Staten Island Counseling - BCS Counseling Group

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All of our therapists are Licensed, Verified and Background-checked.

Our Counselors are available to help with a wide range of concerns you may encounter during your daily life, especially in these trying times; Anxiety, depression, relationship problems, career decisions and many other emotional issues.

Christine Connelly

LMSW

As a licensed social worker, my goal is to empower you to become the best version of yourself. I am committed to giving my clients a safe place to be understood and heard. I have experience working with adults, adolescents, and children.

I have a person-centered, strengths-based approach with specialty in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I know how difficult it can be to make the decision to go to therapy, but we will get through this together. My background involves education, school social work, social-emotional learning coaching, counseling, and therapeutic foster care. Thank you for showing up for yourself. I received my Masters of Social Work from the College of Staten Island and completed a social work program in France during my graduate career.

Paul Ingentio

LMSW

I have been working as a therapist for 20 years. I have worked with individuals, families and groups. I take a cognitive approach in my therapy as it is my experience that most of us feel as we do, due to our thinking patterns.

Through working with me, you will learn how to change cognitive distortions to healthier thinking patterns. I have worked extensively with the adult population on issues such as chronic mental illness, relationship issues as well as gender identity issues. I have worked with transgender people as they go through the transitioning process. I work with my clients on becoming more aware of their strengths. In becoming more aware of their strengths, they are able to improve their coping skills as well as their self esteem. Together we will explore possible reasons why you are feeling as you are and work on healthy ways of resolving these issues.

Yelena Repka

LCSW-R

I believe the potential for healing exists within everyone and that individuals hold the answers to the changes they are seeking. Our work together will focus on creating a safe and supportive environment, recognizing and clarifying troubling and challenging areas, developing and mastering effective tools and strategies in order to affect change and improve wellbeing.

As a bilingual ( Russian/English speaking) Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Psychotherapist with 18 years of experience, I have worked successfully with adolescence, adults, and families who face a host of issues, including anxiety, depression, abuse/trauma, loss and bereavement, self-esteem, behavioral problems, relationship conflict, etc. I use an eclectic approach that fits with the needs of the client, including Client-Centered Model, Strengths Perspective, EMDR, and Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral Techniques to help my clients gain greater emotional freedom.

Ariana Galante

LMSW

My goal is to provide a space that is non-judgmental and safe. I aim to provide treatment that is specifically curated towards client’s individual needs by utilizing a multidimensional, holistic, and empathic approach so a state of stability and homeostasis is achieved.

I strive to aid my clients on their journey to a better sense of wellbeing by helping them develop appropriate coping mechanisms and abilities to face the inevitable stressors of life in a conducive and constructive way. I utilize a person-centered, cognitive, and mindfulness approach. My clinical experiences are consist of working with children, adolescents, & young adults. Area of focus: Anxiety & Depression, Self-Esteem • Emotional Regulation • Grief & Loss • Transitional Life Changes • Autism Spectrum Disorder

Samantha Otero

LMSW

My treatment approach is individualized and empathic to meet the needs of my clients. My style of treatment is a combination of insight-orientated and person-centered approaches.

I work closely with my clients to create a supportive and safe therapeutic alliance, in which a positive relationship is built and maintained. I work in an open, thoughtful, and collaborative way to help clients: explore thoughts, express feelings, and create goals. My clinical experience is in providing treatment to; women, children, adolescents, couples, and families. I believe the best way to see change occur for clients, is through self-exploration and self-acceptance. My therapeutic goal as a clinician is to help clients gain insight, understand their needs, and build awareness. Through this exploration we will work together to overcome struggles and create positive changes in your life. Trauma • Domestic Violence • Relationship Issues • Life Transitions • Depression and Anxiety • Grief • Peer Relationships • Self-esteem Issues

Giacomo Lucchetti

LMSW

I am committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental, supportive, and empathetic environment, which allows for a place where my clients can become unburdened of their stressors.

My therapeutic goal is to assist my clients in developing healthy coping skills, improving interpersonal relationships, and finding fulfillment within themselves. My clinical experience is working with children, adolescents, and adults. My approach is tailored to each individual client’s needs. I work closely with my clients to form realistic and appropriate goals and objectives to help make healthy life changes. I aim to use different therapeutic modalities to help a client achieve their goals, including cognitive behavioral therapy, supportive therapy, validation, and solution focused therapy. Depression and Anxiety • Life transitions • Interpersonal relationships • Grief • Trauma • Anger Management

Katie Heeke

LMSW

I am committed to creating a safe, supportive, and empathetic environment where my clients can feel comfortable expressing themselves.

I use a non-judgmental approach to form a therapeutic alliance with my clients where we can safely explore their thoughts and feelings, identify goals, overcome obstacles, and ultimately, improve their lives. My clinical experience includes working with children, adolescents, and adults, and my therapeutic style is both insight-oriented and solution-focused. I use a combination of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Relaxation Techniques and Mindfulness, Psycho-education, and Solution-Based Therapy, all while using a strengths-based approach. I am passionate about helping my clients achieve their personal goals and hope that they are motivated to work for the same. Area of focus: • Depression and Anxiety • Trauma • Self-Esteem • Anger and Stress Management • Bereavement • Life Transitions • Interpersonal Relationships

Desiree Salvaggio

MHC

I am committed to providing each of my clients with a space where they feel comfortable and safe to open up and explore their thoughts and feelings. My goal is to help each client achieve an overall state of wellness and develop their best sense of self.

My clinical experience includes working with children, adolescents, and adults, with a multitude of disorders, such as but not limited to, anxiety & depression, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and emotional deregulation. My treatment approach varies, because no two clients are the same, however, I utilize a cognitive behavioral and mindfulness approach. From my experience I believe that everyone, no matter what age, has the ability to change and grow, and only in the therapy space can that exploration happen. Area of focus: • Anxiety & Depression • Self-Esteem • Grief & Loss • Substance Abuse • Autism Spectrum Disorder • Anger & Stress Management • Peer Relationships • Transitional Life Changes

Eileen Moclaire

LMSW

Eileen has a wide variety of experience in many areas including child welfare, court cases, foster care, individual, family and group therapy. She is certified in cognitive behavioral therapy.

In addition, she has extensive experience in trauma, anxiety, emotional issues, substance abuse, addiction and depression. Eileen is very dedicated to her work and is comfortable with working with all ages. She believes in a solution based approach to solving issues and conflicts. While practicing she strives to provide a safe and comfortable therapeutic relationship as well as ongoing support that allows each client to have an active role in the process. Area of focus: • Anxiety • Depression • Life Transitions • Grief & Loss • Child/Adolescent Therapy • Trauma

Jacqueline Blake-Santiago

LMSW

I have clinical experience providing personal counseling to young adults coping with anxiety and/or depression, academic concerns, financial stressors, self-esteem difficulties, interpersonal and relationship issues, grief/loss, life transitions and other stress management.

I strive to provide a non-judgmental, safe, supportive and confidential environment for all clients. My gentle, committed and empathic persona will be present in every session and we will work together to achieve an overall healthy wellbeing. My treatment approach draws from a strengths-based perspective, while also incorporating Psycho-dynamic therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapies, supportive counseling, and mindfulness. Area of focus: • Anxiety • Depression • Relationship issues • Academic concerns • Transitional life changes • Building self-esteem • Grief • Vocational/ Employment difficulties

Ana Valerio

LMSW

I am a licensed social worker with years of experience working with adolescents and children with various life stressors. I am committed to empowering people of all ages to live their best life unburdened by the stressors life may bring.

I pride myself on creating a space where my clients feel safe to explore their feelings, hopes, dreams and fears in a non-judgmental and therapeutic approach. My therapeutic approach draws from a strength-based perspective, while also tailoring my approach to each client’s individual needs. As a clinician I believe that the client is the expert in their lives and together we can work to achieve their goals, make healthy choices and optimizing their feeling of fulfillment

Victoria Parascandola

LMHC

Victoria is passionate about treating individuals who have been stigmatized and marginalized due to their behavioral health issues. She specializes in addictions and trauma. She is certified in utilizing integrative trauma treatment and trained in EMDR.

Victoria also has experience with treating anxiety, depression, phase of life issues, relational concerns, family members of those affected by severe mental illness, and adult children of alcoholics. A Staten Island native, Victoria received her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the College of Staten Island, CUNY. She received her B.A. from Macaulay Honors College at CSI. Area of focus: • Addiction • Trauma

Eve Vaval

LMSW

Eve Vaval is a licensed social worker who has worked in the non-profit sector and the social services field for over 20 years. Eve is a well-rounded social worker who worked in child welfare, preventive service programs, and early intervention.

Her background includes leadership positions in non-profit organizations. Eve has vast amount of experience in working with all age groups and people with various mental health conditions. Her most recent work has been working with families experiencing stress from their caregiving responsibilities. Eve specializes in working with families.

Josephine Pereira

LCSW

Josephine Pereira graduated in 1987 and since then has dedicated her life to serving culturally diverse adults, young people and their families. She has conducted many individual, family, couple and group psychotherapy sessions in English and Spanish.

As a native New Yorker, she is aware of the multiplicity of challenges that are faced by residents of the urban environment. Josephine utilizes the impact of her patients’ culture, upbringing and environment in treatment. Her treatment approach is very eclectic and realistic in working with patients. She firmly believes in their ability to partner with her as their therapist to make positive changes. Josephine is influenced by theorists who practice behavior modification and cognitive behavioral therapy. Her goal is to enhance the patient’s capacity to locate the root causes of their difficulties and empower them through their strengths to problem solve and develop positive coping strategies. Sessions in English or Spanish.

Casandra Skomina

LMHC

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor who has experience providing individual, couples, and family counseling. I am well-versed in dealing with problems of childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, and parenting.

I specialize in treating a wide range of issues including anxiety, anger, depression, grief, crisis due to major life changes, and trauma. Therapeutic modalities I practice include Mindfulness, Cognitive-Behavioral-Therapy, Solution-Focused, Attachment-Based and Psychodynamic. My aim is to develop a safe and trusting relationship with each client, which I believe is the foundation needed to bring about healing and change. As a therapist, I encourage clients to develop greater self-awareness and mental wellness through an exploration of their life experiences.

Kristi Lucchesi

LMHC, NCC

Kristi has years of experience treating the chronically mentally disturbed population providing crisis intervention, individual and group therapy in inpatient and outpatient mental health centers.

Kristi branched out to providing individual therapy to children, teens and adults struggling with behavioral and emotional concerns impacting their daily life. Treatment approaches are evidenced based on the presenting concern of the client; but main modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psycho-education, Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered, and Motivational Interviewing. “I’m dedicated to embark on this journey to guide clients up the building blocks for improving their lives for self –satisfaction” Area of focus: • Schizophrenia • Mood Disorders • Eating Disorders • Trauma & PTSD • Depression • Anxiety • Self-esteem • Anger management • Behavioral issues

Ashley Matthew

LMSW

I am committed to providing a safe space free from judgement or criticism in order to help my client process any feelings or experiences that have had a profound impact on them.

I assist the client by helping them understand their overwhelming emotions and situations so that they can feel empowered to take steps towards meeting their goals. I provide services that are client centered as every individual is different and the approach and tools used in the session will be catered to the client’s specific needs, goals, and obstacles that are present. Sessions consist of identifying and processing emotion, emotional regulation, psycho-education, mindfulness, CBT techniques, and strength based approaches. Area of focus: • Building Self Esteem • Communication Skills • Emotion Regulation • Peer/Relationship Conflict • Problem Solving Skills • Processing Emotion

Ashanti Boston

MHC

My variety of experience ranges from child welfare, court cases, foster care, crisis intervention, individual, family and group therapy. Ashanti is dedicated to treating children and adolescents.

She has received both her Bachelor’s in Psychology and her Master’s degree from the College of Staten Island. Ashanti provides a safe, judgment-free and supportive environment for her clients in order to better assist them with any behavioral, emotional or social issues. Ashanti applies a variety of modalities to provide individualized therapy to each client, including existential theory, feminist theory, and psycho-education. Ashanti conducts sessions through an empowerment-based perspective to engage and motivate her clients in their own change. Ashanti is trained in an evidence-based therapy model called functional family therapy that is both reliable and validated through research. She also has experience with treating anxiety, depression, relational issues, ADHD, PTSD, and relational concerns. Area of focus: • Trauma • Child/Adolescent Therapy • Depression and Anxiety • Grief & Loss • Peer Relationships • Self-esteem Issues • Anger & Stress Management • Academic Concerns

Nikka DelaCruz

LMSW

As a licensed social worker, I have clinical experience providing personal counseling to young adults coping with anxiety and/or depression, academic concerns, low self-esteem, interpersonal and relationship issues, grief, and other stressful events.

I strive to provide a comfortable, therapeutic space where you can experience safety and support in a non-judgmental environment. My treatment approach draws from a strengths-based perspective, while also incorporating Psycho-dynamic therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapies, supportive counseling, and mindfulness skills. My warmth, empathy, and friendliness is present in every session and we will work together to create realistic goals and objectives to improve your well-being.

7706 13^th Avenue
Suite #2
Brooklyn NY 11228

(718) 232 8600

Schedule an Appointment

* All appointments are currently being held online.
When it is safe for in-person appointments, you can decide whether to change to in-person, or if you prefer, stay with online-counseling.

Anxiety
Depression
Low Self-esteem
Stress
Anger Management
Panic Attacks
Eating Disorders
Relationship Issues
Grief and Loss
Life Transitions
Postpartum Depression
Midlife Crisis

BCS Group is not an emergency or 24-hour service.

If you’re thinking about suicide, or are worried about a friend or loved one, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

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All of our therapists are Licensed, Verified and Background-checked.

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