![itsnotaboutusm](https://collaborative-people.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/itsnotaboutusm.jpg)
It’s not about us
We still feel it’s important for you to know who we are and what we do
Meet The Team
We believe it “takes a village” for a community to thrive. Our team took their experiences in education and life and created Collaborative to tackle even the most toughest of challenges.
Please feel free to search for your service, location or insurance provider. You may also book with a provider on their profiles below.
Sophia Berlin, MS, MHC-LP, CRC
Sophia: (She/Her) completed her Master of Science degree in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After enjoying many years in the south, she is excited to move back to her home state of New York. Sophia uses experience and insights to inform her work and feels fortunate to work with and learn from her clients.
Sophia’s concentration in psychiatric disabilities and rehabilitation counseling offered opportunities to gain experience working in various settings with diverse populations. Her experience in hospitals, specialized mental health clinics, and the VA Health Care system provided opportunities to develop her counseling skills and knowledge. She has experience working with developmental disabilities, chronic illnesses, posttraumatic stress disorder, substance use, self-injurious behaviors, anxiety, and mood disorders. While working with Veterans, she developed her interest in trauma-informed care and addressing co-occurring disorders. Over the last several years, she collaborated on evidence-based psychotherapy research and publications to advocate for access to informed care.
As a therapist, she strives to develop trusting relationships and offer a unique space for authenticity and support. She believes in the importance of recognizing individual strengths, while empowering self-awareness and growth. Her approach is relation-centered and integrative to incorporate modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Informed Care. Sophia uses an eclectic approach, which creates space to recognize different experiences and ensure therapy is accessible and effective.
Sophia could be described as an introverted extrovert. While she enjoys spending time with others and getting lost in conversation, she always carves out time to retreat to the comfort of reading a book on the couch. She is happiest near a body of water and swimming is her favorite form of exercise. Dog time is a staple in her life, and she enjoys any chance to get outside and explore new places.
Sophia Berlin, MS, MHC-LP, CRC
Psychotherapist
Sophia: (She/Her) completed her Master of Science degree in Clinical...
Frances Zhang, Ed.M, MHC-LP
Born and raised in mainland China, Frances (she/her) has lived in New York City for the past decade. She is a client-centered psychotherapist dedicated to empowering her clients to accept, honor, and find meaning in their everyday experiences.
Frances holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from New York University and earned her Master’s degrees in Psychological Counseling and Mental Health Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University.
She uses an eclectic approach in her practice, incorporating CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), MI (Motivational Interviewing), and EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy). She is certified in TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). Her unique style blends Zen Buddhism practices with Western psychotherapy, emphasizing balance and reflecting her own experiences in both worlds.
Trained in the heart of NYC, Frances has extensive experience working with a diverse clientele. She conducts sessions in both Mandarin and English, and adopts multicultural and Queer-and-LGBTQIA+ inclusive frameworks. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, anger management, and grief. She works with individuals, couples, and families, and enjoys addressing intimate relationship and family-of-origin challenges, especially within the AAPI, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ communities.
Frances is a good match for those seeking a therapist who not only listens, but also challenges, collaborates, and motivates with humor and compassion. In her free time, she enjoys walking with her furry Aussie-doodle son, “Chips,” under abundant sunlight!
Frances Zhang, Ed.M, MHC-LP
Psychotherapist
Born and raised in mainland China, Frances (she/her) has lived...
Hanni Flaherty, PhD, LCSW-R, CASAC-M
Hanni (She/Her) is a New York City-based Clinical Social Worker specializing in adolescents, young adults, and families. Over the past 10 years, she has worked with clients who struggle with a wide range of issues. Her areas of expertise include treating adolescents and young adults with family conflict, substance use, high-risk behaviors, self-harming behaviors, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, personality disorders, trauma, bullying, gender, and sexuality struggles.
Her practice uses a Cognitive Behavioral Treatment approach that takes into consideration each person’s strength and experience. She has a Ph.D. in clinical social work, an LCSW-R, and a CASAC. She is also trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Family Structure Therapy. In addition, she is a Certified Addiction and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) and New York State DUI evaluator.
Her treatment style encompasses open and honest communication to help clients achieve their goals through short-term treatment, long-term treatment, family therapy, and group treatment. Through the development of a strong therapeutic alliance, they work together to develop effective coping skills. In treatment, she strives to create a safe, understanding, and collaborative atmosphere where her clients can share their emotions and explore their struggles. They all have the ability to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Therapy should be a helpful force in achieving life goals and overcoming life struggles.
Hanni Flaherty, PhD, LCSW-R, CASAC-M
Founder & Social Work President
Hanni (She/Her) is a New York City-based Clinical Social Worker specializing...
Get In Touch
Start your journey today…
You must be logged in to post a comment.