I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York State and have provided mental health counseling for over 30 years to people of all ages. I worked as a school counselor for 32 years at the Kenton UFSD, a suburban school district just north of Buffalo, NY. I also provide family and couples counseling at the KenTon Family Support Center. Many people feel stuck at times but do not know how to make changes to allow them to enjoy their lives to the fullest. My approach to counseling incorporates a few styles of therapy to help clients clarify goals, understand their own behaviors and self-talk, and take charge of their future. Clinical areas of treatment include anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationships, stress management, conflict resolution, work and career issues, grief & loss, and anger management. I strongly believe in the dignity and worth of people and am dedicated to helping people find a productive healthy path.

By way of introduction, I am John Shafer, LCSW-R. In 1998, I graduated from Syracuse University's School of Social Work with my master's in social work. Throughout my social work career, I strived to learn from the highest credentialed and experienced professionals. Background wise, I have experience working with people in the following areas: rural community mental health settings, school-based mental health settings, city and suburban settings. Vocationally, diversification of approaches to working with people from an array of different environments provided my basis for success. I worked with people across the spectrum of age ranges from three years old to people in their nineties. Also, I gained experience working with people from different socio-economic statuses. Over the years, my ongoing diversity training afforded me opportunities to hone my clinical skills related to populations covering a wide gamut of racial and ethnic backgrounds. I sought to develop techniques to address gender identity expressions that was done in a culturally sensitive manner. Along the way, I prided myself on developing counseling and psycho-therapy skills. In the course of working with people, the therapy models I used most often included: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Narrative Therapy, Strengths Based Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. In general, my employment opportunities accorded me the chance to develop clinical skills. I implemented different types of therapy such as individual therapy, couple's therapy and group therapy; all of which provided me with professional development opportunities. Interweaving professional experiences with evidence based therapy models, I work collaboratively with people to attain client-centered and person-centered goals.

Hello, my name is Dr. Luis D. Ramirez, Ph.D., DSW, LCSW, and I am the founder of Rising Potential Counseling LCSW, PLLC. As a dedicated diagnostic and trauma doctor, I am based in the Central New York region and offer my services to clients throughout New York. My professional and personal journey has exposed me to various forms of adversity and hardship, shaping my deep understanding of the healing process. I recognize how crucial it is to have compassionate support while navigating the complexities of trauma, and I am committed to providing that support to my clients. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my vocation is being actively involved in others' healing journeys. I have experienced my transformations through challenging circumstances, and this personal journey fuels my passion to help others uncover their strength and resilience. I aim to empower my clients to emerge from their struggles and realize their potential. I maintain a flexible and adaptable approach to therapy. This allows me to incorporate diverse therapeutic styles and techniques specifically tailored to meet each individual's unique needs. Effective healing cannot be confined to rigid methodologies; instead, it must be guided by the specific context and requirements of the person seeking help. My primary focus is facilitating your healing process in a safe, judgment-free environment. I strive to create a space where you can be open and honest about your feelings and experiences, free from the fear of criticism. Together, we will embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing, tapping into your inherent potential. My goal is to support you in living a more fulfilling and happier life, guiding you to unlock the possibilities that await you. Together, we can cultivate the resilience and strengths you possess to help you rise to new heights.

Hello, my name is Michelon Dorzin, LCSW. I am licensed therapist in New York City with 9 years of professional work experience when it comes to working with children, youth and families. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma, & abuse. I also have experience working with people that experience depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Hello, I’m Felipe Sepúlveda, LCSW, CFSW. I provide supportive, practical, and goal-focused therapy for adults experiencing anxiety, stress, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, and financial stress. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, confident, and better equipped to handle the pressures of everyday life. I specialize in working with men who feel overwhelmed by responsibility, work demands, family roles, or internal pressure to “hold everything together.” Many of the clients I work with are high-functioning on the outside but quietly dealing with stress, burnout, or emotional exhaustion. Together, we focus on building emotional resilience, improving communication, and developing tools that create real, lasting change. I also work with women and adults from all backgrounds who are seeking a structured, supportive space to better understand themselves, strengthen coping skills, and move forward with clarity and intention. As a Certified Financial Social Worker (CFSW), I integrate an understanding of the emotional and psychological impact of money stress, financial decision-making, and life transitions connected to career and stability. Our work may include addressing financial anxiety, avoidance patterns, or the emotional side of money — always focused on wellbeing rather than financial advising. My approach is collaborative, practical, and grounded in evidence-based methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy. I aim to create a space where you can speak openly without judgment while developing strategies you can apply in real life. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready to make meaningful changes, I’m here to support you.

I am licensed in New York with 27 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am bilingual, speaking Spanish and English, with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in supporting clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to get tarted can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

As a licensed therapist with over two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on helping clients address challenges like eating disorders, depression, anxiety, social isolation, and trauma. I have deep expertise in supporting those struggling with self-esteem, body image, and emotional healing. My therapeutic approach is compassionate and collaborative, designed to help you develop resilience and self-understanding. I create a supportive environment where you can explore your experiences, process difficult emotions, and develop meaningful strategies for personal growth. Whether you're dealing with eating disorders, panic attacks, grief, or feeling disconnected, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance. I understand that seeking therapy takes courage, and I honor the unique journey of each individual who enters my practice. My goal is to help you build stronger connections with yourself and others, transforming challenging experiences into opportunities for healing and self-discovery.

I am licensed in New York with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in New York with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in New York with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in both New York State and New Jersey, with 37 years of professional experience in the field of clinical social work. I help clients with managing stress related issues pertaining to depression, anxiety, relationships, separation and divorce, career /workplace difficulties, end of life issues and bereavement . I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. As you develop treatment goals and objectives, I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

As a licensed therapist in New York, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating life's complex emotional landscapes. With over 15 years of clinical experience, I focus on helping clients address depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, and significant life transitions. My approach centers on empowering individuals to develop deeper self-understanding and resilience. I work closely with clients experiencing communication difficulties, feelings of isolation, panic attacks, and challenges related to divorce or personal transformation. My therapeutic style emphasizes compassionate guidance, helping individuals build healthier coping mechanisms and reconnect with their inner strength. I am particularly passionate about supporting older adults through nuanced emotional experiences, offering a supportive and non-judgmental space to explore personal growth, healing, and self-acceptance. My goal is to collaborate with you in developing meaningful strategies that foster emotional well-being and personal empowerment.

As a licensed therapist serving New York, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. I am EMDR trained. My professional approach centers on compassionate, holistic care for those experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and challenges with self-esteem. I am deeply committed to creating a supportive environment where clients can explore their inner world, heal from past experiences, and develop stronger emotional resilience. My practice focuses on addressing issues like social anxiety, isolation, life purpose, attachment challenges, and personal growth. I offer a Christian-informed perspective for clients who find faith meaningful and wish to integrate it into therapy. This perspective is always client-led and never imposed. My work is especially attentive to the emotional experiences of women and men, including concerns related to pregnancy, life transitions, and personal identity. I believe in empowering clients to cultivate self-love, improve communication, and overcome barriers that prevent them from living authentically and meaningfully. Together, we'll work collaboratively to help you develop healthier coping strategies and move toward greater emotional well-being.