Patricia Battles, LCSW

Alaina Ables is a Manhattan-based mental health counselor with a wide range of experience with different populations and diagnoses. She has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and couples in both addiction and traditional mental health settings. Alaina is also licensed in Virginia and is available for virtual sessions. Alaina specializes in working with teenagers, college students, and the LGBT Community. Alaina also focuses on treating Anxiety, BPD, ADHD, Trauma, and General Life Stressors.

Alaina operates from a Person-Centered Lens which means the client is the expert in their own life, therefore, she will collaborate with you to find the best possible approach.

Alaina provides a comfortable, non-judgmental, and multicultural lens to ensure the ability of tacking each issue in a safe and healthy way.

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Katrina Myers has 20 years of education experience in elementary education with behavioral children, children with special needs and ADHD issues. She has been a behavioral interventionist for children and helped parents and educators come up with ways to help children with emotional disturbances turn their lives around. She has 5 years’ experience as an LPC with treating such disorders as bipolar disorder, anxiety, ADHD issues, post-partum, past trauma issues, depression issues, social anxiety issues, divorce and family therapy issues.

Clients looking for a professional counselor will find that Katrina Myers uses a gentle but open communication approach in her counseling techniques. She believes in a varied therapeutic modality approach with uses of Cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness approaches, positive psychology, psychodynamic approaches and humanistic therapy. Katrina Myers has genuine care for helping people find their true happiness and joy in life.

Vincent is a licensed professional counselor who has earned his full licensure from the State of Texas. Vincent earned his bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice with a Minor in History from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He earned his Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance from Texas A&M San Antonio. Vincent's counseling approach is eclectic, utilizing various modalities including, but not limited to Gestalt, Reality, Narrative, and Solution focused therapy. He is devoted to empowering individuals to free themselves from the excessive burdens of life by a remorseless society. He encourages you to become genuinely free and absolutely understand that you are the master of your own destiny. Vincent's treatment specialties and experience include working with adults, seniors, and adolescents from diverse populations and cultures. Whose suffering included, but not limited to anger, depression, career dilemmas, anxiety, stress, marital problems, collegiate status, self-esteem, family issues, as well as other unforeseen predicaments life unveils. Vincent uses these modalities in a holistic approach assessing clients within their culture, environment, community, and family system to gain a better insight into your distinctive reality. This holistic approach allows us to work together and tailor therapy to your needs. Allowing our collaboration to address the root causes of your current state of wellbeing. Our sessions, along with my education, background, and extensive life experience, have given me a reinforced foundation to assist you in facing the harsh realities of the world. Vincent will inspire you to live your life to its fullest without regret and create healthy tools of positive armor that will guide you eternally. Vincent's platform of therapy will fortify your weaknesses, enhance your strengths, and alleviate your fears where your voice is amplified and capable of surviving the vile discernment of others.

Laura Cunningham, LCSW, has over four years of experience treating eating disorders in a hospital setting. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University and is certified in Level 1 Gottman Method. Laura integrates evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), into her clinical work.

Laura’s therapeutic style is warm, personable, and conversational—like talking to a trusted friend. She creates a safe, supportive environment where patients feel heard and understood. Laura validates emotions while encouraging meaningful growth and self-discovery.

Laura begins by thoroughly exploring each client’s background and therapy goals. From there, she collaborates with the individual to develop a personalized, comprehensive treatment plan tailored to their needs, supporting long-term change and emotional well-being.

Michelle Shya, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) at Talkiatry, has provided care in the field for almost a decade. Working with individuals and families, she has connected and fostered ties with a broad spectrum of clients, including adolescent, adult, and geriatric services. Michelle's practice style centers on providing a safe and understanding space for clients to share, learn, identify, and address their unique therapeutic needs. Using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Michelle focuses on the relationships between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to assist the client in discovering their personal strengths and motivation to realize their individual life goals. Michelle completed her undergraduate Social Work education at Millersville University. Later at Marywood University, she earned her Master's in Social Work, with a specialization in Child and Family Practice. Michelle has had a wide variety of experiences working as a Social Worker in therapeutic and social service settings. She has provided case management and therapeutic care in domestic violence shelters, treatment foster care, community organizations, and hospice in-home support. In Michelle's experience in providing therapy, she has maintained a generalist practice, working with a variety of individuals facing personal barriers and challenges. By taking a step-by-step therapeutic approach, the client is able to better understand and process their thoughts as well as feelings to drive actionable change.

Kathleen Francois, LCSW, brings a rich background in outpatient, community mental health, crisis intervention, and behavioral health settings. She holds a degree in psychology and a master’s degree in clinical social work and addiction, allowing her to support individuals through a wide range of challenges with expertise and compassion.

Kathleen values authenticity, deep connection, and creating a safe space where people feel truly seen and supported. She approaches care with warmth, curiosity, and compassion, fostering a collaborative environment where clients feel empowered to explore and grow.

Kathleen’s approach is rooted in trauma-focused care and holistic wellness, honoring the mind-body connection and the influence of social wellbeing. She integrates evidence-based practices with a holistic lens to promote lasting healing, balance, and personal growth.