Ileanie Alifonso Belen

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York and a Licensed Professional Counselor in NJ specializing in anxiety, trauma, relationship concerns, and emotional regulation. I work with adolescents and adults who feel overwhelmed, stuck in repeating patterns, or struggling to navigate significant life transitions.

My approach is person-centered, strengths-based, and rooted in evidence-based practices including CBT and DBT. I help clients develop practical coping strategies while also exploring underlying attachment patterns and unresolved emotional experiences. My work is trauma-informed and collaborative, balancing insight with actionable change.

For clients seeking it, I also provide Christian-integrated counseling.

I approach therapy as a collaborative process grounded in clarity, accountability, and compassion. I utilize CBT and DBT to provide clients with concrete tools for managing anxiety, regulating emotions, and navigating relationships more effectively. At the same time, I integrate trauma-informed and attachment-based perspectives to address underlying patterns that may be driving distress.

I strive to balance validation with gentle challenge. My goal is not only to help clients feel heard, but also to support them in making sustainable behavioral and cognitive shifts that align with their values.

During our first session, we will focus on getting to know one another and building a foundation for our work together. I will ask questions about your current concerns, relevant history, and what you hope to gain from therapy.

The first session is not about having everything figured out. It is an opportunity to begin clarifying what feels stuck and to determine whether we are a good fit to work together.