Nicole L. Gonzalez, LCSW (she/her), Founder & Psychotherapist

Nicole is a psychotherapist with a history in business leadership roles, who is passionate about enabling individuals and couples to overcome the effects of trauma and mental health challenges.  Her clinical focus includes survivors of trauma, interpersonal challenges (including couples), and professional growth . She partners with her clients to better understand themselves, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals.  She feels privileged to be present with her clients in dark moments and creates an authentic connection and safe, warm, empathetic environment.  Nicole uses an eclectic approach to therapy drawing from EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization Response), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), Gottman Couples Therapy, Object Relations, AEDP, Attachment Theory, and Motivational Interviewing.

Nicole is a certified Trauma Counselor and was the Director of Domestic Violence Homicide Prevention Initiative for Safe Horizons where she: lead and coordinated activities of an Interdisciplinary Domestic Violence (DV) High Risk Team charged with ensuring effective protective actions and strategies for clients, provided short term counseling, crisis intervention and advocacy for DV survivors identified as high risk, developed risk management plans with clients, reflecting each client’s unique situation and facilitated team meetings with and training/presentations for law enforcement and social service organizations, In addition, Nicole's interned at the Crime Victims Treatment Center at Mt. Sinai West & St. Luke’s Hospitals where she provided individual therapy to survivors of violent crime to prevent, reduce or eliminate symptoms of PTSD and other mental health disorders using various evidence-based techniques. Before entering private practice work full-time, Nicole worked in the Psychiatric Emergency Room and Outpatient Clinic at Kings County Hospital.

EMDRIA Trained

DBT Certified by DBTNCAA

RATES & AVAILABILITY

-  Rates for out-of-network/full fee $300/session

-  Click here for Availability & Next Steps to Book

EDUCATION

New York University

Master of Social Work

Clinical Focus in Trauma

CUNY Queens College

Bachelor of Art in Psychology

Minor: Student Services and Counseling 

AREAS OF FOCUS

Trauma

PTSD

Couples Therapy

Dating, Friendship and Relationship Challenges

Assertiveness

Issues of Identity

Career Challenges

Anxiety

Depression

Life Transitions

Stress Management

DBT Skills Training:: 

- Mindfulness

- Emotional Regulation

-  Interpersonal Effectiveness

-  Distress Tolerance

Vanessa is a mental health counselor who nurtures a genuine connection with her clients with her warm, accepting presence, contagious smile and wonderful sense of humor.  Maya Angelou said, “There is no greater agony than bearing the untold story inside you.” Each person’s story shapes who they are, and there are stories that are a burden to carry alone that is relieved when met with empathy. Vanessa considers it to be an honor to be with clients as they share their untold story, gain greater self-knowledge, and manifest the story that is yet to come. 

Vanessa incorporates a wide range of modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Therapy and Narrative Therapy. Vanessa welcomes the opportunity to work with clients of all races, genders, sexualities, religions, nationalities/ethnicities, and all relationship types.

Prior to joining Roots and Branches, Vanessa worked in another private practice with individual adults and couples. While in practice there she supported couples experiencing challenges with sex, pre-marital concerns, separation/divorce, and general communication and conflict. Vanessa also worked at CityLink Psychological services where she gained experience with adolescents and knowledge of this crucial period of development. Currently, Vanessa is an active member of the American Counseling Association and the American Mental Health Counseling Association (AMHCA). 

EDUCATION

New York University Steinhardt School 

Master of Arts: Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness

CUNY City College of New York

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology 

Penn State

Bachelor of Arts in Accounting

AREAS OF FOCUS

Adolescence

Anxiety

Coping skills

Couples Therapy 

Depression

Family Dynamics

Issues of Identity

PTSD

Relationship Building

Trauma

RATES & AVAILABILITY

-  Rates for out-of-network/full fee $200/session

-  Click here for Availability & Next Steps to Book

Sophie is a mental health counselor who sees each clients potential for growth within a safe and honest therapeutic space. She appreciates the risk clients take when sharing their struggles and stories. In honoring that risk, Sophie reminds clients every step of the way of their power. Pain, distress and discomfort can inform us about the ways we see, move through, and live in the world. Sophie encourages clients to explore these pain points and move forward with a new perspective: more in alignment with their values and goals. 

Sophie primarily works through an integrated, eclectic approach, incorporating acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and mindfulness in her work with clients. She helps clients to reflect on the role of early life experiences in current behavior. Sophie also believes laughter is therapeutic, and will find appropriate moments for the occasional corny joke or overly specific metaphor. 

Sophie approaches therapy from a social justice framework and trauma-informed lens, acknowledging the structures at play in our broader society. She aims to understand how social inequities and injustice inform the narratives clients bring into therapy. Her experience centers around individuals who struggle with identity conflicts, life transitions, depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal urges. She is LGBTQ+ affirmative and racial justice allied. Prior to joining Roots and Branches, Sophie has worked as a Mental Health Counseling Intern at a Brooklyn-based counseling center. She has worked as a Crisis Counselor with the Crisis Textline, and worked as a Program Assistant at Johns Hopkins University. 

EDUCATION

NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

Master of Arts: Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness

Mount Holyoke College

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

AREAS OF FOCUS

Identity Work

Trauma and PTSD

LGBTQI 

Anxiety

Coping Skills

Depression

Self-Esteem

Self-Harm

Relationship Challenges

Life Transitions

Women's Issues

RATES & AVAILABILITY

-  Cigna in-network

-  Rates for out-of-network/full fee $190/session

-  Sliding scale available

-  Click here for Availability & Next Steps to Book

Adam is a mental health counselor who fosters partners with his clients using empathy, compassion, and acceptance as guiding principles.   As someone who navigated the sometimes rough waters of understanding his own asexual, biracial identity, he seeks to be a guide and ally to those exploring their own identity.  Adam also defines as a sex and trauma therapist. For better or worse, few things have as much impact on us as our interpersonal relationships and traumas. Through the idea that we cannot change what has happened to us, but we can change what we do with it. 

Adam aims to empower clients and help them to overcome the obstacles in the past and present to aid them in achieving the goals and desires they have for themselves. Adam uses an eclectic approach to therapy centered around a person-centered, existential approach, and incorporates psychodynamic techniques, DBT, narrative reconstruction, and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) skills.

Adam has a background working with a diverse population of clients. Prior to joining Roots and Branches Adam worked as a counselor for a wide variety of settings, including private practices, schools, community counseling centers, and non-profit organizations. Through these experiences Adam has worked with children, teenagers, and adults of all ages and backgrounds. He has provided support to people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, identity exploration, life transitions, phobias, sexual dysfunction, and relationship struggles. 

DBT Certified by DBTNCAA

AASECT certification in process

EDUCATION

Brooklyn College
Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling

Virginia Commonwealth University

 Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Bachelor of Science in Physics

AREAS OF FOCUS

Anxiety

Depression

Dating, Friendship, and Relationship Challenges

Grief and Loss

Issues of Identity

LGBTQIA+

Life Transitions

Sex Therapy

Stress

Trauma

RATES & AVAILABILITY

-  Cigna in-network

-  Rates for out-of-network/full fee $180/session

-  Sliding scale available

-  Click here for Availability & Next Steps to Book

Dilara is a somatic psychotherapist, who cultivates an environment that fosters curiosity, growth, and radical acceptance of self. Working with Dilara will show you the profound transformative impact of connecting with your body.  Often clients have, through therapy or introspection, acquired an intellectual knowledge of themselves and their desired world, but find that they are still feeling stuck in painful memories, cyclical experiences, or emotional dysregulation. This can be tiresome loop, often resulting in disconnection from both self and others. Dilara can help you embody your authentic selves and values. Through integration of mind, body, and soul, Dilara will be your guide on a journey to enhance your self-awareness, map behavior patterns, release emotional blockages, nurture a serene connection to the present moment, and transform traumatic stagnancy into growth-oriented energy. 

Dilara uses an eclectic therapeutic approach through a blend of psychoeducation, somatic awareness, mindfulness skills, and talk therapy. Grounded in evidence-based methodologies like Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing,  She applies these approaches through a person-centered lens, emphasizing social justice framework and trauma-informed perspectives in her practice. Dilara embraces the chance to collaborate with clients of every race, gender, age, sexuality, religion, nationality/ethnicity, and relationship type. She encourages you to come as you are.

Dilara carries experience in working with individuals across various age groups, addressing a diverse range of inner challenges including trauma, depression, anxiety, pain management, grief and loss, conflict, identity, self-esteem, as well as relationship and intimacy concerns. Her background includes working at a domestic violence shelter, where she facilitated group and individual therapy for children, adolescents and adults. She additionally facilitated group therapy sessions at a suicide prevention center for Latinx teenagers. Furthermore, Dilara creates embodied wellness workshops for communities incorporating an earthly, ancient movement modality known as belly dance, to delve into the emotions within the body, particularly focusing on the exploration of divine feminine energy.

EDUCATION

Sarah Lawrence College

Master of Science: Dance/Movement Therapy

University of Greenwich

Bachelor of Arts: Media and Communications

AREAS OF FOCUS

Teens and Emerging Adults

Global Majority

Somatic Awareness

Wholeness/ Self-actualization

Trauma

Depression

Oppression

Couples Therapy

Sex Therapy

Relationship Challenges

Life Transitions

DBT Skills Training:

- Mindfulness

- Emotional Regulation

-  Interpersonal Effectiveness

-  Distress Tolerance

RATES & AVAILABILITY

-  Cigna in-network

-  Rates for out-of-network/full fee $180/session

-  Sliding scale available

-  Click here for Availability & Next Steps to Book

JP encourages clients from all walks of life to enter the room exactly as they are and greets them with his natural warmth, curiosity and sense of humor. With great respect for the courage it takes to be vulnerable with a new therapist, JP strives creates an accepting and non-judgmental space to share all the thoughts, emotions, and memories that are hard to talk about. JP approaches therapy as a joint creative process where, once JP fully understands your vision for the next chapters of your life, he can offer questions and insights that help you develop a rich, values-based, healing, storyline resulting in the fulfillment of your goals  JP utilizes an eclectic, person-centered approach drawing from various clinical modalities including humanistic therapy, DBT, CBT, Gottman Couples Therapy, Narrative therapy and person-centered therapy. 

JP is a Licensed Master of Social Work, who has studied social work and clinical psychology at Boston College and New York University. In his internships he worked at Public Allies, a community-based organization offering groups and workshops to promote mindfulness and mental health awareness, and Urban Health Plan where provided individual therapy and case management services to adolescents, and developed and provided mindfulness, emotional regulation and community building workshops for afterschool programs. Upon graduating, JP worked as a mental health clinician for Family services of Westchester providing individual therapy and crisis intervention for children, adolescents and adults. 

DBT Certified by DBTNCAA

EDUCATION

New York University, Silver School of Social Work

Master of Social Work

Clinical Focus

Boston College, Morrissey School of Arts and Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Concentration: Clinical Psycholo

AREAS OF FOCUS

- Anxiety

- Depression

- Family Conflict

- Highly sensitive

- Grief
- Introversion

- Loneliness

- Mindfulness

- Peer relationships

- Self Esteem

- Social Anxiety

- Spirituality

- Trauma

RATES & AVAILABILITY

-  Rates for out-of-network/full fee $190 /session

-  Click here for Availability & Next Steps to Book

Caren Holmes (they/them) is a licensed therapist who embraces an integrative and psychodynamic approach to individual, relationship, and group therapy. Caren’s clinical experience has focused on collaborative work with clients navigating questions related to relationships, gender, sexuality, and interpersonal/political violence. They work with clients to untangle social and emotional knots and embrace new possibilities for living with more autonomy, honesty, and freedom.  

Caren embraces anti-oppressive, anti-carceral practices supporting clients to explore their histories, patterns, desires, and sociopolitical realities.  Outside of psychotherapy, Caren has a background in abolitionist, anti-imperialist, and feminist organizing. They received their MSW from CUNY’s Silberman School of Social Work during which time they worked in community mental health settings. They have a BA in Gender Studies from the College of Wooster and an MA in Postcolonial Studies from SOAS University of London. 

EDUCATION

Silberman School of Social Work

Master of Social Work, Clinical Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups

SOAS University of London

Master of Arts, Postcolonial Studies

College of Wooster

Bachelor of Arts, Gender and Sexuality Studies

AREAS OF FOCUS

Trauma

Anxiety

Depression 

LGBTQIA

Grief

Caregivers

Codependency

Domestic Violence

Domestic Abuse

Family conflict

Open relationships non-monogamy

Peer relationships

Relationship issues

Self-esteem

Self-harming

Sex therapy

Sex positive-kink allied

Sexual abuse

Substance use

Transgender

AVAILABILITY & RATES

-  Cigna in-network

-  Rates for out-of-network/full fee $200/session

-  Sliding scale available

-  Click here for Availability & Next Steps to Book

The need for safe, fulfilling relationships—where we feel heard, understood, and accepted—lies at the core of our humanity. Ally acknowledges this deeply human need in her work as a therapist and aims to create a therapeutic relationship built on trust, collaboration, and genuine connection. She draws from a variety of techniques and approaches, including psychodynamic, CBT, DBT, solution-focused, and narrative therapy. She uses these in conjunction with your personal strengths and wisdom to support you in identifying your goals and values.

Ally has experience supporting individuals with a range of life challenges, including those who have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, and interpersonal conflict. Ally is also a credentialed substance use counselor and works with people who are in recovery, seeking to understand their relationship with alcohol and drugs, or have a loved one who is struggling with addiction. Before becoming a therapist, Ally spent ten years working in childcare, where she supported new and expecting mothers and families. This experience continues to inspire her work with this population, and she is dedicated to helping new parents navigate the complexities of early parenthood in a supportive and compassionate way.

With extensive training in topics centered around sexuality and gender, Ally is passionate about working with individuals and partners who are looking to develop a deeper understanding of their sexual identity, desires, and expression, and unpack harmful narratives that may be preventing them from living authentically. Ally approaches therapy from an anti-oppressive, anti-racist lens, continuously examining how systems of power affect our mental health. She strives to create a space where you can explore your intersecting identities, process experiences of oppression, and begin healing.

EDUCATION

Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College

Master of Social Work, Clinical Practice, Certificate in Sexuality and Gender

Silberman School of Social Work

Bachelor of Arts, Concentration in Child Welfare

AREAS OF FOCUS

Relationship Issues

Addiction

Sex Therapy

Anxiety

Parenting/Caregivers

Codependency

Coping Skills

Depression

Domestic Violence

Family Conflict

Infidelity

LGBTQ+

Life Transitions

OCD

Parenting

Peer relationships

Pregnancy, prenatal, postpartum

Racial Identity

School issues

Self-esteem

Sexual addiction

Sexual abuse

Sex-positive, kink, and sex work-allied

Stress 

AVAILABILITY & RATES

-  Cigna in-network

-  Rates for out-of-network/full fee $200/session

-  Sliding scale available

- Click here for Availability & Next Steps to Book

Ariel is a mental health counseling intern dedicated to fostering a safe, collaborative, and nonjudgmental space for clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. She believes deeply in the inherent goodness and resilience of all individuals and approaches therapy with warmth, curiosity, and a deep respect for each person’s unique journey.

Ariel takes an integrative approach, drawing from person-centered, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral frameworks to tailor treatment to each client’s specific needs. She incorporates practices such as mindfulness and parts work to help clients develop greater self-awareness, regulate emotions, and build meaningful connections with themselves and others. Overall, Ariel aims to support you in meeting all parts of yourself with compassion, moving toward greater self-acceptance, and cultivating a life that aligns with your values.

In her previous career in the nonprofit sector, Ariel blended leadership skills and a passion for the arts to support the careers of New York City artists and creatives. With a background in parenting and peer mentoring, Ariel brings a rich understanding of the complexities of human relationships, personal growth, and the challenges that come with navigating life’s transitions. 

EDUCATION

NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

In Progress: Master’s Degree in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness (expected 2026)

NYU Institute of Fine Arts

Master’s Degree in Art History

Yale University

Bachelor’s Degree in Art History

AREAS OF FOCUS

Anxiety

Codependency

Depression

Grief

Marriage Counseling

Parenting

Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum

Relationship Issues

Self Esteem

Stress

Trauma and PTSD

Women’s Issues

AVAILABILITY & RATES

-  Rate $50/session

-  Interns do not qualify for insurance reimbursement

-  Samantha is at capacity for new clients

-  Click here for Availability & Next Steps to Book

Samantha is a mental health counseling intern who approaches therapy as a space for authenticity rather than perfection. She believes that each person carries pieces of their history that quietly shape the way they experience the present, and that healing begins by bringing those pieces into the light with compassion and curiosity. Using a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental approach, Samantha invites clients to explore the patterns in their lives, reflect on the experiences that may still carry weight, and imagine new ways of moving forward. 

Drawing on person-centered, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral frameworks, she tailors her approach to the unique needs of each client. Samantha also integrates practices like mindfulness to deepen self-awareness, support emotional regulation, and foster meaningful connections with oneself and others.

EDUCATION

Brooklyn College, CUNY

Master’s Degree: Mental Health Counseling (expected 2026)

John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY

Bachelor of Arts, Major: Forensic Psychology, Minor: Counseling

AREAS OF FOCUS

Stress Management

Anxiety

Depression

Self-Esteem

Spirituality

OCD

Couples Therapy

Relationship Issues 

Dating, Friendship and Relationship Challenges

Women’s Issues

Teens and Emerging Adults

AVAILABILITY & RATES

-  Rate $50/session

-  Interns do not qualify for insurance reimbursement

-  Samantha is at capacity for new clients

-  Click here for Availability & Next Steps to Book