Here to help.

I work with adults and couples who are thoughtful, capable, and often accustomed to handling life well, but have reached a point where their usual ways of coping no longer seem to be working. They may feel stuck, disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure of what they want, or they may find themselves repeating patterns in their relationships or work that they don’t fully understand. I also work with people navigating major transitions such as divorce, parenting, career changes, loss, questions of purpose, and the complicated process of figuring out what comes next. My approach is psychodynamic, direct, and deeply curious about what is happening beneath the surface. I help clients understand not only what they are struggling with, but why they respond to life and relationships in the ways they do. Together, we explore patterns, defenses, fears, expectations, and the stories people develop about themselves and others. I value openness and honesty in the therapeutic relationship, and I’m comfortable saying what I see when I think something may be important for a client to consider, even when it may be difficult to hear. At the same time, I want clients to feel that they can bring anything into the room without fear of judgment. My style is warm, engaged, and conversational, and I often use humor and playfulness to bring some lightness to difficult conversations and reduce shame around things that can feel hard to talk about. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in New York with extensive experience working with individuals and couples. My work draws from psychodynamic, attachment, relational, and differentiation-oriented approaches. I provide psychotherapy through my private practice, The Mindful Map Mental Health Counseling, PLLC, based in New York City. I offer therapy exclusively through secure virtual sessions to clients throughout New York State. My practice is private pay, with superbills provided for clients seeking possible out-of-network insurance reimbursement.

When we feel stuck in our lives, for weeks, or years, it can take a toll on us in ways we may not see. Time passes and we don't feel any further in our life. We're left feeling exhausted and alone in our pain. My name is Ryan, and I provide therapy for people who are looking to break free. Whether it's poor relationships, anxiety, depression, substance or process addictions, trauma, or a desire to deepen their connection with others, I help my clients find strength, flexibility, and compassion, returning themselves to the feeling of being whole. My job is to guide you through the things that have been holding you back in your life. I'm experienced in both modern and historical approaches; psychodynamic, attachment-based, internal family systems, addiction, and psychosynthesis. Regardless of the style of therapy, I specialize in creating safe holding for exploring emotional depth and healing.

I specialize in helping individuals overcome gambling problems, alcohol use, substance use, and the emotional challenges that often accompany them, including anxiety, depression, stress, shame, and relationship difficulties. My approach to therapy is practical, supportive, and focused on helping you create meaningful and lasting change. Drawing from evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, and relapse prevention, I help clients understand the patterns that keep them stuck, strengthen their motivation for change, and develop healthier ways of coping with life's challenges. I believe that for therapy to be effective, people often need to work through the obstacles that are preventing them from moving forward. In my experience, these barriers are frequently rooted in fear, shame, or pride. Whether it is fear of change, shame about past mistakes, or pride that makes it difficult to ask for help or be vulnerable, these obstacles can keep people trapped in unhealthy cycles. My goal is to work collaboratively with you to identify what is holding you back and help you develop the strength, confidence, and willingness to do the things that may feel difficult or uncomfortable. Recovery and personal growth often require stepping outside of your comfort zone, but you do not have to do it alone. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where you can gain insight, build practical skills, and take meaningful action toward a healthier, more fulfilling, and purpose-driven life.

You deserve a life of happiness and health. Together we can understand your life, then craft a plan that addresses the source of your stress. Are you overwhelmed, or unsure how to achieve your goals? Therapy is a powerful tool that can resolve the difficulties you face. It strengthens coping skills and self-esteem.

If you’re navigating anxiety, depression, or life’s transitions, stress can quickly become overwhelming. As an LCSW with over 10 years of experience, I offer a safe, grounded space to help you rebuild balance. My approach is warm, holistic, and tailored to you—integrating CBT, mindfulness, and strengths-based methods to look beyond symptoms and focus on how your mind, body, and daily habits interact. We'll build practical strategies using your natural strengths so you can handle life with more ease. I’m here to help you take that next step. Call for a FREE 15 minute consultation today!

As a mental health professional in the age of the new millenium, I would describe my approach to helping people as integrative and holistic. As a therapist, I think it is crucial to create a loving, safe environment for each individual. Then specific to each individual, I create a plan integrating cognitive behavioral techniques, psychotherapy, visualization, relaxation, EMDR, hypnosis and reiki. Together with the client, we create a new positive self-image that can completely transform an individual's life. As Nelson Mandela said," Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure".

My motto is, "Use your head and follow your heart." Would you like to relax, become less anxious and depressed? I teach stress management techniques and help people recover from traumatic experiences. Sometimes we'll laugh together. People I work with describe me as warm, concerned, available, and interactive. I am a licensed psychoanalyst as well as a yoga teacher registered with the Yoga Alliance and the International Yoga Therapy Association; I am experienced in helping people of all ages and backgrounds. Sliding scale referrals and some insurance plans accepted.

Life can often feel overwhelming, particularly when facing major transitions, daily stress, or ongoing emotional challenges. Many find themselves feeling anxious, stuck, or uncertain about the future. Therapy provides a space to delve into these feelings, helping you understand your situation, how you’ve arrived at this point, and gain a deeper understanding of yourself. I specialize in working with motivated clients navigating anxiety, relational and women’s issues, trauma, and significant life changes. My clients are looking to understand themselves better, overcome challenges, and lead more meaningful and authentic lives. If you're looking to better understand yourself and find ways to manage your challenges more effectively, I invite you to reach out. Let's work together to explore your strengths and develop practical and personalized tools. Contact me today to schedule a free consultation and see if therapy could be helpful for you.

Many of my clients come to therapy for help with relationships, and are frustrated that they repeat patterns but don't have an alternative. I believe relationships are central to life and I also know that much of what we learn about how to relate comes from childhood. Often we've outgrown certain ways of interacting, but it can be hard to know what or how to do things differently. My approach to therapy is collaborative and leans heavily on curiosity. I don't see therapy as a place to "get fixed" but a place to explore, learn, and embrace who you are. In order to do things differently, we need to understand ourselves, and this requires an open, non-judgmental a mind. Of course it can feel difficult and even scary to learn about yourself or discover new things, so I will work at your pace and refer to you as the expert on your experiences. I have great respect for our ability to heal and grow if given the opportunity and a safe space to do so. I believe we are all capable of living a life that aligns with who we authentically are, not the person we created to make the world happy.

*FREE ONE HALF HOUR EVALUATION SESSION *AWARD WINNING PRACTICE: "BEST OF 2018, PSYCHOTHERAPIST" *RESULTS THERAPY *LIFE COACH *BUILD A LIFE SKILLS TOOLBOX OF STRENGTHS. *PROCESS AND RESOLVE ISSUES. *WEBSITE: https:buffy-bernhardt-k52s.squarespace.com *5 Star Google Reviews ***RESULTS THERAPY: A PROGRAM THAT TEACHES YOU HOW TO ELEVATE YOUR LIFE. LEARN TO OVERCOME CHALLENGES THAT THROW YOU OFF. WITH PROVEN TECHNIQUES TO HJELP SOLVE YOUR ISSUES, YOU WILL LEARN TO CREATE THE LIFE YOU ENVISION FOR YOURSELF. ***INDUSTRIES SERVED: BUSINESS, ENTERTAINMENT AND ARTS, SELF-EMPLOYED, EDUCATION, MEDICAL, HUMAN SERVICES, SPORTS, GOVERNMENT, LAW, ETC. We process issues together, then build a life skills toolbox. These tools will help you successfully resolve issues and empower your life. From a heart centered, holistic perspective, (body, mind, spirit). I will work with you as a psychotherapist-life coach in resolving life's challenges in order to develop direction, clarity and personal inner strength.....and create the life you want. I invite you to let me help you heal your life. THERAPIST ROLE: With a gentle, and compassionate approach I create a safe space in which we can explore your issues together. Sometimes we can find ourselves in state of "stuckness", negativity, confusion, fear, with limiting beliefs that can prevent us from moving forward. My role as a therapist is not only to guide you through challenges and transitions in an inclusive and nurturing way, but also to provide you with a deeper understanding of behaviors and stories that may be limiting your resolution and growth, in order to integrate the many parts of your self and manifest a life of fulfillment. PEOPLE SEE ME FOR: Marriage counseling, relationships, all stages of life transition, bereavement, emotional, behavioral challenges, birthpregnancy, personal coaching, personal and spiritual growth, etc. INNER STRENGTHS: Engaging in an inner process while learning to access your "wiser Self" is part of restoring your life to one of harmony, empowerment and well being. As you journey into this process, you will access your greater potential and creative gifts that will serve you in this transformation. TOOLS FOR GROWTH: Insight is only part of the process. It is also important to learn new tools that help change and heal your issues. As you develop deeper insights into your circumstances, you will want to implement new behaviors, healthy thought patterns, while enhancing your strengths. Together we will explore your history, unpack insights and create a tool box of life transforming techniques that will help you develop new and positive ways to grow and cope with life's challenges. SESSIONS MAY INCLUDE: Each session is tailor made according to my client's needs. Discussion, processing, goal and achievement setting, stress reduction, mindfulness practices, meditation and guided imagery, affirmations, personal coaching and other holistic techniques that promote personal awareness, healing and positive growth. BUFFY BERNHARDT, LMSW Director of Nyack Center for Counseling and Coaching, is a HarvardFordham trained New York State licensed social worker: 25 years of advanced training and experience as a psychotherapist and coach. She has developed the "AWAKENED HEART SYSTEM" (based on how to heal, grow, empower yourself), incorporating numerous therapeutichealing modalities, including traditional and body-mind transformative techniques.

It is my passion and honor to provide higher-quality counseling sessions to a wide variety of clients from many cultures, religions, and ethnicities. The self-affirming goal during our counseling sessions is to provide you with helpful support and understanding for renewed health and optimism. Our enlightened efforts together also guide you toward finding paths to greater self-fulfillment in relationships, career and personal growth. Whether or not presently in counseling, perhaps you owe yourself, and your loved ones, the opportunity to invest in several special counseling sessions, which I can provide (917-992-5334). Our counseling sessions will provide valuable knowledge, feedback and unique tools for ascendancy in meeting and possibly even exceeding your life's goals. Although no guarantees can truly exist in counseling (or life itself), still, your choosing a talented, widely recognized and experienced counselor to guide you is most often the wisest, most productive and joyful choice a caring person can pursue. We, as caring professionals, know that self-empowerment and deeper interpersonal satisfaction (intimacy) are well-worth advancing in our lives. With compassionate and knowledgeable guidance, these worthy pursuits can often occur, and your personal growth can be refined further during the process of enlightened and effective counseling. In the interest of better serving your needs and practical concerns, I also specialize in providing short-term effective counseling wherever possible or desired by you. This is an efficient and economical way of moving forward your personal goals within 4 to 10 sessions. I welcome you to set-up a counseling-consultation session with me, at your earliest convenience, to explore your "personal growth plan" that will help us understand and resolve the most important concerns and issues in your life. I can assure you that I will give you the total attention, compassion, respect and helpful feedback (suggestions and strategy) that you deserve, as we start the process of productive counseling. For more information, please call me @ 917-992-5334.