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.

Taiwo (She/Her) was born and raised in New York City, specifically in Queens and Brooklyn. She is a licensed mental health counselor and holds a master’s degree in mental health counseling from CUNY Brooklyn College. As someone who is voraciously curious and naturally empathetic, Taiwo has always had an ardent desire to understand the inner workings of the mind, which has allowed her to have vast experience in working a diverse demographic. As a first-generation Nigerian American woman, it has been Taiwo’s mission to provide access to those who are underrepresented with the tools they need to overcome their obstacles and heal from their pain. It has been her pleasure to serve those who need it and may not have the resources to access that help, especially because she has experience dealing with financial, racial and emotional hardships. She has provided adolescents and young and middle-aged adults with complex trauma, self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, personality disorders, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns in diverse clinical settings.  

In treatment with Taiwo, she utilizes an eclectic approach utilizing methods from EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), interpersonal psychodynamic therapy, CBT (Cognitive Based Therapy), somatic approaches, ACT (Acceptance Commitment Therapy) and MBT (Mentalization Based Treatment). She believes that one must be present with their inner experiences without shame or judgment to heal from past or present trauma, which is the proactive of mindfulness. Taiwo employs a collaborative and relational approach to treatment, ensuring that the client’s needs are in the forefront of the treatment process. She expels authenticity and warmth that allows the client to feel safe and attended to. Taiwo will work with the client to help them reach their goals, but it will be at a pace that is up to the client as she believes the session is about the client and their emotional safety.  

When working with Taiwo, she will challenge you to assist you in getting out of your comfort zone because discomfort, but with a safe space, is needed to grow and heal. She will also remind you to be kind and compassionate to yourself, as the practice of self-compassion is essential in her treatment process and to one’s healing in general. She hopes that the client will utilize these tools for the rest of their healing journeys.