LCSW PLLC
Welcome to Love Yourself First Counseling's website! We provide Mental Health Counseling and Music Therapy to the people of Staten Island mainly, as well as other areas of New York and New Jersey. Congratulations on taking the first step in your mental health journey. We understand that it can be intimidating, but we are here to support you every step of the way. Keep scrolling to learn more about how our practice can help.
MEET THE TEAM
Associate Therapist
Brianna Mora, LMHC
Lead Therapist
Brianna Postelnek, MSW, LCSW
Hi there ! i am the founder and lead therapist at Love Yourself First Counseling, LCSW, PLLC. I specialize in working with older adolescents/ teens, adults, and the elderly facing challenges such as ADHD ( adults only ) OCD, anxiety, depression, trauma and grief from loss or separation and the many hardships faced by life transitions and adjustments . My goal is to guide clients through their hardships and equip them with essential coping skills to thrive in all aspects of their lives.
Together, we'll explore how your thoughts influence your feelings and behaviors, empowering you to develop the skills necessary for personal growth. In our sessions, I frequently utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help guide our work. During our first meeting, we will discuss what brought you to therapy and collaboratively determine the best strategies for your progress. CBT focuses on understanding how your thoughts impact your emotions and experiences. Throughout our time together, I will help you challenge those thoughts, empowering you to cultivate more positive feelings and outcomes.
In addition I also have a background in Long term care and I have experience helping families, patients and caregivers adjust to transitioning to a long-term care setting, or Adjusting to a new diagnosis, such as dementia.
My therapeutic approach is rooted in a blend of modalities, each chosen to uniquely address the emotional, psychological, and situational needs of my clients. Grounded in a foundation of compassion and empathy, I aim to meet my clients exactly where they are in their life’s journey. This personalized approach allows us to foster a supportive and open environment, where clients can safely express themselves, explore deep-seated emotions, and engage in reflective conversations about navigating the complexities of life’s challenges. It is my goal to create a safe space that promotes personal exploration, growth, and healing.
I specialize in working with adult women and members of the BIPOC community, navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship building. My practice focuses on addressing interpersonal relationships, self-esteem, anxiety, depression and life stressors, offering tailored strategies to enhance resilience and well-being.
Collaboration is key in my therapeutic practice. By working closely with my clients, I empower them to actively engage in their healing journey, fostering personal growth and building resilience. If you are seeking support to navigate personal or emotional challenges, I invite you to reach out and start this journey together.
Associate Therapist
Virginia Eulacio Cierniak, MA, LCAT, MT-BC
I am a bi-lingual (English/Spanish), trauma-informed creative arts therapist with experience supporting individuals across the lifespan. My clinical work centers around those navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief and bereavement, chronic and invisible illness, trauma, and end-of-life transitions, with extensive experience working with BIPOC, Autistic, and neurodivergent individuals. I offer a space that is culturally responsive, affirming, and rooted in humanistic care.
As a music therapist, I integrate music and the creative arts as tools for connection, healing, and self-expression. I also incorporate Reiki as a supportive, mind-body wellness practice for those who find it beneficial.
My approach is grounded in social justice and informed by the belief that mental health is a human right. In a healthcare system that often prioritizes physical health over emotional well-being, I’ve persistently advocated to elevate mental health care and reduce the stigma that too often silences people’s needs.
I am deeply passionate about de-stigmatizing mental health and excited to bring my skills and creativity to support you with empathy, compassion, and understanding.
Services/ Finances
Individualized Mental Health Counseling
At Love Yourself First Counseling, the primary goal is to support you through life's challenges. We understand that each person's journey is unique, so we tailor our therapeutic approaches to fit your individual needs.
Individualized Mental Health Counseling, also known as individual therapy or psychotherapy, is a specialized form of mental health support tailored to your unique needs and goals. In this confidential setting, you'll work one-on-one with a compassionate therapist to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe and supportive environment. This personalized approach allows for deep exploration of challenges, such as anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, or life transitions, empowering you to gain self-awareness and develop effective coping strategies. Through this process, you can work towards achieving greater emotional well-being, enhancing your relationships, and navigating life's complexities with increased confidence and resilience.
* Sessions are offered virtually
and in person *
Music Therapy
Music therapy is a form of therapy that uses music interventions to address individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship. It's a clinical and evidence-based practice, not just listening to music, and is delivered by credentialed professionals. Music therapists tailor interventions to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs, promoting overall well-being.
Music Therapy at Love Yourself First Counseling is conducted by our Music Therapist Virginia, who is also a licensed creative arts therapist and with this background she is able to incorporate mental health therapy into her sessions as well !
sessions are held virtually through zoom and can still be just as beneficial as in person sessions.
Caregiver Support Group
Caregiving can be emotionally demanding. Our caregiver support services offer a lifeline for those looking after loved ones. Connect with fellow caregivers, share your challenges, and access resources to help you navigate this important role.
Offered twice a month ( DAY AND TIME TBD )
minimum of 2 members needed for the group to run
fee per session : $50-$100
Location: Virtual On Zoom ( NY residents only )
Music Therapy Support Group
Music therapy can be a powerful tool for emotional healing, especially for those dealing with grief and loss. Our virtual music therapy group offers a supportive environment for individuals to explore their feelings and find solace through music. Connect with others who understand your journey, engage in therapeutic musical activities, and access resources that can aid in your healing process.
Offered twice a month (DAY AND TIME TBD)
Minimum of 2 members needed for the group to run
Fee per session: $50-$100
Location: Virtual on Zoom
Clients treated:
- older adolescents/ teens
- adults and elders
Treatment approaches:
Music Therapy
Creative arts therapy
Attachment-based
person centered/ client centered
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Exposure Response Prevention Therapy
Gestalt
Motivational Interviewing
Positive Psychology
Strength-Based
Trauma Focused
*Please also note: this practice does not see clients who are court mandated, have a substance abuse disorder, have a diagnosis of a serious mental illness ,Oppositional defiance disorder/ intermittent explosive disorder/ conduct disorder or a personality disorder or an eating disorder and not under the care of a physician . We also do not see couples or families for therapy, However we can provide you with a referral.*
Finances
Fees
Individual Session Cost if private pay : $120 per session
I offer sliding scale pricing as low as $85 per session
Music therapy sessions are held at the following rates: $85 for 30 mins, $120 for 45mins, $170 for 60mins . Also our lovely music therapist/LCAT accepts Cigna and carelon ( select plans ) both in NY only .
Payment Method
ACH Bank transfer
American Express
Discover
Mastercard
Visa
Check
Venmo
Insurance
In-Network Plans:
Aetna
Anthem
Anthem EAP- Bank of America
BlueCross and BlueShield
Carelon Behavioral Health
Cigna and Evernorth
Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield ( NJ ONLY )
Meritain Health
Optum
Oscar Health
Oxford
Quest Behavioral Health
United Healthcare Medicare Adv
UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
** I am in network with all of the insurance plans above in both NY and NJ, except horizon BCBS which is only in NJ .
** If i am not in network with your insurance , i can supply you with a superbill if you wish to request reimbursement from your insurance plan **
** I am also in the process of becoming credentialed with more insurance plans, if you do not see your insurance plan please continue checking our website for updates .
TESTIMONIALS
Contact
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you are in need of counseling services . If I am unable to accommodate your mental health needs I will make sure to give you an appropriate referral.
* If you are inquiring about services for anyone else but yourself, in order to protect the privacy and confidentiality of the potential client I ask that you please encourage that person to reach out to me directly. Due to HIPPA privacy laws I am unable to discuss services with anyone else but the potential client unless the client is a minor or the potential client gives permission first for me to speak to someone else on their behalf about what brings them to therapy .*
PLEASE NOTE: We are only in the office on Sundays , but do offer virtual appointments on other days of the week.
2483 Arthurkill Road, SI, NY 10309, 2nd floor, waiting room on 1st floor
917-524-9245
CLICK THIS ICON TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Mental Health Resources
If you are in crisis, or you know someone who is, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or dial 911 in case of emergency.
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Call or text 988.
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Chat 988lifeline.org.
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TTY users, use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
Helpful websites:
**Subject: Availability and Communication Policy
Dear Clients and potential clients,
I would like to take a moment to clarify my availability as I operate my private practice on a part-
time basis, with all aspects managed solely by myself. My hours of communication may vary, and
I strive to remain accessible for client inquiries throughout the week.
I typically respond to emails, text messages, and phone calls between 4 PM and midnight. While I
make every effort to address general inquiries about appointments promptly, please understand
that responses related to matters other than scheduling, rescheduling, or canceling appointments
may take longer. I aim to reply to all messages within one to two business days.
I appreciate your understanding that there may be times when I am unable to answer calls
immediately, as I may be occupied with other responsibilities. For urgent matters, I encourage you
to CALL 911, visit your nearest emergency room or visit one of the resources above for emergencies.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. I look forward to supporting you in your journey.