Genifer Lancaster

Vulnerability to hurt, disappointment, sadness, and grief are a normal part of the human experience. In trying to make sense of these struggles, we often turn them inward, forming painful beliefs about ourselves and the world that can shape our relationships and sense of self.

I believe that a genuine, authentic therapist-client relationship has the power to heal. I'm not looking to "fix" my clients, but instead become a fellow traveler in their therapeutic process. We will work collaboratively to identify and remove both conscious and unconscious barriers that may be keeping you stuck, moving you toward a life that is meaningful, authentic, and purposeful. This may involve offering new ideas and techniques, or identifying and shifting unhelpful patterns, transforming them into more adaptive behaviors. In this safe, judgment-free space, you can reconnect to who you truly are.

I completed my graduate studies at New York University's Silver School of Social Work and have worked in both private practice where I served adult individuals and couples, and community-based settings, focused on protecting families and strengthening secure attachments. These experiences have shaped my deep respect for the ways people adapt to early relational environments—and how those adaptations can later create both resilience and pain.

I work with individuals facing depression, anxiety, OCD, relational challenges, attachment wounds, family of origin issues, patterns rooted in early family dynamics and the intergenerational effects of trauma on parenting and relationships, including narcissistic abuse.

I hold a special interest in those impacted by the issues faced by adult children of alcoholics and dysfunctional families.

I use several different modalities and theories while working with clients. My clinical work is informed by Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Attachment Based Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Humanistic therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention all through a Trauma Focused lens. However, it is the relationships that I create with my clients that truly create the fundamental basis for my work. There were times during my own lived experience where everything felt heavy, frightening, confusing and hard to navigate. I wasn't just looking for answers- I was trying to make sense of an inner unease I couldn't quite name. What changed me wasn't a perfect insight or a quick fix. It was in my own therapeutic journey and being met by someone who could sit with me while I spoke freely, listened without judgement, showed empathy and allowed me to unfold at my own pace. In that space, I felt deeply understood in a way that softened something inside me. That experience reshaped how I understand healing. I could safely explore my inner world, which opened up access to my own insight, compassion and agency. It taught me that transformation begins when a person feels safe enough to be their authentic self. Creating that kind of attuned, compassionate space is at the heart of the work I do with every client.

In our first session, you can expect a warm, supportive and non-judgemental space where we begin getting to know one another. We will talk about what has brought you to therapy and what you might hope to acheive, at a pace that feels right for you. There is no pressure to have everything figured out or to share more than you are ready to.

I see the first session as the beginning of a relationship. My role is to listen closely, help you feel understood, and gently explore patterns or experiences that may be contributing to your current challenges. Together, we will start to make sense of what you are carrying and consider how therapy can support you moving forward.

You are welcome to ask questions, share concerns, and get a feel for whether working together feels like a good fit. Building safety, trust, and collaboration from the start is an important part of the work.