Paola Gonzalez Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Paola Gonzalez, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, 1407605538 is practicing under the supervision of Keeley Teemsma (New York, LCSW, 081644) at Refresh Psychotherapy, LCSW, PLLC.

Please, note: A clinician listed as being “clinically supervised” is completing clinical hours toward their licensure. They have one or more fully licensed clinical supervisors that often have special training to become supervisors. They consult with their supervisor(s) on all of their cases, which means that, when working with them, you are getting the time and expertise of multiple therapists in your treatment.

A first session with me is a lot like having a detailed conversation. I'll start by introducing myself and giving you an overview of how things work at Refresh Psychotherapy. Then, we'll dive in. For about an hour, I'll ask you questions to get to know you better. We'll talk about your family, your health history, and what brings you to therapy at this time. We'll build on what we discussed during our initial 15- minute consultation and explore things a bit further. I'll also ask about your past experiences with therapy, if any, and what you hope for the future. My goal is to understand where you've been and where you want to go, so I can best support you. This session is all about laying a strong foundation, making sure you feel comfortable, and ensuring you're in the right place for the kind of support you're looking for. As we near the end, I'll open the floor to you. What questions do you have for me? What concerns can I put at ease? This is your chance to get a sense of how I work and if we're a good fit. Remember, therapy is a personal journey, and it's important you find a therapist who feels right for you.

My journey in mental health counseling began during my undergraduate studies at Queens College, where I majored in Psychology and minored in Student and Personal Counseling. During my time at Queens College, I had the opportunity to work directly with students, providing goal-oriented therapy and learning de-escalation techniques. This experience taught me the importance of meeting clients where they are and empowering them to achieve their goals. I also worked in homeless shelters across NYC, collaborating with medical and counseling teams on case management. These experiences opened my eyes to the diverse struggles people face and deepened my commitment to making mental health care accessible to all. Currently, I'm pursuing my Master's in Mental Health Counseling at Brooklyn College. As part of my training, I've completed a practicum at the Brooklyn College Personal Counseling Center. Here, I've conducted intake evaluations and provided crisis interventions, honing my skills in supporting clients during challenging moments. I've learned to stay calm under pressure and provide compassionate, effective care. My therapeutic approach is rooted in psychodynamics, with a strong emphasis on mindfulness. I believe in helping clients explore their past, understand their present, and build a stronger future. I'm particularly interested in trauma-focused care and integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles to promote lasting change. As a Spanish speaker, I'm dedicated to serving immigrant and Spanish-speaking communities, ensuring they receive the care they deserve. I work under the supervision of Keeley Teemsma, and I'm excited to support you on your mental health journey. Whether you're seeking support during a crisis, looking to understand yourself better, or wanting to build resilience, I'm here to help.