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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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.

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 20 years of experience working in the mental health field.

FAQs

  • 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.

  • I currently accept out of pocket payments at a reasonable cost. I offer a sliding scale fee based upon each client’s individual needs.

    If you have out-of-network benefits with your current insurance company I can provide you with the necessary documentation needed for financial reimbursement.

    Questions to ask your insurance company:

    1. Do I have out-of-network benefits for mental health services?

    2. If so, what is my current deductible that needs to be met before reimbursement?

    3. What is the coverage amount per therapy session? Mention the following codes: 90834(45 mins) and 90837 (60 mins)

    4. How do I submit out-of-network benefits claims?

  • 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. Please note my availability below:

    Tuesday-Friday

    930-230pm

My Professional Background

  • 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

  • New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor (2025 pending)

    New York State Mental Health Counselor LP 2023 

    California Pupil Personnel Psychologist Credential 2019

    New York State Certified School Psychologist 2009


  • 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 


  • New York Mental Health Counselor Association (NYMHCA) Board Secretary (2024-2026)

    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)

    Suffolk County Psychological Association (SCPA) Member

    Nassau County Psychological Association (NCPA) Member


You deserve to feel supported and valued.

Reach out today.