Marcela Peterson

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15+ years experience in the mental health field and 4+ years as a therapist at a mental health clinic in NYC. I graduated with a Master's in Social Work from Hunter College. I specialize in the treatment of Depression, Anxiety, Complex Trauma, and Grief. I have a very eclectic approach drawing from multiple trainings in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, IFS and Grief Counseling to address my patients' mental health needs. In my current job at a very busy mental health clinic, I treat, help, and empathically support people with very complex needs and socioeconomic stressors. As a therapist, I value authenticity, curiosity, and genuine connection. I believe healing happens through a strong therapeutic relationship where you feel safe to be yourself

My approach is insight oriented, strength based, relational, empathic and compassionate. I draw from evidence-based therapeutic methods such as: DBT, CBT, IFS, Compassion Focused while tailoring our work to your unique needs, values, and goals. Together, we'll explore what's been getting in the way of the life you want to live and develop practical tools to help you move forward.

My goal is to make your first session as comfortable and welcoming as possible. During our first session, we'll spend time getting to know each other. I'll ask about what brought you to therapy, the challenges you're currently facing, and what you hope to gain from our work together. You only need to share what you feel comfortable discussing—there's no pressure to tell your entire life story in one session.

We'll also review your personal history, relationships, and any experiences that may be important to understanding your current concerns. This helps me develop a clearer picture of your unique situation and how I can best support you.

You'll have the opportunity to ask questions about my approach, the therapy process, confidentiality, and anything else that's on your mind. Therapy is a collaborative process, and I want you to feel informed and empowered from the beginning.

By the end of our first meeting, we'll begin identifying your goals for therapy and discuss a plan that feels right for you. Most importantly, the first session is about building a foundation of trust and determining whether we're a good fit to work together.

There is no expectation to have everything figured out before you begin. Simply showing up is an important first step, and we'll move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.