Nicole L. Gonzalez, LCSW (she, her, hers)
Nicole is psychotherapist with a history in business leadership roles and a focus in trauma and relationships. She develops genuine connection and alliance with her clients creating a safe, warm, empathetic, and honest environment. She feels it is a privilege to be present and partner individuals and couples to better understand themselves, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals. She is passionate about enabling individuals to overcome the effects of trauma and mental health challenges. Nicole began her career as a therapist with an interest in how trauma, particularly interpersonal trauma, shapes or shifts so much of our lives: our manner of thinking, our emotional responses, our perspective on the world, and perhaps most importantly the way we connect with other people. This lead to an adjacent interest in couples therapy. Nicole is an eclectic, scientifically-based practitioner who draws from Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy), IFS (Internal Family Systems), Attachment Theory and Object Relations.
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.
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
Somatization
Career or educational challenges
Dissociation
Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
Stress Management
DBT Skills Training::
- Mindfulness
- Emotional Regulation
- Interpersonal Effectiveness
- Distress Tolerance
Courtney Bass, MHC-LP (she, her, hers)
Courtney is a mental health counselor who works collaboratively with her clients to foster growth, self-acceptance, and fulfilling interpersonal relationships. Courtney believes in every client’s natural propensity towards self-actualization and believes it is her job as therapist to help her clients identify obstacles to growth. She is honored to enter each client’s world and treats every client with respect and empathy. Courtney promotes a safe and validating environment in which clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors through a combination of psychoeducation, skill building, and talk therapy. . Courtney aims to serve a diverse client base of all genders, sexual orientations, religious and spiritual beliefs, relationship structures, races, ethnicities, and abilities. She centers her practice on evidence-based approaches including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing using an anti-oppressive and trauma-informed lens.
Courtney has a background working on a shelter-based Assertive Community Treatment team with adults with serious mental illness, criminal justice involvement, and complex trauma where she provided crisis-intervention, case management, and advocacy. She also interned at a partial-hospitalization and intensive outpatient program for adults with eating disorders and trauma where she provided individual and group therapy. Courtney is a Nationally Certified Counselor and has post-graduate training in Complicated Grief Therapy.
EDUCATION
University of Memphis
Master of Science: Mental Health Counseling
Hendrix College
Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and English/Creative Writing
AREAS OF FOCUS
Trauma
PTSD
Anxiety
Depression
Grief
Healthy Eating
DBT Skills Training::
- Mindfulness
- Emotional Regulation
- Interpersonal Effectiveness
- Distress Tolerance
Vanessa Williams, MHC-LP (she, her, hers)
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 of Culture, Education and Human Development
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
Couples’ Therapy
Trauma
PTSD
Issues of Identity
Anxiety
Depression
Family Dynamics
Relationship Building
Coping skills
Arthur Sullivan, LMSW (he, him, his)
Arthur is a psychotherapist and licensed clinical social worker, who feels great therapy can be self-affirming, life-saving, and transformative. He prescribes to the belief there is innate wisdom within all of us, which is revealed when we are able to assess our values and listen to the stories that shaped our lives. He creates space to slow down and listen to his clients’ stories with the support of a warm and stable connection. Arthur believes that overcoming trauma, anxiety, depression, and other pain and suffering, is a dance of managing multiple truths and desires. We learn to take better care for ourselves as we become more skillful. Arthurs’ greatest motivation helping clients become the most authentic versions of themselves; manifesting create the lives most effectively and compassionately they want for themselves. While therapy often involves deep and painful contemplation, it also is a place of joy and relief in being seen, heard and understood for your whole self - not just fragments of it.
Using a systems perspective, Arthur acknowledges the impact of relational and systemic trauma on the development of identity, belief systems and access to power sharing. He integrates anti-oppressive and anti-racist work into his practice. He has experience working with polyamorous couples, couples engaged in kink, and individuals engaged in sex work. He is certified in Psychedelic Integration through Fluence for individuals interested in processing altered states of consciousness. Arthur is also certified in level II DBT skills and Somatic IFS. As a neurodiverse, queer, and trans therapist, Arthur welcomes patients working on integrating identities that are systemically othered in an affirming and empowering ethos.
Arthur resume includes movement building, community organizing work, and supportive services for LGBTQ survivors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), adults living with an Axis I diagnosis, unhoused LGBTQ youth, youth as a part of an Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) program, and LGBTQ adults and couples in a private practice.
EDUCATION
CUNY Hunter Silverman School of Social Work
Master of Social Work
Binghamton University
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Philosophy
Minor: Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies
AREAS OF FOCUS
Identity Work
Trauma and PTSD
Stress
Couples
LGBTQI
Psychedelic Reintegration
Personality Disorders
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Career Counseling
Codependency
Education and Learning Disabilities
Grief
Life Coaching
Life Transitions
Men's Issues
DBT Skills Training::
- Mindfulness
- Emotional Regulation
- Interpersonal Effectiveness
- Distress Tolerance
Sophie Desnoyers, MHC-LP (she, her, hers)
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. Additionally, Sophie also worked as a Community Based Learning Fellow and Tutor at Mount Holyoke College.
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
Carolyn Cutillo, MHC-LP (she, her, hers)
Carolyn is a mental health counselor who is passionate about empowering you to take charge of authoring your own life story as their best, authentic self. Carolyn fosters your strengths and your belief that change is possible. While we can’t always change every circumstance life throws at us, what we can change is our reaction and our attitude. Carolyn offers tools for shifting those reactions with an emphasis around mindful practice being at the core of wellbeing. She sees the act of committing to the therapeutic process as brave and she creates a warm, empathic space that invites the exploration of any of life’s hurdles, no matter the size. She welcome creatives, young adults, and couples to take that first courageous step with her as their guide.
Carolyn’s background is in positive psychology and was the Head Teaching Assistant for the Science of Happiness, one of NYU’s most popular courses. She led recitations for 8 years while also working in the performing arts. Carolyn interned as a therapist at Jamron Counseling and has served as a volunteer counselor at a Crisis Text Line. At present, Carolyn continues her work in positive psychology creating psychoeducational videos for all ages.
NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development
Master of Arts: Applied Psychology
New York University
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Drama
AREAS OF FOCUS
Anxiety
Creative Professionals
Couples Therapy
Depression
Domestic Violence
Emerging Adults
Identity Work
PTSD
Self Esteem
Stress
Relationship issues
Trauma
Life Transitions
Chardonnay Badckham, MHC, CASAC (she, her, hers)
Chardonnay Badchkam (pronounced Batch-Kam), also known as Char, is a mental health counselor who serves her clients as both an ally and advocate with her warm, steady presence. Char empathizes, from personal experience, with how difficult it can be to ask for help and how overwhelming it can be to find a counselor who feels like the right fit. Through years of experience as both client and the counselor, it is Char’s firm belief that each client deserves a trusted guide who lets you set the pace and direction on your path towards mental wellness.
In addition to concrete tools and evidence-based practices Char utilizes, she is currently engaged in the study of the psychodynamic school of thought. Of particular interest to Char is the unconscious motives behind thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Perhaps you aren’t certain what is driving thoughts, feelings, or behaviors you’d like to change? Perhaps you’re even uncertain of what brought you to this webpage today? Char looks forward to helping you find clarity, set goals, and take the steps necessary to achieve them.
Walden University
Master of Mental Health Counseling
South University
Bachelors of Arts in Psychology
AREAS OF FOCUS
Addiction
Anxiety
Anger Management
Coping Skills
Depression
Emotional Regulation
Low self-esteem
PTSD
Stress
Substance Abuse
Trauma
Frank Veltri, Mental Health Counseling Intern (he, him, his)
Frank is a mental health counseling intern who is currently completing his Master's in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness at New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. He strives to provide his clients with a warm and welcoming environment that is marked by curiosity, familiarity, and, whenever appropriate, bit of humor. He hopes to meet clients where they are and tailor treatment to their unique goals and personality, since there is no one-size-fits-all approach to the therapeutic process. He thoroughly appreciates the honor and opportunity to gain insight into his client’s stories, as well as the chance to work collaboratively with them to determine how to overcome those obstacles that have interrupted their progression into the next chapter.
Frank takes an eclectic approach to therapy that combines insight-oriented and goal-directed interventions. He chooses tools appropriate to each client from narrative, psychodynamic, strengths-based, and Cognitive-Behavioral modalities.
Frank welcomes emerging adults and adolescents who are struggling with transitions into high schools, college and/or the working world. His focus also includes issues related to relationships, self-concept, and the overall stress that often coincides with any significant transition. Frank has had experience and interest in working with neurodiverse clients including folks living with ADHD and Asperger’s/high-functioning autism. He is currently employed as a Direct Support Professional at the Nicolas Center working with adults with autism focusing on promoting interpersonal skills and emotional regulation practices. He has interned in client support roles at The Arc of Centre County as in In-Home and Community Supports Professional, at St. Christopher’s Animal Assisted Therapy Intern. He also interned as a mentor at LifeLink PSU.
EDUCATION
NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development
In Progress: Master’s Degree: Mental Health Counseling (c 2023)
Penn State University
Bachelor of Science, Rehabilitation and Human Services
AREAS OF FOCUS
Anxiety
Depression
Emerging Adults
Adolescents
Identity Work
Stress
Social Anxiety
Relationship issues
Career Counseling
Education and Learning Disabilities
Life Coaching
Life Transitions
Betsy Carlson, Mental Health Counseling Intern (she, her, hers)
Betsy is a Mental Health Counseling Intern attending New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. Betsy sees herself as a facilitator of change supporting clients in making real-life transformations. Through non-judgmental exploration, she empathetically collaborates with her clients to identify opportunities for growth. Together you will journey through the recent and distant past to define and clarify triggers, emotions, relationships, and patterns that shape your life. Betsy fosters clients’ strengths and tailors her approach to each client’s comfort with a focus on intersectional identities, and cultural background.
Betsy draws from a range of trauma focused modalities in her work with clients. She will be co-facilitating our DBT Groups this fall and thereby will be well versed in DBT skill building.
Before beginning her clinical training, Betsy was an account executive and manager in public relations, where she learned firsthand about the demands imposed on today's business professionals. Betsy also serves as a Crisis Line Advocate for a non-profit dedicated to helping survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. On the crisis line, she listens without judgment and advocates on behalf of each person. Through her clinical training, she believes that learning to non-judgmentally recognize and accept your current reality for what it is the first step toward growth.
NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development
In Progress: Master’s Degree: Mental Health Counseling (expected 2023)
Penn State University
Bachelor of Science, Rehabilitation and Human Services
AREAS OF FOCUS
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
Domestic Violence
Identity Work
PTSD
Stress
Relationship issues
Career Counseling
Sexual Assault
Trauma
Life Transitions