For forty years as a respected and trusted psychologist in the Queens and New York regions, Dr. Joel Stukalin has provided quality couples counseling, marriage counseling and individual psychotherapy and psychoanalysis to his clients from many cultures, religions and ethnicities.
I'm here to help you both solve your immediate concerns and live more fully into the strength and beauty of yourself. I'm a compassionate and culturally-competent therapist and counselor, with an interest in working with individuals and couples including on all kinds of issues I believe we can all experience helping people move towards a better and healthier life. I'm trained in DBT, CBT, compassion focused therapy and couples work, and I especially enjoy working with people bringing issues concerning race, culture, religion and spirituality. I offer a free 15-minute consultation with anyone interested in working with me, and I look forward to speaking with you about what you want to accomplish in therapy.
Welcome to Tona Therapy, where we believe in the transformative power of warmth and healing. Derived from the ancient Aztec language Nahuatl, "Tona" symbolizes not only physical warmth but also emotional comfort and connection. Our practice stands out because we provide a nurturing and supportive environment where individuals can find Transformation, Openness, New beginnings, and Acceptance. Our dedicated team of therapists is committed to helping you navigate life's challenges with personalized, virtual therapy services that focus on trauma, stress, relationships, depression, and self-exploration. Reach out to Tona Therapy to embark on a journey of healing and personal growth in a confidential and safe space.
I work with adults who want to change their lives and get to the root of what makes them think, feel, and react in ways that keep them stuck. They desire to lessen stress, reduce anxiety, and improve their relationships. We work together to understand and minimize their negative responses to triggers. We explore the events, thoughts, and feelings that led to painful relationships and low self-esteem. We work together to develop realistic individualized strategies to minimize unhealthy patterns that prevent joy and peace in their lives. We collaborate to implement realistic changes that improve their quality of life.
As an Arab-American therapist of color, I understand the value of working with a therapist who understands different cultural backgrounds, and believes that political and social structures create and worsen depression and anxiety symptoms. I will help you grow through empowerment, self-exploration, and building on your inner strengths. We may also explore your core beliefs about yourself and identify how these narratives are playing out in your life.
Our work will help you develop and maintain healthy relationships, develop positive coping strategies, shift thinking and behaviors, or come into a confident self. We will work collaboratively to develop a treatment plan and I will meet you where you are with empathy and acceptance.
My approach is an integration of psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral modalities, which means I will explore the way you experienced the world from birth until present to identify habits and behaviors that have become roadblocks to living in alignment with the person you want to be.
As a psychologist and neurotherapist for 30 years plus, I have worked with many clients with serious brain disorders and have been successful in assisting them in achieving good mental health. Each client is unique as well as their brains are unique and when the issues are pinpointed the journey to health can be achieved. I conduct a brain map analysis to pinpoint the dysregulations that are impeding the client and then construct protocols to address the issues. Clients have often commented that the work with myself and associates has provided them with quicker and more long lasting relief than many years of just talk therapy.
The best way to reach our office for questions or to schedule an appointment is via email rather than calling. Please email merlynh@nyneurofeedback.com
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, Certified psychodramatist (CP)
I am an LCSW and Certified psychodramatist . I treat children, adolescents, and adults who are confronting a wide range of challenges. With experience in treating alcoholism and addictions, my focus is on helping people recover from a history of severe trauma, sexual abuse, and narcissistic abuse.
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Psychotherapy can be challenging, but it is a rewarding process. Most people come in to discuss the problems in their lives. They often forget about what is going well, and what are their natural talents and abilities. I train and supervise psychologists at area hospitals. Because of this I am sensitive to ethical concerns: honesty, integrity and practicality. I strive to create a very kind and safe atmosphere where personal exploration is possible. Psychotherapy should be collaborative. I am vocal and active and give my clients ongoing feedback, inquiry and support.
I utilize a multi-cultural, integrative and trauma-informed approach to work with clients struggling with codependence, relationship conflict, building confidence, acculturation and third culture identity formation, and mood fluctuations. As a therapist of color, I recognize the importance of understanding your values and beliefs with cultural respect.
You will learn to be aware of your needs, heal your wounds, and adopt healthier boundaries and coping strategies that feel true to you. It’s time to give back to yourself, relieve societal pressures, challenge obstacles getting in your way, and increase your resiliency. With a curious perspective, we will work together to allow your story to energize you.