About Me
I am the proud owner and practicing clinician at Eclectic Balance Counseling Services, a private practice I founded in 2021. My mission when starting this group was to offer thoughtful, individualized care that prioritizes the healing power of animal-assisted therapy while also addressing often underserved areas of mental health. Eclectic Balance provides a range of specialty services designed to meet the unique needs of our clients, from nature-based therapy to pet loss and grief support, and much more.
I received my Master’s in Clinical Social Work from New York University (NYU) in 2003 and bring over twenty years of experience from various clinical settings, including outpatient, inpatient, and residential care. My approach is grounded in traditional and innovative practices, shaped by extensive training and a deep passion for the human–animal connection.
I hold an animal behavior and conservation certification from Hunter College, have completed training in natural lifemanship, and am certified through Eagala in equine-assisted psychotherapy. I’m also certified as a Pet Loss and Bereavement Counselor through the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB).
Additionally, I completed the SIFI certification in clinical supervision at Adelphi University. I currently provide clinical supervision for graduate-level interns within the practice, supporting the next generation of compassionate, skilled therapists.
My financial background and experience stem from my time in corporate America, with experience in both banking and the nonprofit sector in Real estate. I previously served as Director of the Homebuying and Financial Literacy Program at a local non-profit organization in Westchester County, NY. I helped individuals and families navigate complex financial challenges. I’ve integrated this expertise into my work as a social worker and coach, supporting clients in addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of money, financial stress, and life planning.
Why Choose to Work With Me?
My clinical experience is rooted in supporting diverse clients through meaningful, often deeply personal challenges. I’ve had the honor of working with military families, veterans, and active-duty service members, helping them navigate the unique stressors and transitions that come with military life.
I also work closely with children and teens, offering a safe, compassionate space to explore emotions, build resilience, and develop healthy coping skills. Another area of focus in my practice is helping individuals better understand their relationship with money, exploring the emotional and psychological patterns behind financial stress and decision-making.
Sessions may take place indoors or in nature, where the environment can support emotional regulation, grounding, and connection. I also offer grief and loss support, including care around the often-overlooked pain of pet loss—honoring the deep bond between humans and animals.
With a diverse background and integrative training, I help clients move through emotional barriers toward personal empowerment. I use evidence-based therapeutic practices that support meaningful choices, growth, self-awareness, stronger relationships, and greater self-acceptance.
I believe that you are the expert in your own life. My role is to walk alongside you—offering education, insight, and support—while creating a safe, nonjudgmental, and empathetic space to process life’s uncertainties, transitions, and emotional challenges. Together, we’ll work to cultivate resilience, self-trust, and hope.
As a clinician, I’ve faced my own share of adversity, and those experiences have shaped both my empathy and dedication to this work. I deeply believe in our human capacity to heal, grow, and create the lives we envision. Sometimes, we all need a little help believing in ourselves and finding the courage to take that first step forward.
The Things I Enjoy…
Animals have always held a special place in my heart, and I’m deeply passionate about animal welfare. Over the years, I’ve volunteered with several rescue organizations in roles that include transporting animals, fostering, and supporting during crisis deployments. I'm currently an active volunteer with a local horse rescue (All The King's Horses) and Pet Partners, a nonprofit dedicated to therapy animal work. With Pet Partners, I currently serve as a lead evaluator for aspiring therapy teams, facilitate educational programs, and volunteer alongside my co-facilitators, who are a dog and a cat.
At home, I’m lucky to share life with a wonderfully quirky family of animals: two spirited Boston Terriers, Ruby and Kai Xin, and our curious Sphynx cat, Grogu. They bring so much joy and remind me daily of the powerful connection between humans and animals.
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Owner
Clinical Director
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New York
Connecticut
Florida
Virginia
Massachusetts
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48 Burd Street, Nyack, NY
1200 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT
In Person offered in both locations
Virtual session available
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Compassion fatigue support for caregivers and helping professionals
Nature-based therapies that promote mindfulness and grounding
Animal-assisted psychotherapy for emotional connection and healing
Pet loss and grief counseling for individuals mourning animal companions
Grief and bereavement across all stages of life
Military mental health, including support for women veterans
Therapeutic play for emotional expression and connection
Financial therapy, exploring the emotional impact of money and stability
Adult ADHD, focusing on executive functioning, identity, and self-worth
My Approach:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Feminist Therapy
Narrative
Psychodynamic
Meet Judith
Why Work With Animals?
Therapy animals bring a calming, grounding presence that can help reduce stress, ease anxiety, and foster emotional connection. Their nonjudgmental companionship can make it easier to open up, especially when words are hard to find. Whether you're navigating trauma or life changes or just need a safe space to heal, therapy animals can be powerful partners in the process.
In my practice, animals are co-facilitators—never the focus, always the support. Clients are welcome to choose whether or not they’d like to work with a therapy animal. Depending on comfort and preference, they may request to work specifically with either my therapy dog, Ruby, or my therapy cat, Grogu. Your emotional safety and sense of control is central to our work together.