Sara Duato-Borenstein, LCSW

Therapy is a journey

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Sara Duato-Borenstein, LCSW's style

Why Sara Duato-Borenstein, LCSW chose to be in the helping profession

I have always been deeply fascinated by people—their emotions, their stories, and what drives their feelings and behaviors. Even as a child, I found myself naturally attuned to the experiences of those around me. I could sense their emotions, their struggles, and their unspoken needs, which sparked an early curiosity about mental health and the complexities of the human psyche.

This innate sensitivity grew into a passion as I got older, particularly when I experienced the transformative power of therapy firsthand. Therapy showed me what it means to move from a place of pain, uncertainty, and struggle to one of clarity, fulfillment, and purpose. It wasn’t an overnight shift but a process that taught me resilience, self-awareness, and hope. Although I was already pursuing my career in mental health, my therapeutic journey allowed me to realize how deeply healing and empowering therapy could be. My personal experience isn’t just a memory; it’s a source of inspiration and a reminder of what’s possible for anyone willing to face their struggles and grow through them.

I believe wholeheartedly in the healing power of therapy—not as a quick fix but as a process of transformation. It’s a space where people can reconnect with themselves, find their inner strength, and create lives they genuinely love and enjoy. This belief continues to fuel my passion and drive me forward in this work. Supporting others as they navigate their challenges and embrace their potential isn’t just my career; it’s my purpose.

Sara Duato-Borenstein, LCSW's approach

I view the therapy process as a collaborative journey, where the client and I work together to create meaningful change. It’s important to me that every client feels supported, cared for, and safe—this foundation is essential for true progress. With this sense of trust in place, the therapeutic journey can unfold in an empowering and transformative way.

From the outset, I take the time to explore my client’s unique goals for therapy, tailoring my approach to meet their individual needs. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process, and I draw from a variety of evidence-based modalities, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and solution-focused techniques. By integrating these approaches, I aim to create a therapy experience that resonates with each person and their unique story.

One metaphor that often guides my work is the idea of a “theme song” to our lives—a narrative thread that weaves through our experiences, shaping how we see ourselves and the world around us. For many of us, this theme song plays in the background, often unnoticed, until something in the present moment triggers it to “press play.” Suddenly, that familiar narrative takes over, pulling us away from the driver’s seat and into a space where we feel out of control.

I aim to help clients recognize their theme song, understand its origins, and explore its impact on their lives. Together, we work to untangle the threads of these narratives, giving clients the tools to regain control and reclaim their ability to steer their own lives. Therapy becomes a space where they can rewrite old stories, heal from past pain, and step into the present with greater clarity and confidence.

Ultimately, I see therapy as a partnership—an opportunity to support my clients as they navigate life’s complexities and work toward living with greater authenticity, resilience, and purpose.

What you can expect from sessions with Sara Duato-Borenstein, LCSW

Our work together begins with understanding what has brought you to therapy and identifying what you hope to achieve from our time together. These initial conversations help us outline your goals and set the stage for a collaborative and personalized journey.

From there, we will explore the factors contributing to the challenges you’re facing, gaining a deeper understanding of the patterns, experiences, or circumstances that may be at play. This understanding forms the foundation for developing a tailored treatment plan. I utilize evidence-based modalities to address these challenges in a way that aligns with your goals, empowering you to create meaningful change.

What we focus on in subsequent sessions will depend on the specific issues we are working through together. Each session will be shaped by your needs and progress, with a consistent emphasis on creating a safe and supportive space where you feel seen, heard, and understood.

At the heart of every session is my commitment to being fully present with you. Together, we will center our work on moving you closer to where you want to be—whether that’s overcoming obstacles, building healthier patterns, or finding greater clarity and balance in your life.

Therapy is a journey, and my role is to walk alongside you, offering support and guidance as you work toward the change and growth you seek.

Sara Duato-Borenstein, LCSW's experience working with the Jewish community

As someone who grew up in the Orthodox Jewish community, I bring a deep understanding of the cultural, religious, and familial nuances that profoundly shape the lives of Jewish individuals and couples in therapy. This personal connection, combined with my professional experience, enables me to provide thoughtful and tailored support to those navigating challenges within this unique context.

Over the years, I have worked in Jewish schools and with a diverse range of Jewish clients. This has given me insight into the struggles related to identity, community expectations, and family dynamics that many individuals face. For individuals, therapy offers a safe and nonjudgmental space to explore personal struggles, from self-discovery to navigating societal or familial pressures. For couples, I focus on helping them balance their marital relationship with the expectations and values of their community or families, ensuring both partners feel heard and supported.

My approach to therapy is rooted in trust, discretion, and a deep respect for the rich traditions, strengths, and diversity within the Jewish community. I understand that seeking therapy can be a vulnerable step, especially within a close-knit cultural framework, and I am committed to creating a space where clients feel secure and supported as they work toward their goals.

It is a privilege to support individuals and couples in this community as they navigate their journeys toward healing, growth, and greater alignment with their values and aspirations.

Sara Duato-Borenstein, LCSW's Book Recommendation Zone

• The Choice
• When Neitzche Wept
• Atomic Habits

Approaches

• Attachment-based
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• EMDR
• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Existential
• Inner child work
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Psychodynamic Therapy

Concerns

• Anxiety
• Codependency
• Depression
• Relationships
• Stress management
• Trauma

Licences

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker by NYS 2024. License number 097542-01

Degrees

• Master of Social Work by Wurzweiler School of Social Work 2020

Certificates

• EMDR Certified Therapist by EMDRIA 2024
• Out-of-state Telehealth Provider by State of Florida 2024

Trainings

• Emotionally Focused Therapy by ICEEFT 2024

Payment Methods

• Sliding Scale
• Free consultation

Insurances

• Aetna
• Empire BlueCross
• out of network
• Oxford