Meet Your Therapist

Licensed Creative Arts Therapist | Board Certified Art Therapist

Founder of Awaken Creative Therapy

Welcome! I'm Emily, a bilingual Licensed Creative Arts Therapist and Board Certified Art Therapist passionate about helping individuals navigate life's challenges, reconnect with themselves, and create meaningful change.

I believe that healing begins when we feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood. My goal is to provide a compassionate, welcoming space where you can explore your emotions, gain insight into your experiences, and develop the confidence to move forward.

As a first generation Dominican American raised in the Bronx, I understand how culture, family expectations, identity, and lived experiences can shape the way we see ourselves and navigate the world. These perspectives inform my commitment to providing culturally responsive care that honors each person's unique background and story.

Whether you're navigating anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, or simply feeling disconnected from yourself, I believe you deserve a therapeutic space where you can show up authentically, without judgment or pressure to have everything figured out.

My passion for understanding human behavior and emotional well being led me to earn my Bachelor's degree in Forensic Psychology, with a minor in Art, from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

I later earned my Master of Professional Studies in Art Therapy and Creativity Development from Pratt Institute, where I deepened my understanding of the relationship between creativity, emotional expression, and psychological healing.

Throughout my clinical career, I've worked with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, and significant life transitions.

My experiences across community mental health and outpatient therapeutic settings have reinforced my belief that effective therapy requires more than a single approach. It requires compassion, collaboration, cultural awareness, and an understanding of each person's individual needs.

Today, as a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT) and Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC), I bring these experiences together through Awaken Creative Therapy.

I believe therapy should be collaborative, supportive, and tailored to your individual goals.

My therapeutic approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) informed skills, mindfulness, supportive psychotherapy, and art therapy.

Together, we may explore patterns in your thoughts, emotions, and relationships while developing practical tools to navigate challenges and strengthen emotional well being.

I also recognize that not everyone processes emotions in the same way. For some, conversation feels natural. For others, creative expression can provide another pathway toward understanding their experiences.

You don't need to be artistic to benefit from art therapy, and creative interventions are always guided by your comfort level and therapeutic needs.

Above all, I strive to create a space where you feel empowered to explore, reflect, and grow at your own pace.

I provide individual psychotherapy and art therapy for adults experiencing:

• Anxiety, stress, and burnout
• Depression and emotional challenges
• Trauma and grief
• Life transitions and identity changes
• Self esteem and confidence concerns
• Perfectionism and people pleasing
• Relationship challenges and boundaries
• Women's mental health and motherhood
• Cultural identity and family expectations

My work is especially meaningful to me when supporting women who are accustomed to carrying responsibilities, meeting expectations, and prioritizing everyone else's needs while struggling to make space for themselves.

Therapy can be an opportunity to reconnect with your own needs, values, and sense of identity.

Awaken Creative Therapy was created from the belief that healing is not simply about overcoming challenges. It's also about discovering who you are, recognizing your strengths, and creating a life that feels more aligned with your values.

The name Awaken represents the process of becoming more aware of ourselves, our emotions, our patterns, and the possibilities for growth.

My hope is that this practice becomes a space where you feel supported in reconnecting with yourself, embracing your individuality, and approaching life's challenges with greater clarity and confidence.

A creative space for healing, growth, and self discovery.

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel intimidating, but you don't have to navigate it alone.

I offer a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation to help you ask questions, learn more about my approach, and explore whether working together feels like the right fit.

Now Accepting New Clients

Virtual Therapy Throughout New York | Adults 18+

Services Available in English & Spanish

Insurance: Cigna, Carelon Behavioral Health, and Curative

Private Pay: $150 per individual therapy session