Matt McDavid, LCSW
Verified background check
Message from Matt
Imagine standing at the edge of a dense forest. The path forward isn’t immediately clear, but you sense it’s there, waiting for you to discover it. You may feel hesitant, carrying a heavy backpack filled with fears, doubts, and stories you’ve been told about who you are. The weight feels overwhelming, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead can make it hard to take the first step. Therapy is like discovering a guide who helps you unpack that weight, showing you that hidden within are tools, maps, and even treasures you didn’t know you had. Within you lies everything you need to begin this journey—the courage, the resilience, and the hope that brought you to this moment. Therapy is about tapping into that strength and walking forward with intention, not toward a new version of yourself but back to the self you’ve always been meant to be. Hi, I’m Matt, and I’m deeply honored that you’re considering taking this step. The first step toward growth is often the hardest, but it’s also the most powerful. Therapy is like opening a window in a dark room—allowing the light of self-compassion, acceptance, and curiosity to shine through, illuminating what’s possible. Together, we’ll create a safe, supportive space where you can release what no longer serves you, explore your true self, and reconnect with the qualities and values that make you uniquely you. My approach to therapy is anything but one-size-fits-all. It’s an original, creative experience tailored to you—a collaboration built on trust, empathy, and mutual respect. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, self-doubt, burnout, or a sense of feeling stuck, we’ll work together to understand what’s holding you back and explore the path forward. Every emotion, even the ones that feel overwhelming or uncomfortable, holds wisdom. Therapy helps us uncover that wisdom, transforming pain into growth and fear into trust. In our work together, we’ll gently peel back the layers of conditioned beliefs and external expectations that have dimmed your inner light. You’ll discover that beneath those layers lies a profound truth: you’ve always been enough. Therapy isn’t about fixing what’s broken because you are not broken. It’s about rediscovering your inherent worth and learning to embrace yourself with compassion and acceptance. Planting a garden beautifully mirrors the transformative journey of therapy. Together, we’ll identify the seeds of peace, self-love, and purpose that already exist within you. Therapy provides the nourishment and care those seeds need to grow, allowing them to blossom into a life that feels deeply meaningful and fulfilling. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, but with patience and dedication, it’s transformative. Every step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to the life you’ve been longing for. Life’s challenges often feel like cracks in our foundation, but those cracks are where the light enters. They reveal not just the struggles you’ve faced but the strength it took to endure them. Therapy helps you transform those cracks into stepping stones, creating a path forward that feels sturdy, hopeful, and aligned with your deepest values. Clients often tell me that our work together has redefined their expectations of therapy. They describe feeling truly seen, heard, and supported in ways they didn’t think were possible. Of all the ways my clients have expressed that working with me has changed their lives, I’m most proud when I hear that our work together showed them what therapy can—and should—be. They rediscover their inner strength, embrace their worth, and step into lives that feel deeply aligned, joyful, and meaningful. Imagine waking up each day with a renewed sense of clarity and confidence. Picture facing life’s challenges not with fear but with trust in your ability to navigate them. This is what therapy can offer: a bridge from where you are now to where you want to be. Together, we’ll celebrate your progress, honor your journey, and nurture the growth that leads to a life of freedom, self-trust, and fulfillment. Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but you’ve already taken the first step by being here. That’s no small thing—it’s a testament to your courage and readiness to invest in yourself. Let’s take the next step together. I’m here to walk alongside you, offering guidance, encouragement, and the tools you need to build a life that feels true, empowering, and uniquely yours. The path ahead may not always be easy, but it’s one worth traveling. You don’t have to do it alone.
About Matt's practice
Weekdays 9am - 5pm
$$$
Directive
Reflective
Body-based
In-person available: No
Virtual available: Yes
Existential Crisis or Transition
Depression
Anxiety
Trauma
Self-Esteem
Career-Related Stress
Burnout
Perfectionism
Out of network providers
NY + 1 more
Why state matters
Get to Know Matt
"I first met Matt during one of the darkest periods of my life -- a grief/depression spiral caused by the deaths of several friends and other substantive losses. Matt's compassionate guidance not only helped me through this stretch by teaching me to healthy say goodbye to lost loved ones, but deepened my understanding of the subtler effects of trauma in a way that's had lasting positive influence on every area of my life."
N, Client
"The most meaningful thing that I took away from working with Matt is healing my inner child and cultivating self-compassion. These are two areas I didn't think I needed to work on, but through our sessions, Matt helped me realize that is where I needed to focus on to better myself. The way Matt presented these concepts left such a lasting impression on me and have continued to help me to this day."
J, Client
"Matt's genuine enthusiasm for his sessions with me, along with his ability to consistently find new approaches to old problems, made every session rewarding."
L, Client
"Matt helped me differentiate the things I have control over from the things I don't, and to accept my past mistakes and misfortunes."
T, Client
"I enjoyed Matt's total acceptance of everything I shared with him. I have used other therapists that have expressed shock or surprise with my past and present experiences and I always felt welcome and supported by Matt. It was through his acceptance that I was able to open up more with him and make as much progress as I did."
J, Client
"From grief management to relationship and professional problems, my sessions with Matt consistently broadened my perception and understanding, which helped me shed assumptions that were no longer serving me and foster lasting personal growth."
N, Client
"I have known and collaborated with Matt for seven years. He is a talented and insightful therapist who authentically cares for the people he works with. He brings a calmness and responsiveness to sessions that makes him easy to talk with. If you are looking to form a meaningful therapeutic relationship that will support you to grow and heal I recommend meeting Matt."
Dallas Currie, Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist (LCSW), Colleague
"Matt was a colleague in private practice a few years back. I was always impressed by his clinical judgement, insights and his concern and care of his clients. Matt is highly skilled at providing appropriate therapeutic models and interventions for clients."
Tom Fleming, Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist (LCSW), Colleague
"I had the pleasure of getting to know Matt in group supervision when working at a large practice in Brooklyn and was so sad to see him go. Matt has a gentle, thoughtful, genuine way about him. He cares deeply for his clients and is a gifted therapist."
Nicole Gonzalez, Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist (LCSW), Colleague
"In today's time it's very difficult to find a good therapist. So challenging. I worked with Matt in my training many years ago in Park Slope, Brooklyn and I would not hesitate to recommend him. I was always impressed by his professionalism and detail."
Tahl Liebovitz, Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist (LCSW), Colleague
"Matt is a kind, compassionate, curious and intelligent person. He is able to utilize these qualities with his clients such that he guides them through a journey of self-exploration in a safe way with deep insight. I would recommend working with him 100%"
Alyssa Shapiro, Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist (LMSW), Colleague
What led you to become a mental healthcare practitioner?
Being a therapist isn’t just my profession—it’s my calling, inspired by my own experiences with the life changing power of therapy. I’ve walked this path myself, and I know firsthand the vulnerability and courage it takes to begin. That’s why I’m deeply committed to creating a space where you feel safe, supported and truly seen. From my graduate education and training at Columbia University, over a decade of professional experience and the invaluable perspective of being a long-time therapy client myself, I understand how to create trust and provide compassionate + effective guidance. Therapy with me is more than a process—it’s a partnership built on respect, creativity and the belief that you are already enough.
How should I prepare for my first session with you?
Starting therapy can feel intimidating—it’s natural to have questions, doubts, or even fears about what to expect. I want you to know that those feelings are valid, and taking this step, even with those uncertainties, is an act of immense courage. You don’t need to have it all figured out before we begin. Therapy with me is an original, creative experience tailored to your unique needs and goals. Our first session is about starting right where you are—whether you bring specific thoughts, a sense of curiosity, or simply a willingness to show up, that’s more than enough. My role is to create a safe, supportive space where you can share as much or as little as feels comfortable, free from fear of judgment. There’s no pressure to prepare or to know exactly what you want to say. You can let go of the filter you might carry in other relationships, and together, we’ll explore your feelings and experiences at your pace. This is a space where you are seen, heard, and supported for who you are. If fear has been holding you back, consider this: even the smallest step toward something new can lead to meaningful growth. Therapy is a chance to reconnect with yourself, gain clarity, and begin creating a life that feels true to you. You’ve already shown strength by being here. Let’s take the next step together, one moment at a time.
Please share 2-3 anonymized examples of how the work can play out and/or look in the room so that I can form a visual or narrative of what to expect.
At McDavid Creative Therapy, we begin by acknowledging and validating the real challenges you’re facing—without allowing a diagnosis define your identity. Together, we explore how your struggles often stem from past experiences rather than any flaws within you. This shift in perspective allows self-compassion and pride to emerge, helping you view yourself through a lens of resilience and growth. From there, I help you cultivate a strength-based mindset, one that embraces all emotions—even the ones that feel difficult or overwhelming. In our work, there are no “bad” feelings. Every emotion, even those you may resist, carries wisdom and serves a purpose. By learning to approach these emotions as allies instead of enemies, we create space for curiosity rather than judgment. This reframing not only deepens your connection to yourself but also uncovers moments of joy, even in the midst of struggle. Through this process, clients have shared transformative moments that reflect the power of our work together: A young professional once overwhelmed by anxiety began to understand that it stemmed from what happened to them growing up, rather than being a flaw within themselves. Together, we explored the roots of their fears and self-doubt, uncovering the connections between their past experiences and present struggles. By correctly identifying and validating the source of their anxiety, they were able to release misplaced shame and blame, instead accessing a deep sense of pride in what they had overcome. Through this work, they learned to trust their instincts, embrace their inner strength, and approach challenges with newfound confidence. Over time, they started making decisions aligned with their values, ultimately stepping into the role they had always been meant to play: the hero of their own story. A parent, burdened by years of self-doubt and relentless self-criticism, learned to embrace self-compassion. By identifying the unrealistic expectations they had internalized, we worked to release the weight of these conditioned beliefs. In their place, they cultivated a kinder, more forgiving relationship with themselves. This shift not only brought joy into their daily life but also allowed them to model resilience and self-acceptance for their children. An artist who felt disconnected from their creativity discovered the transformative power of welcoming feelings they had long avoided. By creating a safe space to explore emotions without judgment, they began to understand how suppressing their feelings had also dulled their creative spark. With curiosity and courage, they reconnected with their artistic vision, channeling emotions into vibrant, meaningful work that reflected their renewed sense of self. Each of these stories highlights how our work together can uncover the strength, clarity, and creativity that already exist within you. My approach is about more than symptom relief—it’s about helping you transform your relationship with yourself and the world around you, creating a life that feels aligned, empowered, and fulfilling. These steps allow you to confront challenges while uncovering your innate strength, creating a path toward peace, happiness, and fulfillment.
Are there any philosophies or values that inform your work that I should know about?
My work is guided by philosophies that celebrate resilience, self-compassion, authenticity, transformation, and growth. These values are central to my approach, and I’d like to share a few quotes that reflect the essence of the therapeutic journey we can embark on together: "I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become." This reminds us that while we cannot change the past, we have the power to shape our future. By transforming challenges into opportunities, we reclaim our story and take ownership of our growth. "It takes an earthquake to form a mountain." This reflects the idea that even the most difficult experiences can lead to profound strength and transformation, helping us rise to new heights. "A bird sitting on a branch is never afraid of the branch breaking, because its trust is not in the branch but in its own wings." This reminds us of the importance of self-trust. True confidence comes from within, empowering us to navigate uncertainty with courage and grace. "Maybe the journey isn’t so much about becoming anything. Maybe it’s about un-becoming everything that isn’t really you, so you can be who you were meant to be in the first place." Therapy is a process of shedding what no longer serves you—letting go of self-doubt, external expectations, and conditioned beliefs. Beneath those layers lies the truth: you’ve always been enough. Together, we’ll uncover that truth, helping you reconnect with yourself and create a life that feels aligned and meaningful. These philosophies serve as a foundation for the work we’ll do together. Through our sessions, you’ll develop deeper self-awareness, build resilience, and create a life that reflects your true values and aspirations. If any of these ideas resonate with you, we may be a great fit for this empowering journey.
How much do you share about yourself during our time together and why?
In our work together, my focus is always on you—your story, your needs, and your journey. However, I believe that authenticity and connection are key to creating a safe, collaborative space for growth. When it feels helpful or relevant, I may share aspects of my own experiences, especially when they can offer perspective, hope, or reassurance that you’re not alone. For example, my own journey with mental health challenges has shown me the transformative power of therapy. Sharing this, when appropriate, can help normalize the struggles you may face and highlight the possibility of profound growth and healing. I am always guided by the fact that this is not my time—it is your time. Because it’s your time, you deserve every single word I utter to be intentionally spoken for your sole benefit, not for my benefit or ego. My goal is to ensure that any self-disclosure deepens your self-understanding, fosters trust, and enhances our work together. Together, we’ll explore what’s most meaningful to you as you reconnect with your authentic self and create a life that feels true and fulfilling.
How will our relationship be different than relationships I have with friends/loved ones?
In our work together, you’ll experience a safe, judgment-free space unlike any other relationship in your life. In this space, you don’t need to filter your thoughts, feelings, or experiences. In everyday relationships, there’s often an unspoken need to protect ourselves—wondering how what we share will be received, whether it might change someone’s perception of us, or who else they might tell. Here, that filter can come off. You won’t need to worry about being judged, misunderstood, or abandoned. Instead, you can put down what you’ve been carrying, knowing it will be met with understanding and care. This openness allows us to explore what’s beneath the surface, freeing you to connect with your true self and address the patterns and emotions that may be holding you back. By co-creating a space of trust, acceptance, and authenticity, we’ll work together to support your healing journey. This unique relationship fosters the transformational growth and awakening that can only happen when you feel truly seen, heard, and safe to be exactly who you are.
How can you tell if I am feeling stuck, unseen, or unheard?
Feeling stuck, unseen, or unheard often shows up in subtle ways—through the words you choose, the emotions you express, and even what remains unsaid. In our work together, I pay close attention to these cues, creating space for the feelings you may not yet have put into words. You might feel like you’re running in circles or that your emotions are too big or too heavy to share. Perhaps you’ve grown so used to carrying your struggles alone that even in therapy, it’s hard to let them go. When these feelings surface, my role is to meet you where you are, gently guiding you toward clarity and understanding. Therapy offers a space unlike any other—where you can take the filter off and share without fear of judgment. When you feel stuck, we’ll explore what’s holding you back. When you feel unseen or unheard, we’ll uncover the parts of you waiting to be acknowledged. Together, we’ll shine light on those areas, allowing you to feel valued, understood, and empowered to move forward. Feeling stuck or unseen isn’t the end—it’s a signpost pointing the way to the next step on the path of growth and reconnection. Our work will focus on uncovering the insights and strengths already within you, helping you transform these moments into opportunities for profound self-discovery.
How can you tell if I am benefiting from working with you?
I can tell you’re benefiting from our work when I see shifts in how you engage with your emotions and navigate challenges. Signs include moments of clarity replacing uncertainty, a lighter emotional load, and a growing ability to approach yourself with curiosity and kindness. I notice progress when you begin to trust your inner strengths and explore possibilities with a sense of hope and resilience. But more importantly, you’ll feel the benefits yourself. You might notice feeling more connected to your emotions and discovering strength and wisdom you didn’t realize were within you. Clients often share that they begin experiencing greater freedom, confidence, and clarity, no longer feeling defined by past experiences or self-doubt. Our work is not about quick fixes but meaningful transformation. Progress may look like setting boundaries that honor your needs, embracing your emotions as allies, or discovering new opportunities where none seemed possible. Therapy is working when you feel empowered to author your own story, choosing a life that reflects your values and aspirations. These changes emerge gradually as we co-create a space where you feel deeply seen, heard, and supported. Together, we’ll celebrate every step forward, nurturing the growth that leads you toward a life of fulfillment, self-trust, and possibility.
What are your policies and practices around insurance?
A one hour session at McDavid Creative Therapy costs $250 per session. Investing in therapy is a brave and meaningful step toward growth, healing, and reconnecting with your authentic self. Working with me means more than just symptom relief—it’s about co-creating a safe and empowering space to turn challenges into stepping stones for a life of clarity, self-trust, and fulfillment.
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?
Starting therapy can feel like opening a window in a dark room—letting in the light of compassion, acceptance, and the possibility of a brighter path forward. If you’ve never been to therapy, it’s normal to feel unsure or even hesitant. But therapy isn’t about “fixing” you—it’s about creating a safe space where you can take the filter off, put down what you’ve been carrying, and reconnect with your true self. If you’re asking yourself whether you should go to therapy, that’s often the first sign it could help. Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or like the usual ways of coping just aren’t working anymore. Therapy is an opportunity to explore those feelings with curiosity and kindness, discovering what lies beneath them and how they can guide you toward clarity, peace, and fulfillment. In our work together, you can expect to feel deeply seen and heard. Our sessions begin with whatever is on your mind—you lead the way. There’s no judgment here, only a space where you can explore, reflect, and grow. Together, we’ll address the challenges you’re facing, uncover your inner strength, and help you step into a life that feels more authentic and aligned. The hardest step is often the first one, but you don’t have to do it alone. You can start by scheduling your free consultation call now. Therapy is your chance to transform this moment into a new beginning—one filled with empowerment, self-trust, and the life you’ve been searching for.
Have you received any particular training beyond your post-Bachelor's training?
Yes, I train with a Trauma-Informed Internal Family Systems (IFS) Group, where I deepen my understanding of how compassionate acceptance fosters healing and reconnection after trauma. Trauma-informed care reframes mental health challenges as stemming from experiences rather than flaws, helping to release misplaced shame and unlock self-compassion and pride. IFS teaches that every emotion, even those we might label as negative, serves a protective purpose. By approaching these emotions with curiosity and kindness, we can uncover their wisdom, heal old wounds, and reconnect with our inner selves. This ongoing training allows me to bring fresh insights and evolving techniques to my work, supporting clients in unlocking the joy, resilience, and authenticity that lie within them. My commitment to growth—both personally and professionally—ensures that I'm always able to offer a thoughtful and informed approach to each client’s unique journey.
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?
I believe deeply in your intuitive wisdom and trust that you know what’s best for yourself far better than I ever could. My role is not to direct or decide the path of your journey but to create a space where you feel empowered to make choices that align with your needs and goals. In our work together, I never push an agenda—each session begins with space for you to share what’s been on your mind and heart, and that’s the direction we’ll follow. This same respect for your autonomy applies to the length of our work. I won’t encourage you to leave or stay in therapy, as that decision is entirely yours. I’m here to support and honor whatever feels right to you. If you’re questioning whether it’s time to move on or explore more, we can talk openly about it. Therapy often evolves—sometimes it’s about exploring new depths, while other times it’s about pausing or transitioning. No matter your choice, my goal is always to help you feel empowered, confident, and supported in making the decisions that you feel serve your growth and well-being.
Do you assign homework, activities, or readings for me to do between sessions? Why or why not?
I don’t assign homework because I believe that your healing journey should unfold in a way that feels organic and aligned with your needs, not shaped by a therapist’s directive. Therapy is a collaborative process, and I’m mindful of the inherent power dynamic in the therapeutic relationship. Assigning homework could reinforce that dynamic, which I strive to diminish so that our work together feels empowering and balanced. That said, I’m always happy to recommend materials—books, articles, or other resources—that can deepen your understanding of the concepts we explore in sessions. If you decide to journal or write between sessions, I welcome anything you’d like to share with me. What matters most is that these tools and materials are organically led by you, never demanded by me. My goal is to ensure that you always feel empowered and supported, never made to feel small or pressured to meet external expectations. Ultimately, therapy is about creating a space where you feel seen, heard, and supported in reconnecting with your authentic self. Everything we do is designed to help you feel more connected to your journey, with the freedom and power to decide what resonates most with you.
How participatory are you during sessions?
I take a collaborative and active approach during our sessions. While I believe in providing space for you to share and reflect, I also engage meaningfully by asking thoughtful questions, offering insights, and gently challenging patterns that may no longer serve you. Our work together is a dynamic process. I see therapy as a partnership where we explore your experiences and emotions with curiosity and compassion. I’m here to guide, support, and walk alongside you, helping you peel back layers of self-doubt, uncover your strengths, and reconnect with your authentic self. As our therapeutic alliance evolves over time, I adapt my approach to meet your changing needs. I remain attuned to how your goals and circumstances shift throughout the process. My extensive experience working with clients has shown me how to provide more or less direct participation as each client’s unique needs dictate and change over time. This flexibility ensures that our work continues to feel relevant, supportive, and empowering. You’ll find me actively listening and offering tools and perspectives that empower you to navigate life’s challenges, fostering clarity and self-awareness. My goal is to create a space where you feel seen, supported, and inspired to step into the life you’re meant to live.
From your perspective, what is therapy?
Therapy is more than a process—it’s an awakening. It’s a chance to part the clouds that have dimmed your inner light and reconnect with your vibrant, creative and true self—the self that’s been patiently waiting to shine. In therapy, we create space to explore, reflect, and release the weight of conditioned beliefs and self-doubt that no longer serve you. It’s not about fixing what’s broken; it’s about uncovering the strength, wisdom, and authenticity that have always been inside of you. Therapy is a journey of self-discovery and growth, where we embrace all aspects of who you are, including the emotions and experiences you may have resisted. By welcoming these with curiosity and compassion, you’ll uncover the wisdom and resilience they hold. Ultimately, therapy is a path toward clarity, peace, and empowerment—a way to reconnect with your authentic self and step into a life that feels deeply aligned with your values and full of meaning.
What is unique about the work you do, or how have you found your work to be different than your colleagues'?
Traditional therapy often focuses on solving problems and changing behaviors—a “what’s wrong with me?” mindset. My approach takes a different path, rooted in trauma-informed care and a strength-based perspective. Together, we shift the focus to “what happened to me?”—gently addressing how past experiences shape current struggles and reframing challenges as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. In our work, healing is less about changing who you are and more about releasing what no longer serves you. It’s about unlearning the conditioned beliefs that have obscured your true self and reconnecting with the truth that you’ve always been enough. By creating a compassionate and collaborative space, we focus on cultivating peace, emotional resilience, and self-acceptance, helping you step into a life aligned with your values and aspirations. Of all the ways my clients have expressed that working with me has changed their lives, I’m most proud when I hear that our work together showed them what therapy can, and should, be. They often describe the experience as a space where they feel truly seen, understood, and empowered to reconnect with their sense of possibility, self-trust, and purpose. They tell me our sessions redefined their expectations of therapy, not only by offering relief but by helping them become the person they’ve always known they could be. This unique combination of insight, healing, and growth makes our work together deeply meaningful and unlike anything they’ve experienced before. If you’ve ever felt that traditional approaches didn’t quite fit, my practice may offer the connection and transformative potential you’ve been seeking. Together, we’ll create a space for deep exploration and meaningful change, helping you build a life that feels authentic, fulfilling, and uniquely yours.
Where did you work before going into private practice?
Before opening my private practice, I honed my skills at several leading mental and behavioral health organizations in New York, working as a clinical psychotherapist with individuals, couples, and children. My experience also includes serving as a school counselor and working as a mental health innovator for a nonprofit organization, where I developed creative approaches to support diverse communities. Also, through an internship facilitated by Columbia University, I received specialized training at the Psychotherapy Center for Gender and Sexuality, a division of the Institute of Contemporary Psychotherapy in Manhattan, where I deepened my understanding of identity, connection, and authentic self-expression.
How do you approach diversity in the room or working with clients who may come from a different background than you?
I approach every session with a commitment to validating my clients’ lived experiences, ensuring they feel deeply seen and heard. By creating a safe, nonjudgmental space, I invite clients to explore their unique identities and uncover the impact of oppression, discrimination, and societal conditioning. Together, we foster awareness of their resilience, honoring the strength they’ve shown in overcoming challenges and helping them build a strength-based narrative rooted in empowerment. With over a decade of experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, I celebrate diversity in all its forms. My practice is grounded in inclusion and designed to affirm each client’s unique story and identity, offering a space for meaningful exploration and profound transformation.
What is the best part of the work for you?
For me, the best part of being a therapist is offering hope. Together, my clients and I discover that moments of breakdown are often the very moments that pave the way for breakthroughs. I know this because I’ve lived it. My own journey taught me that even in the darkest moments, healing and transformation are possible. As a therapist, I’ve had the privilege of helping my clients uncover strength and beauty in the places they once felt broken. Supporting these transformative journeys is not just rewarding—it’s deeply inspiring. Witnessing people rise with renewed clarity and purpose, reconnecting with their true selves, serves as a daily reminder of the immense strength and potential we all carry within us.
Do you have experience (5-10 years+) working with any types of obstacles or people in particular?
I have over a decade of experience working with creative, curious, and insightful individuals who are motivated to overcome obstacles and grow. During this time, I’ve helped clients transform their inner critic into their biggest cheerleader, empowering them to move beyond self-doubt and embrace self-trust. Whether navigating life transitions, addressing feelings of inadequacy, or seeking clarity on their path forward, I specialize in guiding clients through meaningful, lasting transformation. Now, it’s your turn. In our work, a common obstacle we address is the belief of not being “good enough.” Together, we explore the roots of this self-doubt, releasing the weight of conditioned expectations and reconnecting with the truth that you’ve always been enough. This process allows clients to cultivate clarity, self-trust, and emotional freedom. I also guide clients in becoming the conscious authors of their own story. Rather than letting past experiences ghostwrite their lives, we rewrite the narrative together, embracing resilience and reclaiming agency. Through this work, clients feel empowered to make choices aligned with their values and aspirations, creating a life that feels authentic and fulfilling. My clients often describe our sessions as transformative. Of all the ways my clients have expressed that working with me has changed their lives, I’m most proud when I hear that our work together showed them what therapy can, and should, be. The reason they’ve expressed this is that through our work together they were able to rediscover their inner strength, embrace their worth, and step into lives that feel deeply aligned, joyful, and meaningful. Therapy with me isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about creating the space for profound, lasting change that empowers you to live the life you’ve always deserved.
What degrees do you have and what techniques are you trained in?
My passion for helping others inspired me to complete my graduate education and clinical training at Columbia University, where I gained a strong foundation in evidence-based approaches to therapy. I also hold a bachelor’s degree from American University, where I began exploring the complexities of human behavior and connection. My education, over a decade of experience, and ongoing training—including work with a Trauma-Informed Internal Family Systems Group—keep me at the forefront of therapeutic innovation. My commitment to growth ensures I bring fresh insights and evolving techniques to every session. I’ve trained extensively in a wide range of therapeutic techniques to ensure I can meet each client’s unique needs with empathy, expertise, and a tailored approach: - Internal Family Systems (IFS): This approach acknowledges that we all have inner “parts” with distinct roles and emotions. Even the parts we view as negative have protective intentions. I guide clients to engage with these parts with curiosity and kindness, fostering healing and reconnection to their true selves. - Narrative Therapy: You hold the power and the pen to rewrite the story of your life. Through a strength-based perspective, we’ll work together to separate challenges from your identity, allowing you to see yourself not as defined by your struggles but as the resilient, capable author of your narrative. This process helps you access pride in your growth, confidence in your abilities, and a renewed sense of ownership over the life and identity you’re creating. - Existential Therapy: By exploring life’s deeper questions—such as purpose, freedom, and connection—we uncover your “why,” the guiding force that brings clarity and meaning to your life. This process helps you navigate existential concerns with greater confidence, empowering you to live authentically and embrace a more meaningful life aligned with your values and aspirations. - Psychodynamic Therapy: I work with clients to gently uncover unconscious patterns rooted in past experiences, bringing these to light to resolve conflicts, gain clarity, and promote lasting emotional growth. - Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Through mindfulness, I teach clients to cultivate presence and awareness, reducing stress and enhancing emotional regulation. This practice fosters a deeper connection to oneself and the present moment. - Strength-Based Therapy: My approach focuses on clients’ inherent strengths and inner resources, encouraging self-confidence and hope while building resilience to face life’s challenges. - Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): I guide clients in embracing their thoughts and feelings without judgment, empowering them to take meaningful actions aligned with their core values and enhancing psychological flexibility. - Trauma Therapy: Using trauma-informed care, I help clients process difficult experiences, reframing challenges as opportunities for growth. This approach emphasizes that struggles stem from what happened to us, not what’s wrong with us, unlocking self-compassion and releasing misplaced shame. I wanted to share the techniques I’ve trained in so you can get a sense of how I can help you, but there’s no need to feel overwhelmed. Please think of these techniques as ingredients in a carefully crafted stew—I’ll thoughtfully and creatively blend them into our work, introducing each at the right moment to ensure you experience their full benefits. Together, we’ll uncover the tools and insights that resonate most with you, empowering your healing and growth. Therapy with me is a collaborative journey to reconnect with your inner light, embrace your strengths, and build a life aligned with your truest self. Whether it’s overcoming struggles, exploring your identity, or finding clarity on your path forward, I’ll provide you with all the tools you need to create meaningful growth and thrive. At its core, my approach is grounded in the belief that healing is not about changing who you are—it’s about rediscovering that you have always been good enough.
How long should I commit to being in therapy, at least in the beginning?
In our work together, your autonomy is paramount—therapy is most impactful when it’s a path you choose for yourself, empowering you to take ownership of your growth and healing. The truth is, only you can decide what feels right for you. I trust your intuitive wisdom and believe that your gut feeling will guide the way. Therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all process, and the time you commit should honor your unique journey, goals, and readiness for change. Together, we’ll regularly check in to reflect on your progress, explore what’s working, and adjust the pace or focus as needed. My role is to create a space where you feel supported and empowered to navigate this process in the way that best serves you. Ultimately, therapy is about giving yourself the time and space to explore, heal, and grow. You’ll know when it feels right to continue, pause, or move forward in a new direction, and I’ll be here to support you every step of the way.