Sarina Shahmoon-Kleinman, LMSW

Therapist

CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER IN NYC

As a therapist, I am dedicated to providing a safe and empathetic space where you can explore your emotions, deepen self-awareness, and grow towards a fulfilling life.

I have a warm and curious manner and I welcome all parts of you into our work together. I have experience working with people struggling with life transitions, stress, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, OCD and trauma.

I have training in several therapeutic modalities such as Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), and other evidence-based practices. This blend allows me to assist you in exploring the complexities of your inner life, understanding your patterns and relationships, and cultivating self-compassion as you work towards healing and personal transformation. My hope for your therapy is that you will feel empowered to explore, accept, and integrate all aspects of yourself.

SPECIALIZATIONS

INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS (IFS)

IFS therapy can be effective in treating a variety of issues, including trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. IFS is a therapeutic approach that views the mind as made up of distinct "parts," each with its own perspectives and roles. By addressing the underlying conflicts among a person's internal parts, IFS helps individuals understand and integrate their internal experiences, heal from past wounds, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

EMDR for TRAUMA

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can be very helpful for people dealing with trauma from experiences including, but not limited to, abuse, sexual assault, grief, combat, chronic illness, or serious accidents. EMDR utilizes bi-lateral stimulation, such as eye movements, taps on both sides of the body, or sounds to help process stuck and painful memories. During this process, painful memories become integrated into adaptive, rather than maladaptive, memory networks and can be brought to a healthier resolution. This can reduce emotional pain, change negative thoughts, lower stress, and decrease other symptoms associated with trauma. EMDR is well-researched and has a large amount of evidence showing it to be effective in treating trauma. 

ERP for OCD

OCD can be overwhelming and often leads to draining patterns of functioning that serve to avoid fears and triggers. ERP helps individuals learn how to tolerate the anxiety that comes along with OCD and to stop engaging in mental and behavioral compulsions. This allows individuals to turn their focus and energy back into life as they want to live it. ERP is understood to be the most effective therapeutic intervention for OCD and is considered the “gold standard” for treatment.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Intensive Exposure and Response Prevention for OCD - Center for Anxiety and Behavior Therapy

EMDRIA approved EMDR Basic Training – CompassionWorks

Internal Family Systems Level 1 Therapist – Internal Family Systems Institute

Mindful Self Compassion – Chicago Center for Self-Compassion

NYU Silver School of Social Work – Master’s in Social Work (MSW)

Oberlin College of Arts and Sciences – BA in Psychology