Online Therapy Sessions for all of New York.
Do you find it difficult to find time to take care of yourself? Are you struggling to establish boundaries without guilt and finding it hard to say no? Are you repeating unhealthy relationship patterns, constantly overthinking, or feeling emotionally overwhelmed? Perhaps you're carrying the lasting effects of childhood experiences into adulthood or just simply need support navigating life's challenges. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
I am Maureen LeBlanc, LMHC-D, owner of Gentle Strength Mental Health Counseling PLLC.. My practice consists of person centered, compassion focused and trauma-informed care. I am trained in techniques such as EMDR, somatic interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and parts work/IFS-informed therapy. Together, we'll work towards anxiety management, emotional balance, and building healthier relationships, ultimately leading to lasting change.
You are worth it, and you deserve to feel like yourself again. I am here to guide you in creating internal safety and self-compassion as you process challenging emotions and restructure negative thought patterns. Healing can be a beautiful process, and I look forward to embarking on this journey with you!
Specialties and services
Trauma focused psychotherapy
EMDR trained
Somatic techniques
IFS-informed
Integrated mindful approach
Anxiety and stress management
Relationship patterns/codependency
Emotional regulation
Communication and boundaries
Potential Outcomes
With dedication and consistency when using the skills learned, many clients can experience:
Improved communication skills.
Stronger boundaries.
Healthier relationships.
Improved emotional regulation skills.
Learning healthier coping mechanisms.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy designed to help the brain process and heal from distressing or traumatic experiences that may still be affecting your thoughts, emotions, relationships, or daily life.
When we experience overwhelming events, the brain can sometimes store those memories in a way that leaves us feeling "stuck." These unprocessed experiences may contribute to anxiety, panic, low self-worth, PTSD, relationship difficulties, or emotional reactions that seem stronger than the current situation.
EMDR uses a structured approach and gentle bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements or alternating taps) while you remain fully awake and in control. This helps the brain reprocess painful memories so they become less emotionally overwhelming and no longer have the same hold on your life.
EMDR is not hypnosis, and you do not have to share every detail of your experiences for therapy to be effective. Treatment moves at a pace that feels safe for you, with a strong focus on building coping skills and emotional stability before processing difficult memories.
As an EMDR-trained therapist, I integrate EMDR with a compassionate, trauma-focused approach to help clients reduce emotional distress, develop healthier beliefs about themselves, and move forward with greater confidence, resilience, and peace.
My Personal Approach
Gentle Trauma Processing
Not all trauma therapy requires repeatedly reliving painful memories. I incorporate the Flash Technique, an innovative approach designed to help the brain process difficult experiences while minimizing emotional overwhelm. Many clients notice a significant reduction in distress, allowing them to move forward feeling calmer and more in control.
I am passionate about trauma work and very focused on how the nervous system works to process trauma, how to create safety and stability and how to help your body feel more in control. Many times, clients come in to express hesitation about re-entering their trauma and their body becomes tense and will block them from entering the trauma. EMDR is not just about revisiting your trauma. It is so much more than that. Creating stability is my first and foremost priority within my approach. Learning mindfulness techniques and resourcing such as creating a calm place, imagining a container to safely place your emotions into when you are overwhelmed, noticing where and when you feel tension in your body and how to calm your nervous system before you go into fight or flight, is so important BEFORE you revisit traumatic memories. I take a more gentle slow approach to create strength and my motto is “slow and steady wins the race”. Your body has been through so much and it is time to create nurturing and compassion within so it feels supported enough to enter difficult feelings and create the resilience it needs to thrive not just survive. My integrated approach can be used with a broad range of disorders such as PTSD/CPTSD, OCD, anxiety disorders, panic disorders, depression/mood disorders as well as dissociative disorders. Contact me today to see if we are a good fit!
Contact Information
Phone: (631) 502-5232 Email: maureenleblanc@gentlestrengthmhc.com