Valene Gifford, LMHC

Rebecca Benedict is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with a background in providing mental health services across several diverse settings. She has gained invaluable experience working in two community mental health agencies and completing two internships. Rebecca holds a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Syracuse University, and has been working in the role of mental health counselor for three years. Rebecca specializes in addressing the complex interplay between neuro-divergence and mental health symptoms. Her expertise encompasses a wide range of conditions including anxiety, depression, trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dissociative disorders, and challenges with emotion regulation. Her therapeutic approach is eclectic, incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, narrative therapy, and existentialism. Rebecca is dedicated to tailoring her treatment modalities to fit the unique needs of each client, often integrating creativity and clients' personal hobbies or interests into the therapeutic process to enhance engagement and outcomes. With a compassionate and holistic approach, Rebecca Benedict is committed to fostering a supportive and transformative environment for her clients, guiding them towards improved mental health and overall well-being.

Brittney is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of New York. She attended SUNY Buffalo where she obtained a Bachelor's in Psychology and a Master's in Education with a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Counseling and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Mental Health Counseling. Brittney started her career as a School Counselor before transitioning full-time to Mental Health Counselor. Brittney is an empathetic and open-minded clinician, striving to meet her clients where they are, build trust, and maintain a safe, non-judgmental environment. She is experienced and passionate about working with teens and adults with various forms of trauma. Additionally, Brittney utilizes SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) for families impacted by anxiety and OCD to help them understand the impact these experiences have on their lives, ultimately finding the resolutions and outcomes they hope for. While EMDR therapy is her primary treatment approach for individuals, or SPACE for families, she also utilizes ACT, Parts Work, Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and others.

Mekayla Davila is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who has been in practice for 6 years. She has experience working with many diverse populations and mental health conditions. Mekayla attended graduate school at Teachers College Columbia University where she received an M.A. and M.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling. Her education and experience span both psychology and criminal justice fields as she has always been interested in their intersectionality. In previous roles, Mekayla has worked mostly with children, adolescents, and adults of minority populations, with focuses on treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and other stressor-related disorders. Mekayla strongly believes that every therapeutic interaction is unique, so she uses an eclectic approach, with foundations in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy, to tailor treatment to the specific needs of each individual. Mekayla puts emphasis on the therapeutic relationship and finds it important to provide a safe and comforting environment for all.

Melissa knows first-hand how powerful the counseling experience can be. Melissa committed herself to the hard work of deep interpersonal counseling and has a passion to help others build a life of hope, joy, and resiliency. As an undergraduate, she studied at Toccoa Falls College in the mountains of North Georgia. She finished her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and began working in the Crisis Stabilization Unit. Melissa assisted with the opening of a psychiatric hospital, advocating for the needs of the patient. She has served in Jerusalem and Africa and strives to be inclusive of everyone as an individual of significant value. Melissa focuses on building a strong rapport with her patients, highlighting their strengths, teaching mindfulness, boundaries, emotional regulation strategies, and often writing trauma narratives. She utilizes Solution Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. ‍

Ana Castro, LMHC received a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Queens College, City University of New York. She completed training at F.E.G.S and has worked in community mental health and outpatient hospital-based settings. Ana has 7 years of experience working with individuals as well as with children and families treating anxiety, depression, family and relationship issues, and other mental health issues. Ana uses methods from psychoanalysis, CBT, DBT, along with light supportive therapy in order to provide a person-centered approach. She began by working at New York Psychotherapy and Counseling Center, working with individuals, as well as children and families in a high-risk area, providing family therapy, psychodynamic and behavioral therapy, and assisting with the coordination of care with outside agencies. Ana has worked at St. Joseph's Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic treating patients with various psychiatric illnesses. She has also worked at St. Vincent's- Westchester Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic, providing intake, diagnosis, and individual therapy to a population ranging from adolescents to late adults. Ana continues to work towards expanding her knowledge of evidence-based approaches in order to provide the best outcomes.

Conchata has worked as a psychotherapist for over 10 years of practice and over 25 years working in the human/social services field.  She received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Georgia State University and a Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University.  

Conchata has a passion for working with special populations to include trauma, substance use, domestic violence, offenders, and victims of sexual assault. She gained this insight while working as a correctional officer and earning her undergraduate degree. Conchata has done volunteer work with Partnership Against Domestic Violence (PADV) in Atlanta, GA and Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) in New Britain, CT as a certified sexual assault crisis counselor/advocate.

Conchata mostly utilizes CBT techniques because she believes that retraining the brain is most beneficial when recovering and getting out of your own way.  She is a trauma specialist who is compassionate, empathetic, and determined.  Conchata is also a certified grief counselor and a certified forensic mental health evaluator.  This is a safe and judgment free zone, so if you are ready to work on overcoming life struggles and being a better version of yourself, welcome aboard because you have found a great therapist!

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