Ilyssa Kaplan

Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. -- Winnie the Pooh

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Ilyssa Kaplan's style

Why Ilyssa Kaplan chose to be in the helping profession

I’ve always enjoyed connecting with people and getting to know their unique experiences. Growing up, I was often told that I was an easy person to talk to, and I naturally found myself drawn to hearing people’s stories and understanding what they were going through. When I discovered the field of psychology, I fell in love with the idea of becoming a psychologist. It felt like a natural way to use my strengths in a field where I could support others in a meaningful way.

I feel grateful to provide a space where people experiencing emotional distress can speak openly and feel genuinely heard. Together, we can explore their experiences, better understand what may be contributing to their struggles, and work toward developing greater insight and clarity. I find it deeply meaningful to witness the relief that can follow when someone begins to understand themselves and their emotions more clearly. Being able to connect with people in this way and support them through that process is what continues to make this work so rewarding for me.

Ilyssa Kaplan's approach

My approach to therapy is rooted in collaboration, expertise, respect, and understanding. I believe therapy is a partnership where we work together to explore your experiences, better understand your challenges, and identify the goals that feel most meaningful to you. I bring warmth and support to the process while also being direct and honest when needed. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable being yourself and speaking openly about what you are experiencing.

Therapy is all about finding the right fit, and I believe the therapeutic relationship should feel comfortable, productive, and responsive to your needs. I encourage my clients to be open and honest about what they like, what they dislike, and what they would like more of in therapy. Your feedback helps us shape the work together and ensures that therapy continues to feel relevant and helpful to you. Through this collaborative process, we can build a strong foundation for greater insight, meaningful change, and personal growth.

What you can expect from sessions with Ilyssa Kaplan

In your initial therapy appointment, we’ll focus on getting to know each other and developing a better understanding of what brings you to therapy. I’ll ask questions about your background, the challenges you are currently facing, and what you hope to gain from our work together. There is no pressure to share everything at once, and we will move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. This first conversation will help us begin shaping therapy around your individual needs, preferences, and goals.

If you are someone who craves structure, you can expect hands-on skills and practical tools to help you work through thoughts and feelings that are not serving you. If you prefer more freedom in your sessions, you can expect me to listen thoughtfully, reflect on what you share, and offer different perspectives and ideas. My approach can shift depending on what feels most helpful to you, and we can continue adjusting it together as therapy progresses. You can also expect me to laugh with you, cry with you, and celebrate both the small and big wins along the way.

Ilyssa Kaplan's experience working with the Jewish community

I have always felt a strong connection to the Jewish community, both personally and professionally. Being part of the community has shaped my values, my sense of identity, and the way I connect with others. It has also given me a meaningful understanding of the experiences, traditions, and concerns that may be important to Jewish clients. I value being able to bring that understanding into my work while remaining open and curious about each person’s unique background.

Throughout my professional career, I have been actively involved with Gesher Community Care. I also initiated a school-based support group for young elementary school girls focused on fostering and celebrating their Jewish identities. The group created a space for the girls to connect with one another, explore what their Jewish identity meant to them, and feel proud of who they are. This experience strengthened my appreciation for the importance of community, belonging, and having a supportive space where every part of a person’s identity is welcomed.

Ilyssa Kaplan's Book Recommendation Zone

• Giving Hope, by Elena Lister
  Talking with Children about Grief, Loss, and Illness
• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk
  On trauma
• The Emotional Lives of Teenagers, by Lisa Damour
  Raising connected and capable, well adjusted adolescents

Approaches

• Attachment-based
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Psychodynamic Therapy

Concerns

• Anxiety
• Body image
• Depression
• Emotion regulation
• Parenting

10 years in practice

Licenses

• Psychologist by NJ. License number 35SI00716200
• Psychologist by NY. License number 024534

Degrees

• Doctorate 2020
• MsED 2018

Average costs per session

$150 - $350

Payment Methods

• Sliding Scale
• Credit Card
• Zelle Quick Pay