Meet the compassionate therapists at With Heart With Soul Therapy LCSW PLLC, a trauma-informed and culturally affirming group therapy practice serving teens, adults, young adults, and couples in Syracuse, New York, and throughout New York State via secure online therapy. Our licensed social workers—including Tatiana Royal-Williams, Julie Assaf, Nicole Robords, Angela Powers, Marissa Pauldine, Lindsay Thompson, and Eleanor Williams—offer personalized support for trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, people-pleasing, relationship and attachment concerns, emotional dysregulation, life transitions, chronic illness, perinatal mental health, motherhood, neurodivergence, cultural identity, and generational healing. Our diverse team provides integrative and evidence-based, therapy, with in-person, telehealth, daytime, evening, late night and select weekend availability depending on the clinician. Explore each therapist’s bio, specialties, therapeutic approach, and current availability to find a Syracuse therapist who feels aligned with your needs.
Therapy for Family Wounds | Identity & Belonging | Culturally-Affirming
Who are you?
Hi, I’m Bridget! I’m an MSW student at Binghamton University who is passionate about creating meaningful connections and spaces where people can feel safe enough to be fully themselves. I’m naturally warm and curious, and I genuinely enjoy learning about the experiences, relationships, and stories that have shaped who someone is.
I am supervised by Julie Assaf, LCSW as I practice as a student.
What values guide your work as a student therapist?
Compassion, respect, inclusion, and empowerment are at the heart of how I approach this work. I believe everyone deserves to be met where they are, without judgment, and treated with genuine curiosity and care.
Describe your style/disposition in 3 words:
Warm. Curious. Affirming.
What do you believe is the most important element in building a strong therapeutic relationship?
Feeling truly seen, heard, and understood. I believe trust grows when you know you can bring your authentic self into the room and be met with acceptance rather than judgment.
How do you create a safe and affirming space for your clients?
I want therapy to be a space where you do not have to hide, minimize, or change parts of yourself to feel accepted. I approach our work with openness, cultural humility, allyship, and a trauma-informed lens, while taking time to understand what safety looks and feels like specifically for you.
What’s one life lesson or experience that has shaped who you are today?
Experiencing what it feels like to be genuinely seen and accepted has had a lasting impact on me. It taught me how powerful it can be to have someone make room for all of who you are, and that is something I hope to offer others.
What brings you joy or fulfillment outside of your work as a therapist?
I love being outdoors, especially gardening and kayaking. I’m also happiest with a good book, or baking. There’s something about creating, learning, and spending time in nature that helps me feel grounded.
What does healing mean to you, and how do you help clients on that journey?
To me, healing is deeply personal and rarely linear. It can look like understanding your story, developing healthier boundaries, practicing self-compassion, or learning that it is safe to know and care for yourself differently. I hope to create the trust and psychological safety needed for you to explore what healing means for you.
What do you hope clients take away from working with you?
I hope you leave our work feeling more empowered, understood, and connected to yourself. More than anything, I want you to experience what it feels like to have your story held with care while discovering strengths and possibilities within yourself.
What’s one thing you wish every client knew before starting therapy?
There is no one else in the world exactly like you, and you do not have to become someone different to deserve care. You deserve safety, happiness, compassion, and the opportunity to better understand yourself.
Describe your ideal client/referral:
I’m especially interested in working with people who want a safe place to explore how their past, relationships, family, or culture may be influencing who they are today. I’m drawn to supporting concerns related to childhood and attachment trauma, family estrangement, blended families, immigration and acculturation, grief, and end-of-life experiences. You do not need to know exactly what you want from therapy. Curiosity and a willingness to explore are enough places to begin.
How do you incorporate the mind, body, and spirit into your psychotherapeutic work?
In Network Insurance(s):
I am unable to bill insurance as a student or submit sessions completed with me for insurance reimbursement, however we offer a reduced rate and sliding scale to help make sessions accessible.
Out of Pocket Cost
Individual Session: $50
Couple/Family Session: $75
Therapist for Teens, Parents & Couples | Transitions & Connection | Strength-Based
Who are you?
Hey, I’m Lindsay! I’m a therapist with over 18 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, families, and communities in various roles and settings. I value connection, believe deeply in people’s capacity to grow, and try to bring warmth, perspective, and hope into the spaces I share with others.
Describe your ideal client/referral:
My ideal clients are children, teens, new parents, couples, and families who are seeking support through life’s transitions, challenges, and periods of growth. I enjoy working with people who want to better understand themselves, strengthen their relationships, improve emotional well-being, and create more balance in their lives.
What’s one life lesson or experience that has shaped who you are today?
The greatest lessons of my life have come through love, loss, and motherhood. Love showed me how fully I could give myself to others. Loss reminded me not to take a single day for granted. Motherhood taught me that the strongest love is not about holding on tightly, but about nurturing, guiding, and eventually letting go with grace.
What does healing mean to you, and how do you help clients on that path?
Healing does not always mean resolving everything neatly. Sometimes it means creating more understanding, balance, and hope in the middle of real life. I help clients look at how emotions, relationships, physical experiences, values, and life circumstances interact so they can recognize their strengths and respond to challenges with greater resilience.
What do you hope clients take away from working with you?
I hope you come away knowing yourself better and trusting your ability to navigate difficult seasons. I want you to feel more connected in your relationships, clearer about what matters to you, and equipped with practical ways to support your emotional well-being as life continues to change.
What brings you joy or fulfillment outside of your work as a therapist?
Outside of work, cooking and music bring me joy. I love spending time in the kitchen creating meals to share with loved ones, and music has a way of lifting my spirit, bringing back memories, and adding meaning to everyday moments.
Currently Pending Insurance(s): Excellus BCBS, Aetna
Out of Pocket Cost
Individual Session: $130
Couple/Family Session: $150
Therapy for Trauma Healing | Young Adults | Real & Grounded
Who are you?
Hi, there I’m Julie—a clinical social worker from the Syracuse area. I’m someone who approaches people and life with curiosity and a willingness to learn, and I bring that same energy into the therapy room. I believe therapy is a space for self-discovery, and I invite my clients to approach their own healing with openness and curiosity toward the parts of themselves they’re still getting to know.
What values guide your work as a therapist?
I value honesty, compassion, and the belief that you are the expert on your own life. I lead with an open mind and directness that’s grounded in kindness—making sure your story is respected and your pace is honored.
Describe your style/disposition in 3 words:
Perceptive. Accepting. Honest.
What do you believe is the most important element in building a strong therapeutic relationship?
Authenticity. I believe that when both the therapist and the client show up as their full, genuine selves, that’s when real trust and connection can be built.
How do you create a safe and affirming space for your clients?
I use a trauma-informed approach, always meeting you where you are and honoring the path you want to take. Therapy with me is collaborative—I’m here to support your growth and also to gently challenge you where needed, always with your consent.
What’s one life lesson or experience that has shaped who you are today?
That life is unpredictable, full of ups and downs and no matter how hard you may try, no one has full control. What you can have control over is how you navigate through life’s uncertainty.
What brings you joy or fulfillment outside of your work as a therapist?
Balancing spending time out with family and friends and time at home with my two cats. Finding new tv shows and movies, traveling and seeing more of the world, and finding new recipes to try.
What does healing mean to you, and how do you help clients on that journey?
To me healing is getting to a space where you feel more at peace with your own body, emotions, and mind. When you become comfortable navigating periods of distress as they arise. I work to support clients in building the skills necessary to integrate into their daily lives.
What do you hope clients take away from working with you?
I hope clients come away feeling more prepared for both the difficult and enjoyable times life has to offer.
What’s one thing you wish every client knew before starting therapy?
Every therapist is going to be different, and sometimes it’s about finding the right therapist for the right time in your life. If something doesn’t feel right that’s okay, there may be another therapist out there who is a better fit for your current needs
Describe your ideal client/referral:
I love working with young adults and individuals navigating life transitions—whether you’re starting something new, ending something old, or just feeling stuck in between. I also specialize in trauma work and enjoy working with people who are ready to make meaningful changes, even if they’re not sure where to begin. Together, we’ll bring more awareness to how your mind, body, and spirit are all connected—and how small shifts in one area can ripple through the rest of your life.
How do you incorporate the mind, body, and spirit into your psychotherapeutic work?
I support clients in exploring how their thoughts and emotions affect their bodies and spirit, and how their relationship with movement, nourishment, and connection impacts mental health. Whether it’s tuning into what your body is holding or exploring what gives your life meaning, I bring a whole-person approach that honors your values, beliefs, and lived experience.
In Network Insurance(s):
Aetna, Excellus BCBS
Out of Pocket Cost
Individual Session: $130
Therapy for Moms | Chronic Illness & Pain-Aware | Relatable
Who are you?
Hi, I’m Marissa! I’m a therapist passionate about supporting people through the complex, beautiful, and sometimes overwhelming transitions of life—especially the journey into and through motherhood. I also have a heart for those navigating chronic illness and pain, and I hold space for both the emotional and physical toll it can take. I hold a deep belief that therapy should feel real, human, and supportive.
What values guide your work as a therapist?
Compassion, curiosity, and authenticity guide everything I do. I believe in meeting you where you are, honoring your unique story, and showing up in the way you need—whether that’s space to vent, build skills, or dive deeper.
Describe your style/disposition in 3 words:
Relatable, Insightful, Encouraging
What do you believe is the most important element in building a strong therapeutic relationship?
For me, it’s about showing up as a real person. I believe the best work happens when we build trust, connection, and safety together. I don’t expect you to have it all figured out, and I won’t pretend to either—we’re in it together.
How do you create a safe and affirming space for your clients?
I meet you where you are. Whether you’re showing up with tears, laughter, or just barely making it through the day, I honor your experience and adjust our work to meet your needs in that moment. Comfy clothes and honest feelings are always welcome.
What’s one life lesson or experience that has shaped who you are today?
Becoming a mom has completely changed how I view healing, identity, and growth. It taught me about self-compassion, the strength in vulnerability, and how much pressure we carry—often in silence. That lived experience deeply shapes how I support other moms.
What brings you joy or fulfillment outside of your work as a therapist?
I love spending time with my son and my sweet calico cat. I’m all about comfy vibes (you’ll probably see me in cozy clothes!), and I’m rediscovering my love for reading—especially historical fiction. I’m also a big Buffalo Bills fan—Go Bills!
What does healing mean to you, and how do you help clients on that journey?
Healing doesn’t always mean things go away—it can mean learning to carry them differently. Whether you’re navigating identity shifts, grief, chronic pain, or postpartum emotions, I help you reconnect to your power, rewrite your narrative, and move through life with more gentleness and strength.
What do you hope clients take away from working with you?
I hope you leave therapy feeling more confident, more connected to yourself, and more able to speak up for your needs—mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. And I hope you know that you’re not alone, even on the hard days.
What’s one thing you wish every client knew before starting therapy?
You don’t have to have it all together to start. Therapy isn’t about being “fixed”—it’s about being witnessed, supported, and slowly coming back to yourself, one session at a time.
Describe your ideal client/referral:
I work best with folks navigating motherhood, perinatal transitions, chronic pain or illness, anxiety, or burnout. Whether you’re in a season of change or just need to feel like you again, I’ll meet you wherever you are. Some clients love tools and structure, others just need space to talk—and I’m here for all of it.
How do you incorporate the mind, body, and spirit into your psychotherapeutic work?
I love integrating breathwork, visualization, and body awareness into sessions, especially when emotions show up physically. I also use therapeutic card pulls when clients are open to it. My approach pulls from CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and psychodynamic work—blended intuitively based on your needs and goals.
In Network Insurance(s): Excellus BCBS, Aetna
Out of Pocket Cost
Individual Session: $125
Couple/Family Session: $145
Therapy for Real Change | Supportive & Strategic | Accountability
Who are you?
Hey, I’m Nikki, a licensed clinical social worker who has always felt called to help others. I’ve been working in the mental health field for many years, including nine years in a residential setting before earning my degree in 2018. Supporting people through hard seasons and meaningful change isn’t just my job, it’s something I truly care about.
What values guide your work as a therapist?
I believe therapy should be person-centered and tailored to you. It takes real courage to reach out for support, and I value honoring that strength. My goal is to empower you with tools and insight that you can carry with you long after our work together ends.
Describe your style/disposition in 3 words:
Genuine. Empathetic. Purposeful.
What do you believe is the most important element in building a strong therapeutic relationship?
I believe the foundation of a successful therapeutic relationship is building trust and positive rapport. I will always show up being my most authentic and genuine self, and I hope you will be able to do the same.
How do you create a safe and affirming space for your clients?
I tend to build humor into sessions, when appropriate. I aim for the space to feel safe, supportive, and comfortable whether meeting with people in person or via telehealth.
What’s one life lesson or experience that has shaped who you are today?
I know life can be unpredictable and a lot happens that is out of our control. My personal experiences have shaped me and the way I work with people in sessions to be more understanding and empathetic, while encouraging clients to take accountability. Sometimes we need someone to be there cheering us on, and sometimes we need someone to challenge us to look at things a different way. I’m here to do both.
What brings you joy or fulfillment outside of your work as a therapist?
Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my two kids and my husband. I also love baking, spending time with friends, and watching my favorite comfort shows. Those small, steady joys keep me grounded.
What does healing mean to you, and how do you help clients on that journey?
Healing looks different for everyone. Together, we’ll define what it means for you and set meaningful goals to help you move toward it. I focus on helping you build practical skills, increase insight, and make steady progress that feels realistic and sustainable.
What do you hope clients take away from working with you?
I hope clients take away that no one will ever be perfect; life is messy and normal is a setting on a washer. My hope is that clients make progress on their identified goals and walk away feeling better about themselves and their ongoing journey after therapy.
What’s one thing you wish every client knew before starting therapy?
I would like clients to know most of the work in therapy happens outside of session. Real change takes time and effort, which means implementing what is learned in our time together when outside of session.
Describe your ideal client/referral:
adults are my ideal population to work with. I work best with those who are ready for and engaged in the process that is therapy. I enjoy helping clients learn about their emotions including emotion regulation and connecting emotions to somatic responses, gain coping skills, learn to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, navigate life experiences that may feel challenging or overwhelming, and more.
How do you incorporate the mind, body, and spirit into your psychotherapeutic work?
In Network Insurance(s):
Aetna, Excellus BCBS
Out of Pocket Cost
Individual Session: $135
Couple/Family Session: $155
Profile Coming Soon
Coming Soon
Coming Soon: Excellus BCBS, Aetna
Available Now, Out of Pocket Cost
Individual Session: $135
Couple/Family Session: $155
Therapist for the Overextended | Burnout & Balance | Grounded
Who are you?
Hey there, I’m Eleanor. At my core, I’m someone who truly tries every day to treat people with kindness and respect. I’m a mother, stepmother, fiancé, daughter, sister, friend, aunt, godmother, and cousin. These roles have shaped how I show up in the world and in the therapy room. I’m not perfect, and I don’t expect you to be either.
What values guide your work as a therapist?
Integrity is at the heart of everything I do. If you’re sharing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with me, you deserve to know that I take that trust seriously. I value honesty, respect, and showing up consistently for the people I work with.
Describe your style/disposition in 3 words:
Authentic. Down-to-earth. Intense (at times).
What do you believe is the most important element in building a strong therapeutic relationship?
Relatability. We do not have to have lived the same life, but I believe it’s important that you feel I can meet you where you are. Trust grows when you feel understood enough to be vulnerable, and that is where meaningful work begins.
How do you create a safe and affirming space for your clients?
I create safety by being real and present. I show up as myself and make it clear that I am here to support you, not judge you. My goal is for you to feel that you have someone in your corner who is genuinely invested in your growth.
What’s one life lesson or experience that has shaped who you are today?
I grew up in a family impacted by substance use and mental health challenges. Being taken in and raised by relatives who gave me stability and opportunity deeply shaped my sense of gratitude and purpose. That experience is a big part of why I chose to become a social worker and why supporting others feels so meaningful to me.
What brings you joy or fulfillment outside of your work as a therapist?
I find joy in music, fashion, spending time with animals, and dreaming about or planning tropical getaways. These things help me stay balanced and connected to the lighter parts of life.
What does healing mean to you, and how do you help clients on that journey?
Healing is not something I see as a finish line. It is an ongoing process, and I understand that sometimes we lean into growth and sometimes we avoid it. Because I am on my own healing journey, I can often recognize when someone is struggling and meet them with compassion while still encouraging movement forward.
What do you hope clients take away from working with you?
I hope you leave feeling that someone truly cared about your wellbeing and believed in your ability to grow. My intention is always to support you in becoming stronger, more self-aware, and more confident in navigating your life.
What’s one thing you wish every client knew before starting therapy?
Therapy is not a straight path. There will be moments that feel like progress and moments that feel like setbacks. Real change requires honesty, effort, and patience with yourself. That is part of the process, not a sign that you are failing.
Describe your ideal client/referral:
I feel especially connected to working with young and middle-aged women of color who are carrying a lot of responsibility and doing their best to hold everything together for themselves and their families. This often includes single moms and individuals who come from disadvantaged or high-stress backgrounds and are seeking support, balance, and a space to finally focus on themselves. While this is where my passion and lived understanding are strongest, I welcome adults from many walks of life who are ready to engage in meaningful growth. I am not currently working with children.
How do you incorporate the mind, body, and spirit into your psychotherapeutic work?
We will explore and learn together, the best ways to support your holistic well-being.
In Network Insurance(s): Aetna, Excellus BCBS
Out of Pocket Cost
Individual Session: $125
Couple’s Session: $135
Holistic Psychotherapist | Intuitive Healing | Night Owl Sessions
Who are you?
Hi, I’m Angela. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Syracuse, NY, though I was raised under the warm sun of South Florida. I’ve always been passionate about helping people feel seen and supported, and that path eventually led me from healthcare into the world of mental health and holistic healing.
What values guide your work as a therapist?
Grace, honesty, and humor are the heart of my work. I move with integrity and compassion, honoring the courage it takes to show up and do the work of healing.
Describe your style/disposition in 3 words:
Authentic. Curious. Grounded.
What do you believe is the most important element in building a strong therapeutic relationship?
I believe it starts with realness. I bring my full self—honest, relatable, raw—to the space so that you can feel safe to do the same.
How do you create a safe and affirming space for your clients?
I meet people where they are. I try to lower the intimidation factor by being soft, curious, and respectful of each client’s pace, always centering informed consent and transparency.
What’s one life lesson or experience that has shaped who you are today?
Becoming a mama has shaped me more than any textbook ever could. My 6-year-old and I go on wild little adventures, remind each other to laugh often, and argue like two old souls in a bookstore—usually over whether we’re bringing home toys or books.
What brings you joy or fulfillment outside of your work as a therapist?
Nature rides, practical jokes with my kiddo, and deep dives into books about energy, intuition, and healing light me up. I love following curiosity down rabbit holes and learning what the body has always known.
What does healing mean to you, and how do you help clients on that journey?
To me, healing is the quiet, brave belief in yourself—especially when life has tried to convince you otherwise. It’s the slow, steady rewiring of your inner dialogue and the ability to show up for yourself even when it’s hard. I’m here to walk that journey with you.
What do you hope clients take away from working with you?
I hope my clients take away vibrance, belief of they are worthy of an increased self-concept where self-love, healthy boundaries and relationships are created and nurtured leading to safety and secure connections to themself and others.
What’s one thing you wish every client knew before starting therapy?
We are people too, we may sit behind a desk and have fancy titles because we were interested in a topic, went to school and passionately learned about it. This led to degrees and credentials however, we live lives with color and tears, we are not unscathed.
Describe your ideal client/referral:
Right now, I’m offering late-night virtual sessions and hope to expand into weekend in-person availability. I love working with young adults and adults who are ready to explore, reflect, and grow—whether you’re just starting out or reconnecting with your healing.
How do you incorporate the mind, body, and spirit into your psychotherapeutic work?
My approach is holistic and intuitive. I use somatic and sensory-based tools, inner child and parts work, and frequency sound therapy to support nervous system regulation and emotional release. When invited, I welcome spirit into the space—honoring the wisdom of the body and the power of interoception to guide deep, lasting healing.
In Network Insurance(s):
Aetna, Excellus BCBS
Out of Pocket Cost
Individual Session: $135
Couple/Family Session: $155
Therapist for Perfectionists | Trauma & Shadow Work | Somatic
Who are you?
Hi, I’m Tatiana—a licensed clinical social worker, intuitive healer, and founder of With Heart With Soul Therapy. I’m passionate about holding space for people to heal, transform, and return to their truest selves. I believe therapy should feel like an exhale—a place where you’re not just surviving, but reconnecting with who you are beneath the noise.
What values guide your work as a therapist?
My work is rooted in authenticity, liberation, and sacred care. I believe in showing up fully—heart open and judgment-free—while honoring the complexity of culture, trauma, and identity in the healing process.
Describe your style/disposition in 3 words:
Warm. Intuitive. Real.
What do you believe is the most important element in building a strong therapeutic relationship?
The foundation is trust—built through presence, transparency, and a willingness to meet you exactly where you are. I believe in bringing my full humanity into the space so you can feel safe bringing yours.
How do you create a safe and affirming space for your clients?
I center cultural humility, trauma-informed care, and nervous system attunement. I welcome all of you—your grief, your joy, your anger, your softness—and co-create a space that invites healing at your own pace.
What’s one life lesson or experience that has shaped who you are today?
Life has taught me that perfection is a myth and that our messiness is often where our medicine lives. My own healing journey has shown me that wholeness isn’t about fixing yourself—it’s about coming home to yourself.
What brings you joy or fulfillment outside of your work as a therapist?
I find joy in travel, dancing, collecting crystals, being near water, and curating spaces of connection and celebration. I love music that moves the body and conversations that move the soul.
What does healing mean to you, and how do you help clients on that journey?
Healing, to me, means remembering who you were before the world told you who to be. I support clients in exploring their past, reclaiming their story, tending to their bodies, and cultivating self-compassion so they can live with greater freedom and self-trust.
What do you hope clients take away from working with you?
That they are already worthy. That it’s okay to be messy and still be in progress. And that their voice, their boundaries, their joy, and their rest matter.
What’s one thing you wish every client knew before starting therapy?
You don’t have to have all the answers or show up as the “put-together” version of yourself. Therapy is the place where masks can come off and healing can begin—just as you are.
Describe your ideal client/referral:
I love working with folks who are sensitive, deep feelers, cycle breakers, perfectionism-recoverers, trauma survivors, and those who simply identify as being on a healing journey. I especially enjoy supporting people navigating identity, self-worth, spiritual exploration, and nervous system healing. Whether you’re grieving, growing, or rediscovering joy, I’ll be right there with you—offering guidance, humor, and space to be real.
How do you incorporate the mind, body, and spirit into your psychotherapeutic work?
I weave together somatic practices, breathwork, inner child healing, shadow work, cultural exploration, and intuitive reflection. I’ll gently guide you to reconnect with the body, tap into your inner knowing, and explore patterns from a soul-centered lens. Healing with me can be both grounding and expansive.
In Network Insurance(s): Excellus BCBS, Aetna, United Healthcare
Out of Pocket Cost
Individual Session: $155
Couple/Family Session: $175
Feel free to reach out to us for inquiries, appointments, or any questions you may have. Your well-being is important to us, we look forward to connecting with you soon.
