Marielle Woolf

I’m a New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s degree from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. While my career has predominantly been rooted in school settings working with children in the South Bronx and Westchester, this experience has strengthened my ability to understand and respond to a wide range of emotional and developmental needs. My background has given me insight into how challenges unfold across different stages of life, and I bring this perspective to my work with clients of all ages.

I have specialized experience working with children with developmental and learning disabilities, as well as those navigating social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. I am also committed to providing compassionate, individualized support to adolescents and adults as they work toward their goals. I prioritize creating a safe, supportive space where every client feels seen, heard, and understood, and I value collaboration with families, caregivers, and other professionals when it aligns with the client’s needs and preferences.

My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and person-centered. I meet each client where they are by drawing from a range of modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Strengths-Based Therapy, Play Therapy when developmentally appropriate, and other evidence-based techniques. I take a strengths-based perspective, helping individuals build resilience, confidence, and a strong sense of self. Creating a safe, supportive environment is central to my work, and I collaborate with important supports in a client’s life—such as family members, caregivers, or other professionals—when appropriate and aligned with the client’s goals.

In our first session, clients can expect a calm, welcoming, and supportive environment where they can begin to feel comfortable sharing at their own pace. I spend time getting to know you, your strengths, what’s been challenging, and what brings you to therapy now. We’ll talk about your goals, what you hope to gain from our work together, and any questions or concerns you may have about the process.

My priority in the first session is connection, not pressure. Whether you express yourself through conversation, reflection, or simply taking time to settle in, I meet you where you are. I use a warm, collaborative approach to begin understanding your experiences and identifying what support will be most helpful. By the end of our initial session, you can expect to feel heard, understood, and to have the beginnings of a plan that supports you both inside and outside the therapy space.