Eli Portal, LCSW

Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Eli Portal, LCSW's style

Why Eli Portal, LCSW chose to be in the helping profession

To me, there is nothing more meaningful than sitting with someone who feels stuck or is struggling and helping them navigate through that space. Being invited into some of the most vulnerable moments of a person's life is both a privilege and a responsibility that I don't take lightly. I feel fortunate to be able to walk alongside people during times when they may feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or disconnected from themselves or the people around them. Creating a space where someone can slow down, feel understood, and begin to make sense of what they are experiencing is work that I find deeply meaningful.

I've always been especially drawn to relationships and relational dynamics. I find it fascinating how our experiences, attachments, and interactions shape the way we see ourselves and the people we love. Helping individuals and couples better understand those patterns, recognize what may be getting in the way, and create healthier, more fulfilling relationships is incredibly rewarding to me. I genuinely feel fortunate to be in a profession where I get to spend my days doing work that I love and find deeply meaningful. For me, it's more than a career. It's a privilege to support people as they grow, heal, and build the lives and relationships they want.

Eli Portal, LCSW's approach

My approach to therapy is rooted in the belief that every person deserves to feel understood, respected, and accepted. I strive to create a warm, authentic, and collaborative environment where clients feel safe exploring the parts of themselves and their lives that may be difficult to talk about. I want therapy to be a place where you can come as you are, without feeling judged or needing to have everything figured out before you walk through the door. From there, we can begin to understand what you're experiencing and what may be keeping you feeling stuck.

While I draw from a variety of evidence-based approaches, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Attachment Theory, Internal Family Systems (IFS), CBT, DBT, psychodynamic therapy, and somatic approaches, I don't believe therapy is about applying a specific modality. I believe it's about finding the approach that best fits the person sitting in front of me. I view therapy as a collaborative process, and rather than telling clients what to do, I work alongside them to better understand the patterns that may be keeping them stuck, strengthen their relationships, and help them move toward the life they want to build.

For clients who wish to incorporate their religious experience into therapy, I also value creating a space where their faith and values are respected and integrated into the therapeutic process. At the same time, I recognize that every person relates to their faith differently, and I don't believe there is one right way for it to look in therapy. My goal is to help clients grow in ways that feel authentic to who they are, what they value, and what matters most to them.

What you can expect from sessions with Eli Portal, LCSW

You can expect a space where you'll feel heard, understood, and accepted. My goal is to create an environment where you can be yourself, explore what's on your mind openly, and feel supported through whatever you're facing. I want our work together to feel genuine and human, while also having a clear sense of direction. Therapy can be a place to slow down and make sense of what you're experiencing, while also giving you the tools and understanding to create meaningful change.

Our sessions are collaborative. Together, we'll explore what's bringing you to therapy by asking questions, making observations, and gently examining patterns that may be keeping you stuck. As we develop a deeper understanding of you, your relationships, and the experiences that have shaped your life, we'll identify meaningful goals and work toward lasting change rather than simply managing symptoms. I also believe it's important for therapy to have a clear sense of direction. Together, we'll develop a shared understanding of the core issues we're working on, what's contributing to those challenges, and what the therapeutic process will look like.

Rather than therapy feeling aimless or mysterious, my goal is for us to have a roadmap that we're both working from, with a shared understanding of where we're headed, why we're focusing on those areas, and how we'll know we're making progress. Along the way, we'll regularly check in to make sure the work continues to feel relevant, that the pace feels right, and that we're focusing on what feels most important to you.

While our conversations can be serious and emotionally deep, I also believe therapy should feel genuine and human. There is room for curiosity, honesty, and even humor when it helps. Every client is different, so I tailor my approach to your unique needs, strengths, and goals. Above all, you can expect a therapist who is fully present, invested in your growth, and committed to helping you build a life and relationships that feel more connected, fulfilling, and authentic.

Eli Portal, LCSW's experience working with the Jewish community

The Jewish people are one family, and I've always believed that family shows up for one another. That belief is a large part of what drew me to this work. I consider it a privilege to support members of the Jewish community as they navigate life's challenges, strengthen their relationships, and work toward meaningful growth. I feel especially fortunate to be able to do this work with people from a wide range of Jewish backgrounds and experiences, and to meet each person with respect for where they are.

I have extensive experience working with individuals, couples, and families across the full spectrum of Jewish observance, including Lakewood yeshivish, chassidish, heimish, Modern Orthodox, and those who are less observant or not currently observant. I understand that every person's relationship with Judaism is unique, and I strive to create a space where clients feel respected, understood, and comfortable being themselves.

In addition to my clinical work, I am a rebbi, hold semicha from Yeshivas Shar Yashuv, and teach halacha at a high school in the Five Towns. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for both the richness of Jewish life and the complexities that can arise as people navigate relationships, faith, identity, and personal growth. For clients who wish to incorporate their Judaism into therapy, I enjoy helping them integrate their emotional, relational, and spiritual lives in a way that feels authentic and aligned with their values.

At the same time, I recognize that not every client wants faith to play the same role in therapy, and I tailor my approach accordingly. Regardless of your level of observance or where you are in your journey, my goal is to meet you where you are, understand what matters most to you, and help you get to where you want to go. I want therapy to be a place where you can bring your whole self, feel understood within the context of your life and relationships, and work toward meaningful growth in a way that feels right for you.

Eli Portal, LCSW's Book Recommendation Zone

• The Gift of Therapy
  Eighty-five brief, practical lessons aimed at students, therapists, and anyone interested in personal growth. By Irvin Yalom
• Secure Love
  By couples therapist Julie Menanno is a practical, attachment-based guide designed to help couples move from insecure relationship patterns to a secure, lasting bond
• Attached
  By Rabbi Yakov Danishefsky that blends human relationship psychology with Torah wisdom to help readers build a deeper connection with God

Approaches

• Attachment-based
• Couples Counseling
• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Existential
• Family Therapy
• Inner child work
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Logotherapy
• Narrative Therapy
• Premarital Counseling
• Psychoanalytic Therapy
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Sex Therapy
• Trauma Focused Therapy

Concerns

• Bereavement & Grief
• Chronic illness
• Dating
• Divorce/Separation
• Infertility
• Life purpose and meaning
• Parenting
• Relationships
• Religious Identity Issues
• Sexual health & dysfunction
• Trauma

7 years in practice

Licenses

• LCSW by NY 2026. License number 103299

Trainings

• EFT Externship by ICEFT
• EFT Core Skills by ICEFT
• IFS
• DBT by Swenson
• CBT by Beck Institute
• Greif by David Kessler

Average costs per session

$300 - $350

Payment Methods

• Free consultation
• Credit Card
• Zelle Quick Pay
• Venmo