I have always had the desire to help others find a way to end suffering in their life. This desire helped motivate me to return to college as an adult learner. I graduated from Suffolk County Community College’s notable honors college. From there, I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Stony Brook. Then I went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Social Work from the Advanced Standing Master’s program.
My passion and specialty are working with couples. I strive to help people achieve satisfying, loving, close-connected lasting relationships and individuals do more than just survive but thrive.
My approach is a blend of Eastern philosophy and Western theory to give clients a whole person (mind-body-spirit) approach to therapy. Through lectures, publications, and seminars, I keep myself current with the latest psychology, neurology, biology, and pharmacology findings, learning how these affect a person’s well-being. I have advanced training in Emotional Focused Couples Therapy, Critical Crisis Intervention, Positive Parenting, and ACOA (Adult Children of Alcoholics}. Certified Hypnotherapist. OASAS provide # 6955
I am a psychotherapist that has been practicing for over 25 years. As a young practitioner, I began as a generalist ; seeing kids, adults and families. But like everyone else, life has its twists and turns and right after I began my practice, my husband and I decided to start our own family. Easy, right? Turned out not to be as simple as we (or the world tells us!) envisioned. We began our roller coaster ride of fertility treatments that involved changing my schedule almost daily; seeing doctors and undergoing invasive treatments and having disappointing outcomes. Nothing really prepared me emotionally. Although I was trained in psychology and counseling, I was taken aback by the long, arduous trip.
After our daughter was born four years later, I knew where I wanted to go with my career. As a “wounded warrior”, I became a support group leader for Resolve ( a national organization that educates, advocates and supports fertility patients) and began seeing individuals and couples that were undergoing the same hell I just got out of. I listened carefully to what my clients were saying and realized that the anxiety and depression they all experienced was a normal response to have when you go through fertility treatments. So, when a friend asked me if I wanted to write a book with her, I said yes. I hoped we could be others ‘ voices who needed guidance and coping skills to get through the crisis of infertility. We succeeded and WWNorton published our book . “Experiencing Infertility” that was the number 1 best seller on Amazon’s infertility books in the early 2000s. It was later translated into Spanish!! I could not have been prouder.
Today I continue my work with individuals and couples by providing psychotherapy and psychosocial evaluations, mandated by my client’s doctors before entering treatment using a third-party (donor, surrogates, gestational carriers) to create their families.
My research on post traumatic growth in infertility has appeared in the Journal of Human Reproduction (October, 2009). I was the 2009-2010 chair of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine's MHPG education committee. In 2020, I co-led a research study on the effectiveness of mindfulness on women experiencing infertility. As a certified Ashtanga yoga teacher and daily TM meditator, I am able to incorporate stress management skills into my practice.
Currently, I am the clinical director of Transformations Counseling group, supervising therapists that provide psychotherapy to individuals and couples searching for better ways to manage their anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress and relationship issues.
Have you ever felt like nobody was there?
Have you ever felt forgotten in the middle of nowhere?
Have you ever felt like you could disappear?
As you could fall, and no one would hear?”
Dear Evan Hansen, You’d be surprised how many others, including me, have felt this way. I understand the decision to seek help can be difficult. The lyrics from Dear Evan Hansen remind me how important it is to have someone in your corner to validate your feelings. My goal has always been to provide this to anyone who truly needs someone to hear them.
Growing up, I always knew I was fit to help others, which is why I decided to study family dynamics in college. I noticed how many people around me had experienced loss, divorce, or trauma. I kept wondering how I could make an impact and help people experiencing this turmoil. I decided to set my sights on becoming a family therapist to provide support and bring change to those in need. Now as a licensed marriage and family therapist, I aim to build a trusting, open relationship with clients that encourages them to be honest about their thoughts, feelings, and dreams. I believe each person has the potential to make positive changes that will lead to more fulfilling relationships and contentment in their life.
I believe every situation is unique. I have experience working in multiple environments, including in-home family services, school settings, supporting children and families in the foster care system, and working with LGBTQ+ community members. These experiences have provided me with knowledge, insight, and cultural competency, which I draw upon to build my practice. The above lyrics continue to say: “There’s a place where we don’t have to feel unknown, And every time that you call out, You’re a little less alone…You will be found.” My approach is compassionate, direct, and non-judgmental, which helps create an environment where you feel supported in your counseling journey. I currently focus my practice on helping individuals and couples overcome anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship struggles, family changes, and LGBTQ+ issues.
Remember the last time you had your heart broken? Have you ever felt not good enough? Of course, you have. We all have. Someone close to me severely broke my heart at 17 years old, and although it hurt deeply, it propelled me to look further into psychology, asking why humans do what they do. I initially took an advanced placement psychology class in high school while simultaneously researching and listening to motivational speakers. Sparking my curiosity in personal development. One concept I learned that stuck with me today is that your “mentality creates reality.”
I majored in applied psychology in college and continued to receive my Masters in Mental Health and Wellness Counseling from NYU. My academic studies and pursuit of self-discovery in searching for the meaning of the human experience led me to specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I assist clients in discovering, understanding, and implementing change in their thinking, emotions, and behaviors.
In addition, my journey led me to sub-specialize in Christian Counseling for those seeking a therapist with a solid foundation in their relationship with God. My experiences have led me to understand how we can implement our faith into everyday life.
I take my time to understand my clients, and together, we figure out ways to help them achieve their goals and improve the quality of their lives. I consider myself patient and kind and want my clients to feel they have a safe place to express themselves each week where we can work on life goals, centering on them, without the critical outside world stepping in.
In my walk, I have integrated knowledge, understanding, and application of psychotherapy practices with a faith-based perspective to manage everyday anxiety, depression, and stress and improve relationships. I want to encourage you to face your challenges and meet you on your journey to achieve healing, freedom, hope, and love.
Have you ever felt like no one understands you? Or you thought, "This isn't normal or am I normal?" I get it, me too. Or maybe you felt alone. I get it, me too. Have you ever heard "You need to change? Or "Slow down!!." Yup, me too!
My philosophy is not changing people but supporting them in shifting themselves to create the life that they want. No one should entirely change who they are, but turn the negative attributes they believe about themselves or the situations they find themselves in, while identifying negative behavior patterns and moving them into more positive ones.
I use exploration, positivity and laughter in my sessions to establish a strong respectful rapport with my clients, build a trusting relationship, and provide a safe space for them to become vulnerable and supported.
I received my Bachelor's in Psychology and Master's in Social Work from Sacred Heart University. Currently, I am working on my Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy, specializing in children and adolescents, from Northcentral University. I am currently working on my dissertation on how Narcissistic Parents affect Child Development. I have experience working with individuals, children, couples, and families using a collaborative approach to help clients feel supported and understood. I have worked in psychiatric settings, substance abuse programs, and within the school system working with special needs children. I seek to understand the client's anxieties, fears, daily stressors, self-doubts, and other underlying emotions. I use a strengths-based perspective to encourage and empower clients to truly understand that they are in control of themselves. I support clients in identifying negative attachment patterns and reframing these negative patterns into more positive ones.
I say, "The ball is in your court. It's up to you to pick it up (take chances) , dribble and take a shot (takes courage!). However, I firmly believe that every person and situation is unique; help me, help you put the ball in your court and support you in taking action in your precious life.
I have been counseling clients in private practice for over 10 years and specialize in the areas of anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief. After gaining degrees from the University of Florida (Go Gators) and then Adelphi University, I quickly immersed myself in the field and gained experience with many demographics - police officers, marines, adults in quarter-life/mid-life crises, senior citizens, adults with disabilities, and more. I've learned and utilized many different modalities throughout my career, specializing in Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness-Based Therapies, Solution-Focused Approaches, and Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches. I've also obtained a certification in Hypnosis in order to effectively bring creative visualization and meditation to my work.
Over the last decade, I've learned not to be afraid to share my own experiences in pain, growth, and healing, and will often use them to connect, empathize, teach, and inspire. After all, if I can turn my pain into power, anyone can! My clients quickly see that I am an LMHC by trade but a motivational speaker at heart. I can confidently say that I will have you believing in your growth and greatness by the end of the first or second session. I'm eager to work with you, laugh with you, cry with you, and walk with you however you need me to.
Sometimes someone just needs a friendly and helpful person to assist them in their search for the right support. Taking the first steps is always scary but it is manageable when you have a helping hand to meet you in the middle.
As part of the front office, I will help guide the beginnings of your journey with us. I act as a bridge between you and our therapists. Compassion and understanding are the best traits when it comes to helping others and I am here to provide that through our support. I have many friends and family members that have gone through similar experiences, and I know it can be a hard and difficult process that is why I want to help and make it a great experience overall.
I have quite a few years of experience working with people in customer service however I am always learning and improving to do better. Every moment is something to learn from and I strive to provide the best customer service experience.
Picking up the phone to make a call to receive mental health services for yourself or a loved one is scary. You want someone to answer the phone or return your call. Then, you want someone to help support and guide you through the initial process to get started.
As the Practice Manager, I have the unique opportunity to help build and support our group practice by marrying my business and professional experience with my passion for advocating for families. Our front desk staff is here to support you through the first step of your transformational journey.
Professionally, I have over 20 years of experience working for Big 4 consulting firms, providing business management consulting and project management services for global Fortune 500 companies. Consulting work required extensive travel, so when my husband and I decided to start a family, I shifted to the staffing industry. After working for other staffing providers for seven years in 2011, I started my WBENC (Women's Business Enterprise National Council) certified staffing business. During this time, I was accepted and graduated from the Goldman Sachs/Tory Burch 10,000 Small Business program.
My child/family advocacy work started via a traditional route once our daughter started school by volunteering with the PTA. When our family experienced trauma, it deepened my passion for supporting children and families. It is important to me to let our clients know they aren’t alone and others understand the subsequent mental and behavioral impacts trauma has on the family.
The past eight years provided me with the experience of creating the best possible environment for my child by navigating multiple “systems,” whether it was the educational system or the mental health system. These children need a comprehensive environment that supports them mentally and behaviorally while healing from trauma. Therefore, I come to our clients from both a personal and professional understanding and want to help them find the right match with the therapist who can assist them while you take their journey to healing.
Marcello Pastor, based in Bellport, NY, is a highly adaptable and hardworking individual known for his empathetic and professional approach when working with clients. He possesses strong analytical skills, is efficient and organized, and excels in communication and leadership. Marcello has held various roles, including front desk receptionist in healthcare settings and as a customer service representative. He also gained legal experience as a summer legal intern. Marcello is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Political Science at Stony Brook University and holds an Associate of Arts in Political Science from SUFFOLK COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE. He is bilingual in Spanish and English, holds certifications as a personal trainer and Reiki Level One Master, and is proficient in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. Marcello's empathetic and professional demeanor, combined with his skills and experiences, make him a versatile and valuable professional.
Chiara Ciacci is a dedicated and compassionate Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT-LP) committed to fostering healthy relationships within individuals, couples, and families.
Chiara’s therapeutic approach is integrative; emphasizing emotional understanding as the key to building strong connections. Her work with couples and families often centers on Emotionally Focused Therapy, exploring and reshaping emotional bonds for lasting positive change. In addition to her work with adults, Chiara extends her expertise to children, incorporating play therapy and age-appropriate interventions to help them navigate challenges and build resilience within the family system.
Chiara began her career as a child development specialist and founded Ivy Hill Learning, LLC., a preschool and child development center, a highly sought-after program that specializes in supporting children with behavioral challenges, developmental disabilities, and differentiated learning styles.
Her work as a marriage and family therapist is greatly influenced by her deep understanding of the need for healthy attachments in a couple’s and/or family relationship Through her work with couples, families, and children, she collaborates with each person to create a nurturing environment that fosters the emotional well-being of all family members.
There are so many good reasons to come to therapy, but one theme that seems to be the constant is change. Change is uncomfortable, and admitting we need help is hard, but once you’ve taken the step to start therapy, you’re recognizing that something needs to change and I hope to work with you to help make this a more comfortable process, help you understand more about yourself, and make the changes you need to move towards creating your best life.
I’ve always wanted to help people, and after years of working in higher education and encouraging people to pursue their passions every day, I decided to pursue mine. I currently hold my M.S.Ed. In Clinical Mental Health Counseling from St. Bonaventure University, and my MHC-LP. I have worked with several different populations during my internships in graduate school and early professional career, and currently, I see adolescents and adults for a range of issues including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and more. I have found a recent passion for working with members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as other underrepresented groups.
My focus as a clinician starts with a humanistic lens, as I believe in focusing on meeting you where you are and not judging you. I also rely heavily on cognitive therapies (CBT, REBT), and further go on to explore emotions in a safe way, addressing them in the moment, bringing in elements of Gestalt, and working through problems using Solution-focused techniques. Despite the jargony beginning to this, the punchline is much more simple: there is no ‘one size fits all’ therapy, and whatever technique is the best fit for you and what you’re facing. I believe in using evidence-based treatments because I want you to have the best outcome.
Whoever you are or whatever you are coming in to talk about, I strive to provide a welcoming and safe environment and work with you to set and achieve goals. Ultimately, I believe that everyone can make changes in their life and impact themselves and others for the better, and I’d welcome the opportunity to help you on your journey.
“You can’t keep it unless you give it away” (Anonymous). We cannot truly or fully enjoy our victories, successes, or blessings in life unless we share them with others. We are all on a journey together.
I am a bilingual (English-Spanish) clinical social worker. I work closely with my clients to create a safe and therapeutic environment where individuals, family members, or couples can discuss anything. This leads to real and raw conversations crucial to relationships' healing, growing, and transforming process. I guide my clients through a journey of discovering self, inner resilience, vulnerable accountability, and exploring any unhealthy communication methods to create a better understanding of self and others. As a result, they begin to learn how to apply healthy and more effective communication and boundary-setting skills that create a foundation for stronger and deeper relationships. I also work with couples and families that feel disconnected from one another due to polarizations in their characteristics, personalities, temperaments, trauma history, personal needs, and other lived experiences that can give rise to misunderstandings or chasms in relationships.
I received my degree from the Advanced Standing Program, a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, and a master's in Social Work from Long Island University. I have been helping adolescents, parents, families, couples, and individuals for over 10 years. My approach is holistic and tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, family, or couple. I integrate a range of therapeutic modalities, including emotion-focused therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, strength-based person-centered therapy, couples therapy, intergenerational family therapy, and family systems theory. Much emphasis is given to the client’s interactive portion of the process, including practical therapeutic exercises and “cycle-breaking” activities, during many sessions.
You are the expert of your life. Let's work together to help you start living your best life.
I understand how vulnerable it can be to begin your search for a therapist. It takes courage to sift through so many options and find the one who feels right for you—whether the therapist is for yourself, your relationship, or a family member. I genuinely cherish your courage in starting or continuing your journey in therapy. What do you want to work on? Past, present, or future?
Allow me to share my journey with you first. My career began as an individual mental health therapist with a psychodynamic-trained background, which allowed me to explore the profound relationship between the past and the present. Over time, working with diverse clients has shown me the profound influence of a person's response to their familial and societal background. This realization led me to transition into a broader perspective. I studied marriage and family therapy, and I now focus on the intricate dynamics within relationships and family systems, considering a person's past, present, and future.
My academic journey spans eight years of continuous learning. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Applied Psychology from Hong Kong Baptist University and a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from Hofstra University. I have integrated various therapeutic approaches tailored to each client's unique needs throughout my career, including Couple and Family Systemic perspectives, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamics, Mindfulness, and Art Therapy techniques. I am fluent in English, Hakka, Cantonese and Mandarin.
During our time together, I will accompany you through current challenges, walking alongside you with empathy and understanding. Along this journey, you may discover new ways of approaching situations, find new balance, and achieve greater harmony within yourself. Gradually, we will cultivate habits of exploration and empowerment to help you navigate various life situations with resilience—to cry, laugh, and live fully.
My passion lies in working with relationships and recognizing their profound impact on our well-being. Whether you're seeking to mend a relationship, navigate family dynamics, or improve your connection with yourself, I am here to support you. Let's embark on this journey together, embracing growth and transformation every step of the way.
At Transformations Counseling Group, we believe in the power of change and transformation. We understand that mental health struggles do not occur in isolation; they are influenced by a multitude of systems that include family, jobs and our environment.
Throughout our lives, we carry patterns and beliefs we learned in childhood and that impacts every relationship we have and decisions we make. Developing awareness of these patterns, as well as those of the people around us, is crucial for understanding our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This awareness allows us to identify and resolve conflicts in a healthy manner.
As a marriage and family therapist, I explore these influences with you, with the goal of helping couples, families, and individuals. By improving communication and fostering deeper connections, I hope to assist you and those you care about in developing a compassionate atmosphere that encourages empathy and understanding. This is a vital step toward breaking free from negative cycles and creating more fulfilling and harmonious relationships.
Please allow me to assist in your mission to better meet each other's needs, reduce suffering, and build stronger, more satisfying relationships. Together, we can work towards transformation and positive change
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Throughout our lives, we hold onto experiences from our childhood that were shaped by our parental figures, our peers, and our environments. Even today, we are being shaped by the systems we surround ourselves with. When we are able to recognize the cycles that have been formed and critically think about them, we can start to understand ourselves better. Together, we can begin to address the aspects that you wish to change by bringing about this awareness. To best assist my clients, I incorporate different therapeutic approaches that are based on their needs and preferences.
I grew up on Long Island, where I earned my Bachelor's in Psychology at Stony Brook University. I am currently enrolled at Hofstra University, where I am getting my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy. I worked with adolescents, families, and couples at Hofstra's mental health clinic, the Saltzman Center.
In my work, I have observed that when you feel alone, you do not have to be alone. Reaching out for help is a hard, challenging, and brave step. Working towards change can be a scary process, and I strive to be there with you through your journey every step of the way.
Together, we will help you build better relationships within yourself, partners, friends, and family.
You deserve to feel heard, understood, and valued. Imagine a space where you can express yourself freely, without fear or judgment—a space that empowers you to unlock your true potential. I’m here to create that space for you, where you can begin to understand yourself at a deeper level, embrace who you are, and thrive in ways you never thought possible.
My mission is to walk alongside you on your journey of self-discovery and acceptance. I am deeply passionate about helping others feel seen and appreciated for who they truly are. Together, we’ll tap into your inner strengths and use them to live a life filled with purpose and fulfillment. Watching people step into their own power and live life fully brings me incredible joy.
With a strong background in psychology, social work, and public health, my approach is holistic, client-centered, and strengths-based. I integrate health and wellness with mindfulness practices, ensuring that every aspect of your well-being is considered. Through my years of experience in various settings, I’ve come to understand that true freedom comes when you stop letting others define you. This is your life—and it’s time to live it authentically.
Whether you're a young child, teen, or adult, I’m here to help you explore both your strengths and struggles, guiding you to cultivate a deeper connection with yourself. Let’s embark on this journey together—toward healing, growth, and the life you deserve.
Let our highly trained, compassionate therapists help you on your transformation.
Transformations… the path to unlimited possibilities.
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