Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Lockport, NY covered by Aetna

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.

I believe healing begins in a space where you feel genuinely heard, understood, and supported. I earned my Master's degree in Social Work from Stony Brook University and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New York. I am EMDR Certified and integrate EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) Exposure Response Therapy (ERP) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to tailor treatment to each individual's needs. I work with adolescents, and adults experiencing trauma, grief, addiction, major life transitions, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, chronic or terminal illness, and caregiver stress. Many of my clients are navigating circumstances they never expected to face, and together we work toward healing, resilience, and reconnecting with what matters most.

With sixteen years of experience in mental health and social work, I bring a warm, calm, and nurturing presence to every therapeutic relationship. My background spans a wide range of settings - from working with senior adults and neurodivergent individuals to my current role as a Clinical Program Coordinator in correction-based operations - giving me a deeply grounded, real-world perspective on resilience and healing. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Minor in Criminal Justice from Delaware State University and a Master of Social Work from Fordham University, and I am licensed as both an LMSW and LCSW in the State of New York. I also integrate Christian counseling for clients who find meaning and support in their faith.

I support teens, adults, and couples who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from themselves or each other. My clients are thoughtful, resilient people seeking a gentle, grounded space where they can feel seen, supported, and safe enough to reconnect with who they truly are—and with the relationships that matter most. People come to me when life feels heavy, when past experiences linger, anxiety builds, or connection feels harder to access, and they’re ready for compassionate support that helps them move forward with more clarity and ease.

It's difficult making the first phone call, booking an appointment and admitting you need help. Whether it's depression, anxiety, a mood disorder or trauma, it's frightening to admit that everything isn't how you want it to be and you don't have all the answers. If you're experiencing sadness, anxiety, mood swings, intrusive thoughts or images, flash backs, numbness or insomnia, there is hope and there is help. I'm going to teach you skills to manage you symptoms, emotions and relationships more effectively.

Hi! I'm Nellie, a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) with 36 years of experience providing compassionate, person-centered and trauma-informed care to individuals, couples, families, and groups. Throughout my career, I have worked with diverse populations facing mental health challenges, substance use, domestic violence, incarceration, family crises, trauma, and relationship and marital concerns. Whatever brings you here, my goal is to create a space where you can show up honestly, do the work, and build the insight and tools needed to move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and emotional steadiness.

Thank you for taking the time to read my bio! I have been a Licensed Social Worker for 17 years and believe that therapy is a wonderful tool for growth and change. My approach is to meet you where you are on your journey and help you live your best life!

We can move forward, overcome, learn and grow, seeking peace, balance, happiness. I was a NYS Certified School Psychologist for 16 years, and have 7 years of combined supervised and licensed experience as a Mental Health Counselor. I have several degrees in addition to Mental Health Counseling which broadens my perspectives and experience. I was a Training Consultant for Dale Carnegie Training. I also have a Jack Nash Honors MBA, working in foreign exchange capital markets for several years. Counseling however is my calling, my purpose.

I’m a dual-licensed psychotherapist (LMHC, LCAT) providing online therapy to adults across New York State.

My work integrates trauma-informed care with evidence-based methods including CBT, DBT, ACT, IFS-informed approaches, and psychodynamic therapy.

I work with adults who appear composed externally yet feel overwhelmed, anxious, burned out, or relationally stuck beneath the surface. Many of my clients are thoughtful, high-functioning individuals navigating demanding professional or personal roles who notice patterns they’re ready to understand and shift.

My style is warm, attuned, and thoughtfully direct. I value depth, clarity, and accountability. Our work focuses on strengthening emotional regulation, deepening insight, and refining relational patterns in ways that support sustainable, meaningful change.

If you’re seeking focused, depth-oriented therapy and are ready to engage thoughtfully in this process, I look forward to the possibility of working together.