My Approach
About Me
I firmly believe that change is possible for anyone. Given the right timing, sense of curiosity and connection, all of us have the capacity to dig deep and become the most authentic version of ourselves possible. I aim to live by this philosophy both as a therapist and through my growth as an individual.
My Background & Clinical Experience
As a licensed social worker, I was initially trained in behavioral therapies, spending the early part of my counseling career working with families in the criminal justice system. From this, I developed a strong skill in connecting with clients, building upon their strengths and tapping into the values they want to live by. I also spent over five years volunteering at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn, advocating for and supporting people in the emergency room who experienced sexual and domestic violence. This experience fueled my passion for trauma-informed healing with clients.
I like to work from an integrated, strengths-based approach, seeking collaboration with my clients. I am an active therapist, deeply curious and ask questions to stimulate the growth process.
The foundation of my work is tied to unmet needs, wherein clients are taught to build self-awareness around their most authentic values and desires. Whenever they’re “stuck,” my job as a therapist is to bring clients’ awareness back to themselves, exploring where the brain and body may be out of sync. Once we connect the dots on an analytical level we’ll focus on the body, where emotional pain can be meaningfully experienced and released.
IFS (Internal Family Systems) and psychodynamic therapy are two of my practice’s most commonly used approaches. I also use the powerful method of Brainspotting and EMDR to unleash and resolve stored trauma in the body. The integration of behavioral approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are helpful in creating present day goals and interventions that can be implemented outside of the therapy room.
I aim to approach mental health through an anti-oppressive lens and am mindful of the power and privilege that I carry into the therapy room. Accessibility to therapy is something that I value and want to create space for in my practice. For this reason, I am dedicated to keeping my services flexible and accessible. Beyond making room in my schedule for insurance-based clients, I’m pleased to partner with Backline, which connects music industry professionals to mental health services. I also offer sliding scale rates for clients based on the green bottle approach. If you have the means to offer more on the scale, then it can open up space for those who are financially limited.
My Creative Background
I moved to NYC in 2012 and fell in love with the DIY music scene. I started a band which gave me the opportunity to tour the country countless times and meet amazing people along the way. As a musician, I know what it’s like to find joy and purpose in creating—and what it’s like for that joy and purpose to be overshadowed by self-doubt. Even after a decade into my music career, I still struggle with elements of imposter syndrome, unhealthy comparison, and creative blocks. With mindfulness and compassion, I continue to embrace my identity as an artist, imperfections and all.
When I’m not working, I love supporting fellow musicians and artists in Brooklyn. I enjoy going to shows and engaging with like-minded creatives, always finding new ways to connect with others. You can find me bike riding through the city, enjoying the (good) weather when we have it and absorbing nature when I can.
Mindful Self Begins Here
My tailored combination of IFS, Brainspotting, and psychodynamic therapy allows the couples and individuals I work with to achieve profound healing on every level of mind, body, and spirit. To find out more about how I can help you, let’s connect.
Nicole Sisti is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) serving clients throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the outer boroughs. After receiving a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College in 2011, Nicole went on to pursue a licensure in social work from Hunter College in 2012. In addition to being trained in Brainspotting, EMDR and EFT Nicole is a CAMBA-certified sexual assault advocate.
