LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER & DOCTOR OF SOCIAL WORK

Zuleyka Ayala, LCSW, DSW

Zuleyka Ayala, LCSW, DSW, is a bilingual therapist who provides trauma-informed care to adults navigating anxiety, depression, burnout, life transitions, and relationship challenges. She works with individuals who may feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or stuck in patterns they would like to better understand and change.

Zuleyka’s approach is collaborative, supportive, and structured. She integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and shift patterns in thinking and behavior, while also incorporating trauma-informed work to explore emotional experiences and relational dynamics. She has completed training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which she integrates when appropriate to support clients in processing past experiences.

Zuleyka brings clinical experience across New York City, including work in school and community-based settings. Her background informs her understanding of how culture, identity, and life experiences can impact mental health, including the unique pressures often experienced by first-generation individuals. She strives to create a space where clients feel respected, understood, and supported throughout the therapeutic process.

Education and Licensure: 

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), New York

• Doctor of Social Work (DSW), Long Island University

• Master of Social Work (MSW), Fordham University

Training and Approach: 

• Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Trained in Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

She works collaboratively with clients to build insight and develop practical tools that support meaningful and lasting change.