Laura O'Keefe, Clinical Social Worker in Bedford Hills, 10507

Laura O'Keefe, MSW, LCSW

Profession(s):
Clinical Social Work, Psychotherapy, Counseling
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker

My Approach to Helping

SUPPORT, CARE, and CLARITY is what I have to offer to help guide you to a better place. I have over 20 years experience in the mental health field helping people with depression, anxiety, problematic relationships, painful emotions, trauma, low self esteem, substance abuse/addictions, codependency, and life transitions.

My approach is highly personable, thoughtful, and engaged. Patients often come to me in much pain, feeling overwhelmed, confused, and stuck. On top of their suffering, they are usually critical of their feelings and coping strategies. Such self-criticism works against the process of change. I will bring curiosity and compassion to my work with you so that we can begin to explore the feelings and ways of being that have felt intractable. Along with my curiosity, I bring a keen sensitivity to nuances and an appreciation for the complexity of each person's unique experience. In our work together, I hope to help decrease the distressing symptoms you are currently experiencing while also working with you to examine and change long-standing patterns that are causing you difficulty. Relationship difficulties are another central focus of the work.

Some of my work experience includes 8 years at New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center (in-patient treatment of personality disorders, depression, substance abuse). Other experience includes group facilitation at Bedford Women's Prison, and individual and family therapy services at outpatient mental health treatment centers in Manhattan and the Bronx.

I am a seasoned and intuitive mental health practitioner, so I am also adept at helping those who have already had a fair amount of therapy but need to return because of new challenges and/or old issues resurfacing.

More Info About My Practice

Take some time to read through my website and you will learn more about my clinical background and approach. You will also find helpful information about psychotherapy, therapy resources and topics.

I belong to the following Professional Organizations:
NASW
National Association of Social Workers
AAPCSW
American Association of Psychoanalytic Clinical Social Workers
ISSTD
International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation
NYSSCSW
New York State Society for Clinical Social Work
WITPP
Westchester Institute for Training in Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy
NAMI
National Alliance on Mental Illness
APA (DIV.56)
American Psychological Association Division 56 - Trauma Psychology

It is important that your therapist be a good match for you. I inform my new clients that they can meet with me for a first visit and then determine if they are comfortable and want to go forward.

Call for further information and/or a consultation 914-244-0715 -- or email me.
Laura O'Keefe, LCSW

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

I work mainly with adults, elders and late adolescents. I am adept at treating Anxiety and Depression, as well as helping clients to problem solve, change maladaptive patterns, improve self esteem, and have more fulfilling relationships. I also have expertise in treating clients whose difficulties center around trauma, PTSD, early childhood abuse, dissociation, and/or being raised in dysfunctional family systems. I am trained in EMDR therapy, which is helpful for treating and alleviating symptoms of trauma, anxiety, grief, and other painful emotions. For more info on EMDR, see www.EMDRIA.org