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Liz Wallenstein, LMHC

Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC

  • Accepting New Clients
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Liz Wallenstein, LMHC
Turn Your Biggest Problems into Your Biggest Opporutnities

Liz Wallenstein, LMHC's style

💭 Open minded 🎯 Direct 💙 Warm 🙏 Spiritual

Why Liz Wallenstein, LMHC chose to be in the helping profession

Have you ever felt like you have a lot going for you, but no matter how hard you try, you just can’t make happen the thing you want most?

Like you’re sitting on the sidelines of life, watching others easily enjoy something that just keeps seeming to elude you?

I’ve been there. And there’s a way out!

I help people turn their biggest challenges into their biggest opportunities. I’ve been able to do that several times over in my own life, and I’m passionate about helping others to do the same. Whether the challenge is in a relationship, their health, at work, how they want to feel or something they want to accomplish- I help people break through.

I work with adults and young adults facing various life challenges, but my areas of specialty are based on things where I was able to go from significant struggle to best possible results:

Healing Chronic Pain & Illness through Mind-Body Connection:
I bring firsthand experience as a former patient of Dr. John Sarno, coupled with extensive training in mind-body methods. I assist individuals in discovering the missing pieces for a more comprehensive recovery, transforming the journey into a life-changing experience. (Visit my website for more details.)

Assisting Singles Seeking Different Results:
I specialize in providing clarity in decision-making and fostering confidence in approach for single women and men. Singles share how helpful, reassuring and refreshing it is to get help from the perspective of a professional who has been there themself! Check out my YouTube series, "Solving Jewish Singleness: Real-Life Advice from the Therapist that Gets It!"

Faith-Informed Therapy:
By treating life challenges as a call to step into our greater selves and viewing what happens to us in the context of a larger picture, I offer spirituality-informed therapy. I also create a safe space for individuals of faith to explore the roles of God and spirituality in their struggles and healing, regardless of religious level and even religion (I’ve worked with traditional Jews and religious Christians). My personal motto is “Therapy helps you heal, grow and change; spirituality makes you limitless!”

In essence, I am an advocate for the human spirit. I derive immense satisfaction from helping individuals realize their capabilities, find meaning in their experiences, align with their purpose, and fall in love with who they uniquely are. It is both a privilege and a joy to be part of someone's journey toward growth and healing.

Liz Wallenstein, LMHC's approach

With nearly 18 years of experience, my commitment is to provide clients with the most effective results in the shortest time possible. I tailor my approach to each client's needs, drawing upon a diverse range of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral, attachment, somatic, psychodynamic, and Internal Family Systems (IFS).

However, my preferred modality is Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), designed to move therapy beyond an insightful conversation and tap into parts deeper within, to create change you can start feeling right away. This approach seamlessly integrates the relational and insightful aspects of psychodynamic therapy with somatic techniques, leveraging the body's inner wisdom. Additionally, it incorporates the latest findings from neurobiology, crafting a therapeutic experience that fosters lasting change.

I've observed that individuals who may have felt disillusioned with prior therapeutic experiences often encountered approaches that remained solely at the intellectual level. My emphasis is on more than just raising awareness and facilitating learning; it extends to ensuring that feelings are completely worked through using emotional processing. I possess the ability to swiftly identify and address the core issues, avoiding the common pitfall of treating symptoms as the problem itself. As a result, clients often find that the therapeutic work progresses both faster and deeper than their previous experiences.

What you can expect from sessions with Liz Wallenstein, LMHC

It's important to me that my clients feel deeply heard, seen, cared for and appreciated unconditionally.

Unlike a passive "uh-huh" therapist, I actively engage with you. I ask questions, offer insights, and make observations throughout our conversations. Regular check-ins ensure that the therapeutic approach is beneficial, and I encourage you to share your reactions and questions as integral parts of the therapy process. I am fully committed to giving my best to help you achieve what you need.

While I may incorporate therapeutic exercises or teach skills that extend beyond our sessions, the core of our interactions is open, honest conversation. I believe that genuine growth occurs in these dialogues. My questions are purposeful, guiding you toward meeting your needs. Throughout our time together, I'll guide you to tune into your body, deepening your awareness and healing by tapping into the body’s felt sense in a refreshing, non-awkward manner.

I don’t adopt a distant, anonymous role as some therapists do traditionally. Clients often describe me as real and relatable, fostering an environment where they feel comfortable opening up and being themselves. My goal is for you to feel as at ease with me as you would with a close friend while still walking away with something you can’t get from anywhere else.

Liz Wallenstein, LMHC's experience working with the Jewish community

I bring a wealth of experience and comfort in working with individuals across the diverse spectrum of Jewish backgrounds and observance levels. Whether secular, traditional, baal teshuva, modern orthodox, YU, yeshivish, or chassidish, I welcome and appreciate the uniqueness of each individual. From those yearning for more within their traditional practices to those harboring resentment towards religion, all perspectives find a supportive space in my practice. I refrain from making assumptions based on appearances or lifestyle, allowing individuals to define themselves – sharing who they are, their beliefs, their values, and where they’re holding. My approach is one of genuine curiosity and respect, free from judgment.

On a personal level, I grew up in a modern orthodox setting (Young Israel/day school) and deepened my observance and Hashkafa during my time studying in Israel. Although Ashkenazi by background, I am married to a Sephardi, and I spent time working closely with the Chabad and Syrian communities, so I have first-hand experience in multiple Jewish cultures! I am an advocate for growth through Torah, in addition to psychology, but I prioritize creating a space where individuals feel comfortable expressing their beliefs and interests without any imposition of my own.

Liz Wallenstein, LMHC's Book Recommendation Zone

Languages spoken

English

People I work with

Adolescents (13-18) Adults Elders (65+) Individuals

Personal religious affiliations

Orthodox

Jewish community experience

Extensive

Licensed to work in

New York

Phoenix, Arizona

18 years in practice

Licences

  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor by New York state 2009. License number 004253

Degrees

  • Masters in Counseling by Columbia University 2006
  • Masters in Education by Columbia University 2006

Trainings

  • AEDP by AEDP Institute (NY) 2015
  • Psychodynamic by William Allanson White Institute 2012
  • Psychodynamic by Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies 2011
  • Psychotherapy Networker Conferences by PESI 2018+

Affiliations

  • Nefesh Alliance for Orthodox Mental Health clinicians by Nefesh Intl 2007
  • Relief mental health network by Relief.org 2007

Average costs per session

$300

Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card
  • Zelle Quick Pay
  • Venmo
  • PayPal

Insurances

  • out of network

What my clients have to say about working with me:

  • I was feeling a lot of stress and fear when I started working with Liz. She was really patient with me and so good and realizing what I needed. She understood me when I was not even able to understand myself. She really helped me accept myself for who I am, and lifted a burden that was with me for a long time. She helped me experience both hard and happy times through a different mindset and allowed me to freely express my feelings. She’s an incredible therapist. Without her help and support, I would never be as fulfilled as I am today

    EW
  • “Wow. I feel like I accomplished more in one session with Liz than I did working for years with other therapists in the past! She really got everything right away. I didn’t feel awkward or uncomfortable for one second talking to her. It felt so easy. I tried so many things before to feel better that didn’t work. Now everything is so clear to me and I feel so hopeful!”

    NB
  • “I put off therapy for years because I was always the one that could do it all, the accomplished one, and the helper that it was hard for me to think of myself as in-need. I finally decided to try it because there was too many things on my mind- I was never feeling relaxed and ok. Therapy with Liz has helped me to listen to my body and know what I need and want. It no longer matters to me what others want from me- I live by my own standards now. I’m surprised how much I was able to accomplish in just several months with Liz- I thought it would take much longer. I feel so much happier, calm and lighter now! I’m actually really enjoying my life and being me.”

    YM
  • “Liz is a compassionate, intuitive, and warm person, and a skilled therapist. She really understands how the mind and body work together, and guides you in identifying your own patterns and their roots, and processing it all to help you move forward. I am always impressed by her ability to say just one or two things that make me see something in a different, more constructive way. I feel very fortunate to have her in my life.”

    NR
  • “Therapy with Liz had a profound impact on my life. Throughout my time with her, I gained abstinence from substance abuse, turned away from an abusive relationship and made a transition in my career. Together, Liz and I discovered patterns in my thoughts and behavior that were holding me back. In therapy with Liz, I never felt judged or pressured into making certain decisions. To this day, I use the insight I gained from my time with Liz to help guide me in life.”

    YL
  • “Liz is someone who had a gift of understanding people very well. She patiently works with you to get to know you in order to help you work out what underlying issues are. I highly recommend her, it could save your life without you even knowing it.”

    RC
  • "I really fought the idea of going to therapy because I thought I didn’t need it and was embarrassed to admit it. Finally I decided to give it a try and I have to admit I’m so happy I did. I did my research and found Liz Wallenstein and I feel she was the perfect fit for me. I first felt nervous and reserved about opening up but Liz found a way for me to relax and feel as if I was sitting talking with a friend or family member. I was so surprised how great I felt upon leaving each session and how my confidence in both the process and myself grew immensely. Throughout my therapy I had my ups and downs but I can truly say that it had such a positive effect on my life and I now have the ability to continue that trend on my own. Liz genuinely cared about helping me and made me feel important and for that I am thankful. I have and I will continue to recommend Liz Wallenstein to anyone that needs help or even could just use someone to talk to. She really had a positive impact on my life that I will never forget."

    SS
  • “I have suffered from severe neck pain as well as migraines for the past 15 years. Doctors have suggested everything from physical therapy to back surgery. I took the conservative route and started physical therapy. My symptoms would ebb and flow and I visited his office quite often. After 12 long years my therapist suggested I see a mental health professional. He said after so many years of treatment I still had the same symptoms. He explained to me how pain from the subconscious can cause physical pain. I took his advice and started on a new path. Therapy has taught me to look at my life through a wide lens rather than a microscope. I found out things about myself that I never would have dreamed of! Then the healing began. Therapy is a gift. It has changed my life. I still have occasional pain but I've learned to look inside for the root of my pain. For me therapy was a better option than surgery! I recommend it to everyone. Thank you Liz!!”

    RF
  • “I was feeling trapped, overwhelmed and frustrated that I had no one to talk to about my on-going problems with my wife. I decided to go to therapy because I was tired of being truly unhappy, and wanted to stop procrastinating moving forward with my life. Therapy has helped me see myself better and understand what makes me do what I do. I would recommend Liz because she works hard to help you come to your own answers, instead of just telling you what your problem is. She makes me think about my decisions and my actions, instead of just telling me what to do.”

    RH
  • I was scared to go to therapy because I didn't know what to expect from it, and I didn’t want to appear vulnerable and flawed. I tried it because I slowly realized that I was not able to deal with my issues myself; I needed guidance if I ever wanted to overcome my chronic pains and anxiety. Therapy gave me a better understanding of my emotional needs as well as moments of internal peace and calm, where I felt whole and accepting. It helped me to be gentler with myself and to stop rejecting my own feelings. It surprised me to see how much emotion I was holding back. Therapy was harder than I expected but when things clicked the effects were immediate and profound. Therapy with Liz Wallenstein has been a very positive experience in my life. I am now more self-confident, more aware of my needs and less afraid to assert them.”

    YB

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