Joan Phillips, LCSW-R, Therapist for Women in Merrick, NY

LET’S WATCH YOUR LIFE CHANGE FOR THE BETTER.

Not many people around you may know it, but life has not felt good to you lately. Maybe you’re in a whirlwind, rushing in every direction to get things done. Or maybe you're standing completely still, feeling stuck and not knowing which direction to go.

YOU’RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE.

You’re ready for things to change, to find yourself and reconnect to a life that feels good (or at least doesn’t feel this bad). You want to rediscover your purpose and passion for life. You’re ready to talk to someone who will truly listen and not judge you while you sort things out.

I believe that…

WHEN THERAPY TAKES INTO ACCOUNT YOUR WHOLE SELF—MIND, BODY, & SPIRIT—IT HAS THE POWER TO CHANGE EVERYTHING.

I offer compassionate therapy for women who want more connection, clarity, communication & change. Our work together has the potential to transform your relationship with yourself, your loved ones, and truly change your life for the better. 

I love to offer a space where women feel supported, understood, and empowered. I go beyond the traditional ways therapy has always been done: I’m interactive, authentic, and teach you new skills so that you can experience newness and real change in your life.

I work well with women who…

ARE EXPERIENCING GRIEF OR A MAJOR LIFE CHANGE LIKE…

  • Struggling with self-doubt/worth

  • Empty nest

  • Getting married

  • Having a child or becoming a grandparent

  • Caring for a sick family member

  • Receiving a medical diagnosis

  • Dealing with divorce

ARE READY FOR THERAPY AND WILLING TO…

  • Attend weekly sessions

  • Be open to learning new things

  • Do the homework and practice what you learn during our sessions

  • Make small changes in the day to day so your life can change in a BIG way

My approach

  • I believe that therapy should be holistic, meaning that we are more than just our thoughts. Being a whole person means caring for your mind, emotions, body, and soul. My approach to therapy focuses on you as a whole person.

  • There’s a natural, human response that can ease suffering, and that is compassion. With compassion, we feel more connected to others and the world around us. We're kinder toward ourselves — which allows us to better care for ourselves. Compassion gives us the strength to deal with and heal from the hard things in life.

  • Mindfulness is simply being awake, aware, and present to each moment in your life. It sounds simple but it’s very profound. You cannot enjoy life or feel connection without mindfulness. I teach mindfulness so you can feel connected to your life, your loved ones, and yourself.

  • Many times people come to therapy as an individual person, even when the issues they face involve other people—like your partner, family member, or friend. I offer a space where the significant people in your life can join you in therapy (for a session or two) so things can truly improve and move forward.

NO MATTER WHAT YOU’RE GOING THROUGH, YOU DESERVE SOMEONE TO TRULY BE WITH YOU IN IT.

The therapy session is a place where I offer care, support, and understanding. As a therapist, my approach is very real, straightforward, and authentic.  Unlike some therapists, you’ll find I do more than nod my head supportively. In our first meeting I will ask you what you hope to get out of our sessions, and stay focused on what you are needing throughout our work. I have extensive training in various approaches and will use what works for you. I offer a balance of constructive advice, honest feedback, empathy, humor, and warmth.

What are sessions like?

At the beginning of each session we will check in on how you’re doing and you can share any updates from the week that feel important to you. 

Then we focus on the therapy work. Sometimes that looks like sharing a story and gaining more insight and clarity about how you felt and what you needed. Other times, our work is learning and practicing a new skill like breathwork, mindfulness meditation, or self-compassion exercises. This is new to most people, so it’s no problem if you feel silly or uncomfortable. I will guide you and I promise, if you do it regularly, you will experience amazing results.

At the end of the session, we reflect on the themes, insights, and lessons that have come up. We will talk about the week ahead of you and I will give you some practical “homework” to practice during the week. Remember this isn’t school and you won’t get a gold star—but practicing small things every day can result in a BIG change in your life.

    • Master’s of Social Work, Adelphi University

    • Licensed Therapist in New York & Florida

    • Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Use Counselor

    • Certified in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

    • Solution Focused Therapy

    • Registered Yoga Teacher

    • Reiki Training

    • Yoga4Cancer

A note from Joan

You are here because you’ve made a conscious decision to make your needs and desires a priority and to strive for a life full of joy and purpose in this world. It's time to honor your feelings by allowing yourself to dive inward and become curious about your reactions, behaviors, fears, and relationships with others. Putting yourself first doesn't mean you stop caring or helping others, but it does mean prioritizing what you need, starting to do things that bring you joy again, or trying something that has always been on your bucket list! 

 I am here to support you through every transition, hardship, and bump in the road for you to feel empowered and capable of reaching your goals. I encourage each client to embrace their life experiences, lean into vulnerability, and find the courage to live to their full potential in a way that feels safe and fun. With a background in yoga and mindfulness, I offer an authentic, gentle approach. I promote an atmosphere of comfort and do my best to accommodate each client’s unique process within sessions. 

I am confident In my ability to support you through this journey and establish ways to create boundaries so you can learn to respect yourself, your time, and your energy. Any intentional moment of connection with yourself enables more time and space for all the parts of yourself to catch up with one another, heal, and integrate. Be proud of yourself for taking this step today! This is the best gift to unwrap and discover the power of you.

Sincerely,

REIGNITE YOUR PURPOSE AND PASSION IN LIFE.