Psychotherapist
Lynn Cukaj is a New York State mental health counselor with a limited permit and a registered, board-certified Art Therapist. She is currently a PhD candidate in Mental Health Counseling at Pace University and also holds 2 other master’s degrees: one in Art Therapy and another in Elementary Education. Lynn has worked in the field of art therapy for over twenty years and education for ten years.Her experience during her internship at Northeast Psychological Wellness provided the foundation and framework for her clinical work.
Lynn has found that anxiety, fear, and pain often hinder an individual’s development. These emotions, unhelpful thoughts, and problematic behaviors can be significant barriers to change. Lynn deeply understands the role self-compassion plays in mental health and personal growth. Therefore, therapeutic goals are centered around cultivating self-compassion to overcome these roadblocks. By developing tools and coping skills grounded in self-compassion, clients can better navigate life’s ups and downs, leading to a more fulfilling life.
Lynn’s way of helping her clients is by to creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment whereby clients feel secure as they embark on their personal journey toward change. She understands that, often, what is not being said becomes the focus of the session. Therefore, Lynn’s goal is to help clients develop a voice and find effective ways to express their pain and struggles. She also assists them in discovering their sense of self and growing as lifelong learners in their healing journey. Lynn believes that it is important to empower her clients to set their own treatment goals, as they are ultimately the experts of their lives.
Lynn values and respects each person’s unique life experiences, recognizing that no single approach works for everyone. As such, she uses client-centered and strengths-based techniques based on each individual’s problems. Her blended approach incorporates aspects of solution-focused therapy, existential therapy, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness techniques–all emphasizing self-compassion.
Lastly, Lynn firmly believes that the therapeutic relationship between the client and therapist is the cornerstone of the healing journey. She emphasizes her client’s strengths and provides unconditional support. Her counseling style is warm, friendly, empathic, and validating. At the same time, she is skilled at challenging unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that may be getting in the way of living one’s best life.
States that Lynn is Permitted to Practice in: New York; Connecticut
Clients must physically be in NY or CT during a telehealth appointment with Lynn.
SPECIALITIES
Contact us to schedule an appointment with Lynn.