Shoshana Zelcer, LMSW

Please never forget how brave it is to continue to show up in a story that looks so different than what you thought it'd be. -Liz Newman (mental health writer)

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Shoshana Zelcer, LMSW's style

Why Shoshana Zelcer, LMSW chose to be in the helping profession

I strongly believe that a person’s career should revolve around something they are truly passionate about. From a young age, I have been deeply interested in how different people experience life events and how both their body and soul respond to those challenges. Empathy and compassion have always come naturally to me, and I have often found myself wanting to understand the emotional world behind someone’s words or behavior. This natural curiosity about people, combined with a genuine desire to help, gradually shaped my decision to pursue a career in mental health.

My own journey in therapy unfolded alongside my studies in social work, and that experience was incredibly valuable and eye opening for me. It allowed me to understand, on a personal level, the courage it takes to sit in the client’s chair and to trust another person with your inner world. With both professional training and lived experience, I approach my work with humility and deep respect for each individual’s story. I feel confident that I can support my clients in a way that is understanding, compassionate, and empowering, while honoring the unique path that has brought them to seek help.

Shoshana Zelcer, LMSW's approach

I guide my clients using a strengths based and goal oriented approach, helping each individual recognize and highlight the abilities they already carry within themselves. I believe that real growth begins when a person can see their own potential, and my role is to help bring that into clearer focus. This approach encourages greater self awareness, emotional regulation, and a sense of personal empowerment. I treat every client with respect, compassion, and open mindedness, always valuing the unique strengths, character traits, and life experiences they bring into the room.

My sessions are carefully individualized to meet each client’s specific needs, personality, and goals. Together we create practical and attainable steps that can be applied in everyday life, allowing progress to feel meaningful and realistic. I make it a priority to check in regularly about both emotional and practical growth so that my clients feel supported and heard throughout the process. I also adhere closely to evidence based practices and the NASW Code of Ethics to ensure that the care I provide is professional, effective, and grounded in the highest standards.

What you can expect from sessions with Shoshana Zelcer, LMSW

During my sessions, I work to create an atmosphere where clients feel truly safe and comfortable sharing what matters most to them. I encourage openness and honesty so that therapy can feel like a genuine collaboration, yet I am careful never to push anyone to disclose more than they are ready for. My goal is to move at each client’s pace, allowing trust to build naturally over time. In this way, we are able to work together toward creating the healthiest and most fulfilling life possible.

Clients have shared that our sessions feel nonjudgmental, honest, and authentic, and that I come across as relatable, reliable, and genuine in our work together. I take great joy in celebrating each client’s accomplishments, both big and small, and I value being someone they can turn to during times of change or stress. In a session with me, you can expect space to laugh, cry, reflect, and simply be yourself. Above all, you will be met with care, empathy, and a safe, secure, and confidential environment where every part of your story is welcome.

Shoshana Zelcer, LMSW's experience working with the Jewish community

I have had the privilege of being involved in a variety of events and organizations within the Jewish community, experiences that have shaped both who I am and how I relate to others. From my high school years, I felt a strong connection to helping people through dance, song, and meaningful relationships. I volunteered with organizations such as Chai Lifeline and Bein Ish, where I learned how powerful simple presence and compassion can be during difficult times. Those early experiences strengthened my desire to support individuals and families in a deeper and more professional way.

Throughout my career, I have continued working within Jewish communal settings. I served as a service coordinator for a program providing home and community based support to individuals facing mental health challenges, which gave me valuable insight into the daily realities many people navigate. I also worked as a therapist at a mental health clinic in Williamsburg, supporting children, teenagers, and adults from the Williamsburg and Crown Heights communities. I currently practice in Cedarhurst, where most of my clients are members of the Five Towns Jewish community. These experiences have allowed me to understand the cultural values, sensitivities, and strengths that shape the lives of the people I work with.

Shoshana Zelcer, LMSW's Book Recommendation Zone

• Maybe You Should Talk To Someone
  By: Lori Gottlieb
• The Whole Brain Child
  By: Daniel J Seigel M.D., Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D.
• The Body Keeps The Score
  By: Bessel Van Der Kolk. M.D.

Approaches

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Motivational Interviewing
• Narrative Therapy
• Person-Centered Therapy
• Play Therapy
• Postpartum Recovery

Concerns

• Anxiety
• Autoimmune Diseases
• Bereavement & Grief
• Body image
• Chronic illness
• Dating
• Depression
• Divorce/Separation
• Emotion regulation
• Prenatal, perinatal, & postpartum mental health
• Relationships
• Religious Identity Issues
• Transitions & Change

2 years in practice

Licenses

• Licensed Master Social Worker by The University of The State of New York 2025. License number 126923

Degrees

• Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts by Excelsior University 2022
• Master of Social Work by Wurzweiler School of Social Work 2025

Awards

• Cum Laude by Excelsior University 2022

Trainings

• Unmasking Complexity: Assessing, Treating, and Conceptualizing Personality Disorders (Elan Javanfard, M.A., LMFT) by Pesach Tikvah Training Institute 2025
• Client Engagehment (Faye Zakheim, Ph.D) by Pesach Tikvah Training Institute 2024
• When Relief Turns to Ruin: The Story of Addiction (Dr. Shalom Augenbaum, Ph.D) by Pesach Tikvah Training Institute 2024
• Exploring the World of Eating Disorders (Dalia Abott, LCSW, RD, CDN) by Pesach Tikvah Training Institute 2025
• The Social Skills Toolbox: Teaching Kids How to Manage Social Situations (Chaya Henchy Friedman, LCSW) by Pesach Tikvah Training Institute 2024
• How to apply CBT to the treatment and maintenance of common disorders such as OCD, anxiety, depression, and personality disorders (Dr. David Miller, Ph.D) by Pesach Tikvah Training Institute 2024
• The Therapists Use of Self: Promoting a Multifaceted Therapeutic Experience (Dr. Hindie Klein, Psy.D) by Pesach Tikvah Training Institute 2025

Affiliations

• Talking Works Counseling

Average costs per session

$90 - $120

Payment Methods

• Insurance
• Sliding Scale
• Free consultation
• Cash
• Credit Card
• Zelle Quick Pay
• Venmo

Insurances

• Aetna
• Anthem
• BlueCross and BlueShield
• Cigna
• Empire BlueCross
• Fidelis
• GHI
• Healthfirst
• Medicaid
• TRICARE