Find a Licensed Therapist in Pelham, NY | Online Therapy

I look to help you identify your strengths and utilize them so that you can achieve your desired outcomes. My approach is to utilize multidimensional psychodynamic tools based upon your life course and inherent difficulties. In conjunction with the client, goals will be developed and guidance will be provided in order to achieve the optimal short term gains and long term objectives. Change is achieved through solution focused and task based theories to help achieve change. These tools can be particularly helpful for those coping with negative thought patterns, depression, anxiety, developmental differences, executive functioning difficulties and challenges associated with trauma and transitions. My practice has entailed work with a wide variety of individuals and focused upon the needs of each person. I have also engaged in practice with individuals with autism, those impacted by a wide range of environmental challenges as well as those having difficulty making life transitions. I have also participated in family based crisis management, helped families develop a range of techniques to improve relationships with their significant others and acted as a conduit between family members coping with trauma. I live with my wife, daughters and two dogs and have a passion for helping others. I look forward to getting to know you and helping you have your aspirations align with your actions!

I believe that each person’s individual experiences are essential to the therapy journey. With this in mind, I encourage you to draw from your personal experiences and natural creativity as primary tools for discovering positive, quick, and long‑lasting solutions to your concerns. I embrace cultural diversity and genuinely respect people’s differences. People of all genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities, religious affiliations, and diverse cultural, social, and political backgrounds will find a friendly and welcoming atmosphere at Good Start Therapy. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I enjoy a holistic approach to psychotherapy. A holistic approach helps us become more aware and balanced in our daily lives, allowing us to connect with our emotions, thoughts, physical sensations, and spiritual selves. It combines clinical interventions from various psychotherapy schools and treats each individual as unique, yielding positive, effective outcomes and opening the door to lasting life changes. I have been trained to work with adults facing mood changes, anger, anxiety, stress, trauma, and depression. I am proud to be a graduate of Goddard College in Vermont, where I earned my Master’s Degree in Psychology and Counseling. I also hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Crisis Intervention from Empire State College, State University of New York. In line with New York State’s Continuing Education requirements, I completed a one-year Post-Master’s Continuing Education Program in Advanced Clinical Practice at NYU. Additionally, I fulfill the 36 continuing education clinical hours every 3 years. I am fortunate to have attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC, where I completed a two-year Certificate Program in Acting for Theater. It was a great pleasure to work at The Door, a Center for Alternatives, for six years, in both clinical and management roles within the Supportive Housing program for young adults ages 18–24 facing mental health challenges. I have also worked at various substance use treatment centers, private psychotherapy clinics, and homeless shelters in New York and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I offer therapy in both English and Portuguese.

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.

I am licensed in New York with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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.

Born and raised in former Soviet Union, Ukraine, I immigrated to the United States right after my graduation from a music college. Music and psychology were always my passion! After settling in New York, I got my BA at Mercy College and Master’s degree at Hunter College. I was licensed as a Clinical Social Worker after several years of working in a mental health field. I’ve experienced challenges in my life as an immigrant, female, mother, business woman, etc. ... and I enjoy working with my patients, who have challenges of their own.

I am a licensed clinical social worker in New York with post-graduate analytical institute training. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults. My experience extends to being credentialed by the DOD (Department of Defense) as a civilian GS-11 primary provider, deployed to Fort Wainwright, Alaska, and Misawa, Japan, to work with Service Members and their families. My orientation is psychodynamic psychoanalytic psychotherapy with a focus on building a co-created working alliance to address long-term recurring issues that interfere with one's relationship with self and others. It takes courage to embark on the journey of discovery to process unresolved losses and understand inner conflicts, fears, and anxieties. My approach does not yield instant results and foregoes a rush to judgment. What is important is for you to feel that you can trust the treatment process. Once we clarify what you expect from treatment, what treatment frame works best for you within the realm of what I offer, we will work at your pace. Although the work is intense, I am attentive, interactive and caring. The process is geared towards producing benefits that promote change, self-understanding, personal growth, and building core emotional and psychological strengths. I am here to support you in a personal journey of discovery.

I am licensed in New York with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, personality disorders, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue 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. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

As a licensed therapist in New York, I specialize in supporting individuals and couples navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on helping clients develop self-compassion, explore life purpose, and work through challenging experiences like guilt, shame, and stress. I have extensive experience supporting diverse populations, including older adults, caregivers, veterans, and individuals from multicultural backgrounds. My therapeutic work focuses on addressing depression, anxiety, grief, and self-esteem challenges with empathy and professional expertise. My practice is grounded in creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore personal growth, develop emotional resilience, and cultivate meaningful strategies for healing. I believe in honoring each person's unique journey and supporting them in discovering their inner strength and potential. Through collaborative and compassionate counseling, I aim to help clients transform difficult emotions, build self-understanding, and move toward more fulfilling lives. I'm committed to walking alongside you with genuine care and professional guidance.

I am licensed in New York with 29 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in New York with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, career difficulties, & despression. 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Hello I am a licensed mental health counselor in New York. I have 5 years of clinical experience and 10 years as a social worker. I treated children, adolescents and adults at an outpatient clinic. I graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with a bachelor's degree in social work and have a master's degree from Medialle College. I specialize in supporting individuals navigate complex life challenges with adults. My approach centers on creating a compassionate, affirming space where clients can explore their experiences and develop meaningful strategies for personal growth. Some of the areas I focus on are depression, anxiety, panic disorder, ADHD, trauma, and life transitions, supporting young adults and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. My therapeutic work emphasizes holistic healing, building a client's self-love, improving communication, and working through strong emotions like guilt, shame, and isolation using modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy, rogerian therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, feminist theory, poly vagal theory, somatic therapy and eye movement desensitization reprocessing. I am committed to understanding each person's unique journey, offering personalized support that honors one's experiences and personal strengths. Whether you're struggling with workplace stress, relationship dynamics, or personal growth, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance.

I especially enjoy working with young professionals, adults, and older individuals who are navigating major life changes, emotional stress, relationship difficulties, or feelings of loneliness and overwhelm. I understand that every stage of life comes with unique challenges, and I strive to create a supportive space where clients feel comfortable, understood, and empowered to grow. I focus on helping clients work through social anxiety, communication difficulties, attachment challenges, and feelings of isolation. My approach is compassionate and supportive, encouraging clients to explore their emotions, build self-confidence, develop healthier coping skills, and reconnect with a sense of purpose and balance in their lives. Using a trauma-informed and client-centered approach, I work collaboratively with clients to create goals and strategies that reflect their unique experiences and strengths. My goal is to help you build greater emotional awareness, strengthen relationships, and create a more fulfilling and meaningful life

Justin, LMHC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Life Coach with more than 12 years of counseling experience and 17 years of work in the non-profit sector. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. His extensive background includes serving as a Director for a state-funded agency supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as providing services as an Applied Behavior Specialist. Justin has also facilitated mentoring groups for youth and adults and provided counseling and support to at-risk and underserved populations. As a first-responding firefighter, Justin brings a unique understanding of the pressures faced in high-stress environments, including the challenges of emotional resilience, burnout, and work-life balance. He works with adults, young adults, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, offering support in areas such as anxiety, depression, stress, men’s issues, and personal growth. Justin takes a holistic, person-centered approach—meeting clients where they are and helping them move toward where they want to be. Whether supporting someone through a major life transition or helping them uncover the patterns affecting their well-being, he focuses on empowering individuals to become their best and most authentic selves. Outside of his professional work, Justin has been married for more than 10 years and is a proud father to a 24-year-old daughter and an school aged son. Justin believes that we are often harder on ourselves than the world is on us. With compassion and evidence-based guidance, he is committed to creating a space where clients feel supported, seen, and equipped to move toward a healthier, more grounded version of themselves. Justin works with adults, young adults, and the LGBTQ+ community. He offers individual counseling via tele-therapy (HIPPA compliant video/online counseling). He has availability for virtual sessions. A word from Justin: At times, we tend to be harder on ourselves than the external world. We are all people, being. Let’s work together to help achieve your ideal self.

As a licensed therapist dedicated to supporting individuals through life's complex challenges, I bring compassion and expertise to my practice. My professional background focuses on helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal transitions. I specialize in supporting individuals as they develop stronger communication skills, practice self-love, and work through interpersonal conflicts. My approach centers on creating a warm, affirming therapeutic environment where clients can explore their emotions, build resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal growth. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I collaborate with clients to develop personalized strategies that empower them to overcome obstacles and create positive change in their lives. With a commitment to culturally responsive care, I understand the unique experiences and perspectives each person brings to therapy. My goal is to provide a supportive, non-judgmental space where you can feel heard, validated, and supported as you work towards your personal and emotional wellness goals.