Paula S. Gilbert, LMHC
Are you searching for compelling alternative answers to address your health and happiness? Has traditional ‘talk therapy’, medication, or inside-the-box thinking lost its appeal to you? How long have you been trying to muster the courage to live the life you desire? You don’t have to struggle and spend four decades doing experiential research like I did. We will work together and navigate the path to your true self. Along the way you will feel supported, calm, clear and energized.
At 19, I was in my sophomore year of college studying psychology at Boston University. I was grieving a breakup with my first love. I moved to a University apartment with a roommate who became severely depressed and dropped out of school. Obviously, my Abnormal Psych textbook was not enough to help either of us. I also left school and knew of no one who could intervene as I sank deeper into despair. Back at home in New York City, an Upper East Side psychiatrist recommended that I hospitalize myself, which I did. This experience opened my eyes to the reality of mainstream treatment, and my heart to what people need. It opened the door to my personal journey and unique psychotherapy practice.
The difficult parts of our lives often lead to amazing places. My time with depression propelled me into a search for the keys to wellness and happiness. I have gone beyond academic psychology and counseling to study with innovators in the fields of massage and bodywork, spirituality, yoga, nutrition and psychotherapy.
In the 40 years since my struggle, a greater public awareness of mental health exists. Unfortunately though, people are not aware of the alternatives to standard treatment. The psycho-pharmaceutical industry with their multi-billion dollar advertising budgets hold a powerful claim on both the medical system and the consumer’s attention. But we know from research that there is no substitute for good psychotherapy, especially multi-faceted holistic psychotherapy.
If you feel moved by what you are reading, you have arrived. You know that the life you seek is meaningful, authentic, relational, enjoyable. I am eternally passionate about helping women like yourself explore, heal and transform. As women, we do and deserve so much. I’m always excited to see you stretch beyond your perceived limits and blossom into your full potential.
Education and Credentials
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology, Boston University, 1980
- Licensed Massage Therapist, State of New York, 1997
- Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, Long Island University, 2002
- Certificate in Gestalt Psychotherapy, Gestalt Center of Long Island, 2006
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor, State of New York, 2006
- 200-hour Yoga Teacher Certification, Awaken Yoga and Meditation Center, 2014
Ongoing Studies
- Internal Family Systems work of Richard Schwartz, Ph.D.
- Strategic Intervention Coaching as taught by Mark and Magali Peysha
- Couples Counseling with Terrence Real, founder of Relational Life Institute
