Come home
to yourself.
Therapy for children (9+), teens and adults in NYC.
All of you is welcome here.
It can be challenging to know and embrace who we really are when the world seems to constantly tell us who we should be. Navigating this gap between our inner and outer realities can bring up strong emotions. Through compassionate curiosity and deep listening, I will help you make sense of what these emotions are expressing, and in a non-judgmental space we will explore the parts of you that may have been pushed aside or silenced—a space where all of you can be seen, heard, and supported.
I’m Hilary.
My practice is rooted in creativity, non-judgmental acceptance, and compassion. I work with individuals who are seeking clarity, healing, and a stronger sense of self.
My path to becoming a therapist was anything but linear. I grew up in South Africa, where I began a career as an illustrator and graphic designer. Although I loved the creativity in this work, somehow I knew it wasn't my true path. It wasn't until years later that I came upon art therapy, and something clicked.
I moved to New York to study Art Therapy at NYU, and began my clinical work at Bronx Lebanon Hospital in the adult in-patient psychiatric unit. If creating art was how I first developed a sense of who I am, working as a therapist was where I learned how to relate to myself and others authentically. Eager to expand upon my training, I went on to earn a second master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Columbia University, with additional training at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy’s Trauma Studies Center.
To each and every session I bring warmth, insight, and an ongoing commitment to my client’s growth and emotional well-being.
Here’s what you can expect from me as your therapist:
Collaboration
I don't offer easy answers and I'm not here to tell you what to do. I am here to help you welcome emotions and reflect on patterns, and to support you in holding yourself with more kindness—to walk alongside you as we explore where you are and where you'd like to go.
Safety
It may sound cliché, but there's really no substitute for resting in the safety of a therapeutic connection. When you talk with someone who truly listens, a space opens up where you will feel understood, cared for, valued, and worthy.
Playfulness
Many come to therapy expecting it will be hard and serious, even painful. It’s certainly true that therapy takes effort, yet play and humor can spontaneously emerge even in the darkest moments.
Inclusivity
As a culturally competent therapist, I am aware that power and privilege can enter the therapy space. I will prioritize your lived experience regarding race, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation and neurodiversity.
Curiosity
My clients joke that I ask lots of questions, and it's true! I believe that when we get curious about what's going on inside, we can unlock amazing insights that help us get unstuck.
Authenticity
Therapy involves risk. It takes bravery to reveal ourselves. I ensure that my clients never feel alone in this work by showing up with my whole self too. The more we each bring to the table, the more progress we're going to make.
Therapy isn't about fixing any one thing but about cultivating an authentic relationship with yourself that brings clarity, vitality, and deeper connection to the world around you.
For Children
Play Therapy
Play is the primary language of children. It is a means by which they express their inner world and process emotional, social, and behavioral difficulties. Whether it’s through toys, art, games, or imaginary play, each child tells the story of what it’s like to be them. Within the emotional safety of the therapy space, I get to enter into their world and interact with them in the immediacy of their experience. I will help your child develop their strengths, improve self-regulation skills, express and make sense of feelings, and manage concerns and worries. Therapy will build greater confidence and resilience, paving the way for your child’s optimal growth and development.
For Children, Teens & Adults
Internal Family
Systems (IFS)
A transformative, evidence-based therapy, IFS is rooted in the idea that we all have different aspects to our personalities or parts. Generally, these parts work in an integrated way led by our core Self. Sometimes, however, parts can become harshly self-critical, rigid or self-defeating. I will help you learn about your unique system of parts and how some may function in ways that—while once protective—no longer serve you. As a result you will discover greater clarity, become less reactive and more present, and be better able to choose how to respond to challenging situations and feelings.
For Teens & Adults
Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)
AEDP is an experiential model with roots in interpersonal neurobiology, attachment theory, emotion theory, and body-based approaches. Early in life we learn that certain emotions are not okay to feel, either because they were overwhelming or they received a negative response. These self-protective coping mechanisms can become entrenched, leaving us to feel cut-off from ourselves and others. Together we will help you access and process difficult emotional and relational experiences, enabling increased vitality, healing transformation, and connection with your authentic self.
Frequently
Asked Questions
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I offer both virtual and in-person sessions. I’m typically in my office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. My office is located at:
117 W13th Street, Suite 1
New York, NY 10011 -
I accept credit/debit card and HSA/FSA payments at the time of service. Clients can add a card on file during the intake process that is automatically billed after each session.
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My fees are comparable to other specialized psychotherapy services offered in the NYC area. Fees can be discussed during a free 15-minute phone call, where we can meet and get a sense of whether we’d be a good fit.
I reserve some openings for reduced-fee sessions for qualifying individuals.
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I do not work directly with insurance companies; however, I do provide monthly insurance statements via my secure online portal that, with out-of-network benefits, you can submit to your insurance company. Your insurance will then reimburse you directly.
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All appointments must be canceled 24 hours in advance to avoid paying full fee. I will do my best to reschedule during that week. Of course, life can be unpredictable and I understand that. Unavoidable cancelations due to illness, accidents or emergencies will be managed at my discretion.
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In my work with both children and adults, there are occasionally junctures at which it makes sense to bring others into the therapy room—a partner, parents, nannies, teachers, etc. However, my work is centered on supporting a single individual. Even when others are introduced, my client remains the focus.
I do not offer couples therapy or family therapy.
“You cannot change the past but you can change how you feel about the past.”
Let’s Work Together.
We’re all born with a compass and map. I’m here to help you find yours.
