Mindfulness & Self-Compassion

Mindfulness-based Therapy serving NYC & NY

The Practice

Put simply, meditation is an activity of receptivity, of allowing thoughts, feelings, and emotions to come and go. It is openness. It's normal for the mind to be busy and active. Meditation is not about emptying the mind, but allowing whatever is present to just be. 

People think they can't meditate or fail at meditation because their mind is noisy. The practice of meditation is quite simple. When thoughts keep us distracted during meditation, we notice and observe present thoughts, feelings, emotions, and body sensations, then gently guide awareness back to the breath or a point of focus.

As you practice, you will notice that meditation helps you gain clarity and calm. You will develop greater compassion for yourself and others. Symptoms such as urges, cravings, addictions, anxiety, depression, impatience, poor concentration and attention, negative self-concepts, agitation, anger, poor motivation, and accelerated aging may be greatly reduced. Meditation also helps you access your creativity—you may find you work, play, and sleep better. You will also notice that you begin to know yourself better. You may develop greater tolerance for others.

I love rituals and creating an altar or dedicated area of the home or office to sit, but this is not a necessary component for your meditation practice to be helpful. Another mistake is to avoid meditation because you can't devote the time that you think is necessary to do it "properly." A few minutes count and will help you rest and restore.

The benefits of a regular meditation practice generalize to all aspects of your life, on and off the cushion. It is important to find a meditation style that works for you—and there are many. Some find movement and walking meditation more beneficial than sitting. Others prefer working with a professional or finding a community to support their practice. Some of my clients report the benefits of using some of the guided meditation apps on the market developed for Android or Apple to help them sleep or to use as breaks during their busy day. There are also many types of meditation styles to research such as these for example TM, Mantra, Mindfulness, QiGong, Zazen, Breath Awareness, Body Scan, Kundalini, and Loving Kindness. What matters most is to find what resonates for you! 

About Mindfulness

Developed more than two decades ago at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., mindfulness training helps a person live in the present moment to better handle the ups and downs of life. By intentionally bringing non-judgmental awareness to breathing, body sensations, moods, thoughts, and feelings including fear, anger, frustration, desire, and self-doubt. As such, a person is better equipped to deal with the challenges of life. This very special kind of attentiveness enables one to acquire new insights about life situations, and in turn, develop ways to consciously respond, rather than react to the conditions of life.

How does one practice mindfulness?

People simply observe what arises in the body and mind, perceiving each experience as an event in their field of awareness. This fuller, moment-to-moment, non-judgmental awareness known as Mindfulness frees one to make clearer and more attuned decisions.Mindfulness is learning to work with what is, and acceptance of reality, in a less reactive and judgmental manner. 

Most people report an increased ability to relax, greater resilience, more energy and enthusiasm for life, increased self-confidence, and an enhanced ability to cope more effectively with both short and long-term, stressful situations. The practice of Mindfulness teaches practitioners a way of being more deeply present in the body with a range of thoughts and emotions. 

Mindfulness is an elegant and simple approach to living a meaningful life. Western medicine is now recognizing Mindfulness as a powerful, evidence-based tool for dealing with trauma, PTSD symptoms, attachment deficits, chronic stress, pain, depression, anxiety, addictions, eating disorders, overwhelming feelings and emotions and many other medical and psychological conditions. 

About Mindfulness Therapy NYC

This practice provides a range of psychological & wellness services in NYC and throughout NY state. The goal is to individualize treatment to your unique physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual needs. I have experience working with a broad range of symptoms and approaches in psychotherapy, including but not limited to EMDR Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Holistic Mind-Body Medicine. Therapy begins with a therapeutic consultation, where you will gather a wealth of information about your difficulties. Many people feel better after the first session. The initial consultation also lays the groundwork for future treatment as we determine the best modalities to help you heal.

Mindfulness Therapist With Nearly 20 Years Of Experience

This practice offers supportive, compassionate, and comprehensive care, staying current on research related to mental health. My goal is to use my expertise and extensive training to get you back to living your life as quickly as possible.

Book An Appointment For Mindfulness Therapy NYC Today

Book an appointment directly or text 212-529-8292 to get started. Integrative Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan can help you with your healing journey guiding you towards optimal mental health. 

Exquisitely-Tailored Therapy & Experienced Guidance

You are a unique human, and your therapy should reflect your need for Compassion, agency, change, responsiveness and empowerment. Our work together will include:

  • Increasing your energy and vitality

  • Improving and balancing your mood

  • Managing your stress and anxiety

  • Improving your motivation and focus

  • Managing your movement, nutrition and sleep needs

  • Reducing or eliminating unnecessary medications when desired

Healing Modalities Used In This NYC Therapy & Wellness Practice

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

Psychodynamic psychotherapy, also known as Insight-oriented therapy, is based on the theory that by increasing awareness of our unconscious drives, conflicts and experiences, we can live less reflexively and more consciously, creating new life… MORE

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented type of talk therapy. It can help patients manage mental health concerns, such as anxiety, PTSD and depression. It focuses on modifying dysfunctional emotions, behaviors, thoughts… MORE

EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. EMDR Therapy uses bilateral stimulation to help people process… MORE

Internal Family Systems

Internal Family Systems is a powerfully transformative and evidence-based model of psychotherapy that focuses on our multiple inner parts that contain valuable information, and our core Self that knows how to heal and integrate for wellbeing… MORE

Somatic Experiencing

SE is a body-oriented therapeutic model that helps heal trauma and other stress disorders. It is a multi-disciplinary study of stress physiology, psychology, ethology, biology, neuroscience, indigenous healing practices, and medical biophysics… MORE

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

SFBT concentrates on finding solutions in the present and exploring one’s hope for the future in order to find a quick and practical resolution of one’s problems. This method takes the approach that you know what you need to do to improve your… MORE

About Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan

I’ve been in the holistic wellness & psychology field for nearly twenty years. As a licensed psychotherapist with a private psychotherapy practice in New York City, I blend what I’ve found to be the most effective practices in psychology, neurobiology, attachment, alternative medicine, nutrition, coaching, and mind-body medicine practices. I believe that lasting change and transformation is possible when given the right tools to thrive. I’ve received extensive training and certification in a range of innovative, effective, and evidence-based therapies to offer comprehensive care.

As a holistic psychotherapist, I believe it’s important to address the root cause of emotional and somatic suffering. As a trauma-trained therapist, I am influenced by humanist and existential philosophy, relational theory, attachment theory, psychoanalytic concepts, mindfulness, and somatic, mind, and body psychology. I have received extensive post-graduate training in EMDR Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Somatic Experiencing (SE), Nutrition and Integrative Medicine For Mental Health, and more. In marriage and couple counseling, my work is influenced by the Gottman Method, Internal Family Systems, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).

As neuroscience demonstrates, the brain can heal, and the body and mind are inextricably linked. My 20+ years of experience with mindfulness, yoga therapy, and meditation greatly influence my work as a mental health provider. A Holistic therapy model ensures that you thrive in the many aspects of your life—including your relationship with yourself and others. Together, we work with practices designed to create an environment that supports optimal physical and mental health well-being. Lasting change and transformation is possible when given the right tools to thrive.

Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan Therapy Modalities

  • Psychoanalytic, Relational & Interpersonal Psychotherapy

  • Attachment-Focused Couple Therapy (traditional, non-traditional, non-monogamy, alternative lifestyle couples), Sexual Counseling

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT Skills

  • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

  • Advanced level EMDR Therapy, Parts Therapy, Integrated Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing

  • Positive Psychology, Positive Neuroplasticity Coaching

  • Transformational, Peak Performance& Wellness Coaching

  • Urban Zen Integrative Therapy, Reiki, Energy Medicine, Yoga Therapy

  • Nutrition & Integrative Medicine For Mental Health, Nutritional Amino Acid Protocols (using precursor amino acids, fatty acids, herbal medicine, supplement recommendations for mood, anxiety, ADHD, addictions, cravings, brain fog, PTSD, and more)

  • Clinical Hypnosis

Kimberly Seelbrede: Post Graduate Training & Certifications

  • New York University - Advanced CBT Certification, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Advanced Clinical Practice, Clinical Approaches to the Addictions, Clinical Practice with Adolescents

  • Somatic Experiencing® International (in progress)

  • Eating Disorders, Compulsions & Addictions (EDCAS) Certification

    William Alanson White Institute of Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis & Psychology

  • EMDR Advanced Level EMDR Practitioner - Laurel Parnell PhD

  • Brainspotting - Lisa Schwarz, MEd

  • Positive Neuroplasticity Training Certification - Rick Hanson PhD

  • Nutrition and Integrative Medicine for Mental Health - Leslie Korn PhD

  • IFS Immersion: Integrating Internal Family Systems Across Clinical Applications - Frank Anderson, PhD

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy - Behavior Tech Institute

  • Mindful Self-Compassion Training - Christopher K. Germer, PhD & Kristen Neff PhD

  • Executive Life Coaching - New York University

  • Institute for Life Coach Training

  • Urban Zen Integrative Therapy Training Program

    Additional Professional Training: Gottman Institute for Couples, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Hypnosis for Trauma & PTSD, Focusing Institute, Whole Body Focusing with Glenn Fleisch, Ph.D. EMDR & Trauma Treatment with Jennifer Sweeton, PsyD, MS, MA. Ongoing workshops: Ester Perel, Bessel van der Kolk, MD, Dan Siegel, MD, Peter Levine, Ph.D, Gabor Mate, MD, Richard Schwartz, PhD, Sue Johnson, IFS, Somatic Experiencing, Trauma-Focused Treatment, Yoga Therapy, Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy

Clinical practice Expertise & Specialties

  • Depression (major, postpartum depression, SAD, bipolar disorder, atypical depression, dysthymia, situational, chronic sadness)

  • Anxiety (panic, generalized, phobias, social, PTSD), fear, worry, stress management, insomnia, work/life balance

  • Women’s hormonal health, perimenopause and menopause mental health assessment/coaching, chronic pain

  • Trauma resolution, obstacles, blocking beliefs, self-sabotage, problem patterns, and habits

  • Crisis counseling, life challenges, transitions, grief, loss and bereavement

  • Dysfunctional relationship dynamics, professional and personal relationships, communication difficulties, divorce, separation

  • Shadow work, energetic blocks, boundary work

  • Addictions, behavioral addictions, substance abuse, alcoholism and compulsions

  • Family of origin, codependency, family conflict resolution, submissiveness and recovery from family enmeshment, ACOA

  • Recovery and post-rehab support (step-down support, wellness planning, new habit maintenance, and self-care)

  • Celebrity mental health expertise and high-profile, VIP clients, therapy for entrepreneurs, executives, creatives, medical professionals

talk therapy not enough? Find lasting Healing & Transformation with EMDR

If traditional talk therapy has not yielded the desired healing results, it might be time to consider a different model of care. I’ve been trained in many effective therapies, but I find myself consistently returning to EMDR. EMDR Therapy changed my practice years ago because it works and it changes lives. It is the one treatment method that is consistently powerful and transformative for my patients, especially when other highly effective therapies such as IFS, CBT, and Somatic Experiencing are integrated into sessions. Therapy is highly individualized, and depending on your unique needs, chosen therapy modalities may include: EMDR, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, CBT, Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness, and Somatic Experiencing®. I completed EMDRIA-approved EMDR advanced Levels I & II training and supervision many years ago and I’ve used it in my New York City psychotherapy private practice consistently and with excellent results.

EMDR therapy is highly effective in addressing underlying beliefs, patterns, and blocks that can hinder progress in traditional therapy or life coaching. EMDR treatment can help transform mere survival into thriving, leading to a life free from disruptive symptoms. By reprocessing difficult or traumatic memories, EMDR can boost resilience and vitality in the nervous system. EMDR is not only for trauma; it is also valuable for enhancing performance in athletes, creatives, and work-related endeavors. During the pandemic, many of us discovered that EMDR can be effectively offered to many patients virtually. Virtual EMDR can be a powerful addition to your therapy journey, whether used in conjunction with your existing therapy or as a standalone solution. learn more about EMDR Therapy

Create An Hour Of Refuge And Focus On Your Emotional Wellbeing

Expert, experienced Online Therapy Serving NYC & NY State Residents

faqs about online therapy in nYC: how does Virtual therapy/video therapy work?

The technology for telemedicine has been available for decades, but the pandemic made virtual therapy a necessity. It's surprising how many people have benefitted from online virtual therapy. Like many therapists in NYC, I've been conducting virtual sessions for some time, so I'm comfortable working with technology. It's important to note that teletherapy isn't suitable for everyone seeking counseling, as many people prefer conducting psychotherapy sessions in person.

How does Online therapy work?

This holistic psychotherapy and wellness practice in New York City understands that many people have busy schedules and may find it difficult to commute to therapy sessions. That's why I offer virtual therapy and telephone therapy as modern options for counseling. This is especially convenient for individuals who work, travel, have young children with different schedules, are young adults, college students, or expats. After scheduling an online session, you will receive a secure session link from the HIPAA-compliant platform SimplePractice. You can access the virtual therapy office using your computer, iOS/Android phone, iPad, or any other tablet-enabled device. Most laptops have a built-in camera and microphone, making it easy to participate in the sessions. Creating an emotionally safe space in your home or office for virtual sessions is also important, and all you need is a strong internet connection.

What kind of therapy is offered virtually?

Online sessions are treated the same way as face-to-face sessions, using the same evidence-based therapy modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), trauma therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, somatic psychotherapy, life coaching, wellness coaching, and stress management. Remote EMDR has been found to be just as effective for trauma resolution and other concerns as in-person EMDR. However, not everyone or every situation should be treated remotely, so it’s important to contact potential therapists to determine if virtual therapy is appropriate for your situation. Research now demonstrates that therapy sessions conducted by teletherapy are just as effective as face-to-face therapy. Read the research.

Who can benefit from virtual therapy?

Anyone can access high-quality therapy in a private, confidential, and convenient manner. Seeking therapy with an experienced NYC psychotherapist can lead to healthier relationships, new perspectives, reaching goals, and building resilience. Therapy can provide support during stressful and challenging times, helping you feel less alone with your problems. Living in New York City comes with unique challenges, including a fast-paced lifestyle and high levels of stress. If you're experiencing feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness, loss, substance use, or unresolved trauma PTSD, know that you're not alone. Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan offers evidence-based counseling and an integrative psychotherapy philosophy tailored to your unique needs. As a licensed psychotherapist in New York, I can see you whether you live in the NYC metro area or anywhere in New York State. There are various modern therapy options available, such as BetterHelp, TalkSpace, and the numerous licensed psychotherapists and psychologists on Psychology Today who provide high-quality therapy in the US and worldwide. Interested in receiving therapy in New York using your health insurance benefits? Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan is In-Network with BCBS & Aetna, and Out-of-Network with most health insurances. I have also been reimbursed by Aetna, Cigna, BCBS, Emblem, Oxford, United, and many more for out-of-network mental health services. Most of my clients are compensated about 50-100% of my fees.

How can Integrative Psychotherapy & Wellness NYC enhance your life?

  • Gain support through a personal crisis, transition, loss, trauma, or challenging situation that causes personal or relational distress

  • Heal codependency and feel empowered, autonomous, safe, and secure in your life as self-esteem naturally increases

  • Find relief for sadness, depression, and chronic depression with interpersonal psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and EMDR

  • Uncover unconscious conflicts, patterns and blocking beliefs that may be sabotaging your success and happiness

  • Address dissociation, body image, eating disorders, compulsions, addictions, substance use or abuse, and obsessions

  • Learn to identify important thoughts, feelings, emotions, motivations, and unconscious internal conflicts with insight-oriented therapy

  • Develop enhanced self-awareness as well as empathy and compassion for self and others with relational therapy

  • Break through blocks in intimacy, detach from unhealthy relationships, and break patterns of repetition in significant relationships

  • Learn to identify triggers that lead to anger, confusion, and relationship dysfunction in couple and relationship counseling

  • Develop effective, assertive communication skills to benefit personal and professional relationships

  • Learn more adaptive coping skills, self-care rituals, self-acceptance, and mindfulness to create a healthy work-life balance

  • Uncover patterns of crippling perfectionism that interfere with achievement, success, and personal happiness using EMDR

  • Process and heal painful feelings of loneliness, disappointment, sadness, loss, grief, guilt, shame, anger, envy and fear

  • Resolve trauma and abuse symptoms, develop healthier boundaries, and heal early attachment wounds with EMDR Therapy

  • Discover protocols using precursor amino acids, fatty acids, herbal medicine, supplements for mood, anxiety, ADHD, addictions, cravings, brain fog, PTSD

  • Identify hormone-related (peri-menopause, menopause) anxiety, depression, insomnia, brain fog, low energy, pain, migraines, fibromyalgia

  • Learn self-care, meditation, breathing techniques, energy medicine & somatic therapy practices to regulate your nervous system

  • Obtain consultations for referrals to psychopharmacologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and other allied professionals