My Therapy Approach

As a New York State licensed psychologist in private practice, I embrace and promote a collaborative, culturally-sensitive strength-based approach to therapy. I provide a safe, warm and compassionate environment where you can feel comfortable sharing your experience openly and honestly, without fear of judgement. I understand that we all go through unexpected challenges, and our sense of overall wellbeing depends on how we adapt to life’s curve balls. My role is to help you find different ways to respond to emotional, social or physical obstacles so you can feel more connected to yourself and others. You are the expert in your own life, and I recognize how important a trusting relationship can be in fostering healing and growth. Together, we can explore personal, professional or relationship issues that are troubling you and develop strategies to help you live the life you want. When you understand why you are struggling and how complex factors may be impacting different aspects of your life, you can take steps to find relief and feel more balanced and confident at home and at work.

I tailor my treatment approach to your unique needs and goals, helping you see that you are not alone, weak or broken and that healing is possible. Distressing emotions and symptoms – such as trauma, physical pain or discomfort, severe stress or panic attacks – can make it hard to focus on long-term goals. Together, we will create a plan to help you find lasting relief and develop practical tools that you can use to feel calm and in control when distressing feelings and sensations arise. By learning mindfulness techniques, such as breathing exercises and how to be present with yourself, you can better manage your thoughts and behavior, allowing you to focus on gaining the education, resources and skills you need to understand your situation, communicate your experience and foster a more peaceful, joyful life.

The trusting, therapeutic relationship we build together can serve as a powerful source of strength, giving you the space and support you need to take a risk and make a change. As an integrative therapist, I recognize that we all face social, economic and cultural pressures, and I accept you for the person you are now. Using an experiential and interactive approach, I can help you identify your strengths and incorporate them into your relationships or work. You can set concrete goals, learn to focus on what is going right in your life and recreate a healthy relationship with the physical, emotional or relationship challenges you are experiencing. As your therapist, coach and consultant, I will strive to help you unify all aspects of your life so you can reach your personal, professional and relationship goals.

In addition to fostering a trusting, supportive relationship, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other empirically validated clinical approaches, such as mindfulness, to help you put concrete changes in place. The way we experience events affects how we feel about ourselves and our experience, which then affects our thoughts and, ultimately, our behaviors. At Unity Psychological Consulting, I can help you acknowledge difficult or uncomfortable feelings while challenging self-critical or guilty thoughts. You can think about your situation with greater self-compassion, which can help you alleviate anxiety, anger and self-doubt and feel calm and in control of your decisions and behaviors.

I have supported clients in counseling centers, hospitals and community health centers, tailoring my approach to address a wide variety of presenting concerns, such as anxiety, trauma, infertility and stress in the workplace. While I have significant years of training in behavior change, human development and relational communications, I know that you are the driver in your own life and recognize that you are allowing me to be a passenger... I will work with you to understand the old road map that led to your current situation, and together we’ll draw a new, more useful map that can help you get to your destination. Through our collaborative counseling, coaching or consulting work, you can develop a greater instinct for the path that you want to take and how to get there.

Unity Psychological Consulting in New York City is conveniently located in the heart of Columbus Circle and is easily accessible by train or bus lines. I offer a range of daytime hours and can accommodate evening sessions or workshops.

If you are ready to start working toward meaningful and lasting change, or if you have questions or concerns about counseling, coaching or consulting with Unity, I invite you to schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation by clicking the below button.

Dr. Cristina Dorazio earned her Ph.D. at Columbia University, her M.A., Ed.M. and M.Phil at Columbia University and her Bachelor’s in Psychology at Fordham University. She is a New York State licensed psychologist and has trained in Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotion Focused Couples Therapy and other empirically validated approaches. She offers counseling, coaching and consulting for individuals, couples and organizations at Unity Psychological Consulting, her NYC private practice. She is bilingual and can conduct sessions in Italian or English.

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