Linda SantanaLMHC, LPC

Although therapy can seem like a scary experience, its really not. The best way to know what therapy is like is to give it a shot because you have nothing to lose once you start. Yes we hear so many stories from other people but their experience does not depict how it will be for you. Plus, if you do not vibe with your therapist then guess what? You can always find someone else that might be a better fit because that happens sometimes. The way I work is I try my very best to give everyone the best experience possible in the first session and then go from there. How do I do that you ask? By getting to know you! =)

I love answering this question to be honest! We all have struggles and have had difficulties in life, even us professionals believe it or not! We are not perfect at all and do not live perfect lives. I have recognized that my struggles with depression and anxiety have helped me help others who struggle with these two in particular. I am not ashamed saying I've have had these difficulties in my life, so I can understand what it's like to feel "being stuck in a hole" or "feeling debilitating fears," etc.

I am very personable and interested in what my clients tell me. I am an upbeat person but not in the overpowering sense and have a great sense of humor at times (when appropriate). If you are feeling down and anxious, we will see what can be done to work through that. If you are excited about something that happens in your life while we are working together, I will be in that excitement with you as well. I like to call myself my clients cheerleader because I am here advocating for you and to believe in you even when you don't believe in yourself.

• New York, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, 006306
• Pennsylvania, Licensed Professional Counselor, PC008377

I have had great opportunities working in different mental health settings from community mental health clinics into private practice. I have also had supervisors who utilized different therapeutic methods who I trained under which helped me help my clients better. My master's program was based heavily on CBT, otherwise known as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Although I was trained in CBT, I utilize more of an eclectic approach when working with my clients. I like to use different therapy methods as I feel this is the best approach when trying to help everyone reach their therapy goals. Not only do I do therapy in English, I also do it in Spanish as well.