GRADUATE STUDENT THERAPIST

Elaine Wang, Graduate Student Therapist

I believe therapy should be both compassionate and practical. My approach is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and guided by empathy and pragmatism. I aim to help clients recognize their strengths, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and build strategies that feel realistic and sustainable.

While serving clients in the court system, I supported parents navigating the child welfare system by helping them access resources, manage complex requirements, and feel heard in the process. Even in court-mandated settings, I maintained a client-centered approach, respecting that individuals know best how they want to proceed and honoring their choices. That experience deepened my awareness of how social and cultural expectations, as well as larger institutions, can place heavy burdens on individuals and families.

I am interested in family/relationship dynamics as I believe that we learn about ourselves best in relations to others, and relationship building is one of the most meaningful and fulfilling acts we can perform as human beings. I also have an interest in the connection between mental health and sleep, and I enjoy helping clients develop healthier sleep habits and address insomnia through practical, evidence-based strategies.

Education

• Master of Social Work (MSW) (in progress), Silver School of Social Work at New York University

• M.S. Mechanical Engineering at Columbia University

• B.A. Physics and Astronomy at Colgate University

Training and Focus

• Beck Institute Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)