Alana Kaufman, LCSW-R
I am the Founder and Director of The Talk Suite. I have hand-selected each therapist on our team, sharing with them my philosophy, expertise and passion for my work. I encourage our team to use an eclectic and flexible approach to the way in which we practice therapy; adapting different theories of psychology to the individual needs of our clients.
I am a Psychoanalyst and New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my Master's Degree in Social Work from New York University and postgraduate education at Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy. I have been in private practice for more than twenty years.
I am a compassionate and caring psychotherapist who will respect your feelings while working through issues of concern for your well-being. I believe that being curious about yourself and how you are in the world is a big part of the therapeutic action.
I use an eclectic approach adapting the different theories of psychology appropriately to the needs of the individual (or couple). Working together dynamically, through a mutual dialogue, we can explore and become curious regarding all areas of concern in your life.
Helena Valla, LMSW
My name is Helena and I’m a licensed social worker providing individual psychotherapy services to a wide variety of clients with various needs. I take a person-centered approach and pull from various therapeutic modalities including psychoanalytic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapy.
I earned my bachelor’s in psychology as well as my master’s in social work from Stony Brook University. I’ve gained experience in number of clinical settings, including a private psychotherapy practice where I worked with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, substance use issues, and postpartum mood disorders. I’ve helped lead clients through major life changes such as going through a divorce, having a baby, coming out, and losing a loved one.
I pride myself on being able to create a space free of judgment, where my clients can feel safe opening up about past traumas or whatever they might be struggling with in that moment. Beyond that, I provide my clients with the tools to make a positive difference in their lives outside of our therapy sessions. I believe that my clients are the experts of their own experience, and I will work side-by-side with you to overcome life’s obstacles in a way that works for you. My therapy style is warm, direct, and strengths-based.
Thank you for taking the first step and allowing me to be part of your journey in getting to know yourself better and becoming the best version of yourself.
Eric C. Bedell, MHC-LP
At the heart of my practice is a deep commitment to supporting individuals through their most difficult experiences. As your therapist, I am here to help you with various aspects, including unraveling the complexities of your trauma(s), navigating challenging relationship dynamics, and addressing feelings of uncertainty and anxiety, all with a combination of empathy and skill.
My approach is rooted in a rich blend of Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral, and trauma-informed therapies, complemented by my training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). With an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Sociology, I bring both academic knowledge and practical experience to our work together.
As an ICF-certified coach and a certified personal trainer, I bring a unique perspective on how body awareness and movement are deeply intertwined with therapeutic healing. This experience has fostered a deep appreciation for the power of self-development and somatic work in facilitating personal growth.
I specialize in supporting those who may be hesitant about therapy or have faced disappointments with past experiences. My goal is to offer a welcoming, insightful environment where you can explore your challenges, get to know yourself and ignite a path toward meaningful change and growth. Let’s embark on this journey together and discover new possibilities for your well-being.
Emily M. Cruz, LMSW
Trying to find help can be frustrating and even terrifying during difficult times. You might have had to push past stigma, criticism, toxic family relationships, or self-doubt to get to this point. Even when depression, life transitions, trauma, or anger have seemed insurmountable, you’re here today, and that takes more strength than you might know.
That is why I am here to provide a non-judgmental, validating, and warm space for you to express yourself. My therapeutic approach is insight-oriented and eclectic. I draw from various modalities, such as psychodynamic therapy, narrative therapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and mindfulness, to meet your specific needs.
I support individuals experiencing grief and loss, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, and trauma. I hold my master’s degree in social work from Columbia University.
Angela Giardina, LMSW
Relationships are one of the most transformative pieces of life and at the core of every connection is your relationship with yourself. It can be quite easy to become consumed by the tasks of day to day life that we often forget to connect with ourselves and may be unaware of what limiting unconscious beliefs we carry from our past experiences. Whether you may be struggling to get through your day due to concerns related to anxiety, depression, grief/ loss, transitions, relationships or trauma; or are simply needing an appointed time and space for self exploration, taking the first step of beginning therapy is one that is most notable. My goal as a psychotherapist is to provide a nurturing and collaborative space for reparative work and to support individuals to live a life guided by self-awareness and self-compassion.
I am an LMSW from New York with my masters degree from New York University. I practice Psychodynamic psychotherapy that is collaborative and empowering, understanding that ultimately YOU are the navigator of your own healing. Treatment is holistic and individualized by integrating CBT, insight oriented, strengths based, mindfulness and attachment frameworks. I aim to meet individuals where they are on their journey and am privileged to explore the internal lives of each unique person.
Andrew Borden, Chief Administrative Officer
As Chief Administrative Officer, and Cofounder for The Talk Suite (Alana Kaufman, LCSW, P.C.). Andrew leads key initiatives in support of operational and strategic priorities to advance the organization’s mission and vision. He serves as liaison with the President and Cofounder Alana Kaufman, LCSW-R to provide management oversight and coordination of programs, initiatives and special projects, as well as deal with challenging situations and resolve problems related to behavioral health with the company’s clinicians, clients and vendors.