The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.
— Carl Rogers
We all want peace and happiness on the inside and joy, fulfillment, and love on the outside. Difficult past experiences that have not been fully processed or daunting life changes can affect our ability to walk through life with happiness, clarity, and purpose. I am Alysa Golden, a Registered Social Worker with 20 years of experience. Our job when we work together, is to gently uncover your own power and move from a place that may feel like anxiety, confusion and self-judgement into clarity, peace, and confidence. I will hold space for you to find your gifts and believe in yourself. I use various compassionate and strength-based tools alongside talk therapy, such as guided meditation, writing/art, coaching, and mindfulness tools that we can use based on your comfort and needs. My promise to you is that I will always see the YOU that is underneath your current discomfort and we will safely move together so you can peacefully express, celebrate, and share your potential in your life.
Elana Hunter, MEd, RP
Clinical Director
Not accepting new clients
As a therapist, I enjoy working with adolescents, adults, and couples, as they develop resilience and build strong relationships. I use a mind-body approach that combines intellectual understanding with somatic awareness to empower clients towards a deeper understanding of themselves and others. I strive to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment in which exercises are paired with relaxation so that my clients receive tools and techniques to carry with them into the everyday challenges of their lives. In sessions, I employ humor, art, writing, and mindful meditation to help clients gain insight and reduce stress, and outside of sessions, many of my clients express themselves and cope through creativity, movement, or spending time in nature. I am LGBTQ affirming. My graduate degree is in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and I have advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and EMDR. With couples, I draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method to create a secure attachment and develop trust.
To me there is no greater privilege than supporting and empowering someone to feel worthy, resilient in the face of life’s challenges, and ultimately hopeful for what their future holds. I believe that each individual is the expert on their own life, and possesses the potential to achieve profound personal growth given the right support and relational environment. My goal as a therapist is to meet you where you are and to co-create a space in which you feel unconditionally accepted and safe to authentically express and explore the most vulnerable aspects of yourself and your story. In my practice, I draw on EFT, MCBT, DBT, IFS and relational approaches to build upon your existing strengths, equip you with the tools and insight to more effectively navigate your life’s challenges, and enjoy greater interpersonal and life satisfaction.
I have been a practicing psychotherapist for 25 years, as well as a yoga instructor and a mindfulness teacher. I received my B.A. from Cornell University and my Master of Social Work from Carleton University. I am passionate about my work as a therapist and feel privileged to hear your stories. I work with individuals and couples to help you own your voice, harness your strengths and create a strong sense of self-worth. Having overcome my own anxiety, I know the therapy process from the other chair. I understand the importance of having a strong connection to your therapist when embarking on this journey. I use various strength-based approaches. My approach is eclectic and tailored to your individual needs. Also, I work with you holistically as the mind and body are intertwined, and emotions are stored in the body.
For us to openly bare our innermost struggles and insecurities, we need to be in comfortable, safe spaces. That space is what I strive to create in my sessions. I am here to first and foremost listen to you non-judgmentally; to step into your shoes and really feel what it's like for you to fight the battles you are fighting every day. After we have established that connection, we can fight those battles together. I work from a therapeutic lens that incorporates elements of multiple modalities including CBT, DBT, EFT, EMDR and mindfulness. I am here to help you gain insight and guide you in overcoming your struggles with anxiety, self-esteem, procrastination, people pleasing, assertiveness, relationships, and exploring sides of yourself that have been held back by these struggles. I look forward to meeting you and starting our journey together!
As a social worker born and raised in Hong Kong, I bring with me a deep-rooted belief in the importance of family-based practice for fostering optimal child and youth development. Throughout my dedicated professional practice, I have specialized in providing compassionate support to children and their families facing diverse challenges, recognizing the crucial role parents play in their child's development. Central to my approach is the creation of a safe, warm, and supportive space for young clients to explore their emotions, empowering them to tap into their inherent resilience and strength to achieve well-being. Through a combination of Child-Centered Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Art and Music Facilitation, and Narrative Therapy, I tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of each client. My experience extends to addressing various emotional issues such as anxiety, depression, as well as supporting children with special needs like ASD and ADHD.
Languages: Cantonese, Mandarin, English
Not accepting new clients
As an Individual and Couples Therapist, my approach to psychotherapy is born out of my understanding of healing from my earlier work as a physician. I found that emotional pain and mental stress can lead to all kinds of body symptoms. I believe that healing requires a holistic approach. The unifying factor between the therapeutic modalities is the connection that the client and counsellor build on a human level. My training is in understanding the biology and physiology of the human body and mind. You are the expert on your life, and together we can engage in a process of discovery that leads to insight and healing. I practice an eclectic approach that draws from different therapies including narrative, person centered, solution focused, emotion focused, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). I also have advanced training in Integrative Sex and Couples therapy. I enjoy working with individuals and couples.
Languages: Hindi, Urdu, and English
Rose Bascio, BA
Administrative Assistant
I am an administrative professional driven by a passion for assisting others and a dedication to delivering outstanding customer service. With several years of administrative experience, I recognize that behind every task, there is a person, and understanding their distinct needs is essential for providing service that surpasses expectations. I am ready to respond to any questions or concerns to ensure that your experience is consistently positive at Present Mind.
Les Hunter, MA, MFA, PhD
Resource Specialist
I have over 20 years of experience working in administrative, clerical, and academic positions at a variety of institutions including SER Jobs for Progress, Middlebury-Monterey Language Academy, New York City Board of Education, Stony Brook University, and Baldwin Wallace University. I am excited to work on the team at Present Mind by providing resources to our clients, and overseeing community relationships.