, is fully invested in helping her clients to realize significant and observable change.
Therefore, she uniquely tailors therapy sessions to each client’s needs by utilizing integrative techniques and modalities, including solutions-focused & evidence-based cognitive therapies, positive psychology, mindfulness and Buddhist Psychology.
Jenna Sackman is a holistic and integrative therapist who specializes in working with individuals (children, teens & adults) and couples and is passionate about making therapy a meaningful, joyful experience. Her areas of expertise are anxiety/stress, relationship challenges, depression, loss/grief, life transitions, and negative thought patterns. Most clients choose to work with her because she uses an active approach and provides her clients with concrete skills and tools. Jenna understands that therapy is a big investment, and she, too, is fully invested in helping her clients to realize significant and observable change.
Working actively and collaboratively, my treatment orientation incorporates intensive training in Gestalt Therapy (a holistic, present-centered, and relationship-focused approach), Developmental Somatic Psychotherapy (a movement-based approach), and Contemplative Psychotherapy, which integrates mindfulness and compassion practices from Buddhist psychology.
My approach to supporting others to heal, grow, and better cope with life challenges and transitions incorporates awareness-building, cultivating acceptance and compassion, and providing a space that invites the possibility of exploring new ways of being. These elements empower individuals to take ownership of how they choose to create their lives and to find greater wellbeing and fulfillment. We often do not realize that the very habits and behaviors that cause us to feel stuck or block us from having what we want were necessary tools for survival at some point in our lives. Understanding such patterns is an important step.
Working actively and collaboratively, my treatment orientation incorporates intensive training in Gestalt Therapy (a holistic, present-centered, and relationship-focused approach), Developmental Somatic Psychotherapy (a movement-based approach), and Contemplative Psychotherapy, which integrates mindfulness and compassion practices from Buddhist psychology.
My approach to supporting others to heal, grow, and better cope with life challenges and transitions incorporates awareness-building, cultivating acceptance and compassion, and providing a space that invites the possibility of exploring new ways of being. These elements empower individuals to take ownership of how they choose to create their lives and to find greater wellbeing and fulfillment. We often do not realize that the very habits and behaviors that cause us to feel stuck or block us from having what we want were necessary tools for survival at some point in our lives. Understanding such patterns is an important step.
My experience with meditation and mindfulness is from teachings and retreat with Buddhist Thich Naht Han.
I have over 20 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist in NY. My style to be informal and welcoming. My background includes senior psychotherapist positions to Clinical Director of a New York City mental health clinic. Though specializing in anxiety, depression and ADHD, I have extensive mental health experience giving me know-how and dexterity to meet all your mental health needs.
My experience with meditation and mindfulness is from teachings and retreat with Buddhist Thich Naht Han.
I have over 20 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist in NY. My style to be informal and welcoming. My background includes senior psychotherapist positions to Clinical Director of a New York City mental health clinic. Though specializing in anxiety, depression and ADHD, I have extensive mental health experience giving me know-how and dexterity to meet all your mental health needs.
My Gestalt, Buddhist psychology/mindfulness and EMDR training are helpful in supporting and guiding all kinds of relational and internal feelings of dissatisfaction, anxiety or despair.
Imagine walking around this planet with a deep understanding that you are OK - truly perfect just as you are. I don't mean that we don't all have faults and make mistakes, because we do. But that doesn't make us mistakes. Or maybe you're needing help to galvanize your courage to make a change, to dare to live your very best life? A warm and supportive relationship with the right therapist will help to re-engage and energize your own existing internal resources, the parts of you that are already confident, calm, creative, courageous and compassionate. We can do this work together.
My Gestalt, Buddhist psychology/mindfulness and EMDR training are helpful in supporting and guiding all kinds of relational and internal feelings of dissatisfaction, anxiety or despair.
Imagine walking around this planet with a deep understanding that you are OK - truly perfect just as you are. I don't mean that we don't all have faults and make mistakes, because we do. But that doesn't make us mistakes. Or maybe you're needing help to galvanize your courage to make a change, to dare to live your very best life? A warm and supportive relationship with the right therapist will help to re-engage and energize your own existing internal resources, the parts of you that are already confident, calm, creative, courageous and compassionate. We can do this work together.
Deb, DMin, LCSW—here to offer actionable solutions for individuals and relationships using a combination of CBT, IFS, Buddhist Psychology, and coaching.
With 15+ years experience, and master's and doctoral degrees in counseling, I bring to sessions wisdom, experience, insights, warmth, and a sense of humor. I incorporate a plethora of approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, IFS, DBT, Relationship and Life Coaching, Mindfulness, Non-Violent Communication, Buddhist Psychology, Somatic Healing, and more.
Deb, DMin, LCSW—here to offer actionable solutions for individuals and relationships using a combination of CBT, IFS, Buddhist Psychology, and coaching.
With 15+ years experience, and master's and doctoral degrees in counseling, I bring to sessions wisdom, experience, insights, warmth, and a sense of humor. I incorporate a plethora of approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, IFS, DBT, Relationship and Life Coaching, Mindfulness, Non-Violent Communication, Buddhist Psychology, Somatic Healing, and more.
My sessions are an integration of therapeutic modalities including psychodynamic theory,mindfulness (Acceptance and Commitment therapy),somatic approaches and inquiring deeply within( Buddhist Psychology and IFS).
It is in my belief that we are all intrinsically whole, deserving and worthy of love and meaningful connections. However, somewhere along the way we have incurred pain and hurtful experiences that have tainted our story and lens of how we see the world and ourselves. Sometimes the narrative runs so deep that we can’t stop the thoughts and feelings that flow continuously. In this way, everyday feels like a struggle. Perhaps you secretly feel lost and lonely or you struggle with feelings of anxiety, insecurity or sadness and are uncertain about how to navigate the complexity of your emotions. Wherever you are - your story matters.
My sessions are an integration of therapeutic modalities including psychodynamic theory,mindfulness (Acceptance and Commitment therapy),somatic approaches and inquiring deeply within( Buddhist Psychology and IFS).
It is in my belief that we are all intrinsically whole, deserving and worthy of love and meaningful connections. However, somewhere along the way we have incurred pain and hurtful experiences that have tainted our story and lens of how we see the world and ourselves. Sometimes the narrative runs so deep that we can’t stop the thoughts and feelings that flow continuously. In this way, everyday feels like a struggle. Perhaps you secretly feel lost and lonely or you struggle with feelings of anxiety, insecurity or sadness and are uncertain about how to navigate the complexity of your emotions. Wherever you are - your story matters.
I use a blend of mindfulness, trauma conscious yoga, yoga nidra, CBT, intuitive energy healing, DBT, Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, Hakomi principles, and humanistic psychology.
Joanna (Jo) Krasnisky is a Holistic Psychotherapist and Spiritual Guide, currently in New Jersey. They work with individuals, children and families, groups, and companies. Jo offers an authentic presence and array of practical and transformative tools. Many of Jo's clients come in when they have realized they want to feel more life purpose and change relationship, behavioral, or communication patterns. Jo is particularly passionate about serving children, the LGBTQ+, and the aging community. They also have advanced training in the area of voice activation, mindfulness, energy healing, longevity, and infant mental health.
I use a blend of mindfulness, trauma conscious yoga, yoga nidra, CBT, intuitive energy healing, DBT, Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, Hakomi principles, and humanistic psychology.
Joanna (Jo) Krasnisky is a Holistic Psychotherapist and Spiritual Guide, currently in New Jersey. They work with individuals, children and families, groups, and companies. Jo offers an authentic presence and array of practical and transformative tools. Many of Jo's clients come in when they have realized they want to feel more life purpose and change relationship, behavioral, or communication patterns. Jo is particularly passionate about serving children, the LGBTQ+, and the aging community. They also have advanced training in the area of voice activation, mindfulness, energy healing, longevity, and infant mental health.
As a Jewish therapist practicing Buddhist meditation, I bring a unique perspective to the work.
I provide psychotherapy in the office & by FaceTime or Zoom. We'll work on your issues, be they new opportunities, or health, separation or grief & any crossroads you face with career, relationship or family decisions. Besides doing psychotherapy, I am also trained to help those preparing for end of life & their loved ones as the time of transition nears.
As a Jewish therapist practicing Buddhist meditation, I bring a unique perspective to the work.
I provide psychotherapy in the office & by FaceTime or Zoom. We'll work on your issues, be they new opportunities, or health, separation or grief & any crossroads you face with career, relationship or family decisions. Besides doing psychotherapy, I am also trained to help those preparing for end of life & their loved ones as the time of transition nears.
I have training in psychoanalytic and cognitive-behavioral treatment, including dialectical therapy, that builds on a foundation of (primarily Soto Zen) Buddhist thought, meditation and mindfulness practice of over 40 years.
No matter how fortunate you may be, still human life is difficult. Despite your best efforts, at times life's stresses can be too much: you may be overwhelmed. Hurt, fear, guilt, anger, shame, grief: feeling bad can alert you to where the trouble lies, or add to your emotional burdens. Confusion, isolation, loneliness, restlessness, worry, despair, or addictive attempts to find relief - all of these painful states are attempts to ward off problems or fix what's wrong, but they can also make things worse.
I have training in psychoanalytic and cognitive-behavioral treatment, including dialectical therapy, that builds on a foundation of (primarily Soto Zen) Buddhist thought, meditation and mindfulness practice of over 40 years.
No matter how fortunate you may be, still human life is difficult. Despite your best efforts, at times life's stresses can be too much: you may be overwhelmed. Hurt, fear, guilt, anger, shame, grief: feeling bad can alert you to where the trouble lies, or add to your emotional burdens. Confusion, isolation, loneliness, restlessness, worry, despair, or addictive attempts to find relief - all of these painful states are attempts to ward off problems or fix what's wrong, but they can also make things worse.
Lauren Joy Wichterman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I come from a mindfulness-based perspective, and have a strengths-based and Buddhist orientation.
I have been in the social work field for over 20 years. In that time, I have focused on postpartum mood and anxiety disorders and parenting challenges, family stress, HIV/AIDS, immigration and acculturation, and adolescent wellness. I incorporate mindfulness into my work with clients and have been trained in CBT and DBT.
I come from a mindfulness-based perspective, and have a strengths-based and Buddhist orientation.
I have been in the social work field for over 20 years. In that time, I have focused on postpartum mood and anxiety disorders and parenting challenges, family stress, HIV/AIDS, immigration and acculturation, and adolescent wellness. I incorporate mindfulness into my work with clients and have been trained in CBT and DBT.
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Is buddhism beneficial for mental health?
While Buddhism itself is not a treatment for mental health conditions, its practices can greatly enhance mental well-being by introducing coping skills and ideas that promote overall wellness. Key Buddhist practices, such as mindfulness, have been shown to alleviate symptoms of various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma. Moreover, Buddhism's focus on self-compassion, non-judgment, and acceptance can benefit individuals with particularly negative or self-critical thought patterns.
What are the concepts and principles of buddhism as a therapeutic approach?
Core Buddhist principles are often used in therapy to help clients gain insight into their thoughts and emotions. Concepts such as suffering (dukkha) and impermanence (anicca) are applied to help clients recognize that common forms of suffering, like repetitive negative thought patterns, can be accepted and viewed as impermanent. The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path are additional core concepts utilized frequently in Buddhist therapy sessions. The Four Noble Truths highlight the existence of suffering as an inherent part of the human experience—an insight frequently used to move clients toward greater acceptance. The Eightfold Path, which includes right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right concentration, and right mindfulness, offers practical skills to alleviate suffering.
What is the buddhist approach and practice during a therapy session?
Therapists informed by Buddhist principles often integrate mindfulness and meditation practices into therapy sessions to help clients cultivate greater acceptance, compassion, and non-judgment toward themselves and others. Typically, Buddhist therapists guide clients through mindfulness exercises, such as breathing exercises or body scans, and encourage them to practice similar exercises outside of sessions. Additionally, many Buddhist therapists utilize elements of Positive Psychology or Compassion-Focused Therapy, which can help reduce symptoms of self-criticism and shame common among clients with various mental health conditions. In general, Buddhist therapists strive to embody the compassion and non-judgmental approach they promote, often incorporating exercises aimed at developing compassion in session, such as loving-kindness meditation (Metta).
Is mindfulness the same as buddhism in the context of therapy?
While Buddhist therapists frequently integrate mindfulness practices into therapy sessions, the terms mindfulness and Buddhism are not synonymous in the context of therapy. Therapists may use mindfulness techniques, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), without identifying as a Buddhist therapist. In contrast, those practicing within a Buddhist belief framework typically encourage mindfulness therapies, in addition to foundational Buddhist beliefs, such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. These therapists may also guide clients toward a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy, unlike those who use Buddhist mindfulness principles without the broader spiritual context.