Find a Therapist in West Nyack, NY

My approach in therapy is collaborative, supportive, and goal oriented.

My work includes individual and group counseling, psychoeducational assessment, risk assessment, and crisis intervention. I have extensive experience supporting students with autism spectrum disorder, emotional disabilities, and significant behavioral challenges, helping them develop adaptive coping, self-regulation, and social skills. I strive to create a supportive and collaborative environment where individuals of all ages feel safe, understood, and empowered to make meaningful change. My approach in addition to my clinical training, I have worked extensively with youth as a certified alpine ski racing coach, helping young athletes build confidence, focus, and resilience through sport.

My goal is to provide a place where you feel safe, understood, and respected. We will work together to explore and identify the areas of your life that you would like to understand better and develop plans to help you reach your goals. I have seen my clients find success with my treatment approaches combining CBT, mindfulness and a psychodynamic oriented approach to reach their goals. My approach to therapy works to build on your own personal strengths and support you with these tools and strategies that fit your individual needs. Together they provide a deeper self awareness and understanding of the way our experiences have shaped us, our decisions and our view of our world. Having that knowledge is transformative and empowering. “Having courage does not mean that we are unafraid. Having courage and showing courage means we face our fears. We are able to say, "I have fallen, but I will get up." ~ Maya Angelou

With years of experience living in diverse environments, I bring a deep cultural sensitivity to my work. As a bilingual therapist in English and Mandarin, I strive to create a safe, compassionate space where you can openly share your story, knowing that I will listen with care and without judgment. My goal is to see and learn about your unique experiences and support you in finding the healing and growth you deserve. My therapeutic approach is integrative and tailored to meet your needs.

If you are looking to reduce anxiety, acquire healthy coping skills, and improve your relationships then you are in the right place. I am a licensed professional counselor, and I am passionate about helping adults and teens who are ready to process the deep inner conflicts to stop self-sabotaging. As your therapist I can help you see these patterns and also assist you in creating a roadmap to achieving sustained and meaningful change. I specialize working with individuals seeking support for anxiety, trauma, depression, and low self-esteem. The majority of my practice focuses on helping individuals who may present as successful but internally you may feel deeply ashamed or unsettled in life. I practice a modern and relatable approach to therapy and tailor my skills to your specific needs. I integrate affirmation, challenge, humor and a direct and honest approach in my sessions. I have a background as a board-certified art therapist and supporting individuals who have an interest in using art-based processing to aid in their coping. I have a deep understanding of the value of using approaches that are not only limited to talk therapy. In a lot of ways, our earlier adaptations work against us, so changing our habitual patterns of acting and relating to others is effortful and requires a lot of practice. This type of change can be challenging and come at a slow pace, and I honor that in my sessions by working towards building a strong and safe therapeutic relationship.

Now Accepting New Clients Welcome. I'm glad you're here. It takes enormous courage to reach out for help. We deserve to be seen, heard, listened to, and understood. Each person has a unique story, and our struggles may give rise to life difficulties. As we understand the origins of your unique distress, we are able to design a plan to restore good health. We can consider current situations and stresses, biology, social concerns, thoughts, and experiences as we learn about what is troubling you. I am fortunate to have many years of experience and constant study that allow me to offer you a menu of methods for relief. You decide what works for you. My role is to be a mentor, a support, and a teacher. Above all, together we will find hope. As a psychologist and a nurse, I am able to understand complex physical and mental health issues. With over 40 years in practice, I have learned a wide range of methods that can help you feel better. Therapy is an investment in yourself. Sometimes just a few sessions will provide what you are looking for, and other times we are able to work together over time. My approach is flexible and nonjudgmental. I offer unconditional acceptance as we look for relief. I encourage you to talk with several therapists to see who might be a good match.

Welcome to my profile - I am a clinically trained licensed social worker in NJ. I specialize in treating children, adolescents, teens, families, and women's issues for a number of issues including anxiety, depression, problematic behaviors, and relationships. I also work with families with relationship concerns and parenting support and guidance. My approach to treatment is driven by evidence-based practices as well as the development of a therapeutic relationship with my young clients. I aim to conduct counseling in a caring, safe, and judgment free setting. I also enlist parents in the treatment process to ensure that newly developed skills are more easily generalized to the client's world outside of the office. In addition to conducting in office counseling, I am available to work with school-aged clients and families in consulting with schools regarding educational needs. Furthermore, I am proud to now offer fully remote online video counseling sessions via a secure tele-health platform. Please call me today for a free brief phone consultation.

It’s hard to seek help — it brings us to acknowledge our struggles and vulnerabilities. But suffering from concerns such as anxiety, depression, PTSD and difficult relationships can be worse. Seeking therapy is a sign of strength. It means you want to improve your life and work through your challenges. Therapy helps because it brings relief and restores hope. Therapy teaches us how to better our lives and ourselves. In my practice, I combine a variety of treatment methods that are psychodynamic and evidence-based. I am extensively trained in EMDR and STAIR NST, and in grief work. I am experienced in working with anxiety, depression, relationship issues and trauma (e.g. sexual, emotional and physical abuse), stemming from both childhood and adulthood. My clients come out of therapy revitalized, optimistic and eager to pursue their life’s goals. I look forward to taking this journey with you as well. You deserve to feel better.

Therapy is a journey of self discovery which complements life experiences. It is through active listening and integrated approaches that the past is explored to determine how it relates to the present so that more satisfying life choices can be made. Research has shown that there is a mind body connection and for well being and balance, therapy can be a resource. If you are on the fence about going, " It is easy to do the things that are bad and not beneficial to the self but very very hard to do indeed is that which is beneficial and good." Dhammapada.

Perspectives Counseling of LI was founded by Abby Leefer, LCSW-R, a seasoned clinician with decades of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges. Abby earned her master’s degree from Stony Brook University and has built a practice grounded in compassion, collaboration, and a deep respect for each client’s unique story. At Perspectives Counseling of LI, we believe that no two people experience life in exactly the same way, and therefore, no two people need the same approach to healing. Every therapist in our practice shares Abby’s client-centered philosophy, tailoring treatment to meet each person’s specific needs, goals, and strengths. Our therapists draw from a wide range of evidence-based approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoanalytic theory, family systems work, and Rogerian-based humanistic therapy. This integrative and flexible approach allows us to meet you where you are, whether you’re seeking support for anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, or personal growth. We’re deeply committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered to explore their thoughts and emotions. Our goal is to help you gain insight, strengthen self-acceptance, and make meaningful changes in your life, while also finding peace with the things you cannot control. Founded during a time of significant change and uncertainty, Perspectives Counseling of LI was created to make high-quality, accessible, and compassionate mental health care available to more individuals across Long Island and beyond. Abby and her team are dedicated to supporting clients through every stage of life with empathy, professionalism, and hope. If you’re ready to take the next step toward healing, growth, and greater well-being, Perspectives Counseling of LI is here to help.

I specialize in trauma-informed, attachment-based, and holistic mental health therapy for individuals aged 15 through the end of life. My work integrates evidence-based and somatic approaches to address trauma, emotional wounds, interpersonal challenges, and nervous system dysregulation. My modalities include: Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT): Helps process and reframe trauma-related thoughts and behaviors. Psychodynamic therapy: Explores unconscious patterns, past experiences, and relational dynamics. Attachment therapy: Focuses on relational wounds, attachment styles, and emotional security. Emotionally-focused therapy (EFT): Strengthens emotional awareness, connection, and expression. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR): Uses mindfulness and meditation techniques to reduce stress and increase self-awareness. Somatic Experiencing: Addresses trauma stored in the body and supports nervous system regulation. Yoga therapy: Integrates movement, breathwork, and mindfulness to promote healing. Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT): Teaches emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. My ideal client is willing to engage in self-exploration and healing, whether they are navigating trauma, relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, or life transitions. They are open to a holistic, mind-body approach and seek to deepen self-awareness, address root issues, and strengthen emotional and nervous system regulation. Their goals include: Exploring psychodynamic and attachment-based patterns. Strengthening interpersonal relationships. Releasing emotional and somatic tension. Improving communication and self-expression. Cultivating self-compassion and empowerment. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for you to explore deep emotional wounds, shift unhealthy patterns, and strengthen mind-body awareness. My approach supports: Empowerment and self-trust through insight and behavioral shifts. Emotional and somatic release to process and integrate trauma. Improved interpersonal relationships through. emotional expression and boundary-setting. Nervous system support to reduce overwhelm, anxiety, and stress.

I specialize in helping clients overcome stress, anxiety, and trauma through a blend of brain-based therapy techniques, evidence-based approaches, and traditional interventions. For a cutting-edge alternative to psychotherapy, I also use neurofeedback training to guide clients in rewiring brain patterns to improve focus, calm, and emotional resilience. As a HeartMath® certified clinician, I teach powerful breathing techniques that regulate the nervous system and restore mind-body balance. My integrative approach combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), somatic therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), polyvagal theory, brainspotting, and holistic spirituality to support healing. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic anxiety, tools to manage stress, or a deeper connection to yourself, I provide a customized therapy experience that unites neuroscience and holistic practices—helping you feel grounded, empowered, and thriving.