Our therapists
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Pronouns: She/her
Populations Served: Children, Adolescents, Adults, Individuals, Couples, Families, Groups
Languages: English
Kali (which is pronounced like the state of Cali, but is from Kansas, so with it’s a “K”) received her Masters of Social Work through Columbia University pursuing a degree focused in Advanced Clinical Practice. Previously, Kali was a music teacher, children’s book author, and even ran for Congress in 2020. Kali is incredibly passionate about helping people see their true potential happiness from within.
Kali has worked with children and adolescents ages 2 through college and loves working with children through different mediums to help them find their inner joy, peace, and happiness. Laughter is the best form of medicine and while Kali is not a doctor of medicine, she does recognize the serious need for joy in our lives.
All of us have been affected by the pandemic and Kali believes it's important to meet every person (regardless of age or background) where they are and work with each unique person to find what type of therapy(ies) are best for them, recognizing we are ever changing individuals. Kali likes to take a multidisciplinary approach to therapy services due to her diverse background with music therapy trainings, work experiences, and different education with therapy types. Kali has experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychotherapy, trauma-informed care, LGBTQIA+ unique community needs, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), suicide prevention & awareness, Level I Reiki therapy, and healthy living basics (e.g. the need for fresh air, exercise, water, and nourishing food).
Whether therapy is new to you or like an old hat; Kali is ready to welcome you into a safe space to find healing, joy, and inner peace.
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Pronouns: she/her
Populations Served: Adults, Individuals
Languages: English
I work with adult clients to try to help in various areas, including with Gender Affirming support, and support with depression and anxiety, grief and loss, low self-esteem, sexual orientation issues, social and financial stress, and experiences of oppression. The goal in my work is to help clients identify what would help them feel fulfilled in their lives, work through any obstacles that they are experiencing – both internal and external, and take steps towards those goals. I have specific experience working with LGBTQ+ individuals, lawyers, artists, caregivers and teachers.
I work from a Feminist Therapy perspective, in a way that seeks to minimize the power imbalance inherent in clinical settings, centers the client’s story in our work, recognizes that the client is the expert on their own life, and helps the client identify their own sources of power. I use a mix of Existential, Narrative, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy.
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Pronouns: She/her
Populations Served: Adults, Adolescents, Children, Individuals
Languages: English
I believe that we all carry the strength and the clarity we need to thrive and live a full life, though these might not feel accessible at times. Psychotherapy is one path toward better understanding ourselves, the life we want, and the ways that certain conceptions, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors may be holding us back.
My work as a therapist rests on the assumption that each client is an “expert on themselves” (quoting psychologist Carl Rogers). My goal is to provide a safe, empathic space and collaborate with each client as they find their way forward.
Coming to psychotherapy work as a second career, I find that my life experience as a parent, partner, professional—and, most of all, a learning/growing person—enriches my ability to support my clients. I have developed positive healing relationships with clients of diverse ages, identities, neurotypes, and challenges. I have a deep respect for each of my clients and the work they’re doing—not least, their work of doing what it takes to get started.
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Pronouns: She/her
Populations Served: Adults, Individuals, Couples
Languages: English
I believe that the relationship between the therapist and the client is the foundation for healing. I am passionate about the potential for therapy to transform people’s lives and I have seen how that transformation starts with a strong, collaborative client-therapist relationship.
I strive to offer a non-judgmental and compassionate space to explore patterns of feelings, behaviors and beliefs, especially those that may be holding you back. While therapy is not always easy or comfortable, together, we will identify goals and a path to where you want to be in the future.
I live in New York City with my husband and daughter and have been working as a licensed master social worker in non-profit and hospital administration for almost two decades. I received my Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University and my LMSW in 2004. I transitioned to full-time work as a therapist in September 2021 because I wanted to have a more direct impact in changing people’s lives. As a therapist I have the privilege to guide people in discovering their own capacity to heal and recover.
I embrace an integrated and balanced approach utilizing psychodynamic and contemporary modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Somatic therapy and mindfulness. I have experience working with anxiety, depression family enmeshment, addiction and compulsivity and supporting those struggling with addiction and their families. I am committed to my own development as a therapist and participate in trainings to stay informed of the latest evidence-based practices.
I am currently accepting in-person clients. I work with adults either individually or as couples.
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Pronouns: She/Her
Populations Served: Children, Adolescents, Adults, Individuals, Couples
Languages: English
I am a mental health counselor and received both my Ed.M. & M.A. in Mental Health Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University. I have experience in the nonprofit healthcare setting supporting adults both individually and in group counseling who have struggled with mental health issues including anxiety, depression, bipolar 1 & 2, and borderline personality disorder. I also have experience working at a private practice providing support to adults, adolescents, children and couples navigating issues such as marital distress, social anxiety, trauma, depression and other concerns using both cognitive behavioral therapy and person centered therapy modalities.
I am an observant and empathic listener and provide my clients with a safe and comfortable environment where we can discuss various difficulties they need help navigating. To echo the sentiment of psychologist Carl Rogers, “Growth occurs when individuals confront problems, struggle to master them, and through that struggle develop new aspects of their skills, capacities and views about life.” My goal is to help each of my clients grow.
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Pronouns: She/her
Populations Served: Adults, Individuals, Clinical Supervision
Languages: English
Valerie Knight, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and an integrative arts therapist of over 20 years. Her journey started with the professional theater and training in bereavement issues with Elisabeth Kubler-Ross. Since then, her work has radiated outward into a variety of settings. Her specialties include victims of trauma, care for the caregiver and health professionals, HIV/AIDS, loss and bereavement, the psychological needs of women and people of color, cultural diversity, and self-care.
She has been a psychology professor at the City University of New York for 16 years, and has consulted with a variety of hospitals and community agencies. She is currently seeing clients individually, focusing on health and wellness to assist one to the next step. She is also developing, implementing, and co-facilitating the national workshop, “Black and White: Reckoning with Racism and Reconciliation”. An accomplished playwright, Dr. Knight's play, “Drawing Close” was produced in New York in February, 2020.
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Pronouns: She/her
Ages Served: Adults/Adolescents
Languages: English/Korean
Christie received her master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University, and comes to counseling after years of experience working in the legal and finance industries in New York. She works from a culturally sensitive and flexible framework that draws from various theoretical modalities, including psychodynamic, relational, CBT and DBT, and her approach to therapy is grounded in establishing a warm and empathic space that allows clients to express, explore and understand their unique experiences and needs. She believes in the resilience and resources that each person carries within themselves and strives to build a collaborative and genuine therapeutic relationship with her clients.
Christie was born in South Korea and attended boarding schools in the states from an early age. She is fluent in English and Korean, and she works with couples, adults, and adolescents.
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Pronouns: She/her
Populations Served: Adults, Individuals
Languages: English
Elizabeth is a clinical therapist. She has worked at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center over 25 years previously in the Department of Psychiatry with Dr Jimmie Holland. For many years much of her work focused on the psychosocial issues faced by those diagnosed with lung cancer and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). She also worked with the International Center of MSKCC with their patients & families dealing with the many issues that arise; such as end of life care, decision making, grief, and cultural differences. Elizabeth graduated from Fordham’s School of Social Work in New York where she received her MSW.
Elizabeth is on several boards in New York and an active participant in the community.
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Pronouns: She/her
Populations Served: Children, Adults, Adolescents, Individuals
Languages: English/Spanish
I believe that the therapeutic process flourishes in a safe, empowering and non-judgmental environment. I strive to build and maintain this environment; one where you can embark on a healing journey. By exploring difficult subjects or events, deep seated trauma, or thoughts that may never have been said out loud, we will work to resolve and challenge any cognitive distortions or distressing memories. We will work to bring insight and awareness into those thought distortions or relationship patterns that may have been formed from past experiences to overcome them and bring acceptance and inner growth.
I am a bilingual Mental Health Counselor in English and Spanish and received my master’s degree from City College, CUNY. I have worked with individuals, adolescents, and families from a diverse range of backgrounds for last 7 years. I have experience with an array of clinical issues, including chronic stress and anxiety, trauma, PTSD, mood disorders, family or origin issues, self-esteem and self-worth, along with those experiencing academic challenges. I welcome LGBTQAI+ and BIPOC communities into my therapeutic setting. I am currently working as a Site Coordinator and Therapist in a school-based program offering counseling services to adolescents in NYC Public Schools.
I incorporate a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities in the treatment process, that are tailored to each individual. I have experience working with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Psychodynamic Therapy. Irrespective of the modality, my approach is trauma informed and strengths-based. My goal is to guide you through your healing journey and continue to provide a warm, collaborative and empathetic environment seeking empowerment and improvement in your personal life. The healing/growth process may not always be the most comfortable, but there is nothing more empowering than reaching your capacity to heal and recover.
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Pronouns: She/her
Populations Served: Adults, Individuals, Groups
Languages: English
I hold a Master of Science in Art Psychotherapy and provide traditional talk therapy and/or art therapy for adults facing various mental health challenges including PTSD, anxiety, depression, ADD, and chronic illness. I find that recognizing the way emotions present themselves in our bodies can help anchor our understanding and process confusing experiences when we might be having a difficult time discerning what we are feeling. Sometimes feelings can be so overwhelming that the idea of putting them into words feels impossible, but through therapy we can do it together. I work through a trauma-informed lens and focus on collaboratively fostering a sense of safety, empowerment, human connection, and a sense of agency.
In sessions we will use talk therapy and/or art-making to relieve stress levels, explore and cope with intrusive thoughts, and lower symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. Together, we will create a space for you to express yourself in a variety of ways. If you'd like to try art therapy, in addition to traditional talk therapy, we can include art mediums such as paint, clay, and collage. No prior experience is necessary.
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Pronouns: She/her
Populations Served: Adults, Adolescents, Children, Individuals
Languages: English
I work with adults, adolescents, and children who may be facing a wide range of difficulties from anxiety and depression, to struggles in relationships, chronic illness, and loss. My goal is to create a safe space in the therapeutic environment so clients may feel empowered and supported in their decision making while also seeing their capacity for change and growth. In my practice I often incorporate aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy (MCP) to challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviors while supporting personal growth and self-confidence.
I currently hold a full-time position at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center where I provide support for patients and families across inpatient and outpatient settings. Prior to joining MSK, I worked with individuals and their families on home hospice where I provided end-of-life counseling, anticipatory grief, and bereavement support.
In May 2020, I received my MSSW from Columbia University’s School of Social Work with a focus in Advanced Clinical Practice — Health, Mental Health, and Disabilities. I have special interests in chronic illness, loss, and grief, as well as the expression of resiliency and post-traumatic growth in oncology.
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Pronouns: She/her/they/them
Populations Served: Adults, Adolescents, Children, Individuals, Groups
Languages: English
I believe that every individual can benefit from psychotherapy. In life, one will encounter hardship; psychotherapy offers a safe space for individuals to receive support without judgment or thinking they are beholden to someone. In my therapeutic work, I strive to help individuals face a variety of challenges, such as grief, depression, life transitions, gender and sexual identity concerns, and fertility issues. I specialize in working with cancer patients and their families, LGBTQ+ and disabled folx, which is informed by my positionality as an Asian-American cisgender lesbian that is a caregiver to someone with a metastatic cancer.
My clients generally describe me as a psychotherapist who is thoughtful, empathic and warm in my communication style. I aim for a transparent and collaborative relationship with my clients. I am an integrative therapist, drawing from multiple modalities, such as: Psychodynamic Therapy, Attachment Theory, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Harm Reduction Therapy and Creative Expression (play therapy/art therapy). As a former researcher, I maintain a commitment to offering a range of evidence-informed modalities that have been shown by research to lead to positive outcomes for clients. My selection of what approach to use is decided on in conjunction with clients and tailored to their individual needs and preferences.
I received my Master’s degree in Social Work at Columbia University, where I specialized in Advanced Clinical Practice with a focus in Health, Mental Health and Disabilities. I also hold a Master’s in Psychology from the New School for Social Research. Of note my training included extensive experience providing one-to-one and couples therapy to LGBTQ+ folx at Queer LifeSpace. It also included intensive experiences supporting clients and their families in navigating the difficulties of pediatric and adult cancers at New York University’s Langone Medical Center. I currently facilitate groups at BreastCancer.org, supporting early stage/metastatic breast cancer patients and their caregivers.
I offer opportunities to work individually and in group settings. I am open to working with clients in-person, via telehealth or a hybrid of the two.
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Pronouns: He/him
Populations Served: Adults, Individuals
Languages: English
Jarret (he/him) is a humanistic and existential psychotherapist who works collaboratively with clients to address their particular challenges, needs and desires. As every person and situation is uniquely different, his approach is to flexibly and gently explore what works best for each client. Although the application of different psychotherapeutic theory and practice is important, it is, as research has repeatedly shown, the quality of the client and therapist’s relationship that is most important in facilitating well-being.
At the heart of his practice is the existential condition that, as human beings, we inevitably face challenges such as anxiety, sadness, loneliness, loss, trauma and identity. How we relate to these challenges affects how we create purpose, meaning, and in turn, happiness in our lives.
Jarret works with clients to:
- Explore values and goals in order to live a fuller and more enriching life.
- Reduce conflicts that may be holding clients back in their personal and professional lives.
-Discover alternative pathways to live with greater satisfaction and meaning.
He has a BA in philosophy from Tulane University, an MSW in Advanced Clinical Practice from Columbia University, and is currently finishing a doctoral degree in counseling psychology from Middlesex University.
Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, Jarret spent many years as a photojournalist and has published numerous photography books on themes of poverty, inequality, discrimination and other adverse, socio-political issues. He currently runs a nonprofit called TEEEM, aimed at creating empathic partnerships with social entrepreneurs.
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Pronouns: she/her
Populations Served: Adolescents, Adults, Individuals, Groups
Languages: English
I am a filmmaker and social worker based in New York City who works with individuals, couples, and groups. I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ and gender non-conforming folks, women, and artists. I work with those navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. In addition to my Social Work degree from Fordham University, I have a background in film and television production and studied at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. This combination of influences informs my work with clients and allows for a unique approach that encourages individuals to share their stories, reflect, and work to re-write their own personal narratives in an effort to transform their lives.
My style is warm, empathic, and curious with a sense of humor. By employing a motivational, strengths-based, and narrative-led approach, I help clients to see themselves as the expert of their own experience. I strive to ensure that clients feel safe and understood while exploring issues sensitively and deeply. My background in the arts informs my work with clients and encourages an atmosphere of creativity and openness. I combine narrative and relational therapies with evidence based practices to help clients clarify feelings, achieve goals and begin thriving.
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Pronouns: She/her
Populations Served: Adults, Children, Adolescents, Individuals, Families, Couples, Groups
Languages: English/Croatian
I am a mental health counselor with a masters degree from Queens College, CUNY. I work with adults, children, and adolescents and provide individual, couples, family, and group counseling. I have seven years of experience working to promote healing, starting with my work as a peer counselor. I worked with neuro-divergent children for four years, providing ABA therapy, and, in 2020, drawn to the mission of affordable and accessible therapy, I joined the team at Droste.
In my therapeutic work, I draw from behavioral and insight-oriented approaches to create a unique healing path for each person. As a born and bred New Yorker (yes, I will give you all my go-to best eating spots), I know how stressful life can be. Together, I will work with you to identify and change patterns that may be getting in the way of you living the life you deserve. For me, it is a privilege to get to bear witness to the healing that can happen with therapy.
While I work across issues areas and have experience in supporting people struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship challenges, I am especially passionate about supporting adolescents and their families in navigating changing dynamics and creating healthy, long-lasting, relationship patterns.
I provide therapy both virtually and in-person and am bilingual in English and Croatian.
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Pronouns: He/him
Populations served: Adults, Individuals, Clinical Supervision
Languages: English/Spanish
A member of the Droste team since 1987, Robert is a therapist with extensive experience in meeting the individual needs of those struggling in the areas of trauma, grief and loss. Variations of addictive behavior, rehabilitation and maintenance of sobriety have become a focus of treatment. Bilingual and multi-cultural skills serve to enhance this process. Symptom reduction and improved overall functioning is the basis for this shared endeavor with a forward orientation towards the future. Asserting your full potential and gaining satisfaction from this effort are the prime objectives.
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Pronouns: She/her
Populations served: Adults, Individuals, Clinical Supervision
Languages: English
Sometimes life’s challenges become overwhelming, and we feel anxious, hopeless, depressed and simply blocked. I believe we all possess a sense of strength and resilience at our core, and solutions are within us. We will work together to create lasting change by increasing self-knowledge, compassion, trust and insight.
I am a licensed social worker with a Masters degree in Social Work from Fordham University. I offer psychotherapy and counseling services to adult individuals and couples within a warm, safe and confidential environment. I work in a collaborative partnership with my clients, creating a relationship with empathy and unconditional positive regard. Using a psychodynamic approach in combination with a behavioral approach, we delve into the past to see how it informs current difficulties, process thoughts and feelings, and develop concrete tools that can be used in day-to-day living.
My practice is derived from Internal Family Systems, Imago Relationship Therapy and Focusing methodologies. I have worked with clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, sexual trauma, identity, self-esteem, self-efficacy, infidelity and communication. I have also helped clients get through difficult transitions resulting from relationship issues, career shifts, illness and loss. Change is possible and we can bring hope, empowerment and calmness back into your life.
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Pronouns: She/her
Ages Served: Adults, Adolescents, Children, Individuals
Languages: English/Urdu/Hindi
I am in my second year of the Ed.M. Mental Health Counseling program at Teachers College, Columbia University. As someone of South Asian heritage, I have a deep appreciation for the detrimental effects that stereotypes and biases can inflict upon individuals. Moreover, I am acutely aware of the stigma surrounding conversations about mental health and the challenges of seeking assistance within our communities. By extending empathy and creating a secure environment, my goal is to assist every individual, especially those from minority and underserved populations, as I understand these are individuals who often carry the weight of subtle yet impactful microaggressions and discrimination.
Fluently versed in both English and Urdu, and holding a conversational proficiency in Hindi, I am committed to breaking down language barriers to ensure that the therapeutic process is inclusive and accessible for every individual I work with. My therapeutic approach aligns closely with the Person-centered methodology, as I firmly believe in establishing an atmosphere of unwavering acceptance and permission to openly express oneself, devoid of any fear of judgment or invalidation. In order to help individuals have a deeper understanding of themselves, I also incorporate a Psychodynamic therapeutic approach.
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Pronouns: She/her
Ages Served: Adults, Adolescents, Children, Individuals
Languages: English/Armenian
Talisa (she/her) is a Clinical Intern pursuing her Masters in Mental Health Counseling at CUNY Hunter College. She comes to counseling after years of experience in hospitality, service, and non-profit sectors.
Talisa strives to provide an open, warm, and collaborative space that allows clients to show up as they are and to allow them to connect with the deepest parts of themselves. She invites clients to explore the meaning behind their current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, as well as the relationships and events that have affected them. Talisa’s therapeutic approach is influenced by psychodynamic, humanistic, and person-centered modalities, with a specific interest in EMDR and trauma-based therapies. She emphasizes the importance of creating a strong therapeutic alliance that would foster healing and personal growth.
Talisa is a first-generation American of Armenian and Arab descent, who is particularly passionate in working with the LGBTQ+ and Middle Eastern communities. She prioritizes integrating a multicultural framework of therapy that focuses on client identity, while exploring the societal and cultural factors that affect and influence development. She is an active social justice and mental health advocate for the Armenian community.
Talisa graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of San Francisco with a major in Psychology and a minor Neuroscience. She is fluent in English and Armenian.
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Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Ages Served: Children/ Adolescent/ Adults/Individuals
Languages: English/Mandarin
I’m Jessica, a graduate intern from Teachers College. Born and raised in an East Asian culture, I spent most of my adulthood in the United States where I pursued my undergraduate and graduate studies. The cultural and value differences between the East and West taught me to find a balance in diverging views and conflicting principles. In today's society, where we are flooded with an abundance of information, this balance-seeking approach will be the key to my approach in counseling.
As a firm believer that people function as both individuals and as a part of their social network, I prefer working with my clients together to tailor a set of practices that would best serve their personal and social needs. I find value in all empirically-based therapeutic frameworks and would prefer to use a multifaceted approach that best accommodates the cultural and situational needs of my clients. I will do my best to accommodate their needs, whether they prefer a fast, solution-oriented approach, a more elaborate and process-focused modality, or even a combination of both. Through a collaborative process, I will help my clients find their balance and achieve the best mental health outcome.