Sabina Kuc-Naser LMHC

I love the increased accessibility that we have been seeing lately. With a better access to telehealth a lack of transportation, child care or a bad weather day doesn't mean you can't have your session. Telehealth allows us to connect with clients that otherwise wouldn't be able to keep up with their appointments. I think of a new mom struggling with postpartum depression without childcare that can have her session while baby is napping. I think of a different able body person who uses wheelchair and not having appropriate access to therapy offices. I think of a person working two jobs and being too tired to go to another appointment but could meet from the comfort of their own home. The more people we can reach, the more people we help the better we will fight the stigma as well.

I believe there are two equally important components of the therapeutic relationship and they are trust and safety. A safe and trusting relationship will help you explore and learn about yourself in a way that is healing and transformative. When we feel safe in a relationship we let ourselves be who we are. Its only when we feel safe that we can unpack our deepest fears, dreams, regrets, pains or anything else that is holding us back. Trust and safety needs to be nurtured from start till finish of the therapeutic relationship.

The most recurring theme that I've noticed in my work thus far is people's resilience and ability to bounce back. Even when people hit a very rough spot and day after day struggle with challenges with the right support they can bounce back. I witnessed people build their lives back and love who they are even after years of struggles and pain. We are often reminded what we can't do but I love to remind my clients what they can do. I love to help my clients rediscover their strengths and abilities and that's a consistent guide of my approach.

• New York, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, 008067-01

My journey as a mental health counselor started at a social service agency where I have worked for over six years. I have worked with individuals who live with chronic stress that often leads to anxiety and depression as well as kinship caregivers of minors going through adjustment and often parenting for the second time around. While working with individuals of different age groups I often encountered grief and loss as one of the main life adjustments and challenges. Through my experience I've learned that human resiiliance and ability to heal are two invaluable assets that we all posses. It is with the right support that we stand up and grow stronger. These experiences have greatly shaped my therputic style and approach.