COUNSELING & PSYCHOTHERAPY

Kevin O’Donoghue, LMHC

Director

Kevin is the Director of The Positive Mind Center.

He was trained in Person and Emotive Centered Therapy by his mentor, Armand DiMele, host of “The Positive Mind Radio Show” ( see the archives on this site) on WBAI for 35 years.

The aim of therapy is to help a client uncover the hidden conflicts that are blocking their energy. Symptoms like depression, anxiety, substance abuse, personality and interpersonal issues, etc. are merely masks that cover over the real and true energy waiting to be released.

A spirit of curiosity and inquiry is used, in place of judgment and blame, to move a person beyond their conflicts to their original energy and aliveness. He has been working with individuals, couples, and business mediation since 2008. Kevin also works with disputes amongst siblings.

In training for certification in Relational Life Couples Therapy (see Terry Real on youtube). Certified Imago Couples Therapist and Safe Conversations workshop leader.

Contact: kevod123@yahoo.com
Website: https://www.kevinlmhc.com

WENDY CHRISTIAN, MA, LCSW, SEP

Wendy offers a gentle, collaborative, and playful approach to psychotherapy, helping clients create lasting change by honoring the body’s innate wisdom. Her work integrates attachment-based Somatic Experiencing (SE) and somatically informed parts work (Inner Relationship Focusing). 

Wendy specializes in working with Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) and individuals living with complex and developmental trauma (c-PTSD), anxiety, depression, relationship and family challenges, career concerns, and religious trauma, including support for former members of high-demand religions and cults and survivors of abusive relationships. 

Her consent-based, responsive approach is informed by training in attachment theory, EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), relational psychoanalysis, Jungian dream work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). Wendy welcomes client feedback.

Contact: wendy@wendychristiantherapy.com

MELANIE VAN ORDEN, LMSW

Melanie graduated with a Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University in 2007 and completed post-graduate work in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality from the Blanton-Peale Institute. She also received certificates in Ketamine-Assisted Therapy and Psychedelic Integration from Fluence, a leading educational research center in psychedelic-assisted therapy. She specializes in trauma-informed therapy, psychedelic-assisted therapy, and life coaching. She uses an anti-oppressive, anti-racist, and queer affirming lens in her work that centers the lived experiences of her clients.

She works particularly well with women, creatives, entrepreneurs, and LGBTQIA+ people. Her psychedelic work is complimented by her approach utilizing somatic, relational, mindfulness-based, trauma-informed, and psychodynamic modalities. She also specializes in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and attachment-based therapy. A particular area of focus in her practice is religious trauma recovery and spiritual/existential exploration.

Contact: melanie@embodiedwithmelanie.com

Website: 

https://www.embodiedwithmelanie.com

ARI LEWIS, MAPP, MA, EdM, LMHC (he, him)

From kink and BDSM to high, low, or asexual desire, from sex or porn addiction to healing from trauma, from opening a relationship to figuring out how to navigate polyamorous parenting--jealousy issues, insecurity, infidelity, dating--Ari works with all things sex, love, and relationships.

Ari earned a Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) at the University of Pennsylvania before going on to receive a Master of Arts (MA) in Psychological Counseling, a Master of Education (EdM) in Mental Health Counseling, and an Advanced Certificate in Polyamory and Open Relationships in Therapy at Columbia University. He holds an Advanced Certificate in CBT from the Albert Ellis Institute and he trained for 5 years at the Sexuality, Attachment, and Trauma Project. In addition to his work as a psychotherapist, Ari serves as the Senior Research Specialist at the University of Pennsylvania's Sexuality and Well-Being Project. You can find his essay in the latest edition of Love in Abundance, by Kathy Labriola. In addition to his work in positive sexuality, Ari also has expertise in depression, anxiety, autism, ADHD, and trauma, among other common issues that emerge in therapy.

For men struggling with sex addiction, porn addiction, or other out of control sexual problems, Ari also runs a virtual, weekly therapy group on Monday nights from 7:05 to 8:30pm.

Contact: lewis@arilmhc.com

Website: www.arilmhc.com

JORDAN GROSS, LCSW

Jordan Gross is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who supports children, adolescents, and adults across diverse identities and life experiences. Using a trauma-informed, humanistic, and culturally humble approach, he collaborates with clients to help them reach their goals and build meaningful, fulfilling lives. His integrative style draws from modalities such as CBT, mindfulness, psychodynamic, and relational therapies, with a strong emphasis on creating a nonjudgmental space where clients can recognize and strengthen the resilience they already possess.

Jordan is known for his warmth, empathy, and ability to connect with people of all ages. He has extensive experience providing grief support through hands-on work at grief camps, as a Staff Psychotherapist at Wolfson Therapy, and as a Training Specialist for New York Psychotherapy and Counseling Center. Beyond clinical practice, Jordan is also a speaker and author who uses creativity and storytelling to make personal growth more accessible and engaging.

Contact: jg@wolfsontherapy.com

Janie Lynn Kritzman, Psychologist, PhD

Janie believes collaboration and trust characterize a strong therapeutic relationship. Helping patients understand how family relationships, biology, learning style, social and cultural milieu and experience impact feelings, behaviors and choices are key to her work.

Anxiety, depression, substance misuse, eating disorders and transitioning to adulthood are specialties.

Before becoming a clinician, Janie taught child development to mothers of addicted newborns and served as Associate Director of the Center for Research on Women at Barnard College.

Janie is trained in developmental and clinical psychology working with adolescents, young adults, families, adults and the LGBTQ+ community. Janie accepts new clients, insurance plus speaks French and Spanish.

Contact: janiekritzman@gmail.com

MADISON WEBER, MHC-LP

Entering therapy with me means stepping into a space of warmth, compassion, and respect. My goal is to explore the roots of your feelings and behaviors, and how your history shapes them—so you can not just cope, but truly thrive.

In our sessions, we may incorporate mindfulness practices such as meditation, journaling, or other tools tailored to help you manage your thoughts and emotions.

My approach blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with mindfulness-based strategies, adapted to your unique needs. This strengths-focused, integrative work is designed to help you understand and transform your life, while celebrating every step forward.

I deeply value witnessing clients grow in self-understanding, rebuild confidence, and move toward their personal goals.

Contact: madison@insidepsychotherapynyc.com

ALENA GERST, LCSW, RYT

Alena is a New York State licensed psychotherapist with a specific interest in the mind/body connection. 

A certified (200 hour) yoga teacher and trained in LifeForce Yoga for mood management, Alena is also a dedicated yoga practitioner in the Iyengar method. She enjoys integrating principles of yoga into her sessions for those who are interested.

Alena specializes in performing artists, parents of neurodivergent children, and people living with disabilities and chronic health conditions. 

She is a Clinical Affiliate with the Broadway Mental Health Foundation, and is also the author of A Wellness Handbook for the Performing Artist: The Performer's Essential Guide to Staying Healthy in Body, Mind, and Spirit. 

Prior to becoming a therapist, Alena obtained her BS is psychology, and then moved to NYC from Arizona, where she worked as a professional musical theater performer for 10 years. 

Supporting her clients in healing, and being well, is Alena's passion, and now her life's work. 

Contact: alena@insidepsychotherapynyc.com

Website: www.insidepsychotherapynyc.com

Carole Shepherd, LCSW-R, LMT, RYT, SEP

Carole Shepherd, LCSW-R, LMT, RYT, SEP is a licensed psychotherapist, complementary medicine practitioner, educator, and EMDRIA Approved Consultant who mentors post-Master’s clinicians in EMDR therapy and certification.

With over 25 years of experience in integrative psychotherapy, she specializes in trauma treatment and addiction recovery. Her tailored approach integrates EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Somatic Experiencing, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and psychodynamic therapy.

Carole has held leadership and supervisory roles at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy Trauma Studies Center, the National Institute for the Psychotherapies Trauma Program, St. Vincent’s Medical Center’s 9/11 Integrative Stress Management Program, South Nassau Communities Hospital, and Midtown Center for Complementary Care (a Columbia-Presbyterian affiliate).

Contact: caroleshepherd@gmail.com

Website: https://caroleshepherd.com/

RACHEL HOLTZ, LCSW

Rachel is a therapist who works with teens and adults navigating anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, and feelings of overwhelm. She offers a warm, supportive space where clients can slow down, reflect, and better understand what they’re going through.

Her approach is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to each individual. Rachel believes therapy works best when clients feel safe bringing their full experience into the room. Together, she and her clients explore emotions, patterns, and relationships with curiosity and care to helpi clients build resilience, feel more grounded, and reconnect with themselves.

Rachel offers both in-person and virtual sessions and invites you to reach out for a free consultation to see if working together feels like the right fit.

Website: www.rachelholtztherapy.com

ARTHUR CARDINALE, LCSW

Arthur specializes in substance use disorders and brings extensive experience working with clients at various stages of their addiction treatment.  Operating from a person-centered approach, Arthur is recognized for his unconditional positive regard for his clients. He is a licensed clinical social worker, credentialed as a substance abuse counselor, and certified in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

Arthur considers his work with individuals facing substance use issues to be his true calling in life, feeling privileged to provide these services to his clients.

Contact: acardinale@actherapynyc.com

Diana Jeanne Feldman, LCAT, BCT, MA

Diana is a board-certified drama therapist, licensed creative arts therapist, and author of “Stuck in a Role, Releasing Trauma in Teens through the ENACT Drama Therapy Method.’’

As the creator of the ENACT Method, she founded ENACT Inc., a nonprofit organization that served over 250,000 students in New York City’s schools.

She has over 30 years of experience designing innovative therapeuticprograms for children that combine theatrical techniques with her evidence-based trauma therapy. She has created and directed multiple Off-Broadwayevents, collaborating with clients and professional actors in innovativetherapeutic performance work. She is currently the President of Dramasol LLC, a consulting company dedicated to training professionals, and maintains a private practice in New York City.

Her work has been published in several books and peer-reviewed journals. She received a five-year Ford Foundation grant to study the Enact Method.Feldman trains teachers, teaching artists, and therapists in the ENACT Drama Therapy Method.

Contact: diana@dramasol.com

Stephanie D’ambra, csw

Stephanie has been practicing at The Positive Mind Center since 2003. She is an individual and couples counselor specializing in short term problem resolution, especially in the areas of communication and sexuality.

Stephanie also specializes in addictions, compulsive behaviors and habits that interfere in leading a satisfying and fulfilling life. She focuses her attention on helping people become aware of both the psychological and internal chemical forces that may motivate them.

Contact: sdambra61@gmail.com