Licensed to practice in New York and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Trauma and PTSD, School Issues and 2 more.
(she/her)
New to Grow
Hi, I'm Celina. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and for the past five years, it's been my privilege to walk alongside clients as they navigate some of life's hardest moments. I want you to know that whatever brings you here, you won't be met with judgment—only warmth, patience, and a genuine belief in your ability to heal. My approach is strengths-based, which means I'll be looking for your resilience and your capacity for growth, even when you can't fully see it in yourself yet. We'll move at your pace, together—there's no pressure here, only space for you to feel truly seen. I specialize in supporting people through trauma, anxiety, and depression, using evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and Play Therapy. But more than any technique, what I bring to our work is care—a deep commitment to helping you build insight, develop tools that actually work for your life, and move toward healing that lasts.
I know that taking this first step can feel daunting—maybe you're walking in feeling nervous, a little guarded, or not quite sure what to expect. That's okay, and it's completely normal. Please know there's no pressure here. I'm not going to rush you or ask you to share anything before you're ready. We'll go at your pace, together. In our work, I'll be looking for your strengths, not just what's bringing you pain. You have more resilience and capability than you may realize right now, and I want you to feel that reflected back to you in our sessions. You might also notice a playful side to how I show up—I'm trained in play therapy, and I truly believe that warmth and even a little lightness can open doors that pressure never could. Above all, I want you to leave that first session feeling like you were heard, not judged—like you found a space where you can simply be yourself.
What makes my approach different is that I don't believe healing only happens through talking. Play therapy is often thought of as something just for children, but I bring that same sense of creativity and playfulness into my work with adults too. Sometimes our hardest feelings are easier to access—and even easier to heal—when we step outside the pressure of finding the "right words" and explore them in a different way. I also like to end every session by inviting you to share three bright spots from your week or your day. It might feel small, but I've seen how powerful this practice can be. Even in the middle of real struggle, there are almost always little moments of light—a kind word, a small win, a moment of peace—and I want to help you start noticing them too. Over time, this simple habit can help you build resilience and hold onto hope, even when things feel heavy. My hope is that you leave our work together not just with insight, but with a renewed sense of your own strength and the good that still exists in your life, even on hard days.
If you are ready to begin healing — even if you are not sure where to start — you have found a safe space. You may have been carrying the weight of trauma, anxiety, depression, or family stress for a long time, and you deserve a therapist who truly gets it without you having to over-explain yourself. Maybe you are a student running on empty, or an educator who has poured so much into others that you have lost sight of yourself. Wherever you are, I am glad you are here and ready to walk this journey with you.
Other specialties
I identify as
Play Therapy
When you hear "play therapy," you probably picture a kid's playroom. But it works for adults too. So much of adult life trains us to think our way through pain — analyze it, explain it, talk it to death. Play therapy offers another way in. Using tools like sand trays, art, and storytelling, adults can reach feelings and patterns that simply talking sometimes can't touch. I use play therapy with adult clients working through anxiety, grief, trauma, and big life changes. Healing doesn't always happen through words alone — sometimes it needs a different doorway in.
Strength-Based
I believe you already have strengths and resilience to draw on — my job is to help you find them and build from there, not to focus on what's wrong with you. I meet you where you are, at whatever pace feels right, without judgment or pressure. Together, we'll figure out what's already working in your life and use that as a starting point for the changes you want to make. You know yourself best — I'm here to listen, offer support and tools, and help you feel truly heard.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I combine trauma-informed CBT with a person-centered approach—meaning I bring practical tools to help you work through difficult thoughts and patterns, but always at a pace that feels safe for you. You're the expert on your own life, and my job is to listen closely, understand your story, and walk alongside you with genuine care. What clients often notice most is how supported they feel—like they can be fully honest without judgment. If you're looking for a therapist who blends real warmth with practical guidance, I'd love to work with you.