Sylvia Leal

I am a licensed psychotherapist in New York and Connecticut States and I hold an out-of-state telehealth provider registration in the State of Florida. With more than 20 years of experience, the foundation of my practice is a genuine commitment to understanding you as a whole person. I offer a warm, affirming space where diverse identities and experiences are not just welcomed, but honored. I work with individuals facing trauma, anxiety, depression, difficult life transitions, relationship challenges, and more. My style is compassionate, attuned, and collaborative. I don’t just help you cope, I help you grow into a deeper, kinder relationship with yourself that transforms every area of your life. Life is a journey of growth, and I’ll support you to move through trauma, anxiety, depression, self-criticism, and fear of loss toward a life that feels rich, free, and truly your own. If you’ve been carrying emotional pain, stress, or relationship struggles on your own, I want you to know that reaching out takes courage, and that you don’t have to figure it out alone. When you’re ready, I’d be glad to walk alongside you.

COUPLES SERVICES

Before scheduling an initial session, I have a brief screening process for all couples interested in therapy. This helps me ensure that my approach is the right fit for your needs, that we can work together safely and effectively, and that the support I offer aligns with what you’re looking for. The screening typically involves a short phone or video call (about 15–20 minutes) where we can connect, I can learn a little about your situation, and you’re welcome to ask any questions you may have about my practice. Please contact me via Psychology Today to schedule a screening.

I integrate evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), the Gottman Method for couples, and more. I support you to identify patterns that no longer serve you, improve communication, strengthen self-worth, and develop practical skills for symptom management, emotional regulation and lasting change. My approach also draws on 20+ years of experience using the following evidence-based modalities:

Attachment-based

I develop a deep, intuitive grasp of how early relational experiences shape internal working models, emotional regulation, and relational patterns, and apply this modality in a way that prioritizes our therapeutic relationship as a “secure base” from which the client can explore and rework attachment wounds.

Psychodynamic

I typically work with a deep, nuanced understanding of unconscious processes, relational patterns, and developmental history, applying the modality in a flexible, insight-oriented way that is tailored to the individual client’s needs.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I work toward deeply internalizing the cognitive model and develop a highly structured, collaborative, and flexible way of applying CBT across a wide range of diagnoses, while maintaining fidelity to its core principles of cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and skill building.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

I work toward deeply internalizing its biosocial model and dialectical philosophy, applying the modality in a highly structured, skills‐based, and validation‐rich way that balances acceptance and change.

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

I work to deeply internalize ACT’s core model of psychological flexibility and apply it flexibly across diagnoses, and levels of functioning, focusing less on symptom elimination and more on helping clients live a values driven life even in the presence of distress.

In your first session, you can expect a warm, supportive space where you feel heard and understood. Together, we will gently explore the experiences and patterns affecting your mental health and personal growth, and begin building a thoughtful path forward.