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Experts
Discover a new chapter in your relationship with the help of an expert couples therapist at Holding Hope. We invite you and your partner into a space of vulnerability, where empathy and compassion pave the way for renewed trust, closeness, and a deeper connection.
Let’s Connect
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Meet Mara
Leading The Way In Couples Therapy
Hi, I’m Mara Hirschfeld, founder of Holding Hope. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to find the right therapist in New York City, especially one who can connect with the unique story each couple brings. At Holding Hope, we’re not just experts in couples therapy; we’re passionate about understanding the distinct narrative of your relationship and its patterns and cycles. Work with us for a journey that honors your relationship’s specific needs, which will lead to lasting, meaningful change and the start of a renewed, stronger bond.
Schedule A Free Personal Consultation With Mara
I personally ensure that every initial step at Holding Hope is as meaningful as the therapy itself. That’s why I take all our consultation calls myself. This is more than just a routine call; it’s a vital first touchpoint where I get to understand the unique dynamics of your relationship and you get a feel for the personal, attentive care that defines our practice. I believe this direct connection sets the foundation for a more tailored and effective therapeutic journey. If the times below don’t work, please email me at connect@holdinghopemft.com to find a time that works with your schedule.
Who We Are Shapes Our Journey Together
Finding the right couples therapist can make all the difference in your journey. Discover how Holding Hope is more than a team of expert therapists – we’re a family. Tap into the power of collective wisdom, and experience how our unique approach can support your journey towards a stronger relationship.
The Heart of Holding Hope
At Holding Hope, our team of exceptional therapists specializes in couples therapy, each equipped with advanced training and certifications in evidence-based couples therapy techniques. We firmly believe that working with a specialized couples therapist gives you the best chance for meaningful progress and lasting positive change in your relationship.
Mara Hirschfeld, LMFT
Certified EFT Couples Therapist
IFS Trauma Therapist
Melissa Pennica, LMFT
Certified Sex Therapist
LGBTQ+ and Non-monogomy
Nicole D. R. Diaz, LMFT
EFT Couples Therapist
Grief & Loss Counseling
Brittani Ulloa, LMFT
EFT Couples Therapist
EMDR Trauma Therapist
Kate McConnell, LMFT
EFT Couples Therapist
Perinatal/Postpartum Counseling
Allise Galeano, LMFT
EFT Couples Therapist
Sex Therapist
Kerri Chiaravalle, LMFT
EFT Couples Therapist
LGBTQ+ and Sexuality
Caitlin Grasson, LMFT
EFT Couples Therapist
Somatic Trauma Therapist
Dana Blackwood, MFT
EFT Couples Therapist
Premarital Counseling
Real Stories of Transformation.
Every couple’s story is unique, but the journey towards a stronger bond shares common threads of hope and resilience. Hear from our clients who have experienced profound changes in their relationships through their work with us.
My now-wife and I began seeing Melissa in Fall 2019 after a vacation with friends went poorly. Since then Melissa has been a tremendous help to our relationship – she’s given us the tools to defuse future issues before they happen, she gives us a space in which we’ll both be recognized and treated fairly, and when issues do happen, she helps us walk through them to identify where we got lost. Having this toolkit and knowing we can deal with these issues made both of us more confident in the future success of our relationship together, and also means situations that previously may have led to a fight we’re able to identify and resolve it far more peacefully.
Initially, my husband and I were both a little hesitant to bring up our issues to a “stranger”. But all I can say is we have been so blessed to have found Brittani when we started our search for a therapist. She has made this whole process a comfortable experience; so much so we look forward to our sessions with Brittani. After working with Brittani for over 2 years she has continuously treated us both with respect, kindness, and compassion. I would highly recommend Brittani for any couple seeking advice or support.
After a number of external life events introduced a lot of stress into our young relationship, my fiancée and I came to Holding Hope for support. Our therapist, Kate, helped us understand — and disrupt — our negative cycles, challenging us to identify our patterns and prompting us to ask for ourselves how we might change them. Her gift was in making both partners feel understood as individuals, building a foundation of trust from which we were able to do real work on ourselves and our relationship.
Allise has been a lifesaver as we’ve navigate through misunderstandings and feelings of drifting apart. With her guidance we have gained insights into our couples process and fighting cycles and she has given us practical tools for better communication outside of therapy, helping us slowly but surely reconnect on a more emotional level at home. Though we still get caught in our cycles, we feel we have grown so much since starting with Allise. She has helped us cultivate a renewed sense of closeness and we are truly grateful for her expertise and continued support!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)?
Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) is a distinctive type of psychotherapy that addresses the intricate dynamics of relationships, encompassing families, couples, and wider relational networks. It delves into and remedies disruptions in interpersonal connections, offering a comprehensive approach that extends beyond the singular perspective.
What sets LMFTs apart from other mental health professionals?
While many therapists center their approach on individual well-being, LMFTs prioritize the broader context of each individual's relationships. Their training emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals within familial and relational systems, making them particularly effective in addressing relational issues and dynamics. They not only address individual challenges but dive deep into the intricate patterns of interactions within families and couples to bring about holistic healing.
How do I select the best therapist for my needs at Holding Hope?
Choosing the right therapist is a pivotal part of your therapeutic journey. While many of our therapists at Holding Hope have foundational training, each one also possesses distinct expertise and specializations. Here’s how you can select the best match:
Identify Your Needs: Start by understanding what you aim to achieve from therapy and any specific conditions or challenges you and your partner are aiming to address (e.g. fighting cycles, trauma, sexual issues, etc).
Consult with Mara: As the practice owner, Mara is dedicated to ensuring every client finds the best therapeutic fit. After hearing about your story, she will recommend a therapist she believes aligns best with your needs.
Research Therapist Profiles: We encourage you to delve into the profiles of our therapists on our website. These provide an insight into their backgrounds, specializations, and therapeutic philosophies.
Trust Your Gut: After gathering information, consider who you feel most drawn to. Building a therapeutic relationship is rooted in trust, so it's essential you and your partner feel a genuine connection.
Do you offer online therapy options?
Yes, we currently offer exclusively online therapy. In response to the pandemic, we closed our physical offices and transitioned to this online model. We've found that therapy remains just as impactful and meaningful in this format. Many clients have also expressed appreciation for the convenience of not having to commute to the office. Given the positive feedback and continued success, we've decided to maintain this model for the foreseeable future.
What is the fee for couples therapy?
Our therapy session fees range between $280 and $350 per session. We strive to provide transparent and fair pricing to support your therapeutic journey. Your specific fee will be discussed during your intake consultation with Mara.
Are your services covered by insurance?
Holding Hope does not directly accept insurance; we are considered out-of-network providers. However, many clients find that they can receive reimbursement for sessions if their insurance plan offers out-of-network benefits.
Here's how it typically works:
1. After each session, we provide clients with a detailed bill (often referred to as a "superbill"). This document contains all the necessary information required by insurance companies.
2. Clients can then submit this bill to their insurance provider for reimbursement.
3. It's worth noting that usually, PPO plans offer out-of-network coverage or benefits. However, it's always a good idea to check with your insurance company about the specifics of your plan.
4. To get an estimate of potential reimbursement amounts based on your insurance, you can visit: https://calculator.meetnirvana.com/
We encourage clients to explore their out-of-network benefits, as many find they can recoup a significant portion of their therapy costs. Always consult with your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your coverage.
In which states are your therapists licensed to practice?
All therapists at Holding Hope are licensed to practice in New York. Additionally, we have therapists who hold licenses in New Jersey, Connecticut, and California.
Do I have to live in a state where my therapist is licensed?
Due to telehealth regulations and professional licensing standards, therapists can only provide services to clients residing in the states where they are licensed. This ensures that therapists are abiding by the legal and ethical standards set by each state's licensing board. So, if you reside outside of New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, our therapists may not be able to offer services to you. Always ensure that your chosen therapist is licensed in your state of residence.
Ready to take the next step?
We would be honored to work with you for couples therapy. Fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you within an hour about next steps.
Book a consultation online
You can also self-schedule a free consultation call with Mara using the above link.