Justine’s passion for mental health comes from a genuine curiosity about people and a desire to understand the experiences, relationships, and environments that shape who we are. Growing up with a mother who was a social worker gave Justine an early appreciation for the impact that simply being there for someone can have. Her experience volunteering with children with disabilities through therapeutic horseback riding further inspired her to create spaces where people feel supported, understood, and accepted.

Justine believes that you should never have to feel like you have everything figured out before coming to therapy. She strives to create a space where you can show up exactly as you are, without judgment or pressure. Her approach is warm, empathetic, collaborative, and person-centered. She enjoys helping clients better understand themselves, work through difficult experiences, recognize their strengths, and navigate life’s transitions at a pace that feels comfortable for them.

Justine has a particular interest in trauma-informed and psychodynamic approaches, as well as identity, relationships, attachment, and cultural experiences. She believes that our past experiences, relationships, culture, and environments can all influence how we understand ourselves and interact with the world around us. She also appreciates creative forms of expression, including art, music, and animal-assisted interventions, and is interested in finding ways to make the therapeutic process feel meaningful and authentic to each person.

As a Dominican and Puerto Rican woman who grew up in New York City, Justine understands how deeply culture, family, identity, and community can influence our experiences. She is committed to creating a culturally responsive and inclusive space where clients feel seen, respected, and valued for who they are. She especially enjoys working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, immigrant, and multicultural communities.

At the heart of Justine’s approach is the belief that everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and accepted for who they are. She sees therapy as a partnership where your experiences and perspectives are valued, and where you and your therapist can work together toward meaningful change. Her goal is to listen with genuine curiosity, help you feel comfortable being yourself, and support you as you navigate your own journey.

Outside of counseling, Justine is a creative and curious person who enjoys music, film, and spending time connecting with others. With a background in film and experience working in music, creativity has always been an important part of how she expresses herself and connects with the world around her. She also loves exploring the many cultures and perspectives that make New York City such a unique place to call home.

Shiva’s interest in mental health began while growing up in Alabama, where she became aware of the stigma that can sometimes surround conversations about mental health and seeking support. These early experiences sparked her curiosity about psychology and a desire to better understand the experiences, relationships, and life circumstances that shape how people see themselves and navigate the world. She is particularly passionate about working with young adults, college students, and adults who may be navigating anxiety, self-esteem concerns, relationships, identity development, or significant life transitions. She understands that these periods of life can come with a great deal of uncertainty and pressure, especially when it feels like you are expected to have your future, relationships, career, or identity figured out. Her goal is to help clients slow down, better understand themselves, recognize their strengths, and develop greater confidence in the choices they make.

Her approach is empathetic, patient, and person-centered. She believes that therapy does not have to be about immediately finding solutions or having all the right answers. Instead, she values creating a space where clients can feel comfortable being honest, asking questions, and exploring their experiences without judgment. She draws primarily from person-centered therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), combining the importance of a genuine therapeutic relationship with practical strategies that can help clients better understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

As she continues to grow as a clinician, she is committed to learning and thoughtfully adapting her approach to each client’s individual needs. She believes that everyone deserves a comforting space where they can be honest about who they are and what they are going through. She understands that opening up to someone new can feel uncomfortable, and she never expects clients to have the perfect words or know exactly where to begin. Instead, she meets clients where they are and gives them the time and space to feel comfortable at their own pace.

Outside of counseling, she is a social and curious person who loves spending time with the people closest to her, exploring New York City, trying new restaurants, traveling, and discovering new movies and music. She also enjoys writing, practicing yoga, and finding humor in the everyday moments of life.

Her hope is that every client she works with feels genuinely seen, heard, and understood and knows that they do not have to have everything figured out before beginning therapy.