Daniel Shabtai

Daniel Shabtai's style

Why Daniel Shabtai chose to be in the helping profession

Hi, I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor based in New York City. I specialize in supporting adults navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and chronic illness. Whether you’re feeling burned out from work, struggling in your relationships, or living with the challenges of ongoing physical illness, therapy can be a space to reconnect with yourself and move toward the life you want. My approach is collaborative and flexible, drawing from mindfulness practices, Person-Centered psychotherapy, and traditional psychodynamic therapy. Above all, I aim to create a space that feels genuine and human—where you can speak freely, reflect deeply, and feel truly heard.

In our sessions, I like to keep things conversational and natural rather than overly formal or clinical. I believe that real connection and growth happen when we can show up as ourselves, and I strive to do the same as a therapist. My background in the Orthodox community and my education at Yeshiva University and Touro College continue to inform my understanding of identity, faith, and resilience. Currently, I’m pursuing a doctorate at Pace University, where my research focuses on stress and how we respond to it—work that deepens and continually shapes my clinical practice.

Daniel Shabtai's approach

My approach to therapy is rooted in the Person-Centered, or Rogerian, tradition. I believe that the relationship between client and clinician is at the heart of meaningful change. When trust and genuine connection are present, therapy becomes a powerful space for growth, understanding, and healing. I aim to meet each person where they are, to listen deeply, and to understand them within the full context of their life—their values, relationships, struggles, and hopes.

I strive to bring authenticity and warmth into every session. I’m often direct and unafraid to use humor when it feels right, because I believe therapy should feel human and real. My goal is to create an environment where you can explore openly and honestly, without judgment, and feel supported as you begin to make sense of your experiences. Ultimately, I see therapy as a collaborative process—one that’s guided by empathy, curiosity, and genuine respect for your unique story.

What you can expect from sessions with Daniel Shabtai

You can expect a nonjudgmental and open-minded space where we’ll work together on whatever challenges or goals you bring to therapy. I believe that real progress often happens through small, consistent steps, and I aim to help you break things down into manageable pieces so that growth feels possible and sustainable. In our sessions, we’ll explore not only what’s difficult but also what’s meaningful and motivating to you, so that change feels grounded in your own values and vision.

My style tends to be a bit more informal than what you might expect from therapy—more conversational and relaxed, yet still intentional and focused. I want you to feel comfortable being yourself, without pressure to say or do things a certain way. Together, we’ll navigate the process at your pace, with curiosity, humor, and respect for your individuality.

Daniel Shabtai's experience working with the Jewish community

I grew up in a Modern Orthodox community in Brooklyn and attended Jewish schools from first grade all the way through college, where I graduated from Yeshiva University. My upbringing gave me a strong sense of community, tradition, and identity, while also shaping my understanding of the unique challenges that can arise when navigating personal growth within close-knit or faith-based environments. This background continues to inform my work as a therapist and allows me to connect with clients who share similar experiences or values on a deeper, more authentic level.

Approaches

• Mindfulness and Meditation
• Person-Centered Therapy
• Positive Psychology
• Psychoanalytic Therapy
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
• Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

Concerns

• Addiction
• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Blood Pressure Concerns
• Cancer
• Candida
• Chronic illness
• Dating
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Divorce/Separation
• Drug/Substance Abuse
• Emotion regulation
• Insomnia & sleep issues
• Mood Disorders
• Pain Management
• Parenting
• Personality issues & disorders
• Relationships
• Self-Harm/Suicidality
• Sexual health & dysfunction
• Transitions & Change
• Trauma

5 years in practice

Licenses

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor by New York 2021. License number 011801

Degrees

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor by Touro College 2018
• Doctor of Philosophy by Pace University 2024

Average costs per session

$175 - $200

Payment Methods

• Credit Card
• Venmo