Brianda Gosselin-Hickey

As a Chicana woman, I am inspired by my community’s resilience and tenacity. I have witnessed the struggles and lack of access to care my community has faced. That's why I chose to become a therapist -- I want to actively work against the oppressive systems that have left marginalized communities without access to care from people who look like them.

I became a therapist because I want to actively work against the oppressive systems that have left marginalized communities without access to care from people who look like the. I have a special place in my heart for autistic Latinx children and adolescents, but I work with all people who have historically been ignored and misunderstood. This might mean they identify as autistic, having ADHD, Latinx, LGBTQ+, or people of color. I create a space where every client feels heard, validated, and engaged. I often urge my clients to dive deeper into the meaning of their actions while amplifying the many strengths they carry. Clients gain a deeper sense of themselves, allowing them to regulate emotions and navigate difficult situations more effectively. There are times we find ourselves moving through life feeling disempowered. This experience can be distressing for anyone, creating self-doubt, anxiety, and depression. It takes great strength to be vulnerable and open to sharing your experiences with others. I admire your courage in taking the first step toward healing these wounds. I want to invite you to a non-judgmental, supportive space where we can work together on processing your past experiences and highlighting your areas of strength- so that you can find a renewed sense of balance in your life.

As a therapist, I am transparent, collaborative, and an avid learner. I work with my clients from a place of transparency, where I clearly outline the commitment required of them for therapy, policies, confidentiality, and costs. I want every client to have a clear understanding of the work we're undertaking together. In sessions, my clients and I work together to set goals and expectations. I often check in with my clients, asking them if the focus we have in our sessions aligns with their goals for therapy. I also am constantly reading, attending workshops, and learning from community advocates to educate myself on identities or experiences my clients may be encountering (e.g., systemic racism, transgender identity). By doing the work of learning about my clients, I spare them the burden of having to educate me.

I have experience working with, advocating, and learning from autistic folks --in personal, school, and professional settings. I have worked in a community-based agency supporting Spanish-speaking Latinas who experienced immigration trauma, domestic violence, and loss. I also have extensive professional training and personal experience in supporting people with diverse sexual and gender identities. With my eclectic background, I hope to holistically support each of your identities, whatever they may be. Along with practicing identity-affirming care in the therapy room, I am an Adjunct Lecturer at Hunter College and a co-facilitator for a Culturally Responsive Sustaining Education course within NYC’s Department of Education. My role in these positions serves as a vehicle for pursuing my vision of a future without systemic oppression and an increase in access to care. I’m now a proud member of the Resilience Lab mental health collective. Resilience Lab is the largest community of clinicians working collaboratively to produce better outcomes and improve mental health access.