I am licensed in New York with 16 years of professional work experience. I am a dynamic Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I specialize in life transitions (time in a person’s life, which calls for deep self-evaluation and reflection), depression, anxiety, relationships, attachment anxiety, codependency, parenting, childhood/adult trauma, religious trauma. I use compassion and empathy, as well as alternative methods of healing to help you identify your own life’s path. While life is an ongoing process of learning and growth, I will help you walk your journey free from the grips of anxiety, depression, inner criticism and fear of loss.
I often utilize a combination of treatment methods in my practice. In your first session, we'll explore what brought you to therapy and then decide the most appropriate ways to help you make progress. We will take a look at your history, thoughts, emotions, current experiences and dreams to explore their relationship to each other and your mental health. During treatment, I'll help you learn how to push back against barriers that keep you from identifying and achieving your goals.
During our work together you can expect validation, acceptance, improved understanding of the dynamics that are impacting your mental health and human development, as well as a clear/thoughtful approach toward the resolution of matters that you are seeking to address/resolve. Most of my clients see a gradual lifting of symptoms within the first month and sustained improvement thereafter.
Additional areas of focus: Abandonment, Aging and geriatric issues, Attachment issues, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Blended family issues, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Dependent personality, Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Eating and food-related issues, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Fertility issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Hoarding, Immigration issues, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Paranoia, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Prejudice and discrimination, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-love, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Workplace issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Therapy, Gottman Method, Jungian Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
NY LCSW 076808
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Sylvia Leal. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Sylvia has been such a great listener and has helped me reflect on things from different perspectives. She is kind and comforting while pointing out where improvements can be made. I would recommend her to anyone seeking comfort but also steps to change
Written on May 04, 2025 after therapy with Sylvia for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and career difficulties
Sylvia quickly identified some key strategies to help me overcome my mental challenges.
She advocates for me to be kinder to myself, which is rare in my life. I look forward to speaking with her every week.
Written on Apr 17, 2025 after therapy with Sylvia for 4 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, sleeping disorders, career difficulties, coaching, and adhd
Sylvia is a very kind human being. I feel respected and valued as a person .
Ive been in therapy on and off for most of my life, and I have not met a therapist (and ive had many) that can get to the core of my grief . I mean i know its my job and no one else's, but I feel like Slyvia has provided me with valuable guidance for my next chapter of healing.
I love her expertise and compassion.
Written on Apr 15, 2025 after therapy with Sylvia for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, and adhd