Fayga Zellermaier, LMSW

Happiness cannot be pursued, it must ensue -- Victor Frankl, Father of Logotherapy

Fayga Zellermaier, LMSW's style

Why Fayga Zellermaier, LMSW chose to be in the helping profession

I grew up watching the power of helping others firsthand from my family and mentors. Their work shaped me, sparking a curiosity about how people think, feel, and grow. I found myself drawn to understanding what makes people tick and how we can ease suffering while creating lasting, positive change.

As I got older, I realized that this pull wasn’t just an interest—it was part of who I am. My natural creativity, diligence, and deep fascination with mental health topics all seemed to point toward one thing: helping others. Social work wasn’t just another career choice for me. It felt like stepping into something that fit, something that made sense on every level.

What keeps me grounded in this work is the immense reward of watching my clients grow. Seeing them find their strength, their peace, and their place in the world is beyond fulfilling. It’s a constant reminder that this path isn’t just a profession—it’s a way of bringing more good into the world, one person at a time.

Fayga Zellermaier, LMSW's approach

I use an integrative approach, weaving together multiple modalities to create a uniquely tailored experience for each individual. My extensive training includes CBT, DBT, and IFS, as well as psychodynamic therapy, motivational interviewing, and play therapy skills. I continuously expand my expertise through ongoing training, reflecting my belief in personal and professional growth.

My approach is two-pronged: first, I use behavioral techniques to address skill-building and immediate needs. Second, I incorporate trauma-informed practices such as IFS to uncover and work through the deeper roots of distress. This blend allows for both immediate relief and lasting change.

Above all, I believe in the power and potential of my clients. I trust their vision for themselves and work to empower them to approach life’s challenges with confidence and the tools they’ve developed through our work. My goal is for clients to leave sessions feeling emboldened and equipped to continue their progress outside of therapy.

What you can expect from sessions with Fayga Zellermaier, LMSW

In our sessions, the first priority is creating a space where you feel safe and supported. I strive to build an environment where your concerns, questions, and emotions are not only welcome but encouraged. Empowering you to own your beliefs and emotions is central to our work together.

I approach therapy with an understanding of dialectics—the balance between acceptance and change. You can expect that I will always seek your treatment preferences and, with your consent, gently challenge any beliefs or patterns that may be holding you back. This collaboration invites thoughtful reflection and growth, tailored to your unique needs.

Our work can include building a range of skills, such as tolerating distress, regulating emotions, living mindfully, and navigating interpersonal relationships. We can also focus on identifying and addressing negative thought patterns and maladaptive coping mechanisms. If you are ready for trauma work, we can explore and heal wounded parts, working toward closure and peace.

Whether you’re seeking support for mood challenges, personality concerns, or daily life struggles, every session is designed with your goals and preferences in mind. You can expect professional care that is deeply personalized, meeting you where you are and guiding you toward where you want to be.

Fayga Zellermaier, LMSW's experience working with the Jewish community

My connection to the Jewish community has been a guiding thread throughout my personal and professional life. From my early years as a Bnos youth group leader to rising through the ranks at a day camp for at-risk girls—where I served as both a counselor and later as head counselor—I’ve always been deeply involved in nurturing and supporting others within the community.

In addition, I taught psychology to 11th and 12th-grade students in a Jewish school for at-risk girls, helping them better understand themselves and their potential. My experience also includes leading group therapy sessions at a Jewish day hab, where I facilitated meaningful conversations and growth among participants.

I have consistently volunteered at a Jewish charity and Chessed organization, where I contribute to events supporting Jewish women survivors of domestic violence, Holocaust survivors, and initiatives for the Charedi/Orthodox communities, such as food distributions and career-building programs.

Currently, I work as a compliance specialist in Williamsburg, ensuring that protocols are adhered to through audits, reports, and regular meetings with program directors. Alongside this, I provide therapy to Jewish clients weekly, helping individuals navigate their unique challenges.

Each of these roles has deepened my understanding of the community’s diverse needs and strengthened my commitment to serving its members with care, empathy, and professionalism.

Fayga Zellermaier, LMSW's Book Recommendation Zone

• Maybe You Should Talk to Someone
• Man's Search for Meaning
• Wherever You Go, There You Are

Approaches

• Attachment-based
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Logotherapy
• Motivational Interviewing
• Psychodynamic Therapy

Concerns

• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Dissociative disorders
• Mood Disorders
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Personality issues & disorders
• Self-Harm/Suicidality
• Stress management
• Trauma

4 years in practice

Licences

• Licensed Master Social Worker by Long Island University 2022. License number 11835

Certificates

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy by Charles Swenson, M.D. 2024
• Internal Family Systems Therapy Level 2 by Alexia D. Rothman, Phd 2023

Trainings

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Training by Charles Swenson, M.D. 2024
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Training 2024
• Internal Family Systems Therapy Level 2 by Alexia D. Rothman, Phd 2023

Average costs per session

$150 - $215

Payment Methods

• Insurance
• Sliding Scale
• Free consultation
• Check
• Credit Card
• Zelle Quick Pay

Insurances

• Anthem
• BlueCross and BlueShield
• Emblem
• Empire BlueCross
• Fidelis
• Medicaid
• Oxford
• United Healthcare