Brie Scolaro, LCSW + 1
Verified background check
Message from Brie
The most important part of starting therapy is finding a therapist that matches your personality style, expectations and the goals you are looking to achieve. My extensive experience working with diverse presenting issues and populations has taught me the importance of collaboratively developing a tailored treatment plan for each individual. Whether you are working on a short-term goal and want efficiency and concrete results, delving into family and relationship dynamics, or simply want to learn more about yourself, there is a right approach for you. My style can be described as blending empathy and proactive support as we navigate your aspirations together. My approach encourages a deep exploration of emotions and experiences—uncovering insights rooted in your past, nurturing your present relationships, and addressing current anxieties. This combination of deep exploration, personal reflection and concrete skills building helps bring my patients the relief, clarity and confidence they are looking to achieve. In addition, I am a Certified Biofeedback professional that uses technology alongside traditional therapy or as a standalone treatment to address peak performance training, anxiety, depression, stress, chronic pain, and a wide variety of other challenges. A majority of my clients are driven, passionate professionals in NYC that aim to be the best in what they do - whether it is the arts, law, engineering, corporate work, and who also often have a value around social justice - wanting to make the world a better place in some capacity. I understand the pressure that comes with being driven, the pressure of living in NYC, and the anxiety, stress and overwhelm this can feel like on a daily basis. If you're ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, deep reflection, and lasting change, I invite you to schedule a complimentary phone consultation. It would be an honor to stand by your side as you take strides toward living the life you deeply desire.
About Brie's practice
Weekdays Before 9am
Weekdays After 5pm
Weekdays 9am - 5pm
$$$
Sliding scale
Directive
Reflective
In-person available: Yes
Virtual available: Yes
Career-Related Stress
Self-Reflection
LGBTQIA-Related Stress
Burnout
Anxiety
Perfectionism
Gender Identity
ADD/ADHD
Out of network providers
NY
Why state matters
Get to Know Brie
"Brie's focus on opening up to difficult feelings WHILE taking committed action is what therapy needs, especially during the pandemic when so many feel stuck. Brie makes their clients feel safe, comfortable and like someone is truly in their corner rooting for them the entire way."
Michelle, Colleague
Do you assign homework, activities, or readings for me to do between sessions? Why or why not?
I often assign reflective assignments and activities to both my therapy and coaching clients. This is to augment the power of our work in session and help you generate insights while taking action in your daily life. After all, our 45 minutes together is only 0.5% of your entire week! However, some of my clients prefer to use our session together to practice skills and work through exercises - it's ultimately about finding what feels most helpful for you.
How should I prepare for my first session with you?
Our first appointment together is the intake assessment (60 minutes). More evaluative in nature, this first session is focused on a deeper look into your history (work, family, social, relationship, current symptoms) to further understand what brings you to therapy. This allows me to craft an individualized treatment plan that is tailored to your goals. After this session, I will prompt you to continue to explore your goals for therapy - what are you looking to get out of our work? How will we know the work is successful? And together, we will decide on what to focus on first. I ask each of my clients to imagine the scenario below: Imagine that you wake up and the chronic anxiety/suffering/depression that you've been battling with has disappeared. What would you do? If my ______ was gone, I would ___________________. For example, if my anxiety was gone, I would have more energy to do my work, make new friends and be a better partner.
How can you tell if I am feeling stuck, unseen, or unheard?
From the very first session, we begin our work on the agreement of honesty and trust. I know that trust has to be earned, and usually it takes 3-4 sessions to begin to establish a good working relationship. I will often give you the opportunity to give feedback on how therapy is going (i.e. are you looking for more or less structure in our session). Remember - I am here to support you in reaching your goals, and if you don't feel that support than I'd love to learn how we can adjust the focus of our work!
How long should I commit to being in therapy, at least in the beginning?
I recommended giving it at least 2-4 months to begin to observe the benefits of our work together. After meeting for our first session, the intake appointment, I will have a better idea of your recommended treatment length. For instance, some folx are looking for short term therapy for insomnia and time management, while others work to resolve more complex symptoms around trauma, relationship patterns and identity.
What led you to become a mental healthcare practitioner?
As a young individual that struggled with depression and anxiety, I grew up never feeling that anyone understood me. Not even mental health providers. In time, I realized I was beautiful and powerful beyond measure, and sought a career dedicated to supporting others through difficult times. Therapy isn't meant to "fix" you, because you aren't "broken." You deserve to be listened to and loved without judgement, and that's the energy I bring to each and every session with my clients.
What are your policies and practices around insurance?
I am not in-network with insurance companies. For those that have out of network benefits, I can provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance directly for potential reimbursement. Let me know if you'd like more info on what to ask!
Do you have experience (5-10 years+) working with any types of obstacles or people in particular?
I have been involved with therapy, coaching and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ persons for the past 10 years. Across my experience, I witnessed a severe lack of LGBTQIA+ affirmative and competent mental health providers. It is a powerfully affirming experience to work with an openly queer therapist or coach. As such, my goal is to immediately create a safe, nonjudgmental space where my patients feel seen; heard; loved; and believed in.
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?
We all have times when anxiety, stress and depression take over our life. Relationships, family or work just feel harder to deal with, if not impossible. That's where therapy can help. Whether you're looking for tangible tools to manage anxiety, or a safe space to vent about your dating life or work stress, therapy can help you restore a sense of control and happiness. I meet my clients where they are at and honor their stories and unique experiences. If you're not sure how to begin, the first step is starting the conversation and trusting that together, we will find the right path for you.