critical thinking questions for couples

Empowering Therapy for Individuals and Couples in NYC

We’re a collective group of expert therapists specializing in individual therapy and couples counseling in New York City. Take the first step towards personal growth and stronger relationships by booking a free phone consultation today.

Discover the difference.

Welcome to Holding Hope MFT, where we are dedicated to providing exceptional therapy to individuals and couples in Manhattan seeking healing and growth in their relationships. We understand that the decision to seek therapy can be daunting, and we’re honored that you’ve taken the first step towards a brighter future by considering our practice. Click the video below to learn more about our NYC therapy practice.

What sets our NYC therapists apart?

Ten minds, one mission.

Our collaborative Manhattan-based therapy practice brings together therapists with diverse expertise to provide comprehensive care. We draw on each other’s strengths and insights to create tailored treatment plans that address your unique needs and goals. Experience the power of a unified team approach.

Evidence-Based Therapy

Our therapists employ research-backed methods, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), and attachment-based models . We integrate evidence-based practices to help you gain self-understanding, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful, lasting changes in your life.

Highly Skilled Therapists

With many years of experience, our therapists skillfully navigate the challenges individuals and couples in NYC face. We tailor our therapeutic approach to your specific situation, ensuring you receive the most effective, personalized care. Trust in our expertise to guide you on your journey of growth and healing.

LGBTQ+ Affirming and Multicultural Care

We provide a safe, inclusive space for clients of all backgrounds and orientations. Our therapists deeply understand the unique challenges the LGBTQ+ community faces and are trained in culturally-responsive care. All are welcome here – we will meet you with empathy, openness and affirmation.

Therapy for individuals, couples, and families in NYC.

At Holding Hope MFT, we are committed to helping individuals, couples, and families in New York City navigate life’s challenges and achieve personal growth. Our experienced therapists provide a safe, supportive space where you can explore your emotions, gain self-awareness, and develop the tools to build resilience and stronger relationships.

Individual Therapy

We work one-on-one with clients to address a wide range of concerns, including anxiety , depression , trauma , life transitions, and self-esteem issues. Our personalized approach helps you gain insight, build coping skills, and create positive changes in your life.

Couples Therapy

We provide therapy for couples in NYC who are navigating a wide range of relationship challenges. Whether you’re facing communication breakdowns, fighting or conflict, intimacy and sexual issues , premarital counseling , or infidelity, our experienced couples therapists are here to help you heal, grow, and reconnect.

Family Therapy

We support families in NYC in creating a more harmonious, supportive dynamic. Whether you’re dealing with parenting challenges, sibling rivalries, or the impact of major life events, we help you improve communication, set healthy boundaries, and build stronger family bonds.

Real stories of transformation.

Their stories of transformation are a testament to the compassionate care, expertise, and dedication we bring to each session. We are honored to have played a role in empowering these clients to overcome challenges and discover newfound resilience and strength in themselves.

After months of searching for the right fit with a therapist, I could not have been luckier to meet Brittani. She has patiently guided me through a very difficult, transitional year, and has given me confidence in my ability to navigate the future. Brittani is professional, kind, and always takes an open-minded approach to our sessions. I am so grateful to work with her.

I am eternally grateful that I have had the privilege to work with Melissa for the better part of three years. She has helped me grow and change my behavior in ways I thought were impossible due to deep rooted bad habits and some role models that haven’t been so positive. I sincerely recommend her guidance and friendship to anyone- but get ready for some deep (and sometimes difficult) introspection!

When I first met Mara, I immediately felt comfortable and at ease during what was a very tumultuous time in my life. Over the past few years, she has guided me on a productive and exploratory journey that has deeply affected the way I approach my life on a daily basis. Mara also helped me to fully understand the true value of therapy — in my own life and the lives of others.

Working with Nicole has given me a greater understanding of myself and my thought process. Our conversations have created clarity around emotions and experiences I’ve struggled to comprehend. I am proud of the work I’ve done with Nicole and am grateful for her patience, compassion and support.

We’re more than a practice.

At Holding Hope, our team goes beyond being seasoned experts in relationship counseling in New York City . We are compassionate, attuned, and deeply dedicated to fostering a warm and inclusive atmosphere. We draw on the extensive experience and diverse specialties of one another to create a truly collaborative therapeutic experience tailored to your unique needs and goals. Get to know our talented team and discover how we can support you on your journey towards healing and growth.

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

Beginning therapy in NYC.

Starting therapy can feel daunting, but we are here to make the process as comfortable and accessible as possible. Whether you are seeking individual or  couples therapy in NYC, we are committed to helping you find the right therapist and begin your journey. Click below to book a free 20-minute phone consultation with Mara Hirschfeld , the founder of Holding Hope MFT, to discuss your needs and answer any questions you may have.

Resources to support you between sessions​. 

We believe that the work you do between therapy is just as important as the work done during therapy. To support your growth and progress, we provide a variety of resources and exercises to complement your therapy experience. Whether you’re working on individual goals or strengthening your relationship, we offer targeted tools such as worksheets for couples to improve communication and trust, or intimacy-building exercises to enhance emotional and physical connection. In addition, we regularly share valuable perspectives and tools through our blog articles, covering topics such as mental health, relationships, personal growth, and self-care. We invite you to explore some of our most recent posts below and discover new strategies to support your journey towards greater wellbeing.​

How to Fix a Broken Relationship and Emerge Stronger Than Ever

Relationships can be the source of immense joy and fulfillment, yet they also have the potential to cause deep frustration and heartache. Many people find themselves in a place where they feel unheard by their partners, leading to emotional isolation and uncertainty...

Overcoming Sexual Rejection in Relationships: Understanding Emotional Impact and Rebuilding Intimacy

Do you ever find yourself lying next to your partner, feeling a distance growing between you where intimacy once thrived? You long for their touch, their attention, their spark of desire – but it feels as though an invisible wall has risen between you. If this...

Questions to Rebuild Trust in a Relationship

Trust is the bedrock of any healthy relationship, the invisible bond that fosters intimacy, vulnerability, and open communication. It creates a haven where we can be our authentic selves, knowing we are loved, valued, and safe. But when that trust is shattered, the...

Find the Right Therapist for You in NYC

Let’s connect for a free 20-minute consultation call. Fill out the form below and we’ll reach out to answer questions or help schedule your call with Mara, the founder of Holding Hope MFT.

• Interested in therapy

Book a consultation online

Click to self-schedule a free 20-minute call.

Frequently asked questions

(917) 740-7199, [email protected].