Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Elmira, NY covered by Cigna

I specialize in holistic and medication free approach to psychotherapy using Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) to help minimize and relieve symptoms of anxiety, chronic insomnia, grief, family issues, stress related to work.

Hi! I am a mental health counselor and addictions recovery counselor who empowers clients to make healthy decisions to reach their goals. I love cooking, taking walks and spending time with my family.

I believe in honesty, transparency and possibility. Believe that you can. Believe in yourself and that change will happen. You’ll see what you’re capable of. Let’s connect. I’m so glad to be a part of your journey.

As your therapist, I strive to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered. My therapeutic style is rooted in what I like to call gentle directness. I believe meaningful growth happens when clients feel both supported and appropriately challenged. I provide a warm, compassionate space where you can be yourself, while also offering honest feedback, thoughtful questions, and practical guidance when it's helpful. I won't simply listen, I will actively help you identify patterns, build insight, and develop strategies that move you toward your goals. My hope is that you leave each session feeling heard, understood, and equipped with something valuable to carry into your daily life.

I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, relationship concerns, divorce, self-esteem issues, and trauma. My approach is individualized, recognizing that every person's experiences and goals are unique. I integrate evidence-based techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and strengths-based interventions to help clients create meaningful, lasting change.

Reaching out for therapy can feel like a big step, but you don't have to navigate life's challenges alone. I look forward to working with you on your journey toward growth and healing.

I believe that peace does not come from your surroundings—it comes from within. It is something you can learn to build and strengthen.

My role is to support and guide you through life’s ups and downs, helping you stay grounded along the way. Whether you are managing ongoing challenges such as Bipolar Disorder or OCD, or going through a difficult and overwhelming season, I am here to help you regain a sense of control and joy.

I work with individuals, couples, and families, creating a safe and supportive space where healing and growth can take place.

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 first received my Master's in Guidance & Counseling in the 1990s from Hunter College in Manhattan and obtained an Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Counseling from the University at Buffalo. I have also been a practicing, licensed massage therapist for nearly 30 years. I have clinical experience providing empathic mental health care for individuals, couples, families, and groups and have treated anxiety, trauma, depression, personality and eating disorders, as well as other mental health concerns. I have also treated physical disease conditions and physical trauma with mind/body techniques. Each client is unique, and raising awareness of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors is the focus in working collaboratively and intentionally towards realistic solutions.

I believe that each person is the expert of their own life. At times, however, navigating challenges, life transitions, relationships, or emotional struggles can feel overwhelming, and having a supportive, objective person to talk to can make a meaningful difference.

My goal is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, understood, and supported. Together, I am committed to helping you build insight, resilience, and confidence while working toward your personal goals.

I care about meeting you where you are, whether you're working through anxiety, depression, or the challenges of addiction. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard and supported from our very first conversation. I take time to understand what matters most to you, and I build a plan together with you rather than handing you a one size fits all approach. Therapy and treatment work best when you feel like an active partner in your own care, and that is exactly the kind of relationship I aim to build with every person I work with.

As a warm, open-minded, and empowering therapist, I am dedicated to helping adults and families navigate life's most complex challenges. I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling and bring a robust professional background working across diverse clinical settings, specializing in treating anxiety, sleep disorders, identity exploration, relationships, and bipolar disorders. In my practice, I frequently serve populations navigating cultural or ethnic issues, men’s issues, and individuals healing from trauma or substance abuse. On a personal note, my commitment to mental health stems from my own lived experiences navigating difficult life transitions, which gives me a genuine, human understanding of how intimidating it can be to take this first step toward healing.

I am a certified mental health and family practice provider. I value you as a person, your confidentiality and your determination. Together we can make a difference