Sari Balsam, LCSW

“Only when we’re brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.” Brene Brown

Sari Balsam, LCSW's style

Why Sari Balsam, LCSW chose to be in the helping profession

As a teenager, I was fortunate to meet a few influential people who profoundly transformed how I saw myself and the world around me. This sparked my fascination with growth and change, leading me on a personal journey of self-discovery. I realized my worth and potential were limitless, and that awareness inspired me to help others recognize the same in themselves.

I connected deeply to this mission, volunteering in various organizations where I dedicated my time to building meaningful relationships and encouraging a growth-oriented mindset in others. It became clear that my calling was to support people on their personal journeys in a professional capacity.

From there, I enrolled in college and graduate school, committed to expanding my knowledge and skills. I remain passionate about learning, not only through formal training but also through my own ongoing personal work. It's a privilege to walk alongside my clients as they grow, and by integrating my healing, knowledge, and training, I've found profound purpose in helping others navigate their lives.

Sari Balsam, LCSW's approach

In my practice, my primary goal is to create a safe and nonjudgmental space where clients feel supported in exploring their emotions, childhood experiences, and past traumas. I believe that fostering a strong therapeutic relationship is essential for deeper self-awareness and healing.

I integrate a variety of approaches, including somatic work, sand tray therapy, psychodynamic techniques, and mindfulness practices, tailoring each session to the unique needs of the individual. I firmly believe that no two clients are the same, and each person's journey deserves its own path.

Through these modalities, I aim to empower clients to connect with their innate ability to heal. The therapeutic relationship itself is a crucial tool, helping clients build secure attachments, improve self-esteem, and ultimately learn to trust themselves. My goal is to inspire clients to see their challenges not as obstacles but as bridges leading them forward on their healing journey.

What you can expect from sessions with Sari Balsam, LCSW

In our sessions, I prioritize creating a safe and trusting relationship, grounded in empathy, support, and non-judgment. This relationship is the foundation of our collaborative work, and it’s important that you feel seen, heard, and understood in both your moments of joy and pain. My goal is to deeply understand the complexities of your experiences, so you can explore your past and present with openness, transforming those experiences into tools for healing and improving your everyday life.

You can expect a client-led approach, where I follow your pace and needs, while offering honest, validating support. Together, we’ll explore the mind-body connection through somatic exercises, working to release painful memories and emotions stored in the body and addressing trauma at its deepest level.

If you choose to engage in sand tray therapy, you’ll have the opportunity to select figures and objects to create a world in the sand, allowing your subconscious to express itself in a nonverbal, metaphorical way. I will hold space for you in this process, quietly observing as you explore past experiences in a safe environment. Afterward, we’ll reflect on the objects, themes, and emotions that arise, processing as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.

Ultimately, I trust you to intuitively know what you need, and we’ll work together to uncover new perspectives that support your healing journey.

Sari Balsam, LCSW's experience working with the Jewish community

Since my early involvement with various Jewish organizations as a teenager and young adult, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with individuals from a wide range of Jewish communities around the world. This exposure introduced me to communities I might not have otherwise encountered, broadening my understanding of the diversity within Judaism.

As a professional, I’ve worked in numerous Jewish schools across different sects of Judaism, collaborating with children of all ages and from varied backgrounds. Additionally, my time at Daas Wellness Center, a clinic serving the Monsey Jewish community, allowed me to work closely with both adults and adolescents, deepening my insight into their unique cultures and needs.

Through my experience as a therapist within the Jewish community, I’ve gained a profound understanding of the challenges and complexities these communities face. It has also highlighted the individuality of each person, enriching my appreciation for the distinct lifestyles from which they come.

Sari Balsam, LCSW's Book Recommendation Zone

• The Wisdom of Anxiety
• Good Inside
• The Untethered Soul

Approaches

• Attachment-based
• Inner child work
• Mindfulness and Meditation
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Sand Tray
• Somatic Therapy

Concerns

• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Bereavement & Grief
• Codependency
• Dating
• Depression
• Emotion regulation
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Oppositional defiance disorder
• Parenting
• Postpartum depression
• Relationships
• Stress management
• Transitions & Change
• Trauma

7 years in practice

Licences

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker by State of New York 2023. License number 095780

Degrees

• Bachelor of Arts by Adelphi University 2013
• Master of Social Work by Long Island University 2016

Awards

• Phi Alpha Honor Society by Long Island University 2016

Certificates

• Certified Anxiety-Informed Professional 2020

Trainings

• Somatic Intervention Part 1 by Ricki Bernstein 2022
• Somatic Intervention Part 2 by Ricki Bernstein 2024
• Sand Tray Therapy by Miriam Ahuva Schechter 2024
• Applied Neuroscience for Treating Anxiety by Catherine Pittman, Donald Altman, Jennifer L. Abel 2020

Average costs per session

$200

Payment Methods

• Cash
• Check
• Credit Card
• Zelle Quick Pay