Paula Flidermauz, MHC-LP
Therapist in The Flatiron District, NYC
Working With Me
What Empower means to me: Empowerment is knowing that you have choices to make, and finding the strength to make those choices; it is about reminding ourselves of our personal identity and sense of autonomy.
My Philosophy: Change can be painful, even when that change is for the best. I am here to support you in your life transitions and manifesting the future that you want to see for yourself. My approach is to meet clients wherever they are with their goals for both treatment and life. I am not here to say what would make you be your best self; I am only here to help you explore what that means to you.
What sessions with me look like: I would like to provide a validating and affirming space, while also discussing some of the thoughts and behaviors that may be getting in the way of you achieving your goals. Treatment can at times be challenging, but I am here to support you through your journey without placing judgment. By identifying your personal values, strengths, motivators, and interests, we can discover where you want to be and develop the best plan for getting you there. We will work to equip you with the tools for coping with the pain and stressors you may be experiencing and determine which of these tools best suit your needs and lifestyle. I use a strengths-based approach and like to focus on the things that you want to work on or feel are important.
SPECIALTIES
PTSD
Anxiety
Depression
LGBTQ+
Compulsive and Addictive Behaviors
Life Transitions
Healthy Sexuality Counseling/Education
Personality Disorders
Substance Use Disorders
EDUCATION
John Jay College of Criminal Justice, MA. Forensic Mental Health Counseling; concentration in Victimology, 2020
CUNY College of Staten Island, BA. Psychology; Minor in Art, American Sign Language, 2016
More About Me
I began pursuing a career in psychology when I realized being open with and accepting of others is one of my greatest strengths. Having grown up with my own life challenges and seeing those of my friends, I wanted to be the ear that I know so many people are looking for. I may not have had the same experiences as you, but I can identify with the emotions that come with those experiences.
It is easy to give advice to others, but healing often comes from examining and validating those painful feelings about our past, which greatly inform our present. Throughout my education and career, I have learned the importance of being kinder and more patient with myself, and I love being able to share that knowledge through my work.