Therapists in New York

A Brief Introduction to Rosie Pettway, LCSW My social work career began long before I actually earned the degree. It began during my transition from corporate paralegal to elementary substitute teacher in the NYC Public School System. Teaching had placed me in a position to witness firsthand the deep emotional needs of children, which were being neglected and unmet by a system that promised nurturance, support and protection. I noticed the absence of much needed school based social workers. There was only one assigned to that particular school and she was overburdened with duties related to IEP’s for those children identified as having special educational needs. Coupled with (1) my desire to bridge the gap between strengthening mental health resources to children/families/teachers and (2) the physical and emotional trauma related to 911, I knew my path would lead me to becoming a clinical social worker. A total revelation to me! With my heart leading, I applied for social work school the next year and was accepted for the term beginning August 2002. In much the same way I felt called to the field of social work, I also felt called to working with the aging. As I sat next to the chairs of patients receiving their dialysis treatments, I heard stories similar to the ones I’d heard in my work with children – histories of unacknowledged, unresolved trauma they’d been carrying/dragging across the lifespan: generalized anxiety and fear, immigration status concerns, systemic racism, sexual orientation, physical violence, teenage pregnancies, forced marriages, incest/rape/sexual abuse, partner violence, common feelings of unworthiness – unwanted and unloved, and stigmas related to learning disorders and mental health diagnoses. The main difference between the two populations is that the aging adults had carried their burdens and distress over a much longer period. Over lifetimes, and now many are finding themselves existing in a society where their needs are undervalued, thus unprotected. It is my belief that within each of us resides an inner child, still longing for that never received attention (to be seen, to be heard), and still acting out to his/her own self-detriment, often manifesting chronic pain, illness and disease. Armed with this knowledge and now an older person myself, this presents an opportunity for me to participate and assist in the totality of healing for this population – mentally, emotionally and physically, including the child within, bringing unity, integration, stability and peace with Self-Love as the overarching goal. I began my social work career working directly with the youth; and in working with the adult aging population, I continue to touch the youth. For me, this is the best of both worlds. In this, I am fully grateful and satisfied.

Dr. Joanna Kristeva specializes in treating mental health conditions, and she uses a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy approach in her clinical practice. Her multicultural background helps her to apply person-centered and strength-based treatment modalities. Dr. Kristeva is a licensed psychotherapist in New York and Ohio with twelve years of direct clinical experience. She holds a postgraduate degree from New York University and has earned a doctorate in philosophy. Kristeva received clinical training in the treatment of psychological trauma and complicated grief counseling at Columbia University. She is the author of several peer-reviewed journal articles and books.

I am a New York State licensed PhD Psychologist with more than 25 years’ experience in the public and private sectors. My doctorate in Psychology is from Fordham University and I have a post-doctoral degree in Speech and Language Pathology from Columbia University . I specialize in working with a diverse population of adults with mild reading or language-based difficulties and those with severe learning disorders. Often self esteem and anxiety in applying for jobs or maintaining employment can go hand in hand. My practice incorporates collaborating with the clients to turn key ideas. I also have expertise in guiding young adult students who will be immigrating to the US and/or spending time abroad and the stressors involved in this. I am very knowledgeable on relaxation techniques as well as mindfulness. I can help you to incorporate strategies to reduce anxiety and get to the tasks that need to be accomplished! I enjoy helping individuals find motivation within themselves to push their career choices forward and be successful. Building of time management and executive functioning skills is a key component for success in school and on the job. My goal is to work together with the clients to identify the steps needed to build these areas in order to reach one's school and work goals. I am a person centered psychologist with a warm and compassionate style. Together we will work to navigate the process.

I am licensed in New York with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, anger management, & 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. 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 licensed in New York with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I am trained in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, EMDR and my practice also includes interventions from Gestalt, Person-centered, Internal Family Systems, and other therapy approaches. I believe that when addressing fears and anxieties, the most effective approach is to work toward facing those fears a little bit at a time with tenderness, patience, acceptance, and imagination. I often see clients work through their problems and experience relief from symptoms after getting to the bottom of their core fear. In my practice, I also see a lot of individuals with perfectionistic styles, traumatic backgrounds, and self-neglect, that result in procrastination or overwork, burnout, and self-blame. I am here to support and empower you to change these symptoms by shifting to flexible attitudes and beliefs, which frees up room for problem-solving and behavior change.

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, trauma and abuse, & anger management. 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. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in New York with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, & parenting issues. 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.

I am licensed in New York with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have worked in the community mental health system for the majority of my career and have had the opportunity to work with individuals with a wide range of mental health and substance use disorders. My last position before entering private practice was as the Vice President of Clinical Services for the largest outpatient mental health clinic in my county. I utilize a combination of Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, and Solution-Focused Therapies to assist individuals in addressing challenges occurring in their lives.

Hi, I’m Shakira Maldonado, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York and Florida, dedicated to helping adults and teens navigate life’s challenges. With three years of experience in individual therapy, I specialize in providing a safe, supportive space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions without judgment. My approach is highly personalized, blending evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices with a compassionate, client-centered focus. I work with teens to address challenges such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, and the pressures of school and social life. Together, we build coping skills, improve emotional regulation, and foster resilience during this critical stage of development. For adults, I am committed to helping build healthier relationships, enhance self-esteem, and navigate significant life transitions. Whether you’re seeking to manage stress, develop healthier coping skills, or process unresolved emotions, I’m here to guide you on your journey toward self-awareness and emotional well-being. Let’s work together—whether you’re a teen or an adult—to achieve the balance and peace you deserve.

I am licensed in New York with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, coping with loss, & 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. 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.