Rene Gonzalez, LMHC
Message from Rene
I provide childhood trauma therapy for adults, and I specialize in helping people who've experienced childhood emotional neglect (CEN), abandonment, and abuse. A Mexican-American from the Texas-Mexico border, I've developed a niche for helping Latinx and LGBTQIA+ people recover from the chronic invalidation that comes from emotional neglect. Sometimes it's hard to know if we've experienced this kind of neglect because it's so common, and also because it happens in all kinds of families, ranging from ones that are loving, to others that are abusive. And because it can be so hard to understand the extent to which this experience can affects us, working with an expert can make all the difference. I'm passionate about helping people who struggle in the here and now as a result of emotional abandonment and/or abuse earlier in their lives. In addition to creating a safe and warm space for my clients, I use a variety of approaches, including parts work --or Trauma Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST)-- and Internal Family Systems (IFS), in addition to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other approaches that I think will work the best. With me, it's never a one-size-fits-all approach, as I draw from a wealth of knowledge about different modalities to tailor treatment to your specific needs. In addition to trauma therapy, I enjoy helping people of all walks of life figure out their next steps, whether it's deciding to move to a new city, figuring out their career, education, or navigating dating and relationships. I approach this by helping clients identify their values, and then helping them live a life that's aligned with them.
About Rene's practice
Weekdays 9am - 5pm
Weekdays After 5pm
$$$
Sliding scale
Directive
Reflective
In-person available: No
Virtual available: Yes
Life Transitions
Self-Esteem
LGBTQIA-Related Stress
Depression
Career-Related Stress
Anxiety
Trauma
Sexual Abuse
Aetna
United / Oxford
Oscar
Optum
NY
Why state matters
Get to Know Rene
"I've only had my first appointment with Rene, but I am so glad I reached out to him. Even from the initial emails exchanged with him I felt very comfortable. Each interaction has been approached with intention and care. I've never had a male therapist before, so I had some initial anxiety about that, but after our first appointment I no longer have that anxiety. His initial assessment was incredibly thorough and approached without judgement. He shared his thoughts and feedback openly, while also making some suggestions for moving forward in working together. The experience felt collaborative in a way that was understandable and encouraging. I am very much looking forward to continuing to work with him. "
AA, Client
"I'm a therapist, and I know what good therapy is. Rene is a great therapist. I was impressed by his ability to balance relationship building, and getting the information he needed to assess me properly. We also did a consultation prior to the appointment, as I had cold feet about working with a male therapist, and our talk really assuaged my concerns. I also know he's getting training at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy, which is an excellent training institute. Clinicians there get supervision from some of the best in the field. I feel like I'm in good hands. "
Anonymous , Client
"I have known Rene Gonzalez since 2018, and during this time, he has always made himself available for me to garner feedback on certain clients or scenarios that I was feeling “blocked” or “stuck” in. Not only does Rene provide invaluable perspectives on cases, but he delivers them in such a warm and humorous manner. Rene values the gift of always learning new things in the mental health field which has ultimately benefited those he works with. I have witnessed his conduct with others, both clients and colleagues, and the way his natural transparency, empathy, and laughter puts others at ease. There is a certain comfort and familiarity that Rene provides to his clients and I have only the utmost respect and admiration for him as a colleague. I am fully confident in Rene’s absolute success in his rightly chosen career path as a healing mental health professional."
Natalia Garcia LMHC, Colleague
"Rene is an exceptionally gifted and skilled therapist and my time with him was deeply transformative and healing. We worked together over the course of 3 years, and he helped me through a difficult relationship, learn coping skills, and showed total acceptance when I came out as queer in the later part of our therapy. Not only is Rene knowledgeable and critical, he is also nonjudgmental, genuine and kind. I highly recommend Rene as a therapist."
Lauren , Client
"I came to therapy with a lot of issues; bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, alcoholism, gender identity issues. We worked together for long stretches, with some breaks in between, and every single issue that I brought to therapy was addressed. At this point I've been sober for almost 2 years, I've embraced my gender identity, and Rene helped me understand the connection between my depression and anxiety, and the trauma I experienced as a kid. Rene was always kind and patient, and I could tell that he cared. He gave me words of encouragement that sometimes really got me through some painful times. When Rene came to me to tell me that he was branching out into his private practice, I knew I wanted to help, and I hope this testimonial gives prospective patients an idea of how Rene can help you. "
Carlos, Client
"Something I really liked about Rene's approach was how he explained things in the very beginning. He gave me an idea about what to expect, helped me identify my goals, and checked in with me regularly about the direction therapy was going. He made it collaborative, and was engaged, asked questions, challenged me to make connections, and showed compassion the whole way through. I told him from the beginning that I wanted a therapist who actually said something, and that's what I got. Some of what he taught me was practical and concrete coping skills, but overall I'd say he facilitated a process. I saw him for 3 years, and I made so many meaningful changes along the way. I also enjoyed his personality, and he gave good customer service; I always felt valued. "
MM, Client
From your perspective, what is therapy?
I think the process is different for everyone, and my approach differs from person to person, depending on what brings them to therapy. I think of therapy as a collaborative process, as a dialogue between myself and my client. As someone who does a lot of work with traumatized people, one of my goals is to enhance their sense of safety by being a safe person myself. My hope is that having a healthy and boundaried relationship will serve as a blueprint for other healthy relationships. At the end of the day, I try to facilitate a process that is healing, increases self understanding, and improves one's relationship with their self.
Have you received any particular training beyond your post-Bachelor's training?
I have 10+ years of experience as a therapist, and during this time I've done many trainings, including at NYU and Columbia's School of Social Work. I'm currently a candidate in the Trauma Studies division at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy, which means that I'm getting instruction and supervision from some of the leading trauma therapists in the NYC area. I also have a background in peripheral biofeedback, which means that I have an advanced understanding of how the mind affects the body, and vice versa.
How participatory are you during sessions?
It really depends, and I tend to check in with my clients regarding this question sometimes, depending on what I'm sensing. In general I'd say, if you're looking for a therapist who takes a collaborative approach, I'm probably a good fit for you. I share my knowledge and expertise, although this tends to happen after the initial sessions. Early therapy is the "getting to know you" phase, so I'm learning about you, building a relationship, understanding what the issues are and how they came to be. The "work" comes after that, and this is where I'll challenge maladaptive thoughts, teach patients more adaptive, concrete coping skills, and help patient's identify assumptions they've made that influence their thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
Are there any philosophies or values that inform your work that I should know about?
A main one is a concept known as unconditional positive regard. It means that no matter what you say to me, my stance and attitude towards you will not change. I will continue to see you in a positive light, as someone worthy of a meaningful therapeutic relationship. I think this is essential in therapy, especially when working with individuals with a low self-esteem, trauma, or feelings of unworthiness. If they can have a relationship with someone who sees them positively no matter what, the hope is that they can then gain greater self-acceptance.