Laya Gerstman, LMSW, RSWI

People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don’t know each other; they don’t know each other because they have not communicated with each other.

Laya Gerstman, LMSW, RSWI's style

Why Laya Gerstman, LMSW, RSWI chose to be in the helping profession

I believe that every person is incredible, resilient, and inherently special. So many of the issues people bring into therapy stem from not believing in themselves or not recognizing their own greatness. I’m passionate about helping clients see what is already within them and begin to believe in their own strengths and abilities. My goal is to help each person get to their best self, while recognizing that everyone’s path to getting there is different.

Therapy is an opportunity to discover more about yourself, understand what may be holding you back, and recognize the strengths you can build on. I don’t believe you have to have everything figured out before you begin. We can discover together what you need, what is working, and what may need to change. My hope is that through our work, you can develop a stronger sense of yourself and move forward with greater confidence, resilience, and belief in who you are.

Laya Gerstman, LMSW, RSWI's approach

I will accept you for who you are so you can learn to accept yourself. I will help you discover your strengths so you can build on them, and I will help you address your challenges so you can grow from them. I believe therapy should be a place where you can be honest and real, without feeling judged, while also having someone who will gently encourage you to keep moving forward. Together, we will work toward the changes you want to make and the person you want to become.

I use evidence-based practices to make our work effective, but I also believe therapy can be a positive and enjoyable experience. I bring humor, hands-on activities, and a practical approach into our work when appropriate, because sometimes a different way of looking at something can make all the difference. I want our sessions to feel meaningful and useful, not simply like talking about your problems. My goal is for you to leave with greater understanding, practical tools, and a sense that you are capable of creating positive change.

What you can expect from sessions with Laya Gerstman, LMSW, RSWI

I work with clients at all ages and stages of life. People come to me for many different reasons. Some are looking to discover their best selves and better understand what they are capable of, while others are facing struggles or challenges that they are currently dealing with. Wherever you are, we can work with what is happening in your life in real time and focus on what you need right now.

Clients often find that they can be real with me, and that I will accept and appreciate them for who they are. I believe that feeling accepted is an important part of being able to grow and make meaningful changes. At the same time, I will gently push you in the direction that you want to go, helping you recognize where you may be getting stuck and what steps you can take forward. My role is to meet you where you are while helping you move toward where you want to be.

Laya Gerstman, LMSW, RSWI's experience working with the Jewish community

I have treated clients across the spectrum of Jewish observance and recognize the value of shared cultural and religious experiences. I understand that our backgrounds, values, communities, and religious experiences can all play an important role in how we see ourselves and navigate the challenges in our lives. Having an understanding of this context allows me to meet clients with sensitivity and respect for who they are and what is important to them.

As a kallah teacher, or religious premarital instructor, I also help religious women navigate concerns related to marriage, relationships, and this important stage of life. I approach these conversations with sensitivity, respect, and an understanding of halacha. My goal is to create a space where clients feel comfortable being open and honest while knowing that their values and religious commitments will be respected.

Laya Gerstman, LMSW, RSWI's Book Recommendation Zone

• Doing Imago Relationship Therapy
  A foundational book in understanding ourselves as we show up in our deepest relationships.
• Have You Filled a Bucket Today?
  A children's book exploring emotional capacity
• Is there Really a Human Race?
  A children's book about competition
• The Art of Holding in Therapy
  Therapeutic guidance for Perinatal Mental Health

Approaches

• Certified Kallah Teacher
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Imago Therapy
• Positive Psychology
• Premarital Counseling
• Psychodynamic Therapy

Concerns

• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Dating
• Prenatal, perinatal, & postpartum mental health
• Relationships

4 years in practice

Licenses

• LMSW by New York 2022. License number 115827-01
• LMSW by Maryland 2025. License number 33675
• RSW-I by Israel 2022

Degrees

• MSW by Wurzweiler School of Social Work 2021

Certificates

• Components of Care by PSI 2023
• Advanced Certification in Mediation and Conflict Resolution by Colorado State University 2020

Trainings

• Kallah Teacher Training by R Yitzchak Berkowitz

Average costs per session

$100 - $150

Payment Methods

• Insurance
• Sliding Scale
• Free consultation
• Cash
• Zelle Quick Pay

Insurances

• Aetna
• Cigna
• EAP:Cigna
• Harvard Pilgrim
• Optum
• Oxford
• United Healthcare
• United Medical Resources (UMR)