Aliza Katz, LCSW

Owning our story can be hard, but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. - Brene Brown

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Aliza Katz, LCSW's style

Why Aliza Katz, LCSW chose to be in the helping profession

I've always been fascinated by stories—how they shape us, change us, and help us understand ourselves and others. I remember reading Matilda as a child and being struck by how her relationship with Miss Honey completely changed her life path and self-image. That idea—that by truly seeing someone and creating space for them to be themselves, you could help them rewrite the story of their life—grabbed hold of me and never let go.

Over time, I found myself drawn to all kinds of stories. I’ve always been the person constantly asking people about their lives, trying to understand their experiences and how they make sense of them. I love hearing about people’s daily routines—down to what they eat for lunch. I love when kids tell me abut the minutia of the school day. There’s something captivating about understanding how others move through their world, and what their daily rhythms are like.

As a therapist, I get to be part of that process—helping people explore their stories and reshape them in ways that open up new possibilities. It’s about being that person who says, “I see you, and I’m interested in your story”—and witnessing how powerful that simple acknowledgment can be.

Aliza Katz, LCSW's approach

I specialize in EMDR Intensives for trauma and anxiety. Essentially, I help people get unstuck so they can move on with their lives. I am a collaborative therapist and see myself as a partner in the healing process, rather than positioning myself as an authority with all the answers. In fact, a strong underpinning of my work is that the client is the expert in the room when it comes to themselves. I help my clients trust themseleves and lean into knowing what feels right and whether something is working for them or not. One thing I love about EMDR therapy is how it trusts the client’s brain to process and heal trauma by encouraging self-discovery and the formation of new, positive beliefs. As a therapist, I guide the process, but the client’s brain makes the necessary connections and associations for lasting change.

My approach to therapy is rooted in the belief that every person holds within them the capacity to heal and deserves to live an authentic, fulfilling life. I see each individual as a unique universe, shaped by their experiences, challenges, and strengths. I work with the whole person, understanding that their journey is deeply personal and influenced by the complexities of their life circumstances.

What you can expect from sessions with Aliza Katz, LCSW

In EMDR intensives, we begin by clearly identifying your goals and conducting a comprehensive intake, including assessments to track your progress. Before diving into trauma work, we’ll focus on building your emotional toolkit with essential coping skills to ensure you feel supported and prepared. When ready, we’ll process specific memories using an integrative approach that blends EMDR with sandtray therapy, expressive arts therapy, and play therapy (especially for children and teens).

Our intensive sessions, which run 2-3 hours, are dynamic and immersive—I often describe them as “therapy camp,” complete with art materials, sandtray activities, music, and even board games. While traditional EMDR therapy is always an option, many clients appreciate this interactive and creative approach. Through our work together, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your patterns, triggers, and strengths. Most importantly, you’ll begin transforming negative beliefs into positive ones, reclaiming your power as you create distance between past events and your present life. Along this journey, you’ll likely notice meaningful changes in your daily life and overall well-being.

In our women’s process group, clients engage in deep, present-moment work, cultivating a rich awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Through authentic interactions with other group members, participants explore how they impact others and are impacted in return. Members give and receive valuable feedback, gaining profound insights into relationship patterns, triggers, communication styles, and personality dynamics.

The group offers a unique space for women to develop greater self-awareness and experiment with new ways of being and communicating. This experimentation fosters more authentic living and helps transform relationships—with both oneself and others. The process group experience is deeply transformative, offering an environment for genuine connection, growth, and lasting change.

Aliza Katz, LCSW's experience working with the Jewish community

As a proud member of the Orthodox Jewish community, I bring both personal understanding and professional expertise to my work with Jewish clients. Since the beginning of my career, I have worked extensively within various Jewish communities, gaining a deep appreciation for the unique cultural nuances, values, and challenges that can arise in therapy.

My experience spans diverse Jewish traditions and backgrounds, enabling me to offer culturally sensitive care that respects and honors each individual’s specific religious and cultural context. This understanding allows me to create a therapeutic space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to navigate their personal journeys.

Aliza Katz, LCSW's Book Recommendation Zone

• Stop Missing Your Life
• Getting Past Your Past
• Brain-Body Parenting

Approaches

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• EMDR
• Expressive Arts Therapy
• Play Therapy
• Sand Tray
• Trauma Focused Therapy

Concerns

• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Life purpose and meaning
• Panic attacks/panic disorder
• Parenting
• Stress management
• Transitions & Change
• Trauma

10 years in practice

Licenses

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker by NY 2020. License number 089239-01

Degrees

• Master of Social Work by Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College 2016
• Bachelor of Arts by Touro 2014

Certificates

• Certified in EMDR by EMDRIA 2022
• Registered Play Therapist by Association for Play Therapy 2020

Affiliations

• Nefesh by Nefesh 2016-2025
• EMDR International Association by EMDRIA 2019-2025
• Association for Play Therapy by APT 2019-20125
• American Group Psychotherapy Association by AGPA 2025-2025

Average costs per session

$250 - $350

Payment Methods

• Cash
• Check
• Credit Card
• Zelle Quick Pay

Insurances

• out of network