Sylvia Leal

Sylvia Leal, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker who provides psychotherapy in New York and Connecticut and brings over 20 years of experience to her work. She offers therapy in both English and Spanish, with a focus on understanding each person as a whole and creating a warm, affirming environment where diverse identities and life experiences are welcomed and respected.

Sylvia works with individuals and couples navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, major life transitions, and relationship challenges. Her style is compassionate, collaborative, and attuned, helping clients feel supported as they explore what has been painful, confusing, or stuck. She aims to help people move beyond simply getting through the day and toward building a kinder relationship with themselves, strengthening self-worth, and creating meaningful, values-aligned change.

Her approach integrates evidence-based methods, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Attachment-Based Therapy. Together with clients, she helps identify patterns that are no longer serving them, build practical tools for emotional regulation, improve communication, and develop skills for managing symptoms and stress. Throughout the process, Sylvia emphasizes steady growth, supporting clients as they work through self-criticism, fear of loss, and longstanding relational dynamics so life can feel fuller and more authentically their own.