Training + Education

Dr. Tuvia is the founder of UWS Therapy Group. She received her M.A. and Ph.D. from The Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. She completed a two year post doctoral fellowship at the William Allison White Institute.

She has worked in a variety of settings including Fordham University's College C ounseling Center, St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, Columbia Presbyterian Hospital and New York State Psychiatric Institute. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Tuvia supervises graduate students obtaining various degrees in the mental health field.

Training + Education

Hillary received her master's degree in mental health counseling from Northwestern University. During her education she worked with adults with a variety of concerns. She has worked in one-on-one, couples, and group settings. Through her training she has been able to work with people experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and other life transitions. She also has experience volunteering with individuals who have experienced sexual trauma, both through hotline calls and emergency room settings.

Clinical Approach

Hillary's approach to therapy integrates concepts from multiple modalities, such as psychodynamic, acceptance and commitment (ACT), and gestalt theories. She uses a person-centered approach to understand the client's unique needs and strengths, as well as what will be the most helpful for them. She is passionate about working with different types of trauma and helping her clients understand how trauma can affect the brain and body. She encourages the use of parts work as a way to connect to her clients and understand their various goals and motivations. She welcomes honest feedback as a way of strengthening the therapeutic relationship.

Education + Background

Mia is a Counseling master’s student at Columbia University Teachers College. She graduated from Vassar College with a bachelor’s degree in education and psychology, where she focused on social and emotional learning and wellbeing. Mia has worked with adolescents and adults as a crisis counselor, in schools, and through community engagement.

Clinical Approach

Mia approaches therapy relationally and draws from several theoretical frameworks including psychodynamic and person-centered theories, also incorporating ideas from CBT and DBT in her work. She is particularly passionate about identity formation during emerging adulthood and issues surrounding anxiety, gender and sexuality, religious identity, and life transitions. She works to integrate mindful exploration of the self with practical steps towards growth and development.

Training + Education

Karli earned a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Florida Gulf Coast University. She is currently working on her dissertation towards a PhD in Counseling and Supervision at James Madison University. Karli has worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and groups in multiple mental health settings including: attachment center, private practice, community counseling, mobile crisis unit, and addiction recovery. Karli's research interests include attachment theory, sexuality, interpersonal trauma, relationships, and the LGBTGEQIAP+ community. She is involved in multiple organizations such as the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities, as well as the Association for Counseling Sexology and Sexual Wellness.

Clinical Approach

Karli's clinical approach encompasses attachment-based and cognitive-behavioral therapy from a trauma-informed and culturally responsive lens. She works with clients through a holistic perspective to honor the entirety of human experience in a validating and affirming therapeutic environment. Her clinical work is influenced by intersubjectivity, positive psychology, mindfulness, and interpersonal process, to name a few. Karli's approach seeks the promotion of an integrated sense of self involving wellness and healthy relationships by highlighting strengths, focusing on goals, and fostering healing through the therapeutic relationship.

Training + Education

Dr. Tali Tuvia is a board certified child and adolescent and adult psychiatrist. She works as an attending psychiatrist at Mount Sinai St. Lukes Hospital, where she sees patients in the Child and Family Institute. Dr. Tuvia also holds a position as Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where she supervises residents and fellows in training. She completed her psychiatry training at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine. To deepen her therapeutic skills, Dr. Tuvia is completing a fellowship at Columbia University in child and adolescent psychodynamic psychotherapy.

Clinical Approach

Dr. Tuvia is committed to helping her patients ease emotional distress and improve their quality of life. In private practice, Dr. Tuvia utilizes psychotherapy, medications, and both in combination. She is warm and approachable, and creates a safe space for individuals to share their personal struggles.

Training + Education

Dr. Kaufman is a board certified adult psychiatrist. He earned his B.A. from Stanford, his M.D. from Cornell, and completed his psychiatry training at NYU. He is a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society for compassionate medical care.

Clinical Approach

Dr. Kaufman brings an attuned and compassionate approach to working with patients. In many cases, he sees medication as a temporary aid while someone is enduring difficult experiences. When collaborating with therapists, Dr. Kaufman sees his role as helping the patient to become more mentally and physically available to engage in the transformative work of therapy. He takes a collaborative stance with patients in making treatment decisions.

Training + Education

Dr. Shira Spiel is a licensed clinical psychologist who received her Ph.D in Clinical Psychology from Adelphi University’s Derner School of Psychology. Shira works with individuals of all ages (toddlers, children, teens, and adults). She has had training across different levels of care including a psychoanalytic institute, community mental health clinics, hospital inpatient and outpatient units, and therapeutic schools.

Clinical Approach

Dr. Shira Spiel’s clinical specialties includes trauma, relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, grief, questions related to identity, and adjustment to different phases of life.

Shira believes in the healing nature of a strong therapeutic relationship. She will work to facilitate growth in your or your child’s natural areas of strength, while also deepening your understanding of what causes pain. Her approach is collaborative and individualized, and includes relational psychodynamic techniques, humor, metaphor, CBT techniques, and/or mindfulness. With children she utilizes play therapy (even on video!), mindfulness, as well as behavioral methods.

Shira provides clinical supervision to those in training. She has supervised both masters and doctoral level clinicians in child, adult, family, and group therapies.

Training + Education

Cheryl earned her M.A. and Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Immaculata University in Pennsylvania. Over the course of her professional training, she has worked at various treatment settings, including college counseling centers, community mental health settings, residential treatment facilities, and hospitals. Most recently, she completed her pre-doctoral internship at Rowan University's counseling center. Her clinical interests include trauma and relationship concerns. For her doctoral dissertation, she researched the impact of caregiver support on symptoms following childhood sexual abuse. She is passionate about advocacy work and the empowerment of disenfranchised individuals.

Clinical Approach

Cheryl approaches her work with clients in a warm and non-judgmental manner. She believes that individuals need to feel safe and comfortable with their therapist in order to effectively address their concerns and work towards meeting their goals. Cheryl draws upon a range of therapeutic techniques and approaches in order to best meet each individual's needs; combining traditional talk therapy with structured tools and exercises. Through this work, Cheryl aims to assist clients in enhancing their capacity for self-awareness and growth so that they can more effectively cope with personal challenges and life demands.

Training + Education

Dr. Hait worked as a Dean of Student Support and Counselor at the undergraduate colleges of Yeshiva University for 17 years and as a clinician in the Yeshiva University Counseling Center serving Cardozo Law School and Stern College.

Clinical Approach

Beth's background in working with students and young professionals has endowed her with a deep understanding of the myriad difficulties individuals can face. Her approach is warm and empathic, helping to guide individuals to become more self-aware and thereby gain the capacity to reach their desired goals. www.BethHait.com

Training + Education

Tami earned her MS.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling from Hunter College. She trained in private practice with adults across the lifespan who present with depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, career difficulties and life transitions. Tami also received training at a college disability services office which informs her work with patients in the areas of academic support and development. Prior to becoming a Mental Health Counselor, Tami had careers in both Finance and Publishing which allows her to guide and empathize with people who work in these respective fields as well as help with career transitions. Tami has a B.A. from the University of Rochester and a M.P.A. From New York University.

Clinical Approach

Tami is strongly empathetic, intuitive and accepting. She is committed to offering her patients a safe space to process feelings and work toward their therapeutic goals. Her therapeutic style is supportive and non-judgemental. She specializes in career management, parenting, postpartum issues, infertility, relationship stress, premarital/marital concerns, grief/ bereavement. Tami is eclectic in her therapeutic approach, informed by techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing within a psychodynamic framework to help clients better understand themselves and cope effectively with life's challenges.

Training + Education

Stephanie earned her Masters in Mental Health Counseling from The City College of New York (CCNY). Stephanie has also worked as a clinical researcher in The Social Neuroscience and Psychopathology Lab at CCNY where she studied social processes in patients with Borderline Personality Disorder, Major Depression, and Social Anxiety. Much of her research on trust, self-esteem, attachment, emotional instability, identity confusion, relational trauma, and anxiety, continues to inform her therapeutic approach with clients.

Clinical Approach

Stephanie has experience providing mental health services and assessments for the diverse population within NYC. Drawing upon evidence-based practices, she integrates Psychodynamic, Relational, and Cognitive-Behavioral techniques to consider all features of one's personality and history. Stephanie has completed training courses in Cognitive Processing Therapy for trauma, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and LGBTQ Affirmative practice. Her primary focus is on helping adults who are coping with life transitions, navigating relationships, understanding their identity, depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. She believes that therapy is a collaborative process built on trust, empathy, and acceptance. With each of her clients, Stephanie aims to tailor a psychotherapy that is sensitive to one's needs while fostering their existing strengths.

Training + Education

Brianna earned her Bachelor’s Degree (BS) in Psychology at Fordham University in Bronx, New York and will be graduating in May 2021 with her Master’s Degree (MA) in Mental Health Counseling from The City College of New York. Brianna has experience working as a Mental Health Worker at Four Winds Hospital in Katonah, New York, where she provided inpatient and outpatient mental health services to children, adolescents and adults with various mental health conditions.

Clinical Approach

Brianna is passionate about working with children, adolescents and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. She believes in creating a holistic, non-judgmental, and warm therapeutic environment where her clients can feel safe discussing their personal challenges. Brianna appreciates the use of various therapeutic techniques, as she aims to meet each individual’s needs through a tailored intervention. Brianna strives to empower her clients emotionally, mentally and physically in order to facilitate personal growth and the accomplishment of one’s goals.

Training + Education

Jocelyn earned her BA in Psychology at McGill University in Montreal, Canada and her MA in Mental Health Counseling at The City College of New York. She has completed additional training in psychoanalytic practice and addiction treatment, including the Intensive Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Program (IPPP) at The William Alanson White Institute and Evidence Based Approaches in Addiction Treatment at the Center for Motivation & Change respectively. Additionally, Jocelyn has conducted research at the Applied Research on the Health & Adaptation of Minority Populations (ARHAMP) Lab at the City College of New York on the quality of father-child relationships and mental health outcomes in young adulthood.

Clinical Approach

Jocelyn is committed to providing therapeutic care that promotes introspective growth, engenders self acceptance, and develops agency. Her clinical interests include issues of identity, as well as relationships, grief, depression, anxiety, body image, substance abuse, self-esteem, and peer issues. She is particularly versed and passionate about advocating for the LGBTQ community. She aims to create a therapeutic space that is warm, inviting, and collaborative. Moreover, she strives to uncover the root of her clients' problems to help them better understand themselves, their patterns, and work towards lasting change. She is psychodynamically trained and oriented.

Training + Education

Dr. Boim received her M.A. and Psy.D in clinical psychology from Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, and her B.A. in Communications and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. She has trained and worked in a variety of settings including Mount Sinai Hospital, Brooklyn College’s Counseling Center, St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, Jacobi Medical Center, Einstein Aging Center, and various outpatient clinics. Dr. Boim’s doctoral research focused on “Stigma of Depression,” specifically what holds people back from seeking help and following through on treatments. Dr. Boim is informed by her research to help patients make the most of their therapeutic experience. Dr. Boim’s areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship issues, coping with stress, trauma, life-stage adjustments, prenatal and postpartum mood disorders.

Clinical Approach

I understand the choice to be vulnerable with a stranger is not easy and I appreciate that it takes time to build trust. I strive to create a warm and nonjudgmental environment where clients can feel safe and understood, can openly discuss their emotions, thoughts, and goals.

I practice individual and group therapy with clients ranging in age from adolescence to geriatrics. In my approach to therapy, I aim to meet the unique needs and goals of each client. My therapeutic style is informed by psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based therapy grounded in dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).

I have a decade of experience supporting clients who feel stuck in their life or suffer from depression, anxiety and/or relationship dissatisfaction. I work with clients to gain insight from past experiences that might hold them back in the present. I find, as clients come to understand the intersection between thoughts, feelings, behavior, and bodily sensations, they learn to be more compassionate and accepting of themselves and in turn empowered to make healthier life choices.

Training + Education

Rebecca earned her BA in Psychology from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa and her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Hawai’i Pacific University. Rebecca has also worked as a research assistant studying interpersonal relationships, as well as personal identity surrounding culture, race, and bias.

Rebecca is EMDR Level 2 trained – a therapeutic approach to treating trauma she offers to both children and adults. Rebecca is also an experienced yoga teacher and wellness coach, and her background in mindfulness and attunement to the body informs her practice.

Clinical Approach

I work with individuals experiencing difficult emotions (anger, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem), trauma, and even chronic pain. My style is caring and individualized – weaving together techniques from evidence-based practices of Cognitive-Behavioral therapy and Psychodynamic therapy with mindfulness practices. I accept my clients as they are, working together to help them feel empowered, clear, and encouraged in their daily lives.

Training + Education

Noëlle (she/her) graduated magna cum laude from Marist College with a Bachelor's in Psychology and dual minors in Art History and Cognitive Science. In addition to receiving an advanced certificate in Sexuality, Women, and Gender, Noëlle has earned her M.A. and Ed.M in Mental Health Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University. She has worked in a variety of training settings ranging from nonprofit organizations to Fordham University's Counseling and Psychological Services Center. In conjunction with honing her clinical skills, Noelle has conducted research studying mindfulness, attachment theory, microaggression theory and microintervention strategies, racial and cultural identity development, reproductive identity development, and the lived experiences of adopted individuals.

Clinical Approach

Noëlle is dedicated to creating an inclusive, affirming, and egalitarian space within which clients can feel empowered to reach their full potential. She integrates aspects of psychodynamic, humanistic, multicultural, and feminist orientations to inform her work with clients. She recognizes the strength it takes to begin and continue therapy and is appreciative of being invited to join clients' journeys of self-exploration and healing.

Training + Education

Erika holds a B.A. from Wesleyan University and a Masters in Social Work from Fordham University. She studied Creative Arts Therapy at The New School, trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and completed the Intensive Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Program at the William Alanson White Institute in New York. At The Family Health Center of Harlem, she worked with underserved people living with HIV and AIDS. Erika has worked at Fordham University’s Counseling and Psychological Services for several years in various roles, most recently as a staff therapist and clinical supervisor.

Clinical Approach

Erika works with individuals and groups across the lifespan, specializing in college students, young adults, and the midlife “sandwich generation.” After having a career in theater and film, she also enjoys working with artists. Erika helps clients navigate concerns around anxiety, depression, trauma, identity, body image, family, relationships, and parenting. Her clinical approach is informed by psychodynamic principles, mindfulness-based practices, and multicultural counseling, and she maintains a holistic perspective of each client. Erika believes that therapy is like a laboratory in which the therapist and client collaborate to explore and make new meaning of old stories. She holds that everything human and true is mentionable; if we can allow our truth and humanity, however painful, to be spoken and held gently in therapy, it can be more manageable.

Training + Education

I received my BA from Brandeis University and my PsyD from the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology (School-Clinical Child Program.) My doctoral training centered around treatment for children, teens, young adults, parents and families in various clinical settings, including hospital-based clinics, community health centers, specialized treatment programs, private practices, and therapeutic schools. I have trained at the William Alanson White Institute, New Alternatives for Children, The Upper West Side Therapy Group, New York Presbyterian/Weill-Cornell Medical Center, The Hallowell Centers, and The Churchill School.

In my practice today, I provide psychotherapy for children, teenagers, adults and parents, as well as clinical supervision for masters and doctoral-level students. I am also an adjunct professor at the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, where I supervise graduate students in child psychodynamic psychotherapy.

Clinical Approach

I have a warm, open, and flexible approach to therapy. I believe that much of therapeutic healing stems from a strong and collaborative therapist-client relationship. Therapy works best when you are able to be vulnerable and curious about yourself in a non judgemental space. As your therapist, it is my job to attend carefully to your specific needs, experiences, and goals in order to form this essential therapeutic trust. I conceptualize cases through a psychodynamic lens, incorporating attachment theory, interpersonal psychotherapy and family systems theory, as well as cultural, biological and environmental factors. My approach to therapy is integrative and tailored specifically to each client. I pull from my extensive and ongoing training in psychodynamic theories, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Parent Management Training (PMT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), and Regulation-Focused Psychotherapy (R-FPC) as needed.

Training + Education

Jenna Rose, MA, is a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Candidate at Long Island University, Brooklyn. She has trained at a variety of institutions such as the Israeli Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma, the Bank Street School, Long Island University’s Psychological Services Center, Mount Sinai Beth Israel’s Dual Diagnosis Inpatient Unit, Mount Sinai Beth Israel’s Psychological Outpatient Services Center, Mount Sinai West’s Center for the Intensive Treatment of Personality Disorders (CITPD), and Mid-Hudson Forensic Psychiatric Center.
Her doctoral research and clinical interests have focused on both the causes and impacts of aggression, violence, and trauma. Jenna has specific expertise in working with patients who struggle with difficultly regulating intense emotions, complex trauma and PTSD, maintaining healthy relationships, building a sense of self, struggling with identify diffusion, sexuality, parenthood, and spirituality.

Clinical Approach

Jenna practices from a psychodynamic perspective, informed by cross cultural sensitivities and integrating theories from the fields of Relational Psychology, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) and Somatic Experiencing (SE) as necessary. Jenna practices from the belief that relationships, both past and present, are at the core of our well being and the key to understanding the struggles we encounter in life. She strives to help patients navigate their emotional and intellectual understanding of themselves and others in order to alleviate suffering and become a more authentic and fulfilled version of themselves. Jenna approaches the therapeutic experience as collaborative, exploring memories, fantasies and conflicts, both conscious and unconscious, to actualize each persons individualized desires and goals.

Training + Education

Talya Gordon received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Biobehavioral Health at the University of Maryland. She then was awarded an intramural training award from the National Institute of Health (NIH), where she worked as a fellow in the Nursing Research and translational Science Laboratory of the NIH’s Clinical Center. Talya is currently a PhD student at Ferkauf’s Graduate School of Psychology. In the fall, Talya will be a psychology extern at CCNY City College’s Counseling Center and the Max and Celia Parnes Family Psychoeducational Services Clinic. Talya is also currently a crisis counselor for the Crisis Text Line, where she conducts risk assessments for suicide ideation and supports texters struggling with depression, anxiety, and interpersonal issues.

Clinical Approach

Talya’s research and clinical experiences with diverse populations informs her dedication to providing culturally informed and equitable mental health services. She is passionate about providing psychological support to college students and young adults who are undergoing life transitions while trying to develop their own identity. Talya has received training in the basics of psychotherapy and integrative health psychology, informing her clinical approach that emphasizes the mind-body connection. Talya seeks to reduce each client’s level of distress by working collaboratively with each client to identify areas for growth and development.

Training + Education

Chloe earned her BS at the University of Miami, where she double majored in Psychology and Philosophy and minored in Biology. She earned her MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness at New York University.

Clinical Approach

Chloe believes every individual can have agency in their life. She approaches her work with a strong sense of curiosity. She works with young adults who experience anxiety, depression, grief and relationship issues. She provides a warm and empathetic space for clients to express themselves authentically, as feeling heard can be deeply healing. She uses evidence-based techniques from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness practices to help clients. These techniques can help reframe negative thoughts and calm the body. She also uses a psychodynamic lense which explores childhood and its effect on the present. Chloe empowers her clients to value their own strengths in order to develop confidence in themselves.

Training + Education

Emma Tessler earned her Masters in Mental Health Counseling from The City College of New York (CCNY) and has a post-graduate certification in Family and Couples Therapy from The Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy (ICP). Emma has worked with adolescents, families, couples, and individuals in different levels of care, including schools, community centers, and non-profit treatment facilities. She has specific expertise in working with issues of sexuality, parenthood, and maintaining healthy relationships. Her work often explores attachment theory, and the impact of trauma on interpersonal relationships.

Clinical Approach

Emma takes a strength-based psychodynamic approach to her practice. She integrates humor and warmth into her work, while drawing on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), narrative therapy, and relational psychoanalytic theory. Emma practices from a trauma-informed, multiculturally sensitive perspective. Her clinical interests include mood disorders, grief, couples and family work, prenatal and postpartum issues, and trauma.

Training + Education

Shelly earned her BA at the Queens College, City University of New York, where she majored in Psychology. She is currently finishing up her final year at Hofstra University earning her MA in Mental Health Counseling.

Clinical Approach

Shelly practices from an empathetic and multiculturally sensitive perspective. Her clinical interests include anxiety, crisis and trauma, sexuality and sexual issues, and substance abuse and addiction.

She aims to create a compassionate, safe space and work together with the client on easing emotional distress, improve their quality of life, and to facilitate personal growth. Her clinical approach is informed by a humanistic lens with psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), realistic therapy and gestalt therapy influences.

Training + Education

Kristen (she/her) graduated from Fordham University with her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling in 2022. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from UC Berkeley. Kristen has experience working with adolescents and young adults as a counseling intern in the Starr Career Development Center at Baruch College. She has worked with individuals experiencing challenges related to depression, anxiety, life transitions, career concerns, stress, low self- esteem, identity questions, and others.

Clinical Approach

Kristen takes a collaborative and integrative approach to therapy, aiming to create a customized therapy experience that best suits her individual clients. She strives to infuse multicultural awareness into all aspects of her work and draws from a variety therapeutic techniques, including social cognitive theory, person-centered psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), among others. She is passionate about empowering her clients to address their concerns at their own pace and in their own way. She believes therapy is most effective with the establishment of a strong therapeutic relationship and a trusting, safe environment. Her professional interests include somatic therapy and career counseling.

Education + Background

Polina (she/they) earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology, with a minor in illustration, from Syracuse University, and a master's degree in mental health counseling from the City College of New York, where she was a David Rosner Fellowship recipient. Polina has enjoyed working closely with various populations across all age groups in diverse mental health and wellness settings. She has experience providing Stress-Reduction Counseling to undergraduate and graduate students of CCNY; providing care, grief counseling, and dementia support to elderly New Yorkers as a home health aide; teaching therapeutic art classes to groups of children and adults; volunteering at the NYC Rescue Mission to provide support for under-resourced clients; and interning at Maimonides Medical Center’s OBGYN Dept. to provide support for patients in clinical settings. Polina is currently contributing to harm-reduction research by providing tobacco-cessation counseling to high-risk participants as well as support to new counselors as Counseling Team Lead on several NYU Langone studies, and has recently assisted with fidelity monitoring of harm-reduction counseling for Opioid Use Disorder as part of a Montefiore study. Polina is passionate about uplifting and supporting clients at all stages of life in their journeys of healing, growth, and self-discovery.

Clinical Approach

Polina’s clinical approach integrates elements of existential therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and Somatic therapy to best suit each client’s unique and individual needs and goals. She values an empathetic, explorative, and collaborative approach to working with clients, holistically combining person-centered, trauma-informed, and mindfulness-focused perspectives. With a background in the arts, Polina approaches therapy through a creative lens that values the role of self-expression and creation in one’s therapeutic journey. Polina prioritizes a culturally informed, inclusive, and sex-, kink-, queer,- and body-positive perspective when working with New York’s diverse clientele. In addition to working with people of diverse backgrounds and needs, Polina is dedicated to empowering survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, marginalization, and other traumas, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and those struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, substance use, and chronic pain.

Education + Background

Bridget graduated from Loyola University, New Orleans, with a bachelor’s in science in psychology and is currently finishing her Masters in Mental Health Counseling at City College of New York, where she is a Quell Foundation Scholar. Bridget has worked with children and adolescents for over a decade in a wide range of settings, with a particular focus on LGBTQ+ youth.

Most of her work with adults has revolved around sexual wellness and advocacy, and she is also particularly interested in issues of communication.

Clinical Approach

Bridget’s clinical approach is derived from a relational perspective on the human experience. She will take care to understand your broader social context, and work with you to find solutions that feel realistic and manageable. Her clinical interests include issues self esteem, identity, sexuality, anxiety, and relationship challenges.

Bridget uses an integrative approach, which incorporates aspects of psychodynamic theories, DBT skills, and Adlerian psychology.

Training + Education

Shana received her Masters Degree in Social Work from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, specializing in trauma informed clinical care.

Clinical Approach

Shana is a compassionate psychotherapist, specializing in navigating the nuanced challenges of emerging adulthood. Drawing on trauma-informed care and attachment theory, she guides individuals through identity exploration, relationships, and professional decision-making. With expertise in fostering healthy connections and understanding the impact of early attachments, Shana provides a safe space to explore and address difficult emotional experiences in order to empower young adults to navigate these challenges. Her holistic approach ensures a supportive journey toward self-discovery, resilience building, and a more fulfilling life.

Training + Education

Dr. Pastalkova received her M.S. in Biology and Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic, and pursued a fulfilling carrier in Neuroscience in the United States. Recently, she received Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Pacifica Graduate Institute in California.

Dr. Pastalkova has worked in an outpatient crisis intervention center for children and teens, at the inpatient Catawba Psychiatric Hospital, and practiced outpatient long-term psychotherapy at at the C. G. Jung Institute of San Francisco Clinic. In addition to being a post-doc at the UWS TherapyGroup, she is also a post-doctoral fellow at the William Allison White Institute.

Clinical Approach

Dr. Pastalkova is trained in Jungian and psychoanalytic approaches. Specializing in identity exploration, she welcomes individuals navigating cultural, racial, and religious facets, as well as those undergoing major life transitions. With Dr. Pastalkova, find a supportive space for self-discovery and resilience on your transformative journey.

Training + Education

Colette earned her BA at the University of Michigan, where she majored in Psychology. She earned her MA in Mental Health and Wellness Counseling at New York University. Colette also holds a certification in Positive Psychiatry from the University of Sydney. She is working towards her Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) certification from the Beck Institute.

Clinical Approach

Colette believes therapy provides a unique space for individuals to develop self-awareness. She values each client’s narrative, helping them navigate their evolving life stories with enhanced understanding and purpose.

In her work with young adults and adults, Colette addresses symptoms of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, grief, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Her approach focuses on easing psychological distress by helping individuals confront fears, identify strengths, build meaningful relationships, and discover self-fulfillment.

Colette believes a strong client-therapist relationship is foundational to effective therapy. She appreciates each client’s lifestyle, desires, and goals. Drawing from a psychodynamic and interpersonal perspective, she acknowledges the profound influence of past and present experiences and relationships on individuals’ lives. Her ongoing training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) supports her growing practice.