Empowering You Through Every Chapter of Life
Modern therapy for young adults and women in NY
Live a fulfilling life.
A life where you feel more grounded, confident, and in control. I am passionate about helping clients develop a strong sense of self…healing from the past, navigating life transitions, and developing healthy relationships. My personal mental health journey as a woman and a mother has enabled me to help others minimize their symptoms, discover their strengths, and live an authentic life that is aligned with their values.
My Specialties
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Anxiety/PTSD/Trauma
Your unique experiences can trigger emotional and physical discomfort. Understanding the mind-body connection and how we respond to stress and anxiety is the first step to managing symptoms. As you develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your triggers, you will have the confidence to manage intense emotions and regulate your nervous system.
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Life Transitions
Feeling overwhelmed by change is more common than you think. Together, we'll identify strategies to guide you through life events, promote inner peace, and improve your overall well-being. On your therapeutic journey you will begin to feel a sense of balance and harmony even in the most difficult times.
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Relationships
Navigating relationships can be complex. Exploring these complexities will help you learn how to set boundaries and establish healthier ways of communicating with those you love. Counseling is an invitation to transform how you interact with the world.
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Perinatal Mental Health Care
Perinatal mental health care is critical to women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Fluctuations in hormones during pregnancy and post-birth are often considered normal, however there are times when our feelings begin to feel heavier and start to interfere with daily functioning. Therapy will help you identify protective factors and a path to wellness unique to your needs.
I will be with you every step of the way.
Therapy is a journey and I am dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment where you can naturally explore what serves you best. As an expert in Trauma, Neurosomatics, and Perinatal Mental Health, together, we will explore the relationship between your mental processes and your physical health. Overtime, your ability to regulate your nervous system, and your capacity to expand your window of tolerance for uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, will significantly increase.
Hi, I’m Layla.
I use empathy, compassion, and understanding to create a warm and welcoming environment. Sessions are sprinkled with humor, authenticity, and skillful self-disclosure to build a trustworthy therapeutic relationship. My approach is person-centered and trauma-informed. My style is integrative meaning that ideas and techniques from different therapeutic schools of thought will be applied, depending on your unique needs. I am a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience working in the mental health field.
FAQs
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As a firm believer in transparency and education, here are a few reasons as to why I do not take insurance.
Client privacy concerns: Insurance companies often require diagnoses and treatment details that are often shared at the expense of client privacy.
Restrictions on treatment: Session frequency can be limited by insurance companies in addition to the type of therapy provided by the clinician. This can impact progress in treatment and hinder the long-term benefits of a therapeutic approach that is tailored to your needs.
Administrative burdens: Claim denials and lengthy verification processes often prevent you from receiving the services when you need them the most.
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I currently accept out-of-pocket payments at a reasonable cost. If you have out-of-network benefits with your current insurance company I will submit the necessary documentation for financial reimbursement on your behalf.
Questions to ask your insurance company:
Do I have out-of-network benefits for mental health services?
If so, what is my current deductible that needs to be met before reimbursement?
What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
How do I submit out-of-network benefits claims?
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Yes, I am currently accepting new clients for both in person and virtual sessions. In person sessions are held at my office in the heart of historic Amityville Village.
My Professional Background
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Post Partum Support International Advanced Training in Perinatal Mental Health
Institute of Applied Somatics Nervous System Regulation Practitioner Certificate 2025
SUNY Buffalo Mental Health Counseling Advanced Certificate 2023
Duke University Mindfulness Institute for Emerging Adults Mindfulness Teaching Advanced Certificate 2020
Rutgers University School Leadership in Social and Emotional Learning Advanced Certificate 2019
Adelphi University School Psychology M.A. 2009
Long Island University Psychology B.A. 2006
Sorbonne University French Language Studies Advanced Certificate 2005
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New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor 2025
New York State Mental Health Counselor LP 2023
California Pupil Personnel Psychologist Credential 2019
New York State Certified School Psychologist 2009
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American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress-National Center for Crisis Management
Becoming ACEs Aware-Post Graduate Institute for Medicine
Psychological First Aid-The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional-International Association of Trauma Professionals
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PUBLICATIONS
Transformation Literacy to Transformative Unity: A Noble Experiment from Me to We. The Journal of Contemplative Inquiry, 9(2), 2022
Review of The Mindful School by P.A. Jennings, NASP Communique, Oct. 2020 Volume 49: 2
Executive Functions and Executive Skills: What they are and how they affect your child. Anton Community Newspaper, Special Needs Awareness, April 21, 2015
PRESENTATIONS
Koru Mindfulness and Meditation: An Invitation to the Higher Self for University Students. Awakened Campus Summit, Columbia University, April 1, 2022
Metro United Way: Mindful Moment Video Series, January 2021-February 2022
Mindfulness: What it really means, SPEDtalk with Lindsey from Global Teletherapy S2-E1, October 28, 2020
Advocacy for Students with Disabilities. Equity for our students with disabilities conference: The Law v. the Lore, Adelphi University, March 17, 2016
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Suffolk County Psychological Association (SCPA)
New York Mental Health Counselor Association (NYHCA)
Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Institute of Applied Somatics
Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress
Five Towns College, Professor of Psychology, (2023-2024)
Long Island University, Center for Healthy Living Counselor (2022-2023)
SUNY Old Westbury, Internship Supervisor of Psychology (2015)
International Council of Psychologists, United Nations Psychology Day Member (2008-2009)
Outcome Assessment Award in Psychology, Long Island University (2007)