Pamela Petkanas Psychotherapy, LCSW

My first career was in visual arts as an editorial illustrator in NYC. I have always been interested in social justice issues that have affected people’s stories of origin and how various systems have intersected with families and individuals throughout their lives. I chose to pursue a master’s in social work with a specialization in families and children from Fordham University and now have 14 years of clinical experience as a dialectical behavior therapist on an adolescent inpatient unit, a family mental health clinic, and in private practice. Additional training in internal family systems, the polyvagal theory, and accelerated resolution therapy (ART) for trauma reprocessing has given me many of the creative tools I use to maintain momentum during the therapeutic experience.

When meeting a new client, I want to understand what called them to take action at this particular moment in time. Where are they now? Where have they been? Where do they want to go? Asking for help can be hard and it’s a privilege to bear witness to that process. I want to create dynamic, validating, and collaborative spaces so clients feel both safe and excited to chart a new course together. Our lives are intersected by many different systems that can cause pain and pressure or bring insight and clarity. I work with clients to develop their internal positive resources and to create deliberate new practices to move through those pressure points. Using a variety of therapeutic tools and the latest research on the brain, I help clients to tune into body sensations and explore ways to self-soothe while showing them how to use the power of validation and self-compassion to heal emotional pain.

I am very excited to see the mental health field evolve with technology into widespread use of an online format for therapy. It makes clinical treatment accessible to a wider audience with more privacy, convenience, and opportunities for participation. Helping people access mental health treatment in a safe and environmentally friendly way improves options and further destigmatizes therapy. I am excited to be able to serve clients from all over New York state.