OUR TEAM
Our therapists have varied personal and professional life experiences, which we draw from to inform our professional training. We believe this mix gives us lived-in understanding into the vast array of causes for mental health concerns, so we can better tailor your treatment.
Ellen Chen, ED.M, MHC-LP
Therapist
I moved to New York City from Shanghai to pursue my training and career as a psychotherapist, and offer counseling in both English and Chinese. I studied psychology and counseling at NYU (BS), and Columbia University (Ed.M). I also earned an advanced certificate in Sexuality, Women, and Gender from Columbia, and did my clinical training at Fordham University’s Counseling and Psychological Services program at the Lincoln Center Campus.
Counseling is not one-size-fits-all, so I draw from numerous approaches including Adlerian, REBT, CBT, multicultural, mindfulness, spirituality, and Philosophy to tailor our work to your unique needs. We will work together to help you understand yourself, your behaviors, emotions, and thoughts, to make informed decisions, and foster positive change.
I strive to help you feel acknowledged, accepted, and understood in a safe environment, and am experienced in working with a wide range of individuals, including BIPOC and international New Yorkers. I enjoy working with issues ranging from anxiety, depression, gender, race, self-esteem, to family conflicts, relationship concerns, and life adjustments.
Samantha Proto, MsEd, MHC-LP
Therapist
Born and raised in New York City, I understand the challenge of searching for a quiet and reflective space to explore your thoughts and experiences. I earned a BA in Psychology from Eastern University and an MSEd in Mental Health Counseling from Hunter College. I completed my clinical training at EPRA, a vocational rehabilitation organization that assists individuals in recovery from substance use return to the world of work.
In therapy we will work together to provide a safe and reflective environment where you are able to feel accepted, understood, and validated. By building good rapport, we can work towards your goals and change any negative thought or behavior patterns that may be present. Counseling is a unique experience that requires a unique approach for every individual. While working together, my focus will be on your needs and helping you explore your thoughts, feelings, experiences, and behaviors. I utilize elements of Person Centered Therapy, Strengths-Based, CBT, MI, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.
I am especially interested in issues pertaining to substance use, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, and identity. Being half Filipina, I am also passionate about serving the AAPI community and BIPOC.
Oonagh Hayes, ED.M, LMHC
Therapist
I’m a third culture person who has always had a passion for working with people. Starting out as a journalist, working primarily in the corporate and then the education sector, I later gained a BSc in Professional Social Work, which led to an incredibly rewarding 10-year career in child welfare and fostering in London, UK.
I moved to New York eight years ago to pursue a career in counseling and hold an MA and EdM in Psychological Counseling from Columbia University. I also hold the Advanced Certificate in Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) from The Albert Ellis Institute, the Basic Intensive in Reality Therapy and a certificate in Prolonged Exposure Therapy.
I believe that our behaviours, beliefs and thoughts in adulthood are predominantly as a result of how we experienced our childhood. While my work with clients is based in psychodynamic theory, we are all unique individuals and, as such, I use a variety of modalities and strategies to best meet each client’s needs. Above all, I strive to provide an environment in which clients feel heard, understood and accepted, while also challenging them, when needed, to help them make changes towards a more fulfilling life.
I have experience in working with clients who are dealing with: depression; anxiety; shame; relationship issues; PTSD; coping with significant illness; attachment and identity difficulties; and those trying to navigate life through peri and post menopause.
Certifications/Affiliations
Damien DuPont MA, PhD, LMHC
Founder / Therapist
I moved to New York City from South Carolina 20 years ago, and have gone from teaching Philosophy in colleges, to various roles in the corporate world, to being a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I have a BA (Vanderbilit) and PhD (CUNY Graduate Center) in Philosophy, and an MA in Applied Psychology (NYU).
I work to combine my expertise in Philosophy, (particularly Ancient Greek and Existential), in concert with my training and experience with Adlerian, Existentialist, REBT, CBT, and Rogerian therapy methods to help with your mental health concerns.
The core of successful therapy is the therapeutic alliance we will build based on mutual respect and trust. This basis will allow us to help you improve critical thinking, goal setting & follow-through, and problem solving, as well in developing a better understanding of the nature and usefulness of emotions. I have particular interest in issues surrounding anxiety, depression, identity, stress, trauma, medical conditions, and disability.