Self Esteem Therapists in Bedford Park, Bronx, NY

I have a genuine interest in helping people cope with depression, anxiety ,low self esteem and trauma-related issues. If you are looking for someone who will listen, without judgement, and offer honest and supportive feedback then I can help you. I respect individual boundaries and a person's right to make their own decisions. My goal in working with everyone is always self empowerment.

My Clients face issues in their day to day functioning such as career issues, family and intimate relationship issues, self esteem issues , stress stemming from all areas of their lives. They are in need of emotional support and therapeutic assistance to help with refocusing their lives .

Life is challenging, and sometimes we need extra support to help cope with life's difficulties. Whether you're looking for someone to talk about life's big questions (Who am I? Why am I here? What ought I to do? What meaning can be found in the universe?) or to feel relief from symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, we can work together to help you meet your therapy goals. Since entering the social work field, I’ve worked with diverse populations in community mental health clinics, nonprofits, research centers, colleges, and hospitals, and have particular experience working with LGBTQ people and college-age students.

As a passionate Caribbean woman, I am grateful to have support not only within my family but within my community as well. My way of "paying it forward" is embodying the role of a Mental Health Counselor offering that support to others. I am deeply committed to understanding and addressing the unique challenges within my community. My specialization lies in working with individuals grappling with trauma, anxiety, and depression, recognizing the significance of cultural diversity in the therapeutic process.

We all go through transitions and different waves in our life but ultimately we want to live a genuine authentic life. We have the capacity to obtain it but how to navigate it, is the challenge. I have been practicing in New York City since 2015. Giving guidance to those who want to take the path to make changes and implement strategies to handle conflicts, transitions and issues which create barriers to their own happiness. Currently, all sessions are Tele-therapy (video) sessions, weekly for 45 to 60 minutes. I provide talk therapy that is reflective, explorative with compassion. Treatment goals are a collaborative effort.

We are inclusive and we welcome clients from all races, ethnicities, genders, religious beliefs, etc. We believe in helping you and your family to live better lives. We provide mental health services that treat and address the effects of many of the concerns prevalent in Latinx, BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities: chronic stress, trauma, depression and anxiety as a result of poverty, insecure housing, racism, harassment, and discrimination. For families with children suspected of developmental delays, Autism or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, we offer diagnostic evaluations.

No matter who you are, life has its challenges. Finding a safe, judgement-free space to address your needs can be a challenge in itself. Take solace in knowing that this space exists and know that regaining hope in your life is possible. In fact, you are taking the first steps in doing that today. As a mother, daughter, significant other, sister and clinician, I understand the need to be able to speak to someone capable of validating feelings and normalizing concerns. As a psychotherapist, I have extensive experience working with clients to reduce anxiety, better manage symptoms, and address past traumas.

I specialize in complex trauma, race-based trauma, sexual trauma, anxiety, depression & identity. My foundation is anti oppression (colonial / imperialist / racist), sex positive, pro LGBTQ2S+, pro women, pro immigrant, pro sex work. I use eclectic therapy approaches including Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Somatic Therapy and Spiritually Infused Psychotherapy (SIP); to help clients identify, navigate, and transform limiting thoughts, un-serving behavior patterns & reclaim one’s true essence. As an Indigenous person, the following frameworks:

I provide client centered motivational interviewing. Due to our current state of affairs, I am also supporting individuals struggling with isolation and medical concerns due to pandemic, as well as emerging from this crisis. I have extensive experience with family/adolescent, LGBTQIA+, HIV, geriatric population, drug treatment, sex/food addiction, formally incarcerated/legally involved, and life-coaching and long-term counseling. Excellent engagement skills and outcomes. In field for 20 years. Providing in/out of home counseling, as well as telehealth services. I am a highly supportive, working with and towards your unique goals.

Dr. Erica M. Ponteen, PhD, LCSW is an adjunct lecturer at NYU, Silver School of Social Work. She is also an Adjunct Professor at SUNY, Empire State College in the Human Services department. Dr. Ponteen earned her master’s degree at NYU, Silver School of Social Work and Ph.D. from Fordham University, Graduate School of Social Service. Her studies focus on trauma informed clinical practice, women mental health, and military social work in the clinical therapeutic and research settings. Dr. Ponteen is a licensed clinical social worker who is the founding owner of PowHerful and Brilliant Beyond Measure, LLC in NY and NJ.

In my work, I come across clients who just want to talk. Some are stuck in a negative cycle and want to move forward to positive outcomes. Stress can be overwhelming. Relationships can be draining. Children can pull on your heart strings. Whatever it is, I am here to help. I want to help families develop skills that will end the power struggle between them and their children. Additionally, teach you skills that will relieve your stress and maintain your relationships. I enjoy the work, I am warm, accepting and caring. Please reach out to me, so we can begin the work together.

Though you may have many trusting friends and family in your life, sometimes it can be hard to talk about certain things without feeling embarrassed or judged even by those closest to you. This is particularly true when we talk about our mental well-being. Trying to understand where your depression or anxiety is coming from and how to improve upon it is not an easy conversation. These feelings can stem from strained relationships, professional pressures, and past trauma. Exploring why you are feeling this way is the first step in your journey towards understanding yourself better and successfully navigating life's challenges.