My Approach
Many people feel like change isn’t possible. Others don’t know how to get started, or they end up focusing on a symptom, such as anxious thoughts, relationship conflict or work stress, rather than the cause of their discomfort, distress or dissatisfaction. At times, they might find that they changed jobs or relationships only to have the same problems arise. As a therapist and coach in New York City with extensive professional training and experience working with people from all walks of life, I’ve helped hundreds of clients who felt unfulfilled, helpless or hopeless embark on a path of healing, discovery and growth. I offer a warm, welcoming environment where you can explore challenges, goals and needs without fear of judgment. Through the counseling and/or coaching process, you can identify, better understand and address what you need to feel empowered and fulfilled. You can learn to set boundaries and foster the goals that will get you where you want to be in your life, relationships and career.
I understand how important the relationship is between a client and his or her therapist or coach, and I take the time—from our first communication through our final session—to foster trust, openness and equality. I will really get to know you and work hard to understand your unique challenges, needs and goals. My job is not to tell you what to change or how to think or act. Rather, it is to help you develop a structure you can use to set and accomplish goals, identify disruptive patterns of thinking or behavior and implement changes in a strategic, healthy way.
As we go through life, we are exposed to countless opinions and beliefs. And—whether those opinions come from family members, friends, coworkers or even strangers—it is all too easy to let other people’s beliefs impact the way we think or feel about ourselves. It can be hard to feel confident and empowered when you are trying to balance so many roles and identities, especially in a city as fast-paced and multifaceted as New York City. As an NYC therapist and coach, I understand the personal challenges that so many of us struggle with and the nuances of this culture. In the safe space of my office, away from all the noise, I can hold up a mirror to help you see yourself more clearly. When you get to know yourself and what it is you need to feel satisfied instead of focusing on others’ opinions, you can define how you want to operate in your life, relationships and career.
Sessions with Dr. Cicely Horsham-Brathwaite
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
Anaïs Nin
Whether we are meeting for in-person counseling or coaching by phone or Skype, I can help you implement meaningful and lasting change in your life. Early in our work, we will explore what specifically is troubling you and what you want to gain from our work together. Although this process will provide us with insight, insight alone isn’t sufficient to drive change, which is why I take an action-oriented, solution-focused approach. Based on your unique challenges, we’ll create a therapy plan or coaching strategy that helps you develop the practical skills and self-confidence needed to manage and even overcome stress and conflict in your life, relationships and career.
I often draw from psychodynamic theory, interpersonal process theory, multicultural theory and relevant career theories to help explore and conceptualize the issue or issues that brought you into my office. Then, using cognitive behavioral strategies, deep breathing and/or mindful journaling, I help you recognize and change negative thoughts and beliefs so you can feel more confident and make more empowered decisions.
I understand how difficult it can be to find a safe space where you feel comfortable sharing your opinions, beliefs, wants and needs without fear of judgment or criticism. Women are often expected to deal with stress or dissatisfaction quietly and on their own. And, such culturally ingrained beliefs can be even more pronounced in the workplace. If you have concerns about your career, I offer a battery of career tests to help identify interests and expand the field of professional options and opportunities. You can see your potential and feel supported as you take steps to find your ideal career and/or relationship and foster greater work-life balance.
I know that my approach isn’t the right fit for everyone. However, my personal and professional training make me uniquely qualified to help many of my clients find healing, career satisfaction and personal growth. I understand the challenges that come with balancing different roles, whether they be as a worker, a leader or a member of your family or community. And, I firmly believe that with the right guidance and support, we are all capable of engaging the world in ways that allow us to feel good about our relationships, our career and ourselves.
If you are ready to foster more passion and a greater sense of confidence and satisfaction in your life, relationships and/or work, or if you have additional questions about coaching or counseling in New York City, I invite you to call me at (516) 647-1712 or use my online calendar to schedule a free, 15-minute phone consultation.
