Experience The Power Of Therapy
If you’re an individual or a couple in New York City seeking a world-class therapist, we are here to help. Take the first step toward a happier, healthier you today by scheduling a free phone consultation with us.
Discover the difference.
Welcome to Holding Hope MFT, where we are dedicated to providing exceptional therapy to individuals and couples, and families seeking healing and growth in their relationships with others. We understand that the decision to seek therapy can be daunting, and we’re honored that you’ve taken the first step towards a brighter future by considering our practice.
What sets us apart?
Ten Minds, One Mission
We are a very collaborative team. Every therapist at the practice meets for weekly group supervision, which allows us to draw on each other’s strengths and insights, creating a comprehensive and dynamic approach to your care.
Evidence-Based Therapy
We practice methods of therapy that are backed by research, such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and more attachment based models, to help you create meaningful and lasting change in your life and relationships.
Highly Skilled Therapists
Our therapists have many years of experience in helping individuals and couples navigate through various relational challenges. They are experts in tailoring their therapeutic approach to your unique needs, ensuring you receive the most effective, personalized care possible.
LGBTQ+ Affirming and Multicultural Care
We celebrate and support people of all backgrounds and orientations. From our experience, therapy does not work without a safe and trusting relationship between therapist and client. All parts of you are welcome and will be met with curiosity and compassion. Our therapists are trained in LGBTQ+ affirming models of therapy, ensuring a safe and inclusive experience for every client.
We empower individuals, couples, and families.
We believe in fostering growth, understanding, and resilience in all aspects of life. We work with a wide range of clients to address their unique emotional and psychological needs. We are dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families overcome challenges, strengthen connections, and unlock their full potential.
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Real stories of transformation.
Their stories of transformation are a testament to the compassionate care, expertise, and dedication we bring to each session. We are honored to have played a role in empowering these clients to overcome challenges and discover newfound resilience and strength in themselves.
After months of searching for the right fit with a therapist, I could not have been luckier to meet Brittani. She has patiently guided me through a very difficult, transitional year, and has given me confidence in my ability to navigate the future. Brittani is professional, kind, and always takes an open-minded approach to our sessions. I am so grateful to work with her.
I am eternally grateful that I have had the privilege to work with Melissa for the better part of three years. She has helped me grow and change my behavior in ways I thought were impossible due to deep rooted bad habits and some role models that haven’t been so positive. I sincerely recommend her guidance and friendship to anyone- but get ready for some deep (and sometimes difficult) introspection!
When I first met Mara, I immediately felt comfortable and at ease during what was a very tumultuous time in my life. Over the past few years, she has guided me on a productive and exploratory journey that has deeply affected the way I approach my life on a daily basis. Mara also helped me to fully understand the true value of therapy — in my own life and the lives of others.
Working with Nicole has given me a greater understanding of myself and my thought process. Our conversations have created clarity around emotions and experiences I’ve struggled to comprehend. I am proud of the work I’ve done with Nicole and am grateful for her patience, compassion and support.
Schedule a free 20-minute consultation call.
We’re more than a practice.
At Holding Hope, our team goes beyond being seasoned experts in relationship counseling in New York City; we are compassionate, attuned, and deeply dedicated to fostering a warm, collaborative, family-like atmosphere. United by our belief in the power of unity and family, we strive to create a truly remarkable experience for all our clients. We invite you to get to know our talented team and discover how we can support you on your journey towards healing and growth.
Mara Hirschfeld, LMFT
Certified EFT Couples Therapist
IFS Trauma Therapist
Melissa Pennica, LMFT
Certified Sex Therapist
LGBTQ+ and Non-monogomy
Nicole D. R. Diaz, LMFT
EFT Couples Therapist
Grief & Loss Counseling
Brittani Ulloa, LMFT
EFT Couples Therapist
EMDR Trauma Therapist
Kate McConnell, LMFT
EFT Couples Therapist
Perinatal/Postpartum Counseling
Allise Galeano, LMFT
EFT Couples Therapist
Sex Therapist
Kerri Chiaravalle, LMFT
EFT Couples Therapist
LGBTQ+ and Sexuality
Caitlin Grasson, LMFT
EFT Couples Therapist
Somatic Trauma Therapist
Dana Blackwood, MFT
EFT Couples Therapist
Premarital Counseling
Support beyond therapy.
We are committed to supporting you on your journey, both inside and outside of our therapy sessions. We are actively writing articles on The Holding Hope Blog that span from mental health, relationships, personal growth, self-care, and more. Check out some of our recent blog posts below.
What To Do When You Feel Unheard In a Relationship
It can be one of the loneliest feelings in the world: pouring your heart out to your partner, only to feel as if your words are falling on deaf ears. This sense of not being truly heard or understood is a major source of distress in many relationships. It leaves you...
What is Kitchen Sinking in Communication And How to Stop It in Your Relationship
Every relationship encounters disagreements. But sometimes, arguments morph into a hurricane of blame and past hurts, leaving both partners feeling emotionally battered. This destructive pattern is sometimes referred to as "kitchen sinking," which means when you throw...
Emotional Invalidation: Why Your Feelings Are Sidelined and How to Find Your Voice
Emotional invalidation is a wound that cuts deeper than many realize. It's a subtle pattern, often disguised as concern or pep talks, that leaves you doubting your own inner reality. If you constantly feel unheard, unseen, and subtly told your emotional experiences...
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