Find a therapist in Rensselaer, NY — covered by insurance

Born and raised in WNY, attended SUNY Buffalo, obtaining my bachelor's in psychology and master's in Social Work there.

I enjoy working with people of all ages who are striving to move through and process the difficult life experiences, changes and transitions we all experience such as grief & loss, divorce, trauma, addictions of all kinds, parenting and behavioral problems in children and adolescents.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree specializing in trauma-informed care and holistic emotional wellness. With over fifteen years of experience in medical and mental health settings, I have worked with individuals facing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, and relationship challenges. My counseling approach integrates evidence-based therapeutic practices with Christian principles to support healing of the mind, body, and spirit. I am passionate about creating a compassionate, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe, supported, and empowered to grow in both emotional wellness and spiritual strength. My goal is to help clients develop practical coping strategies, deepen their faith, and move toward lasting healing, purpose, and restoration.

Our human experience can carry trauma, and I bring both clinical training and real-world experience in trauma informed care from health care and higher education. I support people in moving toward health-based emotional and mental well-being. My work integrates clinical knowledge with embodied, brain-based approaches to healing. Light-hearted and warm, I deeply value each person's unique story and inner world. I work primarily with adults, navigating phobias, anxiety, chronic nervous system dysregulation, relational repair, challenging life transitions, and persistent survival patterns. I continually expand my knowledge through innovative and evidence-based tools.

Beginning therapy is a wonderful challenge and opportunity, one that I am committed to partnering in. My work often focuses on helping clients enact change, manage symptoms, cultivate meaning and live authentically. Additionally, my therapeutic stance is open, empathic and collaborative, creating a non-judgmental space to connect in the valued areas of your life. I am committed to considering the multifaceted aspects of your identity, in understanding your lived experience and moving towards your goals.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been a social worker for over 15 years. I have a background in mental health, couple/family counseling, emergency medicine,perinatal social work, community social work, and Christian Counseling.

I received my B.A. in Psychology at Macaulay Honors College, CUNY, and my M.Ed. and M.A. in Mental Health Counseling at Teachers College, Columbia University.

After graduating, I have been working as a therapist since 2021 with a specialty in the LGBTQ+ community. I have worked with depressive, anxiety (generalized, OCD), ADHD, mood, personality disorders and disordered eating. Experience includes working with issues of self esteem, stress, relationships, parenting, gender, identity, race/ethnicity, immigration, grief, trauma, substances, habits, motivation, focus and attention.

My interests and clinical focuses include self-care, minority body image, Latinx mental health, psychosis in youth, and am passionate about self-acceptance/love. I created and use the motto "Write your own narrative" in my annual bootcamp as a reminder that we each have our own story and control over it.

Have you found yourself growing more distant in relationships? Are you struggling to find ways to function in the world? I work with individuals seeking greater clarity, balance, and emotional well-being. I offer a grounded, compassionate approach that values collaboration and thoughtful reflection. I have experience in working with all ages I am committed to creating a therapeutic space that supports growth, understanding, and long-term resilience.

Avril Lindsay Dennis, LCSW-QS(FL), CGP®, LCSW-R (NY), has been a practicing Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over twenty years. After earning her graduate degree from Fordham University, she pursued postgraduate training, including a certificate in Interpersonal Trauma. This became a passionate area of specialty for her, which also includes understanding the needs of individuals with substance use disorders & providing mental health support for those in twelve-step programs.

Over her career, Avril has specialized in treating & supervising the care of children & adolescents with trauma & psychiatric illnesses within child welfare, juvenile justice, & mental health settings. Avril has worked with adults in crisis situations, as well as those with long term medical issues.

She has collaborated with two service dog organizations over the years, taught & presented on the topic & trained & worked with several of her own therapy dogs. She and her current therapy dog, Eli, continue to volunteer in various programs.

In 2016, after a successful career in New York City, she relocated to Central Florida to continue her public service work.

In her spare time, Avril enjoys spending time with her spouse & dogs, relaxing at home, camping, visiting the beach, sewing & crafting. She works to find gratitude for every moment life presents.

I work with BIPOC adult professionals who often feel overwhelmed by ADHD, anxiety, trauma, and burnout. Many of my clients are navigating competing responsibilities while managing stress, relational conflicts, and the complexities of trauma. I provide therapy in both English and Spanish to create a supportive space for diverse backgrounds. My focus is on helping you build practical, sustainable strategies for lasting change.

Whether you're facing a crisis, struggling with the lasting effects of trauma, or are feeling stuck in patterns that are holding you back, you don't have to go through it alone. Our work begins wherever you're at. I have extensive experience treating children, adolescents and adults with a range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, chronic illness, behavioral challenges, ADHD,relationship issues, and challenges adjusting to life changes. We’ll explore your emotional patterns, relationships, and the ways you respond to difficult thoughts and feelings—so you can build flexibility, resilience, and lasting change.