If you're here, you're ready.
WELCOME
Starting therapy is a revolution. Rather than subscribe to our own personal brand of status quo, we choose curiosity, courage, and empowerment. "What's working? What isn't? Can I look closely at myself with compassion? At the same time, can I challenge myself to move through life in a new way?" My work is to join you in yours. To guide you through this conversation with yourself and enrich it with clinical expertise. To help you access what's been difficult to reach on your own. To encourage movement where it makes sense. Above all, to support you with structure and deep care as you invest meaningfully in your wellbeing.
CLIENTS
I work with psychologically sophisticated women and members of the LGBTQ+ community who, despite their best efforts, feel stuck. Often known for their competence and charisma, it may not be apparent they've overcome early trauma, invalidation, or abandonment. They struggle privately with overthinking and intense emotions - fear, anger, guilt, shame. Dynamics with partners, family members, colleagues, or friends can be painful and confusing, with responsivity giving way to reactivity, then regret. It's hard to feel safe, and coping mechanisms like control, perfectionism, avoidance, and self-criticism sabotage intimacy and inner peace. Intelligent and insightful, my clients know there's more to life than survival; they're committed to self-actualization.
APPROACH
I specialize in synthesizing advanced, evidence-based interventions with attachment-focused, trauma-informed, and client-centered care. By strategically blending behavioral, cognitive, experiential, and relational modalities, I'm able to effectively target the specific problems my client population faces, facilitating both immediate, practical improvements and lasting, profound growth. Treatment frequently starts with problem solving, symptom management, and skills acquisition, then progresses to nervous system regulation, emotional experiencing, expansion of mindful awareness, and spiritual inquiry. My style is warm, direct, and collaborative, and my priority is creating an attuned therapeutic partnership in which you can thrive.
BACKGROUND
I earned my Master of Science Degree in Social Work, Advanced Clinical Practice, at Columbia University in New York City, where I was appointed to a fellowship in the DBT Training Program, founded with DBT developer Marsha Linehan. I completed a CBT-focused clinical field placement at David Szuster Psychiatry in New York City, followed by a placement at Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, Connecticut, working in the DBT Transitional Living Program and the DBT Intensive Outpatient Program.
I have additional clinical training in the following evidence-based therapies:
DBT Intensive Training through Behavioral Tech with the Linehan Institute, founded by DBT developer Marsha Linehan / CBT Essentials, CBT for Depression, and CBT for Anxiety at the Beck Institute, founded by CBT developer Aaron Beck / Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) with CPT developer Kathleen Chard / Fundamentals of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Externship in EFCT at the International Centre for Excellence in EFT (ICEEFT), founded by EFT developer Sue Johnson / Prolonged Grief Disorder Treatment (PGDT) through the Center for Prolonged Grief Disorder at Columbia University, founded by PGDT developer Katherine Shear
Before opening my private practice, I worked at Behavioral Psych Studio in New York City and Westside DBT in Los Angeles, where I treated suicidality, self-harm, and borderline personality disorder (BPD). In addition to my clinical work, I provide consultation, supervision, and training to other therapists, and I contribute expert commentary to publications including Newsweek and Everyday Health.
In my personal time, I enjoy skiing, yoga, live theatre, volunteering with animal advocacy groups, and caring for my three senior, special needs rescue pups.
NEXT STEPS
Trust in a therapeutic relationship is the single greatest predictor of positive outcomes. A great place to start is a complimentary consultation call. Please don't hesitate to reach out - I'd love to get to know you.
Carrie Covell, LCSW
Psychotherapist