I'm Deandra!
I approach therapy through a holistic, mind-body lens, with a particular passion for supporting teenagers and adults—particularly dancers, performers, creatives, and athletes—who are navigating anxiety, depression, identity development, body image concerns, self-esteem challenges, and major life transitions. When your body is central to your craft, stress and emotional overwhelm don’t just live in your thoughts—they show up in performance pressure, self-criticism, burnout, and disconnection from yourself. In our work, I support you in slowing down safely, feeling your emotions more completely, and learning how to regulate them without becoming overwhelmed. The goal is not just symptom relief, but deeper emotional integration—reducing anxiety, tension, and internal pressure while strengthening resilience.
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My approach integrates mindfulness, somatic techniques, DBT-informed interventions, and humanistic therapy. Sessions are thoughtfully tailored to your unique needs, balancing evidence-based tools with curiosity, creativity, and even playfulness. Growth does not have to feel rigid. Together, we build insight, emotional regulation, and a grounded sense of identity—so you can perform, create, and live from a place of alignment rather than pressure.
My Story
I’m a Brooklyn native and have been a dancer since the age of three. Movement and the arts have always shaped how I understand expression, emotion, and connection. I began my studies at Rutgers University pursuing a BFA in Dance, and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance with a concentration in Body Science and Motion from Marymount Manhattan College. During this time, I developed a deep interest in mental health and wellness through a holistic, mind-body perspective.
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I went on to earn my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rider University, with a concentration in Dance/Movement Therapy. My background in dance and movement continues to inform my clinical work, particularly in how I understand the relationship between emotional experience, the nervous system, and the body. I thoughtfully integrate somatic awareness, embodied reflection, and mindfulness-based techniques into a traditional talk therapy framework when clinically appropriate.
The arts remain an important part of my life and continue to influence how I support clients in developing deeper self-awareness, emotional regulation, and a more connected relationship with themselves. Outside of the therapy room, I enjoy spending time outdoors, gardening, baking fresh bread, cooking, and reading. These simple rituals help me slow down, stay present, and bring curiosity and care into both my life and my work.