Justine Brathwaite

Hi! My name is Justine and I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC-D) in New York. I have worked with individuals who have struggled with the real-life impact that complex trauma and other PTSD-related symptoms have had on their ability to show up for themselves and others, stripping away at what makes them feel complete and questioning who they are or what they've become. When unprocessed early life experiences impact areas such as intimacy and communication issues with your partner(s); stress management; emotional regulation; and feeling present in the body, life can feel all-consuming and disorienting. That's where I come in -- to support you in untangling the mess, understanding the core, nurturing the parts that were neglected, building confidence, and renewing your sense of hope and excitement about yourself.

As a Black/Hispanic (Caribbean-American) therapist, I also understand the importance of culturally responsive care and inclusivity. I often integrate my lived experiences as a biracial individual to support my BIPOC clients, which has contributed to safety and increased understanding in the therapeutic space. As an ally to LGBTQIA+ communities, I've created affirming therapeutic spaces that have supported clients in leaning into identity and sexuality exploration with reduced shame and increased curiosity.

My therapeutic style is embedded in the notion that the therapeutic relationship between a client and their therapist is what drives transformation. Trust, feeling safe and secure, and feeling free to be your truest and most authentic self is where healing and growth thrives, and my priority is to ensure that this space cultivates those elements. We'll then work collaboratively to untether and unbind the tangles that have kept you stuck and cycling through patterns that have left you depleted, empty, and yearning for that something else, something more.

I come from an eclectic modality background, which means that I bring a variety of therapeutic modalities to address your symptoms and challenges. This includes Psychodynamic and Insight-Oriented approaches; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Gestalt Therapy; mindfulness-based and somatic-informed practices; Internal Family Systems (IFS); and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) by an EMDRIA-approved institute.

During our first session, we'll get to know each other and start identifying your symptoms, your current/most recent challenges, and your goals for treatment. Since the first session is the intake session, it can often feel overwhelming with the amount of information being gathered; however, I hope to make the process as smooth as possible so that you feel heard and seen.

At the end of the intake session, we'll talk about scheduling recurring sessions based on your needs and our mutual availability. You have the option of booking weekly or bi-weekly, and with a standing appointment (consistency creates reliability and safety).

Special Note:

Please know that if, by the end of the session, you decide that I may not be the best therapeutic fit, that is absolutely okay -- this is your journey. I'll work on providing some referrals to trusted colleagues or treatment centers that may be better suited for you. I will also share if I believe another therapist with specialized skills may be better suited for your treatment goals by the end of the session, and of course, provide referrals!