Therapists in Suffolk County, NY

Melissa graduated from Fordham University with a Masters Degree in Social Work and began her career working with children and adolescents in an acute care psychiatric hospital setting. She has continued to grow professionally and spiritually studying human behavior as well as alternative therapies through various approaches such as guided meditation and breath work. A higher education, years of experience, and positive/spiritual influences are combined and applied to each individualized healing session. All clients have a voice in their treatment and are supported with empathy in order to live life as your most authentic self.

I have 20 years of experience treating individuals (children and adults), couples, families and groups. My treatment approach is rooted in reducing emotional distress, restoring life balance, improving self-awareness and helping to create more meaningful relationships in your life. I will provide you tools to help reduce and reframe unhealthy and potentially damaging thoughts, resulting in improved comfort with yourself and within your relationships. We will develop a conflict resolution plan to reduce relationship distress and to learn to use your bodily cues as a tool in understanding your own habitual responses.

“ Susan has changed my life for the better and could not be more grateful! She’s taken the time to listen and understand my worries and has discussed each part when I’ve been ready to do so. She has given me a different perspective on life has helped me form a bond back with my family and helped massively with my PTSD." “Working with Susan was an amazing experience. She is very direct and straightforward but with a loving touch that lets you know, she truly cares. She approaches your discussions/ situations with empathy open-mindedness that's warm and inviting."

I have been a psychotherapist for over 35+ years and I can humbly share two truths about myself and therapy: I’m still learning and growing as a person and professional and in order for one to affect change you need human connection. I believe therapy is a partnership, a sacred relationship between two people; it’s a trusting bond like no other where authentic contact is made, masks are slowly removed and the client is seen for their pure and beautiful essence. My clients learn to accept themselves for who they were born to be, unlearning damning messages, peeling away the expectation of others and discovering their own true nature

My ideal client would be someone who wants to improve their mental health and overall well-being. Someone who is open to implement adaptive coping mechanisms and enhance their relationship with themselves and others. This client may deal with challenges such as stress and anxiety, depression, mood disorders, self-esteem, or life altering events.

If you feel lost, confused or hopeless about your life or your relationships, you can turn things around. You can get clear about these problems, and find solutions. You can have a life that more authentically fits who you really are. You can manage your relationships so they begin to feel warm and fun again. When you're suffering and feeling awful, it may be hard to believe that there are things you can do to feel good again. It may also be hard to believe that you can find the power to shift and revive painful relationships.

Sometimes life throws us off the path we wanted to walk down, but it is never to late to change the direction of our path. It is important to take time to explore our thoughts as they are directly correlated to how we feel on a daily basis. I share with my clients that we need to start by managing your emotions, so they do not manage you. When we learn to have all three; positive thoughts, feelings, and beliefs, we begin to see the change that we have been looking for. During our time together my goal is to help you process your thoughts, emotions, and beliefs in order for you to walk down the path of your choice.

I believe the most important aspect of therapy is the relationship you build with your therapist. A good therapeutic relationship is one in which you not only gain insight into your thoughts and behaviors, but you also feel accepted and supported as you work toward making positive changes in your life. My main goal as a therapist is to build a therapeutic alliance with each person I work with that is based on acceptance, trust and support, from which it is possible to reach a level of awareness that opens the door to life altering changes and transformations.

I believe everyone has a story. It is uniquely theirs; and it is important and life-transforming for another person to bear witness to that story. It is in the nonjudgmental and compassionate spaces that persons are able to transform their lived experiences into reachable life goals. My role as a therapist is to support you in finding your inner strength to weave together the threads of your story. I engage with individuals, couples, and families to do the inner work that is necessary for life transformation.

Therapy is a journey to a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Each one of life's stages presents with different challenges and choices to be made. As you lead the way, I will accompany you on your journey and illuminate areas from your past that may be impeding upon the present. I will help you identify and explore ways of navigating and overcoming obstacles to your goals. I have many years experience treating anxiety, depression, trauma, loss, and relationship issues, as well as work with children and families, that provide me with insight in treating adults.

Everyone's journey through therapy is an individual experience which requires the integration of mind, body and soul. I encourage this type of integrative approach because it allows me to work collaboratively with you, the client, in the assessment, treatment and goal development throughout the entire therapeutic experience. Psycho-dynamic theories, Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Mind/Body modalities are used in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment.

Accepting new clients! - Deciding to contact a therapist takes courage, and is the first step to helping you change and grow. If you're feeling stuck or fearful of the future’s uncertainties, that’s where our work comes in. Together we can move you away from overwhelm and exhaustion and towards acceptance and peace. Whether you are looking for individual, couple, or family therapy, I look forward to helping you increase your self-compassion, strengthen your relationships, and feel more connected. Email me to get started!

There are hundreds of reasons why I became a counselor, but the main reason is the want to help guide clients into a better quality of life! The basis of my clinician approach is the strong belief in creating a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship. Maintaining a safe place for clients (like you!) to be supported with genuine care and empathy is integral for me as your counselor. Together we will work towards making positive life changes, finding and utilizing your strengths, meet your therapeutic goals, and relieve your distress.

First and foremost, thank you for visiting my page! I am a firm believer that we are all doing the best we can with the resources we are given. In addition, we are making decisions based off our reality at that time. Meeting my clients where they are at is a value I will always uphold. Taking the step to seek counseling is one to be proud of, and I am looking forward to navigating the uncertainty of this process together!

One's daily life can be overwhelming. The good thing is that nobody has to face life's challenges alone. I am here to assist you in your journey and to remind you that you are never alone. I commend you for making the initial and often most difficult step.

"One size seldom fits all" and the same is true with therapists. Finding a therapist that connects with you and understands your needs is the foundation of your journey for change. Life can get complicated, but working together, we can explore the problems and work toward solutions in a warm, supportive, confidential and most important a nonjudgemental atmosphere. Since one size seldom fits all, I use a variety of behavioral approaches to create a shift in my clients' self awareness.

I work with children, couples, and adults who are looking for strategies to manage anxiety, depression, and the new stressors that we have faced during the pandemic. Together, we will assess and identify the symptoms causing distress and disruption in your life and using a strengths based approach create strategies to reach your goals.

Life's journey often presents us with daunting obstacles like anxiety, depression, and addiction, making daily tasks feel unmanageable. However, there is a path forward through these challenges. I am here to help you process and grow through life's trials and tribulations, assisting you in rediscovering self-love and building a healthier relationship with yourself and others. The foundation of my practice is my dream to create a positive therapeutic relationship that genuinely aids those grappling with mental health challenges.

Day to day challenges or unrepaired past hurts may cause anxiety, depression, or health issues, and can interfere with every aspect of your life. Infidelity, family discord or job issues may leave you feeling dissatisfied or trapped. I can help you develop a better understanding of yourself and others and learn more effective coping and communication skills. Doing so will help you address these issues and create more satisfying, mutually respectful relationships at work or home. These desired life changes may eventually reduce your level of stress and lead to an improved sense of emotional and physical well being.