Compassionate Psychologist in New York City
About me - Dr. Yuko Hanakawa
Are you looking for a psychologist in NYC who can really help YOU?
Are you the one everyone relies on - at work, in relationships, with friends - while feeling exhausted and anxious inside? You pour your heart into everyone else, but that knot in your stomach, the pounding heart during confrontations, they're telling you something needs to change. As an experienced anxiety therapist in NYC, I understand this delicate balance you're trying to maintain.
Doing everything "right" hasn't worked.
You've tried everything "right" - being the ideal partner, the reliable colleague, the go-to friend for others' crises. Despite your caring nature, there's a constant feeling of not being "enough," and the anxiety of maintaining it all is becoming overwhelming. Inside, you're running on empty.
Deep down, you know you matter too. You want to break free from anxiety and over-giving without losing your compassionate heart. That's where anxiety therapy in New York City can help.
As your NYC psychologist, I'll help you:
-
Transform anxiety-driven perfectionism into genuine confidence
-
Learn to express your needs without that paralyzing fear
-
Build truly mutual relationships where you can be yourself
-
Navigate cultural expectations with authenticity
-
Discover that it's okay to put yourself first
Using AEDP™ (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy), we'll create lasting change - not just temporary fixes. This is a warm, gentle approach that helps you connect with your authentic self and transform patterns of anxiety and over-giving into strength.
Think of therapy as having someone truly in your corner as you explore those deeper feelings. Like having a trusted guide while navigating unfamiliar territory, I'll be right there with you, making the journey feel safer and more manageable.
You'll find a safe space here to explore:
-
The anxiety that shows up in your relationships and at work
-
Your pattern of putting others first while neglecting yourself
-
Cultural identity and the pressure to be "perfect"
-
Finding your voice in difficult conversations
-
Building confidence in your own wisdom and choices
My clients often share that our work together helps them find a new sense of liberation - moving from constant anxiety and over-giving to genuine self-trust and peace.
Psychological Specialties:
-
Anxiety & Perfectionism: HERE
-
Individual Therapy for Relationship Patterns: HERE
-
Cultural Identity & Belonging
Ready to Reclaim Your Sense of Self? Schedule a free 20-minute consultation to see if we're a good fit for working together. I offer secure virtual therapy sessions to clients throughout New York State.
Warmly,
Dr. Yuko
Licensed Clinical Psychologist in New York State Providing virtual therapy throughout New York
.png)
.png)
.png)
Hi I'm Dr. Yuko, your psychologist in NYC for the over-giving, over doing humans
I'm not a quick fix psychologist in NYC. We'll focus on making long lasting, deep changes!
My Credentials/Training as a Psychologist in NYC:
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
- Want to know what led me to become a psychologist? It all started with my own healing journey. I experienced firsthand how transformative a genuine human connection can be - it felt like magic! This inspired me to pursue my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. I wanted to learn everything I could about this healing magic so I could create these special moments for others.
Senior Faculty at AEDP Institute
- Something amazing happened in graduate school - I met Dr. Diana Fosha, the founder of AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy). Her way of working with emotions, the body, and human connection just clicked for me. It was exactly what I'd been looking for! I've practically grown up with AEDP since then. Now, as a Senior Faculty member at the AEDP Institute, I get to share this transformative approach with other therapists. It's like passing along a precious gift that keeps on giving!
Publication/Media: HERE
-
What's the difference between psychiatrist and psychologist?Psychologists and psychiatrists are both mental health professionals, but they have different approaches to treatment and qualifications. Psychologists typically hold a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in psychology and focus on providing talk therapy and counseling services to individuals, couples, and groups. They often use various therapeutic techniques to help clients manage and overcome emotional and psychological issues. On the other hand, psychiatrists are medical doctors (M.D. or D.O.) who specialize in mental health. They can prescribe medication and offer a range of medical treatments for mental health conditions. While some psychiatrists also provide therapy, their primary role is often medication management. In summary, the main distinction lies in their approach: psychologists primarily provide therapy and counseling, while psychiatrists are medical professionals who can prescribe medication and offer a broader range of medical treatments for mental health conditions. Depending on your specific needs, you may choose one or both types of professionals to address your mental health concerns.
-
What's the difference between therapy and counseling?Counseling and therapy are two terms often used interchangeably, but they do have distinct differences. Both are forms of mental health support, but they vary in their focus, duration, and goals. Counseling is typically a shorter-term process that aims to address specific issues or immediate concerns. It often focuses on practical problem-solving, skill-building, and coping strategies. Counseling is well-suited for individuals dealing with specific life challenges, such as relationship issues, grief, or career transitions. It tends to be more solution-focused and goal-oriented. Therapy, on the other hand, is a broader and more comprehensive approach to addressing emotional and psychological issues. It can be long-term and explores the deeper underlying causes of emotional distress or mental health conditions. Therapy delves into the past, patterns of behavior, and thought processes to promote self-awareness, healing, and personal growth. It's beneficial for individuals with complex or chronic mental health concerns like depression, anxiety disorders, or trauma. In summary, counseling is often shorter-term and solution-focused, while therapy is a more in-depth and long-term exploration of underlying issues. The choice between counseling and therapy depends on your specific needs and goals, and a mental health professional can help determine which approach is most appropriate for you!
-
Do you take my insurance?Yes and no. While I am not an 'in-network provider,' if your insurance plan offers out-of-network benefits, typically associated with PPO plans, you can submit superbills for reimbursement. In order for you to find out your reimbursement rates, it's best to refer to your insurance booklet or information in your portal, or call them directly. When you call, you can inquire about the reimbursement rates for the CPT code 90834 (45 minutes) or 90837 (60 minutes). Here are some helpful questions to ask when you call your insurance company: Do I have out-of-network benefits for psychotherapy? Do I have a deductible? How much is it? What percentage of my bill will be covered after my deductible is met? What is the insurance company’s usual and customary fee for CPT codes 90834 (45 minutes session) or 90837 (60 minutes session)? Helpful Tips for Potential Patients: Verify if your insurance plan includes out-of-network mental health coverage. Keep your insurance booklet or online portal information handy for reference. When calling your insurance company, be prepared to ask about specific CPT codes, as cited above, for accurate rate information. As of January 16, 2024, I have opted out of Medicare and will no longer accept Medicare or Medigap insurance, so Medicare beneficiaries will need to consider this when seeking services. If you are looking for a therapist who is in-network with your insurance, you can utilize healthcare-focused search platforms like ZocDoc, Headway, or Alma (helloalma.com). These platforms can help you find in-network therapists who accept your insurance and provide services that match your needs.