Lauren Mistretta, LMHC
Psychotherapy

Individual Therapy 

​

Self-awareness is one of our greatest tools for personal growth and change. I provide a safe and welcoming environment to promote curiosity and self-reflection in individual therapy. Sessions are typically 45-60 minutes long. These sessions will provide insight, support and practical feedback. People seek individual therapy for a variety of reasons, some of which include a desire for self-exploration, navigating life transitions, relationships issues, and work stressors. While many come to therapy with a specific concern or area they'd like to address, others do not - and that is okay too. No issue is too small. Together we can identify what you'd like to work on and get out of your time in therapy. 

 

Couples Counseling

​

Whether it's to strengthen or repair the relationship, couples counseling is highly valuable. Couples sessions are typically 60 minutes on a weekly basis. Couples come to see to me for premarital counseling, to help improve communication, conflict resolution, family dynamics, feelings of disconnection, and address any negative cycles present in the relationship. Using specific techniques I help partners work towards secure attachment and healing. 

Depression

​

While it is not unusual to experience changes in mood when dealing with various life events and stressors, not wanting to get out of bed, withdrawing from friends, and changes in appetite or sleep for prolonged periods of time can be signs of clinical depression. Depression can affect anyone - even those living in relatively ideal circumstances. It can impact one's thinking patterns and physical health, at times making even the simplest activities feel impossible. Although feelings of shame can result in a reluctance to seek help, the support of others is highly valuable in the treatment of and recovery from depression. I help clients understand their history and target negative thought patterns and beliefs linked with feelings of depression. 
 

Anxiety 

​

Anxiety looks different for everyone. It may present as difficulty sleeping, physical tension in your body, mood swings, irritability, procrastination, avoiding potentially fun activities, or constantly feeling overwhelmed in social situations. I work with clients to understand the root causes of their anxiety, address underlying thought patterns, and offer concrete coping strategies to reduce symptoms consistently over time.   

 

Relationships

​

Maintaining supportive and healthy relationships with others is an essential part of our emotional well-being. I help clients better navigate their interpersonal relationships. These include relationships with family and friends, romantic and professional relationships. Our sessions will emphasize the development of relational awareness. Oftentimes, this work involves communicating needs, boundary setting or processing a history of past relational wounds.
 

Self-Esteem

​

We all have times when we lack confidence and don’t feel good about ourselves. However, when low self-esteem becomes a chronic issue it can have negative effects on one's mental health and day-to-day functioning. Critical self-talk, avoidance of social situations, and feelings of shame are all ways in which low self-esteem can manifest. I help clients struggling with confidence issues and self-doubt move towards a place of realized self-worth and acceptance. This often involves identifying the underlying beliefs linked with low self-esteem and developing healthier narratives promoting understanding and self-compassion.

 

Perfectionism

​

The strive for perfection is something many can identify with, especially living in the competitive North East. Today, growing numbers of people are struggling to attain unreachable ideals. Layered with harsh levels of self-criticism and self-defeating behaviors, this drive toward perfection can contribute to serious mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, perfectionism is often mistakenly seen in our society as desirable or even necessary for success. However, studies show that perfectionistic attitudes actually interfere with success. The desire to be perfect can both rob you of a sense of personal satisfaction and hinder your growth. I help clients uncover the root of these expectations and understand how they affect their daily functioning. Together we will work towards unconditional, rather than conditional acceptance and self-worth, as well as establish healthy goals to set you up for success.

 

Life Transitions

​

Change is hard. No matter our age, transitions can be overwhelming and can have significant effects on our mental health and daily functioning. Wherever my clients are in their journey, I provide support to help them feel more stable and secure during these times of change. 
 

Work and Career

​

Work can be a significant source of stress for many individuals, especially for young professionals living and working in NYC. Whether it's trying to get the promotion or trying to find your work life's purpose, it can take up a significant amount of time and mental space. I offer insights to help clients better understand their narrative around work, find balance and increase confidence needed to meet their professional goals. 

​

​