Lauren Fasanella, LCSW
Message from Lauren
I am a licensed psychotherapist with over 15 years of experience successfully treating a wide range of individuals. My expertise lies in supporting and guiding my clients through difficult times and working with unique talents, self-understanding and spiritual growth to maximize coping skills. My clinical approach is direct, interactive, and gentle with active listening. I have practice working with several different treatment modalities, and together we design a personal, and individual approach to help you work through tough issues and conquer barriers to health, happiness and positive well-being. I will help you to better appreciate yourself, and how to best utilize your talents to navigate the difficult world around us and achieve your goals. I have extensive expertise working with adults & teenagers suffering from both acute and chronic illness, as well as death, bereavement and grief counseling. Further clinical interests and experience include: behavior & cognitive weight management, eating disorders, life transitions, relationship issues, self-esteem vulnerabilities, social media confrontations & general life anxieties.
About Lauren's practice
Weekdays Before 9am
Weekdays 9am - 5pm
Weekdays After 5pm
Weekends 9am - 5pm
$$$
Sliding scale
Directive
Reflective
Body-based
In-person available: Yes
Virtual available: Yes
Grief and Bereavement
Depression
Quarter-Life Crisis
Eating Patterns or Eating Disorders
Anxiety
Dating
Health-Related Concerns or Chronic Illness
Career-Related Stress
Out of network providers
NY + 1 more
Why state matters
Get to Know Lauren
Where did you work before going into private practice?
I have been a hospital social worker in academic medical settings for over 12 years.
What led you to become a mental healthcare practitioner?
My kindergarten teacher once told my mother that I was the “social worker of the class." All my life, listening and caring has come naturally to me. I’ve always been dedicated to helping others feel better. After I got my undergraduate degree, I ended up managing clinical research trials at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA. The element I thrived in was providing support and listening to my patients. This experience confirmed my desire to become a social worker—and the rest is history!
What is unique about the work you do, or how have you found your work to be different than your colleagues'?
I meet my clients where they’re at in the process, which can vary in any given session. I don’t stick to one treatment technique. What works for one person may not work for another, so I often tailor my approach accordingly. One day a client may want a focused, structured session and then the next session, the client may just want to vent about an issue, cry about a loss or discuss the past. I like to get a sense of the issues and individual needs of each client and offer interactive methods to work through those things. My time with clients is their time, too, and I want them to utilize it in whatever way will be beneficial.
What is the best part of the work for you?
The best part of being a social worker is helping my clients reach their goals and watching them become happier, healthier people. I absolutely love working with so many different types of people to overcome a variety of issues. Being a social worker is never a chore, and each client is special to me. Most of all, I am eternally grateful to all the patients and clients who have allowed me into the most intimate moments of their life.
Is there ever a time when you would encourage me to leave or graduate? Or how do I know when it's time to end or move on, or time to stay and explore more?
If you have achieved your goals in therapy, are feeling better, and have found your personal best, then I believe it is time to graduate. Leaving therapy comes with discussion from both of us. When you find you are no longer benefiting from therapy, we will make a plan to comfortably conclude our time together. It’s important to me that my clients know I am always available if you need to reach out for a booster session or address a new issue. The door to therapy remains open even if we have temporarily closed it.
If I have never been to therapy before, what should I expect? How do I know if I should go, and how do I start?
I encourage you to give therapy a try! Think of going to therapy as another form of taking care of your health. It’s one of the best acts of self-care available. Therapy is a non-judgmental setting with a caring person who wants to see you succeed and help you to become your personal best.
How will our relationship be different than relationships I have with friends/loved ones?
Relationships with friends and family are personal, complicated and filled with emotion. Often the ones close to us have subjective views tinged with the bias of caring about us, through no fault of their own. I am an objective voice who is neutral and goal-oriented in recovery. My role is to be professional and compassionate, but also realistic and direct to re-ground you.
How should I prepare for my first session with you?
All you need to do is come with an open mind, a willingness to trust the process, and a motivation to work hard.
How participatory are you during sessions?
I like to have active participation each time we meet. I like to start our first session with a general intake, at which time I ask a lot of questions to set the stage for our work. Next, we will set goals and develop a plan based on your individual needs. I tend to ask questions during our meetings and will offer insight on patterns and behaviors. I will also offer methods to challenge my client’s beliefs towards positive change.
How much do you share about yourself during our time together and why?
If I feel something about myself could be helpful, I will share it on occasion. However, I want the focus to be on my client. This time is about you, not me.
How long should I commit to being in therapy, at least in the beginning?
At least 2-3 months.
How do you approach diversity in the room or working with clients who may come from a different background than you?
I welcome and embrace diversity in all my clients. In the therapeutic setting, I approach diversity with an open attitude of full acceptance. As I’ve said before, my office is a safe space. If there is something I do not understand, I am always willing to learn.
How can you tell if I am feeling stuck, unseen, or unheard?
Feeling stuck or unheard is something I never want my clients to experience in our sessions. If I notice you are not engaging in the process or are unable to fully open up to me with your thoughts and feelings, it may be time for us to re-visit your goals for our meetings. Together we will see what is not working for you in therapy and adapt the approach accordingly.
How can you tell if I am benefiting from working with you?
I look for clarity and confidence in my clients when presenting their issues as well as developing greater control over the course of their life. I want you to begin seeing therapy as a form of self-care and enjoy being able to take an hour to benefit your wellbeing.
Have you received any particular training beyond your post-Bachelor's training?
I have an Advanced Certificate in Assessment and Diagnosis from NYU School of Social Work, and Certificate in Primary Practicum from the Albert Ellis Institute. Additionally, I have attended several continuing education seminars, workshops, and podcasts. I have been a contributor to newsletters, and trained and mentored new social workers.
From your perspective, what is therapy?
Therapy is a safe space to focus your time on working through tough issues, learning about yourself, and finding the best ways for you to cope with everyday stressors. It is a place for self-understanding in order to break patterns that are no longer serving you.
Do you have experience (5-10 years+) working with any types of obstacles or people in particular?
I have extensive experience working with both acute and chronically ill patients, amputees, transplant recipients, those with ALS, cancer, and cardiac issues. I also have experience and interest working with clients who are struggling with their weight, going through life transitions, coping with general life stressors, and anxiety.
Do you assign homework, activities, or readings for me to do between sessions? Why or why not?
Some clients enjoy a structured assignment each week to practice the work done in therapy, while others do not. I completely respect this preference. Together, with my client, we will determine if outside work is the right approach. As part of the therapeutic process, I typically suggest readings, physical activities, and other additional provider referrals when appropriate.
Are there any philosophies or values that inform your work that I should know about?
It is important to me that I understand my clients for who they are as people. I strive not to change who they are, but rather to uncover their inner-strengths and help them conquer whatever challenge is before them. I meet my clients where they’re at and want them to be active in designing their completely customized treatment plan.