Sally Scheidlinger LCSW

The most pervasive theme I have found in my work with clients is negative self-talk. We often treat ourselves so harshly. Perhaps this began as a way to motivate yourself, using critical self-talk like, “How could you have been so stupid?” or “Stop being so lazy and get your work done.” Research shows self-criticism does not motivate us to do better. Self-compassion and kindness does. You may not feel ready or deserving enough to treat yourself with kindness, but we will work together to build that capacity and foster the tenderness you deserve.

While I serve as a general practitioner, I am particularly passionate about working with individuals who have experienced the sudden death of a loved one. As a two-time survivor of traumatic grief, I have an infinite well of empathy and compassion for folks suffering with tremendous loss. Grief is all-encompassing of the mind, body, and spirit. It is also so inherently lonely—you should not have to carry that burden alone. To experience the devastating loss of a loved one requires the most safe and nurturing place to navigate a new and terrifying world, and I am passionate about providing this. Everyone experiences grief in a unique way so my approach is individually tailored, spending each session tending to your specific needs on that day and in that moment.

• California, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW117937
• New York, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 092820
• Colorado, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, CSW.09928605

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in New York, California, and Colorado. I hold a Master of Social Work degree from Columbia University and have been working in the mental health field since 2016, leading community-based mental health teams, consulting, and working in private practice. I have worked in an array of settings including psychiatric inpatient units and frontline community mental health support, visiting NYC's most vulnerable for support during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. I was trained in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) in 2018 and have been practicing this evidence-based trauma therapy since then. It is also particularly helpful for individuals with negative beliefs about themselves. I also completed a yearlong psychoanalysis program at the National Institute of Psychotherapies in 2021 and a 4-month program on Internal Family System (IFS) in 2024. As the mental health field and human beings continue to evolve, I serve as a lifelong student and love sharing new insights and approaches with my clients.