Alena Gerst,LCSW, RYT

Alena Gerst,LCSW, RYT

Telehealth Available
Professions: Counselor, Psychotherapist, Other
License Status: I'm a licensed professional.
Primary Credential: Licensed Clinical Social Worker - 080282
Billing and Insurance:

I don't currently accept insurance, but I can provide documentation if clients wish to submit to an insurance company for "out of network" benefit coverage

Fees: At Inside Psychotherapy, we offer a flexible range of fees from $105-300, depending on the level of experience of each therapist, and your financial circumstances.
**We are also IN NETWORK with UMR Top Tier, for qualified Mount Sinai healthcare providers only.
Reach out to us at 917-310-0512 and we'll match you with the therapist who is the right fit for your needs at a fee that is comfortable for you.
or visit www.InsidePsychotherapyNYC.com
Free Initial Consultation
Weekend Availability
Evening Availability

Offices

New York, New York 10024

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My Approach to Helping

At Inside Psychotherapy, our team is warm and interactive.
I'm a therapist who enjoys conversing, and weaving creativity and humor into each session. As you talk about what is holding you back and where you are struggling, we'll look more in depth at how your thoughts are influencing your behaviors and choices. Along the way, we will also explore how you came to think and act the way you do as a way to understand yourself with compassion.
People often come to me proclaiming to be their own greatest critic. You may be shocked when you realize how you treat yourself, in ways that you would never treat someone else. We'll work on that too!
You may have "homework" from session to session, but not necessarily written like in school (unless that appeals to you). We're looking for ways to integrate more choices that will allow space for more joy, pleasure, and will get you closer to your goals.
You don't need to suffer to get where you want to be. Let's find out what brings you joy, and improve the overall quality of your life along the way.

More Info About My Practice

I accept UMR Top Tier insurance for Mount Sinai healthcare providers only.
I'm also a certified yoga instructor, and a dedicated yoga practitioner in the Iyengar method. I'm passionate about mindbody oriented healing and healthy living.
In addition to seeing clients individually, enjoy mentoring graduate students at Columbia University, and I own the group practice Inside Psychotherapy. You are welcome to reach out to me, or anyone on my team at www.insidepsychotherapynyc.com

My Role as a Therapist

As a therapist, my first role is first to listen. I will often reflect your issues back to you so you can hear them from another perspective. Very often when you are feeling stuck and unsure what to do next, you do already know the answer.

As your therapist, I will help you to reveal what you need in order to feel better. Sometimes this means I will challenge your self-talk and belief statements. You will feel deeply supported as you become more in touch with your true self and desires. Along with the challenges, I will enthusiastically cheer for your victories. I also expect, when appropriate, we will share some humor in our work together too.

How My Own Struggles Made Me a Better Therapist

I became a therapist after a decade long career as a professional performing artist. While I presented myself as the "picture of health," I later came to discover, through my own work with a skilled therapist and other healing professionals, that while I appeared healthy, I was not "well." My career was strong, but the physical and emotional demands of the business slowly wore me down until I became depleted.
As I built my health back up through psychotherapy, yoga, and other complementary practices, healing and wellness became my passion.
I have trained and worked in New York City hospitals on oncology and general medicine units working with patients at their hospital bedsides, as well as in outpatient clinics focusing on women's issues, acute and chronic illness, depression, anxiety, and adjustment.
I continue to study and practice a healthy lifestyle in my personal and professional life. My clients can be assured that I am a therapist who "walks my talk."

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Services I Provide

Ages I Work With

  • Adults
  • Elders

Languages

  • English

Groups I Work With

    Inside Psychotherapy clients include creative and performing artists, attorneys, architects, medical professionals, educators, parents of children with special needs, writers of books and composers.
    We have expertise in people living with physical disabilities, chronic health conditions, and injuries.
    We also specialize in people struggling with multiple anxiety themes, including health anxiety, decision-making anxiety, social anxiety, burnout, and many others.
    You can learn more about what we treat at www.InsidePsychotherapyNYC.com

Industries & Communities Served

  • BIPOC
  • Education
  • Entertainment Industry
  • First Responder/Medical Professionals
  • LGBTQ+
  • Professional Sports
  • Self-Employed and Freelance Professionals

Client Concerns I Treat

  • Abortion / Post Abortion Issues
  • Academic Concerns
  • Adjusting to Change / Life Transitions
  • Anxiety
  • Attachment Issues
  • Body Image
  • Breakup
  • Career Choice
  • Caregiver Issues / Stress
  • Chronic Illness / Disability
  • Codependency / Dependency
  • Communication Problems
  • Creative Blocks
  • Depression
  • Disability
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Emotional Overwhelm
  • Emptiness
  • Fear
  • Forgiveness
  • Habits
  • Health / Illness / Medical Issues
  • Inadequacy
  • Individuation
  • Learning Difficulties
  • LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) Issues
  • Life Purpose / Meaning / Inner-Guidance
  • Parenting
  • Perfectionism
  • Rejection
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
  • Self-Actualization
  • Self-Care
  • Self-Compassion
  • Self-Confidence
  • Self-Criticism
  • Self-Doubt
  • Self-Esteem
  • Self-Love
  • Shame
  • Social Anxiety / Phobia
  • Stress
  • Trust Issues
  • Women's Issues
  • Worry
  • Worthlessness
  • Young Adult Issues

Types of Therapy

  • Body-Mind Psychotherapy
  • Breathwork
  • Collaborative Therapy
  • Exposure Therapy
  • Holistic Psychotherapy
  • Integration of different therapy models
  • Integrative Body Psychotherapy (IBP)
  • Other - Not Listed Here
  • Yoga Therapy

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