Joy Strickland

Do you look like you have it together on the outside while feeling anxious, uncertain, or quietly exhausted underneath? A lot of the young adults I work with are thoughtful, capable, and deeply self-aware, yet they find themselves stuck in patterns that started long before now: putting everyone else first, doubting their own choices, feeling lonely even when they are surrounded by people, and carrying the weight of a family history that shaped them in ways they are only beginning to understand. I work with people who are ready to understand those patterns rather than just push through them. Together we look at where the people-pleasing, the self-criticism, and the second-guessing come from, and we build something steadier in their place: a clearer sense of who you are and what you actually want. My approach draws on EMDR, CBT, DBT, and parts and ego-state work. That means we can address the roots of a pattern, not just the surface, while also building practical skills you can use between sessions. Some of what we do is insight-oriented and reflective. Some of it is concrete and skill-based. We find the balance that fits you. I take this work seriously, and I also believe therapy does not have to feel heavy all the time. My style is warm, direct, and collaborative. You will not sit across from a blank slate. You will get a real person who is genuinely invested in your growth and honest with you along the way. I see clients in New York and Vermont, and offer telehealth in Florida. Whether you are navigating a big transition, working through something painful from the past, or simply tired of feeling like you are living according to everyone else's expectations, there is a way forward, and you do not have to figure it out alone. If any of this resonates, I would be glad to talk. Reaching out is often the hardest step, and it is also the beginning of real change. Practical details: I offer sessions in-person or via secure tele-health in New York, Vermont, and Florida. I work with clients using out-of-network benefits, which many PPO plans reimburse at a strong rate. I am happy to walk you through what your specific coverage looks like before we begin, so there are no surprises.