Simona Ostrow , LMHC

Simona Ostrow is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) based in New York who supports people facing stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and major life changes. She also helps with workplace pressures and career concerns, and she brings attention to women's issues in her practice.

Simona keeps sessions straightforward and practical. She listens first, then helps clients identify small, doable steps to reduce distress. Sessions often focus on skills for managing mood, improving communication, and coping with chronic illness or caregiving strain.

Her approach draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which looks at thoughts and actions that keep problems stuck. She also uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills to teach emotion regulation and distress tolerance when feelings feel overwhelming. These methods are taught in simple, hands-on ways that clients can try between sessions.

With about 20 years of experience, Simona has worked with many people facing persistent mood symptoms and life transitions. She values clients' own knowledge about their lives and helps them use their strengths to make change. People can expect a calm, focused conversation aimed at practical solutions.

Simona checks messages several times a day Monday through Thursday and aims to reply promptly when she can. To begin, people complete a short questionnaire to match with a therapist and then schedule sessions that fit their timing.

CBT and DBT skills for online support

Simona uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and change behaviors that keep problems going. CBT sessions teach concrete techniques for easing anxiety, lifting mood, and tackling career or workplace stress.

She also teaches Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills aimed at managing strong emotions and reducing impulsive reactions. DBT techniques focus on emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improving communication when relationships or stress feel overwhelming.

Choosing the right approach is a team effort. Simona works with each person to decide which methods fit their goals, preferences, and the problems they bring. The plan can change over time as needs evolve, and she helps people try out skills to see what works for them.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which offer flexibility for different schedules and needs. Video sessions allow face-to-face conversation useful for teaching skills. Phone calls can be easier when bandwidth is limited or for shorter check-ins. Live chat and text messaging can fit brief coaching, skill reminders, or support between sessions. These formats make it possible to work on CBT and DBT skills from different settings and routines.