About Polina Mariani, LCSW

About Polina Mariani, LCSW

Polina’s Journey in Mental Health

Polina Mariani is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of experience, dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families overcome emotional and interpersonal challenges. Practicing on the Upper East Side of New York, Polina offers a safe, nurturing space for clients to explore their inner worlds and build the resilience needed to move through life’s obstacles. Her expertise in psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapy allows her to help clients uncover deep-rooted issues and make lasting changes. Fluent in both English and Russian, Polina’s multicultural background also provides a unique understanding of diverse clients and their experiences.

Polina’s Journey in

Mental Health

Polina Mariani is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of experience, dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families overcome emotional and interpersonal challenges. Practicing on the Upper East Side of New York, Polina offers a safe, nurturing space for clients to explore their inner worlds and build the resilience needed to move through life’s obstacles. Her expertise in psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapy allows her to help clients uncover deep-rooted issues and make lasting changes. Fluent in both English and Russian, Polina’s multicultural background also provides a unique understanding of diverse clients and their experiences.

Therapeutic Philosophy and Approach

At the core of Polina’s practice is the belief that every individual has the capacity for profound self-discovery and personal growth. She combines insight-oriented therapy with compassionate care, guiding clients through their emotional struggles and helping them uncover solutions that lead to long-term healing. Whether working with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues, Polina uses a collaborative approach, allowing clients to actively participate in their therapeutic journey.

How I Can Help You

Polina specializes in treating a wide range of emotional and psychological issues. Her areas of expertise include:

Anxiety and

Depression

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Relationship

Issues

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Trauma

and PTSD

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Self-Esteem and Identity Struggles

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Life

Transitions

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Grief and Loss

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LGBTQ+ and Gender Identity Support

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Couples and Family Therapy

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Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

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Polina’s goal is to help her clients find clarity, resilience, and self-acceptance as they navigate through life’s challenges.

Why Choose Polina for Therapy?

Polina’s extensive clinical background, combined with her compassionate and tailored approach to therapy, makes her a trusted partner for individuals and couples seeking change. She provides a non-judgmental, confidential space where clients can openly explore their concerns, whether it's related to personal growth, relationships, or overcoming trauma. Her ability to balance insight with practical therapeutic techniques ensures that clients not only gain understanding but also actionable tools to improve their daily lives.

Commitment to Compassionate Care

Polina’s approach is deeply rooted in compassion and empathy. She understands that seeking therapy can feel overwhelming, which is why she strives to create an environment where clients feel heard, respected, and understood. Her dedication to her clients' emotional well-being is unwavering, and she supports them every step of the way as they work towards personal growth and healing.

Education and Professional Background

Polina earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from New York University (NYU) in 2001. Since then, she has continued to expand her knowledge through postgraduate training in psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy. In addition to her private practice, she has extensive experience working in various clinical settings, providing therapy to individuals of all ages.

Certifications and Specializations

Polina holds a New York State License as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She is also trained and experienced in:

  • Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic Therapy

  • Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

  • Clinical Supervision for Social Workers and Therapists

  • Play Therapy for children and adolescents

These certifications and specializations enable Polina to provide comprehensive care for a diverse range of clients and therapy needs.

How Therapy with Polina Works

Polina’s therapy sessions are designed to help clients understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors at a deeper level. Using an individualized approach, she adapts each session to the unique needs and goals of the client. Therapy typically involves weekly 50-minute sessions, though the frequency can be adjusted based on the client’s preferences and progress. Polina offers both in-person therapy sessions in her Upper East Side office, as well as virtual sessions for those who prefer the flexibility of remote care.

WHAT WE DO

Authentic Flow Therapy provides personalized mental health care, helping individuals uncover the root causes of their struggles and achieve lasting change. Using evidence-based therapies and psychedelic-assisted therapy, we guide you through self-discovery and empower you to overcome limitations.