Shira Levin
LCSW, Psychotherapist
About ME
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker devoted to helping individuals accept themselves as they are and to help them discover who and how they want to be in the world.
After years in the arts, I went to graduate school to become a social worker/therapist, in order to help others, as I myself had been helped by psychotherapy. I still work in the arts in addition to being a therapist.
Since 2009, I've had a small private practice. I work with clients on a variety of issues including relationships, women's issues, family, depression, anxiety, parenting, self-esteem, eating issues, trauma and abuse. My clients are adults, young adults and teens.
I received my MSW from Adelphi University School of Social Work in 2004.
In 2007, I trained at the Women's Therapy Centre Institute in their one year post graduate training program: "Eating and the Body: A Cultural, Relational Psychoanalytic Framework."
Agency Work Experience:
Greenwich House's Children's Safety Project: therapist for children, adolescents & adults who experienced abuse and trauma
Planned Parenthood: counseled women
Children's Aid Society: therapist for children in medical foster care
The Karen Horney Clinic: therapist for children, adolescents & adults, including those w/ trauma histories
Interfaith Medical Center: (out-patient mental health clinic): therapist for children & adolescents
New Directions: did intakes and assessments for clients with substance abuse issues
Fifth Avenue Center for Psychotherapy: therapist for adults
Housing Works: worked with homeless adults living with HIV
SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT therapy
The therapeutic relationship is key. It is important to feel comfortable with your therapist. Keep looking until you find the right one for you. Follow your instincts. Different therapists might work for you differently depending on where you are in your life. There is no "one size fits all" in therapy.
I'm eclectic in how I work but lean toward relational, psycho-dynamic/ psychoanalytic thought. Social Workers are trained to look at the whole person - the biological, psychological and sociological aspects of an individual's life.
Therapy is not a quick fix. It requires commitment and effort. At times it can be difficult. Some days you might leave feeling worse and wonder what is going on and what you are doing. That is normal. The truth is that there is no right way to be in therapy. If you stick with it, change and growth are possible, even if it feels hard. For some people, "feeling" is not easy. It can be scary. My job is to assist you in learning to identify and experience your feelings and thoughts. To help you be able to make choices in your life rather than to act and react out of habit or fear.
The truth is that you do all the work but you are not alone. I am there with you to help and guide.
"This above all: to thine own self be true"
Shakespeare
APPOINTMENTS
I see clients during the week, with some flexibility in days and hours, usually between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Fees
My regular fee is $125. Initial appointments are $150.
A sliding scale is available to those who cannot afford the full fee.
I accept Aetna insurance only.
Payment is expected at each session.
There is a 24 hour cancellation policy for all appointments.
reach out
Feel free to contact me for a consultation to see if we would be a good therapeutic fit.
© 2017