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Anya Lukianov, an experienced clinical social worker and therapist, understands that societal norms can mislead individuals into believing that vulnerability is a weakness. Many find themselves feeling 'stuck' in unproductive dynamics due to this misconception. Drawing inspiration from Brene Brown's assertion that 'vulnerability is not weakness; it is our greatest measure of courage', Anya emphasizes the importance of seeking help. The success of therapy often hinges on the right client-therapist partnership. Anya specializes in supporting clients dealing with trauma and various addictions. She skillfully employs Somatic Experience Psychotherapy to address underlying issues that may not be resolved through traditional talk therapy. Through her compassionate approach, clients can expect to feel heard, validated, and empowered as they navigate their challenges. Anya is dedicated to providing a therapeutic environment that fosters relief and peace of mind, no matter the difficulties faced.

Alena Lygate Grunberg, a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and Therapist (LCSW), specializes in guiding adults through complex relationship challenges and personal anxieties. She understands that interactions with partners, family, friends, and co-workers can often lead to stress and anxiety, impacting overall mental well-being. Alena's clients frequently appear composed outwardly, but she recognizes the internal struggles they face—comparing themselves to others, striving for others' approval, or trying to maintain peace. Her empathetic approach emphasizes the importance of feeling grounded, accepted, and valued for one’s true self. With a commitment to fostering deep connections, Alena empowers her clients to pursue personal goals and aspirations with confidence. Her therapeutic focus includes self-esteem, anxiety, interpersonal conflict, and effective communication. Clients often seek her expertise to reduce anxiety, enhance communication, develop healthier boundaries, and navigate life’s transitions. Alena holds a four-year post-graduate certification in Marriage and Family Therapy and continuously hones her skills to provide the best possible care. For her, each client is more than just a case; they are valued individuals, and she ensures their therapy journey is personalized and impactful.

Rick Pantaleoni is a skilled Clinical Social Worker and therapist who believes that solutions and a way forward are always attainable, even amidst conflict, frustration, hurt, and anger. He specializes in addressing relationship issues and emotional disturbances, providing support for teens, adults, and elders alike. If a relationship is not functioning well, Rick is dedicated to guiding individuals in building more enjoyable dynamics. Whether clients are facing challenges with a partner, child, parent, or colleague, Rick helps uncover the underlying beliefs, thoughts, and feelings that contribute to these difficulties. By fostering a new understanding, he empowers clients to start living differently. Rick approaches his work with profound empathy, knowing that creating a meaningful and well-functioning life can be a challenging journey. He establishes a safe environment where clients can express themselves, listen, and feel heard. With extensive training from esteemed institutions like Brown University and the Ackerman Institute for the Family, Rick often utilizes a blend of narrative, relational/systemic, psychodynamic, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques. He is committed to strengthening positive relationships and enhancing those that face obstacles, helping his clients lead more fulfilling lives.

Julie Ridge, LCSW-R, is a compassionate clinical social worker and therapist with over 30 years of experience working with individuals, couples, children, and families. She creates a warm, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their concerns—be it relationship difficulties, mental health issues, family conflicts, or emotional distress. Julie collaborates with her clients to find effective alternative behaviors and responses tailored to their needs. She also offers appropriate medical referrals when necessary.<br /> <br /> With a rich background as a researcher, educator, and enthusiastic learner, Julie teaches NY SED approved learning seminars for licensed mental health professionals seeking continuing education credits on a variety of mental health topics. Her eclectic style is influenced by her past experiences as a professional endurance athlete, published author, actor, and motivational speaker, enriching the therapeutic process.<br /> <br /> In addition to her professional endeavors, Julie is a dedicated foster and adoptive parent. Her commitment to mental health advocacy is exemplified through her establishment of The Frank Ridge Memorial Foundation in 2013, which honors her father's memory and aims to promote better living with mental health conditions through awareness and understanding. Through her practice, she remains steadfast in her mission to foster healing and growth within her community.

Brezhnev Sanchez is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and Therapist, specializing in guiding individuals through life's challenging moments. People often seek his expertise during difficult times that affect their self-relationship and connections with others. Brezhnev understands that unresolved issues from the past can hinder the ability to live fully. In his practice, he blends various therapeutic approaches acquired throughout his career, particularly from his training at the Ackerman Institute. He employs a relational and systemic approach to provide clarity and understanding to his clients. Through this journey, he aims to empower individuals, making the transformative process deeply valued in his practice. Recognizing that seeking help can be challenging, Brezhnev strives to create an environment where clients feel seen, heard, and understood in a culturally sensitive manner. This supportive atmosphere encourages individuals to express their authentic selves, paving the way for a deeper understanding of their concerns, including family conflict, parenting issues, and personal challenges.

Marina Temkina is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker/Therapist (LCSW) who offers a range of supportive clinical modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and insight-oriented approaches. She specializes in assisting individuals facing relational and professional conflicts, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Marina is committed to helping her clients overcome post-traumatic experiences and aims to empower them to grow stronger, happier, and to reach their fullest potentials. With a unique affinity for artists, writers, and other creative individuals, she supports those seeking direction in their lives. Marina takes pride in her success stories, particularly with individuals navigating the complexities of Asperger's Disorder. She is deeply committed to serving diverse communities, including the multicultural and LGBTQ+ populations. A seasoned professional with psychoanalytic training, Marina has over 40 years of experience in the US and is proficient in Russian. Her background includes working with international refugee resettlement agencies and interviewing Holocaust survivors, which has instilled in her a profound understanding of trauma, grief, and the human desire for stability. She provides a safe, non-judgmental environment for personal growth and development.

Dr. Anne Joelle is a licensed clinical psychologist with a thriving private practice in Manhattan, specializing in therapy for adolescents and adults navigating challenges related to depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. With a strong foundation in integrative, psychoanalytic, psychodynamic, interpersonal, and relational therapy types, Dr. Joelle utilizes a collaborative and insight-oriented approach that fosters emotional transformation and growth. She is known for her active engagement in the psychotherapeutic process, believing that deep introspection and teamwork between therapist and patient are vital for effective treatment. Additionally, she is equipped to address high-risk behaviors and addiction issues, often suggesting medication management as appropriate. With over 15 years of experience, including her tenure at Bellevue Hospital and a faculty position at NYU Langone Medical Center, Dr. Joelle transitioned to full-time private practice in 2019. Her multilingual abilities—fluent in English, German, and Swedish, with some proficiency in Italian—allow her to connect with a diverse clientele.

Ester Goldvarg, PhD, a dedicated psychologist, understands the profound impact that anxiety and intrusive thoughts can have on individuals. Many struggle with the weight of past experiences that disrupt sleep and concentration, and find themselves grappling with dysfunctional relationships or unhealthy coping mechanisms such as overexercising or reliance on food and alcohol. Ester's approach at Mind Wellness Practice focuses on empowering her clients to release the grip of worry—allowing them to embrace their relationships and true selves. She offers a compassionate environment where clients can explore their challenges, set achievable goals, and cultivate healthier habits to navigate life's stressors and build fulfilling connections with others. With expertise in trauma-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral approaches, and mindfulness-based practices, Ester is committed to guiding individuals, couples, and families towards a happier, more balanced life. By working collaboratively, she aims to help clients unlock their potential for growth and well-being.

Erika Hellwig, MEd, LMHC, brings her 20 years of experience to her compassionate counseling practice. She specializes in helping teens, adults, and elders overcome trauma and anxiety, providing a nurturing environment for her clients to explore the roots of their symptoms. With a diverse range of therapies—including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Trauma Focused approaches, and Brainspotting—Erika skillfully guides individuals, couples, and groups towards meaningful and fulfilling lives. Her expertise encompasses a variety of issues, including panic attacks, PTSD, depression, and social anxiety, as well as fears and phobias that can interfere with daily life. By employing both traditional talk therapy and innovative brain-based techniques, she supports her clients in their journey to healing and self-discovery. Erika knows that many individuals feel uncertain about how to start their journey toward a more purposeful life, and she offers structured guidance to illuminate the path forward.

Daniel Cook is a compassionate and dedicated counselor, holding an MA and LMHC credential. With a special focus on teenagers and adults, he is committed to guiding clients through the challenges of trauma and PTSD, as well as addressing men's issues and providing insights around sex therapy. His therapeutic approach is diverse, utilizing a range of modalities including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Trauma-Focused therapy, among others. Daniel’s practice is both culturally sensitive and rooted in humanistic and existential principles, ensuring that individuals, couples, and groups receive the tailored support they need. His genuine warmth and understanding create a safe environment for exploration and healing, making him a trusted ally on the journey towards well-being.

Caroline Kaleda is a dedicated counselor and pre-licensed professional who brings a passion for fostering continuously evolving relationships with her clients. With a strong educational background from New York University, she enjoys delving into the unique tapestry of each client’s life—learning about their interests, cultural influences, and the impact of their personal connections on how they perceive the world. Caroline is particularly focused on assisting adults and elders with women's issues, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD), while also warmly welcoming clients facing a diverse array of challenges, including addiction, self-esteem issues, and trauma. Her counseling practice is culturally competent and LGBTQ+ affirming, ensuring that every individual feels valued and understood. In her sessions, Caroline adeptly integrates various therapy methods tailored to each client's needs, helping them to stay grounded, build coping skills, enhance motivation for change, and explore the influence of their thought patterns on emotional well-being. As a proud member of Octave, a behavioral health practice committed to creating a new standard for accessible, high-quality mental health care, she strives to empower clients in their journey towards mental wellness.

Maryjane Nelson is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and Therapist, holding both LMSW and LCSW credentials. She specializes in helping adults and elders navigate the complexities of marital and premarital issues, anxiety, and significant life transitions. With a belief that the therapeutic relationship is crucial for successful outcomes, her collaborative and supportive style fosters an emotionally safe environment where clients can build trust and forge meaningful connections. Maryjane employs a variety of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and Imago therapy, to guide couples and individuals as they seek to resolve conflicts, enhance intimacy, and heal from past traumas. Her training as a Gottman couples therapist and a graduate from the Couples Institute further enriches her practice, allowing her to effectively address the unique challenges couples face. Understanding the importance of cultural sensitivity, Maryjane tailors her treatments to respect her clients' diverse backgrounds, including their gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. She is also equipped to assist out-of-network clients by submitting claims for quick reimbursement. Maryjane offers a brief consultation for prospective clients to discuss their needs and any concerns they may have, ensuring a personalized approach right from the start.

Alexandra Schaumber, LCSW, SEP, adopts a creative approach to her clients' needs by blending traditional talk therapy with mindfulness and body-based treatment modalities. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in helping individuals navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma (including developmental, medical, and shock), panic, and eating disorders. Utilizing techniques like Somatic Experiencing, attachment-focused EMDR, and Inner Relationship Focusing (IRF), Alexandra creates a therapeutic environment where clients feel increasingly understood, comfortable, and confident in their lives. Her diverse skills include mindfulness-based therapy, trauma-informed approaches, and clinical supervision, allowing her to work effectively with both individuals and families.