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Meet The Suffolk DBT Team

Experienced, compassionate DBT team trained in evidenced based DBT Therapy. We treat children, teens, adults and families.

Our clinicians are licensed in New York State and provide both in-person services on Long Island and in NYC, as well as telehealth therapy across New York.

Our experienced and compassionate DBT team providing evidence-based therapy for families in New York

It is our job to walk with you 
through this journey.

At Suffolk DBT, we take the time to understand who you are, where you have been, and what you are struggling with now. When emotions feel overwhelming or progress feels hard to see, we help you reconnect with your strengths and the work you have already done.

Our role is to guide you using evidence-based Dialectical Behavior Therapy, grounded in the work of Marsha Linehan, toward what she described as “a life worth living.”

Ready to speak with an intake team member?

Two women embracing during their journey toward a life worth living through dbt therapy

Suffolk DBT Mental Health Team

Meet the Suffolk DBT Team

At Suffolk DBT, our mission is twofold. First, to create an environment that supports those who struggle with emotion regulation. Second, to provide support and space for clinicians to do quality work.

Many clients and their families report feeling frustrated with a mental health system where they feel misunderstood. Some even report feeling hopeless. At Suffolk DBT, 
we welcome complex cases and offer the community something unique. When clients walk through our doors, we welcome their sensitivity, offer hope that strength can be found in vulnerability, and invite them to practice the paradox of being both brave and afraid at the very same time.

DBT is a therapy of balance, where acceptance meets change, and where compassion is paired with accountability. We teach practical skills, such as using diary cards to track urges, emotions, actions, and coping strategies, while guiding clients toward new behaviors that support long-term growth.

A supportive team of clinicians providing space for clients to master emotion regulation through DBT

What Makes Our Therapists Different?

As DBT therapists, we strive to be warm, genuine, and empathetic, while also being direct, honest, and, at times, using humor or metaphor to highlight difficult truths.

Our work extends beyond the therapy room. As a team, we dedicate time outside of our workday to reading, ongoing education, and attending multiple trainings each year. Every clinician at Suffolk DBT participates in weekly supervision and consultation team meetings, provides daily skills coaching when needed, and, most importantly, practices what we teach. We apply DBT skills in our own lives, ensuring that the support we provide is grounded in authenticity and lived experience.

From the very beginning, it has been my priority as owner and the priority of our team to foster a culture of learning, growth, and support for a group of clinicians whose commitment is truly exceptional. We stand firm in our belief that by having exceptional trained clinicians our clients will benefit.

This work is deeply meaningful to each of us. As our clients grow, we grow alongside them. At Suffolk DBT, healing and learning are a shared journey. 
We feel honored to walk it with you.

GET STARTED TODAY

Ready to Get Started and speak with an Intake Specialist?

Suffolk DBT proudly provides quality dialectical behavior therapy, a form of cognitive behavioral therapy, at their offices in Manhattan and Long Island, New York and online.

Their experienced therapists specialize in serving teens, children, adults, and college students struggling with depression, borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, self-harm and disorders of emotion regulation.  

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills and treatment can help you to manage emotions and work through life’s challenges. Our therapists all participate in consultation team and offer skills coaching between sessions.

Completely confidential. Only takes 10-15 minutes.

Reach out for help to one of our DBT Team members and take the first step towards long lasting change

Get Started Today

Ready to Get Started and speak with an Intake Specialist?

Suffolk DBT proudly provides quality dialectical behavior therapy, a form of cognitive behavioral therapy, at their offices in Manhattan and Long Island, New York and online. Their experienced NYC counselors specialize in serving teens, children, adults, and college students struggling with depression, borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, and self-harm. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills and treatment can help you to manage emotions and work through life’s challenges.

Completely confidential. Only takes 10-15 minutes.

Jeanette Lorandini, LCSW, founder and clinical director providing expert DBT therapy at Suffolk DBT

Jeanette Lorandini

LCSW & Director

“There are two kinds of suffering. There is the suffering you run away from,
which follows you everywhere. And there is the suffering you face directly,
and so become free.”
Ajahn Chah

“There are two kinds of suffering. There is the suffering you run away from, which follows you everywhere. And there is the suffering you face directly, and so become free.”
Ajahn Chah

As Founder and Director of Suffolk DBT, Jeanette Lorandini works with families, children, adolescents, and adults utilizing the evidence-based approach of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Jeanette helps clients develop self-awareness, embrace emotional sensitivities, and ultimately engage more productively with themselves and their environments. She makes it her mission to tailor Suffolk DBT’s approach to each client, teaching key DBT skills that hone strengths and recognize struggles. Jeanette understands and is sympathetic to the fact that most people are nervous to start therapy. “DBT is about meeting people where they are,” says Jeanette. “When our clients walk through our doors, our supportive team creates an environment of acceptance and hope.”

In 2009 Jeanette decided to open her own practice, Suffolk DBT, with the goal of establishing a group of intensively trained DBT therapists to alleviate suffering in the community. In addition to a robust therapist team, Suffolk DBT is a teaching practice for graduate students attending regional colleges including Columbia University. Jeanette deeply believes in the efficacy of DBT living her own life in accordance with its skills and teaching others how to apply DBT to their everyday lives.

Jeanette knew from a young age that she wanted to help and heal people. During her time at Potsdam, Jeanette’s mentor, a psychology professor who taught ‘Theory of Personality Disorders’ suggested she apply to graduate school and become a therapist.

After graduating in 1992 and attaining her license to practice therapy, Jeanette worked with several clients who were emotionally sensitive, one of whom was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. Jeanette found that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) was useful but knew her client needed more to thrive. After recommending a therapist who specialized in DBT to provide additional support, Jeanette became intrigued by her client’s improvement and the practical skills she began employing. Jeanette had always dreamed of an approach that was more effective for those dealing with PTSD, suicidal ideation, anger management, self-harm, and trauma.

  • Foundational Tranining In DBT 2008
  • DBT- C Intensively trained 2021
  • Prolonged Exposure Training in DBT – 2018
  • Advanced Case Conceptualization in DBT
  • DBT and Eating Disorders
  • CAMS

To pursue this goal, she attended SUNY Potsdam for her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. One year later, Jeanette arrived at Stony Brook University to pursue a Master’s Degree in Social Work to better understand complex mental health support.

Jonathan Kelly, LMSW, a licensed master social worker and dbt therapist at Suffolk DBT

Jonathan Kelly

LMSW

Jonathan wholeheartedly believes in the power of DBT to decrease suffering and help clients move towards a life worth living.

With clients, Jonathan strives to take an in-depth look at recurrent behavior patterns, explore their origins, and discover how to break free of them. With compassion, and the use of DBT skills, Jonathan seeks to guide clients to a life free of suffering.

During the first year of his doctoral program in Neuroscience, three of Jonathans colleagues were hospitalized due to suicidal behavior. Each one was treated with Intensive Outpatient DBT. John witnessed firsthand their rapid transformation and improvement. Seeing the positive impact that therapy had on his peers inspired him to change career paths, leading him to pursue a career in mental health counseling.

  • Interpersonal conflict
  • DBT Foundational
  • DBT Skills Training
  • DBT A
  • Advanced Training in DBT
  • Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) Level 1
  • Columbia School of Social Work, New York NY, Advanced Clinical Practice – Master’s of Social Work, May 2022
  • Stony Brook University, Stony Brook NY, Bachelor’s of Science in Biology with a concentration in Neuroscience, May, 2018
Jamie Thorbjornsen, LMHC, a licensed mental health counselor and dbt therapist at Suffolk DBT

Jamie Thorbjornsen

LMHC

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice

at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.”

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice 
at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.”

I believe that as a therapist it’s super important for us to understand who we are, not only as therapists but as people. This includes our own thoughts and emotions that we experience each day. One of the most difficult and vulnerable parts of therapy is to better understand ourselves so we can be the best we can.

During my initial sessions with clients, I believe that building strong working relationships is vital to this treatment. If we are unable connect with one another than it can be difficult to work through the behaviors that they are living with on a day-to-day basis. Honesty is also important for clients, but I also hold myself accountable to be as transparent as I can be with my clients. DBT treatment has been effective in ways where I can hold myself accountable as well as help my clients achieve a life that’s worth living.

Growing up I was constantly told I was an emotional and sensitive person, which up until recently I held the belief that this was a “bad thing” and needed to quiet my emotions for the benefit of others. This was extremely hard growing up being a sensitive person, ultimately leading to other problems later in life with my relationships and my own ability to regulate my emotions. When I went away to college this was something that became more apparent as my main source of support were not in the rooms next door. Unfortunately, this was not when I sought out therapy for myself. It took me another two years and a rejection letter from my school’s nursing program that I was hoping to get into before I realized that I could no longer continue to suffer and began seeing a therapist. After learning this was something that was actually really helpful I realized that so many others can benefit from therapy. I then decided to pursue my own journey to become a Mental Health Counselor once I completed my bachelor’s degree.

During my graduate studies I fell more and more in love with counseling and the profession I would begin. It brought me back to when I was growing up and how a younger version of me would have benefited from counseling services. I threw myself into my work and made a promise to the version of me who needed it most that we were going to make a difference in someone’s life. When I was introduced to DBT during this time I honestly wasn’t a fan and if you told me that this is where I would end up, I would have said you were lying. When I was in my internship and soon to be first job after graduation, I would do my own research on CBT and behavioral therapy which inevitably led me to an interest in DBT as a career. I have been granted such a wonderful opportunity at Suffolk DBT and cannot wait to see how much I can grow here.

  • DBT Trained
  • DBT for Adolescents focused
  • CAMS Assessment Trained
  • DBT-C Trained
  • DBT Foundational Training with Behavior Tech (2023)
  • DBT Skills for Adolescents and Families (2023)
  • CAMS Certification (2023)
  • Long Island University Post, Brookville, NY- Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (2020)
  • SUNY College at Brockport, Brockport NY- Bachelor of Science in Psychology (2018)
Christopher Montano, LMSW, a licensed master social worker and dbt therapist at Suffolk DBT

Christopher Montano

LMSW

Christopher believes that everyone is trying their best and can do better. An example of this is someone who currently runs a mile in ten minutes and cannot run faster at the moment. With the right training, this person is able to run a mile in seven minutes. This person was doing the best they could when they were running the mile in ten minutes and they could also do better as they were able to later run a mile in seven minutes.

Christopher creates a safe and comfortable environment through empathy and compassion. He can provide sessions in English or Spanish. During the first few sessions, he gets to know his clients and asks them about their goals in therapy. He collaborates with his clients to determine the best therapy goals and treatment interventions. He believes that the best outcomes happen when the client and therapist are able to form an alliance. Christopher supports his clients through all the ups and downs. He understands that therapy can be a difficult yet rewarding process.

Christopher is a bilingual clinician who strives to help clients in both English and Spanish. Since a very young age, he has wanted to help people. He initially wanted to help people improve his physical health to become a doctor, but as he studied more and experienced his own mental health journey, he realized his calling was to help people improve their mental health. During his time at UCLA, he joined a club to help fight against mental health stigma and volunteered as a mental health coach. Christopher later completed his Master’s in Social Work at Columbia School of Social Work where he completed a year-long DBT training program in which he learned about DBT under professor André Ivanoff and internship supervisor Jeanette Lorandini.

  • Depression Treatment
  • Anxiety Treatment
  • Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment
  • Self-harm Counseling
  • DBT/CBT in Spanish
  • Columbia School of Social Work, New York, NY, Master’s of Social Work, Advanced Clinical Practice, Dialectical Behavior Therapy Training Program, May 2024
  • University of California, Los Angeles, CA, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, December 2020
Nelida Deleon, LMHC, a licensed mental health counselor and dbt therapist at Suffolk DBT

Nelida Deleon

LMHC

“It’s OK to be scared. Being scared means you’re about to do
something really, really brave “
Mandy Hale

“It’s OK to be scared. Being scared means you’re about to do something really, really brave “
Mandy Hale

The hardest part of change in therapy isn’t taking the first step—it’s pushing through when things get uncomfortable. I want my clients to know that I see them, hear them, and genuinely want to help them realize their worth. My goal is to create a safe space where clients feel supported and understood as they work toward positive change.

In the beginning of therapy, we focus on getting to know each other and establishing a commitment to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Once we have that foundation, we explore the behaviors that may be hindering you from creating the life you desire. Together, we will develop a personalized treatment plan, formulate a diary card, and discuss what skills coaching entails, as well as the structure of the DBT skills group.

From the start, we will practice skills together during sessions, and outside of therapy, you will be encouraged to complete homework assignments to reinforce your learning. If you are a parent of a child in DBT-C, we will also work on preparing the environment to support your child’s growth and success.

I have been extensively trained in DBT-C by Dr. Francesca Perepletchikova, and I am dedicated to guiding you through this transformative process. I take great pride in being a part of a fantastic team at Suffolk Dbt where we meet weekly and discuss our cases to provide the best care possible.

DBT has profoundly changed both my approach as a therapist and my perspective on life. It has helped me learn to manage my emotions and view the world—and myself—in a more balanced way. My passion for working with children stems from my experience with at-risk adolescents and their families in residential settings. I am committed to helping children, adolescents, adults, and families overcome challenges and build better lives.

Allow me to share my love for DBT with you.

  • DBT Trained
  • DBT for Adolescents
  • DBT for Children
  • DBT for Adults
  • Parent Management Training by Kazdin
  • Suicide Assessment Trained 
  • Behavioral Tech Foundational Training (October 2018 – June 2019)
  • DBT-C Training (January 2022)
  • Advanced Case Conceptualization in DBT
  • DBT and Eating Disorders
  • CAMS 2022
Bridget Castro, LMHC, a licensed mental health counselor and dbt therapist at Suffolk DBT

Bridget Castro

LMHC

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice
at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.”
Mary Anne Radmacher

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.”
Mary Anne Radmacher

Starting your therapeutic journey can be extremely challenging. At the same time, creating a foundation of trust and mutual respect with your clinician can make all the difference. As a clinician, I see myself walking along side my clients through their journey. I strive to make everyone who walks into my office feel comfortable, accepted and understood.

At the beginning of treatment, we will focus on building rapport and commitment to the treatment. With that as the foundation, we will explore the different behaviors that are interfering with you living the life that you desire. From there, we will learn and practice new skills together so you have the support to build mastery and thrive. I am well aware that we do not always show up to every session as committed as we would like and I will partner with you to keep you motivated even on days where that is wavering. In addition to my training in DBT, I have been trained in DBT Prolonged exposure and EMDR. If you have experienced trauma, we will discuss utilizing these treatments as needed.

DBT has truly changed my life. As an emotionally sensitive person, I was never aware of how to truly manage my emotions and this typically resulted in me feeling out of control in my day to day life and relationships. Since adopting DBT skills into my daily routine, I have grown to love my emotional sensitivity and see it as a strength and I hope to show you that it can be a strength for you as well! Before I became an LMHC I completed my training as a registered yoga instructor. My work as a yoga instructor provided me with a strong foundation of mindfulness prior to becoming a DBT therapist and I am so grateful to be able to incorporate that in my work at Suffolk DBT.

  • DBT Trained
  • DBT for Adolescents
  • DBT-C Trained
  • DBT PE Trained
  • EMDR Trained
  • DBT-C completed January 2022
  • Stage 1 Exposure completed July 2022
  • DBT A completed January 2023
  • DBT PE Completed January 2023
  • EMDR completed September 2023 through EMDRIA
Victoria Nielsen, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker and dbt therapist at Suffolk DBT

Victoria Nielsen

LCSW

“Being highly sensitive does not at all rule out being, in your
own way, you are a tenacious survivor.”
Elaine N. Aron, Ph.D.

“Being highly sensitive does not at all rule out being, in your own way, you are a tenacious survivor.”
Elaine N. Aron, Ph.D.

Victoria believes that therapy should be a warm, safe, and accepting space where individuals can feel heard and supported without judgment. She approaches her work with compassion, empathy, and understanding, helping clients gain insight into their emotions and behaviors. Her goal is to guide individuals toward recognizing their strengths, developing healthy coping skills, and fostering independence. She firmly believes that genuine connection and acceptance are vital in helping clients achieve meaningful, lasting change.
Victoria provides both individual and group therapy for clients of all ages and backgrounds. She specializes in helping individuals manage emotions, navigate maladaptive coping patterns, and build resilience through Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Her sessions often integrate DBT skills training—such as mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness—tailored to each client’s unique needs. As part of her DBT practice, Victoria ensures a comprehensive approach that includes individual therapy, diary cards, skills coaching, and collaboration within a consultation team.
Victoria Nielsen is a Licensed Social Worker in New York State. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Cognitive Science from the State University of New York at Oswego, where she first discovered her passion for DBT through Marsha Linehan’s research. She went on to complete her Master’s in Social Work at Stony Brook University and has since met all requirements for state licensure. Victoria has worked across diverse settings—psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, community programs, emergency foster care, and private practice—supporting individuals from various walks of life. She welcomes clients of all ages, genders, races, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, valuing diversity and inclusion in every aspect of her work.
  • DBT Trained
  • DBT for Adolescents focused
  • CAMS Assessment Trained
  • DBT for Substance
  • DBT Foundational Training with Behavioral Tech, 2022
  • CAMS Certification, 2022
  • DBT-A Skills Training with Behavioral Tech, 2023
  • Treating Emotional Avoidance in Stage 1 DBT: Using Informal Exposure Strategies, 2022
  • DBT for Substance Use Disorders with Behavioral Tech, 2023
  • Family-Focused Practices in the Treatment of Adolescent Substance Abuse, 2024
Nicholas Paisley, MHC-LP, a professional DBT therapist at Suffolk DBT

Nicholas Paisley

MHC-LP

I believe that everyone deserves a safe, compassionate space where they can truly be themselves—without judgment or shame. Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, and my hope is to create an environment where you feel deeply heard, seen, and valued. I hold a core belief that growth is a lifelong journey, and that each day offers an opportunity to learn, heal, and become a little better than the day before.

I am especially passionate about Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), an evidence-based approach that has profoundly transformed my understanding of emotion regulation and resilience. I love DBT because it recognizes the complexity of human emotions and offers practical tools to manage intense feelings, build healthy relationships, and find stability amid chaos. I see so much strength in clients who struggle with emotional regulation—your courage to face those challenges is something I deeply admire. My goal is to walk alongside you, providing support, understanding, and skills that can help you navigate life’s storms with more confidence and compassion.

This past year has been especially meaningful for me as I’ve turned my focus to Suffolk DBT. Being part of a practice that truly values ongoing education, training, and the faithful practice of the DBT model has been incredible. It’s inspiring to be part of a team that prioritizes growth, learning, and fidelity to the principles that make DBT so effective. This experience has only deepened my love for DBT and my commitment to helping clients find their strength and resilience through this powerful approach.

Together, we will create a warm, trusting space where your feelings and experiences are honored. Our initial sessions will focus on understanding your goals—what you want to achieve and how we can work together to get there. Therapy is a partnership, built on mutual commitment, and I will meet you exactly where you are—whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply seeking a better way to handle life’s ups and downs. My hope is to support you every step of the way as you work toward a life that feels more balanced, more meaningful, and truly worth living.

Before becoming a Mental Health Counselor, I spent eight years working in schools as a school psychologist, which gave me a deep appreciation for the unique challenges and strengths of children and adolescents. My journey into mental health has always been driven by a genuine desire to help others find their voice and their path. During my undergraduate studies at St. John’s University, I explored the powerful connection between sleep and social justice, which sparked my ongoing passion for social justice-oriented work.

I earned my master’s degree at Brooklyn College, where the themes of social justice and our shared humanity were at the heart of my learning. I believe that everyone is acomplex, beautifully imperfect human being, and I strive to approach each person with openness, empathy, and curiosity. Outside of work, I love taking care of myself through cooking, exploring new hobbies, and continuing my own growth journey.

I feel privileged to be part of your healing process and to help you discover the strength and resilience within yourself. Whether you’re struggling with intense emotions or simply seeking a more fulfilling life, I am here to support you with kindness, patience, and hope.

Nikki Greco, LMSW, a licensed master social worker and dbt therapist at Suffolk DBT.

Nikki Greco

LMSW

 I believe that everyone is doing their best to move through life with the tools currently at their disposal. My job as a clinician is to be honest, non-judgmental, and accepting of those who are seeking support in self-discovery and healing and to support individuals in learning new tools to navigate the challenges that arise in both crisis and day-to-day life.

When beginning our work together, we will focus on establishing rapport and your commitment to and understanding of the treatment model of DBT. Our work together will involve establishing goals, exploring the roots of behaviors that interfere with your ability to reach those goals, and creating a mutually agreed upon plan to create new behaviors that will support you on your life-long journey. We will work together as a team to use your ingrained strengths along with the strategies and principles of DBT to learn different ways of navigating the world around you.

From a young age, I supported those around me in managing crises by being honest and non-judgmental, by acknowledging where an individual’s personal choices meet the uncontrollable circumstances of life and how to do better where those roads meet. It was these experiences that led me to pursue higher education, in hopes that I could learn how to support people in their healing journeys. 

As an emotionally sensitive person myself, I’ve had my own personal challenges and ways of dealing with life that did not serve my personal and professional goals. Using the principles of DBT, especially skills related to emotional regulation, mindfulness, and distress tolerance, has benefited me substantially in all aspects of my life. 

After graduating from the University of Central Florida in 2013 with a Bachelors in psychology with a minor in cognitive sciences and a certification in victim advocacy, I moved back to my home state of New York to further pursue a Masters degree in Social Work from Stony Brook University. After graduating, I worked for almost eight years in the NYC child welfare system, supporting children with disabilities and their families through impossible situations where often the only thing they could control was how they responded to the world around them. 

I have always had a strong sense of social justice and working with children with disabilities in the NYC foster care system, some of the most vulnerable people in the United States, further solidified this commitment. I welcome working with individuals of any age, gender, race, or creed, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. I am committed to the lifelong continuation of my education to understand perspectives and experiences different from my own. 

I value all of the professional experiences and my own lived experiences that have brought me to where I am today. We all have strengths, just as we all have room for improvement in our lives. I truly appreciate how the DBT model provides space for those two ideas to live together and I am grateful to be able to bring the skills I have learned along my own journey to Suffolk DBT.

  • University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 2013 – Bachelors of Science in Psychology, minor in

    cognitive sciences, certification in victim advocacy

  • Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 2017 – Masters of Social Work, Licensed Social Worker

Transgender therapist Blair at Suffolk DBT offers support for the Queer community.

Blair Hesse

LMSW

Life can be incredibly challenging, and at times it can feel unfair or overwhelming. Yet even in those moments, I believe that we all have the capacity to build lives that feel meaningful and fulfilling. Therapy is not about eliminating pain—it’s about learning how to understand it, honor it, and develop the tools to move through it with strength and compassion. I believe that everyone deserves the chance to be happy and at peace, but the path to that place looks different for each person. For some, it requires learning new coping skills; for others, it’s about finding self-acceptance or rediscovering their sense of purpose. My goal as a therapist is to help clients uncover the strategies and insights that make life feel more manageable and more authentically theirs.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has always spoken to me because of its deep respect for multiple truths. Just because someone intellectually understands their reality does not mean that their emotional pain is any less valid. DBT honors this coexistence—it recognizes that two things can be true at once, and that growth happens when we hold space for both acceptance and change. In my work, I strive to create a space that is compassionate, affirming, and nonjudgmental. I believe therapy should feel like a collaboration, where clients are active participants in their own healing. Together, we work to identify the barriers that make life feel heavy and the strengths that can help lighten the load. My hope is to empower clients to navigate life’s challenges with resilience, confidence, and a growing sense of self-understanding.



Above all my goal is to meet you where you are at.  For the initial sessions, I will get to know you, learn what your goals of treatment are, and overall build rapport as I’m a firm believer that trust and respect are a strong foundation for the therapeutic relationship.  From there, my hope is to help you achieve the life you want to live through skills training and evidence based interventions. To me, therapy is best done when we are a team, striving for the same goal.  To ensure this, I will collaborate with my colleagues to help bring you the best experience possible for you, with an open and judgement free environment, an open mind, and an understanding ear. Nothing is perfect, but I will try my best to get close to it.

I am a transgender clinician and lifelong advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. My decision to become a social worker was deeply personal—I rarely saw anyone like me represented in the mental health field, and I wanted to change that. I became determined to be the person I needed when I was younger: someone who could listen without judgment, create safety in vulnerability, and offer both understanding and practical tools for change.

Before becoming a social worker, I built an extensive background in behaviorism and worked closely with individuals who exhibited severe behavioral challenges. Through this experience, I learned that behavior is often a form of communication—an attempt to express pain, fear, or unmet needs. This perspective continues to guide my work today, helping me to approach each client with empathy, patience, and curiosity rather than judgment. I also have a strong foundation in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and have spent time working with Autistic children and their families. This experience taught me the importance of individualized care and the power of consistency, structure, and compassion in supporting growth and emotional regulation.

I received my Master’s in Social Work from Adelphi University, and as a Licensed Master Social Worker, I bring a trauma-informed, person-centered approach to therapy. I believe in meeting clients exactly where they are, validating their experiences, and helping them develop the skills needed to move toward the life they want. My ultimate goal as a clinician is to provide a space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow—where every step, no matter how small, is recognized as progress toward a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Denise McDonald, head of Office Management at Suffolk DBT

Denise McDonald

Office Manager

Denise is a long-standing and invaluable member of the Suffolk DBT team. She joined the team in 2012 and with her unmatched work ethic, Denise was quickly promoted to the position of Office Manager. As the Office Manager, she handles all client intakes, appointments, insurance verification, filings, billing, and oversees the schedules of the entire team.

Denise’s down-to-earth nature ensures that everyone who visits the office feels comfortable and at-ease. Denise is passionate about making every person, especially clients, feel welcome and at home at every Suffolk DBT office. She is more than just the Office Manager, she is Jeanette’s right hand, a friend to every member of the staff, and an integral part of the Suffolk DBT team.

Michelle Squiciarino, a professional DBT intern at Suffolk DBT

Michelle Squiciarino

Intern

Learning to hold space for both acceptance and change is one of the most powerful parts of therapy and one of the core principles that guides my approach. As a social work intern, I see therapy as a collaborative process in which we explore not just what is going wrong, but also what is going right and how to build on those strengths. DBT offers practical tools for navigating the intensity of emotions and the challenges of daily life, while also creating space for self-compassion, acceptance, and meaningful change.

I aim to create a space that is warm, nonjudgmental, and empowering, where you can show up as your whole self. Growth often includes discomfort, and I am here to walk alongside you through that process with curiosity, compassion, and care. My goal is to support you in finding more balance, clarity, and connection in your life, on your terms and at your pace.

At the start of our work together, we’ll focus on building a strong therapeutic relationship and establishing a shared understanding of your goals. Whether you’re new to therapy or continuing the work, we’ll spend time getting clear on the behaviors, emotions, and patterns that may be interfering with the life you want to build. 

In session, you can expect a space that is supportive, structured, and tailored to what you need that day. Some days might involve diving into a recent experience, while others may focus on building insight or reinforcing a specific DBT skill. The process will always be collaborative, and we’ll stay attuned to what feels most useful and manageable for you in the moment. No matter where you are, our work will be centered on helping you feel more equipped to handle challenges both inside and outside of the therapy room.

As we continue, I’ll support you in applying DBT skills both in and outside of session, with the goal of increasing your confidence and ability to navigate life’s challenges with more flexibility and self-compassion.

I’m currently pursuing my Master’s in Social Work at St. Joseph’s University, where I am expanding my knowledge of evidence-based practices and deepening my commitment to client-centered care. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from St. Joseph’s University, which laid the foundation for my passion for mental health and human behavior.

Before my current role, I gained experience working in an inpatient substance use treatment setting, where I provided both individual and group counseling. That work reinforced my passion for supporting individuals through compassion, structure, and meaningful therapeutic connection.

I’m drawn to the field of social work because it allows space for both empathy and action. I believe in meeting people where they are, honoring their resilience, and walking alongside them as they move toward healing and growth. As I continue developing my skills through DBT training, I am committed to creating a space that fosters emotional safety, personal insight, and lasting change.

Helena Gossin, a dedicated DBT intern at Suffolk DBT

Helena Gossin

Intern

A person choosing to better themselves has the capacity for greatness. It is my close-held belief that a person working to improve their quality of life, understanding of self, depth of their relationships, and resolve long-standing inner turmoil has already begun to succeed just by taking the first step. While discussing your goals and working together to identify and practice the healthiest ways to achieve them, I hope to build an honest and reliable connection with you and guide you along your journey to your best, and most authentic self. Though there will be challenging work ahead of us, I am devoted to reminding you of your strengths and maintaining an empathetic and warm space where growth and thriving can begin.

It is an honored responsibility of mine to guide, rather than to lead. Together, we will discuss what holds you from achieving your goals, and learn how you can best navigate the emotional, mental, and interpersonal obstacles in the way. You can be the master of your emotions, and DBT gives you the skills to come into that role with knowledge and self-confidence. I am an open and communicative person, and that’s reflected in my therapeutic style; I want to hear and learn from you, and to shape your life worth living with your best interests and goals at the heart of our time together.

I’m actively pursuing my Master’s in Social Work at Stony Brook University’s School of Social Welfare. My journey in this field began with deep interest in psychology and sociology, and where the two connect. To learn more, I obtained a degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Saint Joseph’s University, NY. While studying, I had the opportunity to observe at a psychiatric care center, and later at this very practice. I have also worked in private counseling and medical centers, where an intersectional understanding of the needs of the individual comes first. I am particularly connected to work which encourages a person-centered approach, highlights a client’s strengths, and aims to bring a person towards a stronger sense of security in themselves.