Irina

My Favorite Quote

"Joy, collected over time, fuels resilience - ensuring we'll have reservoirs of emotional strength when hard things do happen." - Brene Brown

Specialties

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Stress
  • Grief
  • Women's Issues
  • Sports Performance
  • Self Esteem
  • School Issues
  • Relationships
  • Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
  • Parenting
  • Mood Disorders
  • LGBTQ
  • Life Transitions
  • Family Conflict
  • Coping Skills
  • Behavior Issues

Get to Know Irina

Therapist | LCSW

I believe that healing happens in relationship and in community. As a trauma-focused, relational, and eclectic therapist, I honor and value the individual in front of me and strive to meet them wherever they are in their journey. I partner with my clients and flex my approach depending on their needs. Together, we can create a safe and brave space where you can begin to let go of survival skills that may no longer be serving you and replace them with healthier coping tools. I whole-heartedly believe that recovery and healing is possible, and that resilience is like a muscle that can be developed and strengthened with intentionality, resources, and support.

In addition to cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic approaches, I incorporate expressive arts, play, music, movement, yoga, breathwork, mindfulness, and a deep understanding of how trauma impacts the brain and body to create a holistic whole-body approach to therapy. I am trained in Trauma-Focused CBT, CBT for Depression/Anxiety, the Sanctuary Model, Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, and Circle Practice.

My Professional Background

I have 13 years of experience in the social work field, working with children, youth, and families impacted by mental illness, trauma, and other life stressors. I have supported families in the aftermath of a disclosure of abuse and neglect, navigated multidisciplinary teams and large social service systems, and worked with youth in the foster care system, as well as their birth parents and foster families. Additionally, I have loved working with survivors of teen dating violence and intimate partner violence. Furthermore, I have extensive experience with developing and sustaining trauma-informed agency cultures and have trained approximately 2000 social service professionals on topics related to trauma, PTSD, complex trauma, vicarious trauma/burnout/compassion fatigue, and trauma stewardship. I am always working on strengthening my practice of cultural humility (which goes hand-in-hand with trauma-informed care.)

Education, Training, and Certifications

  • BA in Psychology and Sociology from SUNY Binghamton
  • MSW from Columbia University
  • TF-CBT
  • The Sanctuary Model
  • CBT for Depression and Anxiety
  • Play Therapy
  • Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention
  • The Art of Hosting Conversations that Matter
  • SIFI Certification
  • Therapeutic Crisis Intervention

Fun Facts

I am mission-driven and a compassionate facilitator; I try to use my values of connection, integrity, and trauma stewardship as a guide in all things, and when that doesn’t work, I try to take a breath and reconnect back to them. I am a relatively new mom, navigating all the identity changes that entails while wrangling an adorable and Opinionated ™ toddler who has stolen my heart (and sometimes my sleep). I love good stories, good chocolate, good adventures, and anything that gets my body moving (dancing, yoga, laughter). Talk to me about Buffy, Insecure, Veronica Mars, Encanto, Brene Brown, cats, podcasts, being in nature, and of course, parenting.

Leave a comment

Schedule a Free Consultation

During the consultation you and one of our Clinical Coordinators will discuss why you’re interested in starting therapy or coaching, and review your goals. We can also answer any questions you may have about our services. Consultations are by secure video conferencing session, or by phone.