Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are.
Leora Goldenberg, LCSW's style
🎯 Direct 💙 Warm 🥇 Empowering 🤝 CollaborativeWhy Leora Goldenberg, LCSW chose to be in the helping profession
There is something quietly powerful about being truly seen, especially in moments when someone has felt overlooked, misunderstood, or alone for a long time. I am drawn to the way real change begins to unfold once a person finally feels supported and no longer has to carry everything by themselves. When someone starts to trust themselves again, take up space in their own life, and reconnect with parts of themselves that may have been set aside, it creates a shift that feels both meaningful and lasting. These moments, often subtle but deeply impactful, are at the heart of why I chose this work.
What continues to guide me is witnessing people move toward the life they want with greater clarity and confidence. Seeing someone recognize their own strength, develop a stronger sense of self, and feel more grounded in their choices is incredibly rewarding. I believe growth happens when people feel safe enough to be honest, curious, and open to change at their own pace. Being able to walk alongside someone through that process, offering support as they find their footing, is what makes this work feel purposeful and deeply fulfilling.
Leora Goldenberg, LCSW's approach
I am not a “smile and nod” therapist. I show up as a real person, bringing compassion, gentle humor, and honest, thoughtful questions into the room so you can feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood. My goal is to create a space that feels grounded and human, where you do not have to perform or explain yourself away. This kind of presence allows for real connection and opens the door to deeper, more meaningful work.
Together, we slow things down and get curious about what your nervous system is trying to protect you from. Rather than pushing for quick fixes, we take time to understand what keeps you feeling stuck and how those patterns developed. I use approaches like Brainspotting and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help work through trauma, increase awareness, and make sense of your internal experiences. Through this process, we focus on building clarity, confidence, and a healthier sense of self that feels sustainable and true to who you are.
What you can expect from sessions with Leora Goldenberg, LCSW
In our work together, anxiety does not get to be the main character. You do. We create a safe, judgment free space where you can say the hard things out loud, explore what has been weighing on you, and begin to trust yourself again. Sessions are not about fixing you, but about understanding you, your experiences, and the ways you have learned to cope in order to get through.
Therapy with me is about processing what you have been through and making sense of how it still shows up in your life today. We work on quieting the inner critic, setting boundaries, and learning how to say “no” without guilt or second guessing yourself. Over time, the goal is to feel more at home in your own skin and more confident in your choices. Together, we focus on helping you move toward a life that actually feels like yours, not one shaped by fear, pressure, or old patterns.
Leora Goldenberg, LCSW's experience working with the Jewish community
As a Jewish therapist, I have direct experience working with clients from the Jewish community and understand the importance of creating a space that feels culturally attuned and emotionally safe. I strive to honor shared values, traditions, and lived experiences, while also recognizing that each person’s relationship to their Jewish identity is unique. My approach is grounded in respect, understanding, and sensitivity to the nuances that can arise within family, community, and religious contexts. This allows clients to show up fully as themselves and feel supported in a way that feels both authentic and familiar.
Leora Goldenberg, LCSW's Book Recommendation Zone
- The Next Conversation
Book on communication - The Happiness Trap
Book on ACT - The Gifts of Imperfection
Letting go of perfectionism, shame, and the need for approval
Approaches
Concerns
10 years in practice
Licenses
- LCSW by New York. License number 095770
- LCSW by Florida. License number TPSW3885
Degrees
- Master of Social Work by Fordham University 2015
Trainings
- Brainspotting 2023
Average costs per session
$235
Payment Methods
- Insurance
- Credit Card
Insurances
- Aetna
- Oscar
- Oxford
- United Healthcare
What people have to say about working with me:
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I’ve benefitted from Leora’s support and guidance through the convenience of telehealth sessions. Her therapeutic approach blends Brainspotting with CBT. I’ve noticed changes in how I manage my anxious thoughts and stress. Highly recommend her to those who seek change in the state of New York.
Maria B Verified
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If you're looking for a brainspotting therapist, I recommend Leora! She is patient, warm, welcoming, and tends to the direction you want to address....meeting you where you are at to help you process, grow, and to be seen. She is in NY.
Mary Kaale Verified
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Leora is a wonderful therapist and truly understands her clients and approaches them with calm and patience. She knows how to address their needs so they can lead more independent and fulfilling lives.
Terry Sabri Verified
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Leora is one of the most dedicated and skilled therapists I’ve had the privilege to work with. She brings warmth, compassion, and professionalism to everything she does. Using CBT and Brainspotting, she helps clients feel calmer, more confident, and empowered to navigate anxiety, low self-esteem, and life transitions. If you’re in New York and looking for a thoughtful, effective therapist, you can confidently turn to her.
Rhonda Gates Verified
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Leora has years of experience helping adults experiencing anxiety, low self esteem and self doubt. She is empathetic and you feel truly seen and heard when speaking with her. She uses several different modalities to help you achieve the results you’re looking for. Highly recommend!
Serenity Saidi Verified
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Leora is an incredibly compassionate, insightful therapist. She excels in helping those with self-esteem issues, anxiety, and life transitions. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, she creates a space that feels both supportive and empowering.
Collette Jones Verified
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Leora is so warm and inviting, and truly makes you feel seen and heard! She brings a wealth of knowledge without feeling overwhelming. Highly recommend!!
Malka Zucker Verified
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Leora excels as an attentive listener who provides valuable, perceptive feedback. Her clear explanations create a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. With her extensive knowledge and supportive approach, Leora offers genuinely helpful guidance. After our session, I felt a renewed sense of confidence and gained clarity about my path forward.
Irina Elnatanov Verified
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Leora is a skilled clinician, qualified and dedicated to those battling mental illness and seeking a more fulfilling life.
Rachel Rohinsky Verified