Therapy for times of change, growth, and becoming

About Me

I am a therapist who integrates psychodynamic, relational, and anti-oppressive approaches to support individuals. My work is grounded in the belief that we grow in connection — and that therapy can be one of those rare spaces where transformation feels possible.

I received my MSW from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, and my BA in American Studies from Wesleyan University, where my work focused on ethnic and gender studies. I currently practice as part of Critical Therapy Institute. Before beginning at CTI, I worked in community and clinical settings supporting adults and communities navigate complex systems and major transitions.

My work is fat-positive and queer-affirming, and I work with patients across all gender identities. My work centers a disability-justice framework, and I have specific experience supporting immunocompromised patients and those practicing covid precautions.

Who I Work With

Maybe the ways you've been coping, relating, or understanding yourself no longer feel sustainable. You might be experiencing a big change, like becoming a parent, a breakup, or starting a new career. Or, the change might be more subtle - you might be starting to question why you're doing what you're doing and who you're doing it for. Whether it's the big changes or the smaller ones, we'll work together to make sense of how you're feeling, understand what's getting in your way, and get down to what's most important - who you are, and what you want.

I have experience working with patients as they navigate grief, childhood trauma, career issues, relationship transitions, parenting and co-parenting, neurodivergence, and health challenges. I am especially interested in working with young adults and adults in midlife, and with parents who are seeking to break cycles and parent in alignment with their values.

My Approach

My work is psychodynamic, relational, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive.

That means we’ll explore both your inner world and the broader systems you live in — culture, family, identity, and power — with curiosity and care. Rather than trying to “fix” you, therapy becomes a place to deepen your connection to yourself, to feel more at home in your life, and to create new patterns that align with who you are becoming.

My approach is warm, curious, direct, and joyful - together we will hold space for your pain, celebrate your wins, and confront the things that are keeping you stuck.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started?

Thanks for your interest in working together! The first step is to email me at sdiaz@criticaltherapy.org to set up a free consultation call to help determine if we're a good fit. If you want to move forward after the consultation call, we will schedule a 60-minute intake and then begin meeting weekly.

How much do sessions cost?

I practice as part of Critical Therapy Institute. In order to make access to therapy equitable for all patients, our practice uses a sliding scale based on household income, other resources, and financial obligations. During a consultation call I can take your financial information and provide a rough estimate of your fee.

Do you take insurance?

Currently, I do not accept insurance. I am able to provide superbills for patients who want to submit to their insurance for out of network benefits. If you would like more information on how to determine your out of network benefits, please let me know in your initial email.

Can we meet bi-weekly?

A key part of the beginning phase of therapy is building a relationship. I have found that meeting less than weekly in the first months of therapy can make this difficult, as sessions are often focused on catching up - a lot can happen in two weeks! For this reason, I require that patients meet with me weekly for the first three months. After three months, we can assess how we want to move forward.

Will we meet virtually or in-person?

Currently, I see the majority of my patients virtually. I use a fully encrypted HIPAA-compliant video platform for sessions. I have limited in-person availability at my practice's shared offices in Manhattan and Jackson Heights.

Where are you licensed to practice?

Currently, I am licensed to practice in New York state.

Connect

If you'd like to schedule a consultation call, please fill out your information, including a brief note about why you are interested in working together.