About Us

Shira Hon-Lahav

MA, RDT, LCAT, LP | She, Her, Hers

Shira Hon-Lahav holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Hunter College, a Master of Arts degree in Drama Therapy from New York University, and a Psychoanalytic degree from the Institute of Expressive Analysis (IEA). She is a Licensed Psychoanalyst, Licensed Creative Arts Therapist, and a Registered Drama Therapist.

She has worked with mentally impaired chemically addicted (MICA) patients at the Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center at Bellevue Hospital. She has also worked in the psychiatric unit at Woodhull Hospital, where she led group counseling and individual therapy. She is fluent in both English and Hebrew and has conducted therapy in several different countries.

Shira has worked in clinical settings for over fifteen years. In that time, she has developed her own private practice (Therapeutic Alliance NYC), ventured into Public Speaking for individuals and corporate clients, (Embodied Minds Public Speaking Consultants, LLC), and recently founded a Group Practice, Peace of Mind PLLC.

Mor Waksman

LCAT-LP | She, Her, Hers

Mor holds a Master’s degree in Creative Arts Therapy – Psychodrama from the University of Haifa and continued her training at the Psychodrama and Creative Arts Therapy Institute in New York. She has been trained in a closed ward at the Abarbanel Mental Health Center in Israel and in public schools with children who have emotional difficulties.

Mor has also served as the head of a mental health rehabilitation center for adults coping with severe mental illnesses, supporting clients on their journey towards social rehabilitation and recovery. She has developed and facilitated unique theater groups in an adolescent closed ward and a therapeutic educational program for refugee children in kindergarten. With over 15 years of experience as a group facilitator in diverse settings, she has worked with a wide range of populations. Additionally, her background in community theater has provided her with a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the transformative potential of creative expression in the therapeutic process.

Fluent in English and Hebrew, Mor provides therapy in both languages with a client-centered approach, creating a safe and supportive environment for her clients.

Hamutal Posklinsky-Shehory

LCAT, MA | She, Her, Hers

Hamutal earned her psychotherapy education, specializing in Drama Therapy from New York University. Her therapeutic approach guides clients in the exploration of their past experiences and beliefs while working towards their goals and aspirations. Hamutal tailors the therapeutic process uniquely to each client, using traditional talk therapy as well as creative art therapy methods, according to each client’s needs.

Hamutal is experienced in working with all age groups, including children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. In addition, she conducts therapy with individuals, couples, and families. Hamutal has experience working at therapeutic boarding homes for children, social rehabilitating organizations, senior citizens programs, PHP, inpatient, and adolescent psychiatric hospitals at leading institutions such as King’s County Hospital and Interfaith Medical Center.

Using a combination of her creative skills, education, and eclectic methods—such as psychodynamic therapies and attachment-based approaches, Hamutal provides a deep and spontaneous therapeutic process within a warm, understanding, and safe environment.

Keren Yuval

LCAT, MA | She, Her, Hers

Keren Yuval is a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist. She holds Bachelor’s degrees in Theatre and in Psychology from Tel Aviv University, and a Master of Arts degree in Drama Therapy from New York University.

She gained her professional practice with adults with severe mental illness on psychiatric units in Lenox Hill and Metropolitan hospitals, where she facilitated therapy groups as well as individual therapy. Keren has extensive experience working with children and adolescents, as well as their caregivers, in an outpatient and school setting. She works with children who are coping with a history of trauma, depression, ADHD, anxiety disorders, emotional dysregulation, and more. In addition, Keren has been working with children and adolescents on the Autistic Spectrum, both in a group home setting, creative arts therapies groups, and individual settings.

In her work, Keren utilizes drama therapy techniques, play therapy techniques, as well as talk therapy. Allowing her clients to find verbal and nonverbal ways of expression, self- exploration, and growth, in a safe and positive space.

Keren is fluent in both Hebrew and English.

Liat Klein-Yaari

MA | She, Her, Hers

Liat holds a Master’s degree in Creative Arts Therapy from Seminar Hakibbutzim college in Tel Aviv, Israel and continued her professional education at the Hakomi Institute for Psychotherapy in Hod Hasharon. She trained in a closed ward for adults with mental disorders and substance abuse at the Abarbanel Mental Health Center in Israel. Over the years, she has worked in special education schools with adolescents dealing with ADHD, complex learning disabilities, and emotional difficulties. In addition, Liat facilitated art therapy groups at the Hillel Yafe Hospital and in a special art therapy unit at the Ashdod Museum of Art. After acquiring extensive experience across various settings, Liat opened her private practice in Tel-Aviv, where she worked with adults using the Hakomi method—an experiential psychotherapy that integrates mindfulness and somatic interventions.

Liat is a firm believer in the interconnectedness of the body and mind, offering therapy that intertwines speech with physical awareness. This approach facilitates the exploration and release of accumulated life experiences. Liat maintains that the cornerstone of effective therapy is a meaningful and honest relationship. With a foundation of security and trust, transformative experiences can be achieved, fostering profound changes on emotional, cognitive, and behavioral levels.

Nick Lear

RDT, LCAT-LP | He, Him, His

Nick is a drama therapist who is earning his Master of Arts at New York University.  Additionally, Nick holds two bachelor’s degrees, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Virginia Commonwealth University.  From studying all over Europe to grass root organizations in South America, Nick is equipped to work in a multitude of environments.  Nick has an extensive history of working with adolescents in schools, residential treatment facilities, and creative art organizations.  Specializing in work with the LGBTQ+ and couples.  He has worked with clients from all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds providing innovative long-term therapy.

Using psychotherapeutic and creative interventions, Nick has been able to foster strong relationships with his clients resulting in therapeutic change.  With his clients help, Nick creates a specialized treatment plan using a wide variety of techniques and interventions.  He specializes in many psychotherapy approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, gestalt therapy, and
existential therapy.  Also, Nick specializes in a Drama Therapy method called Developmental Transformations, which at its core, works with clients to lower their fear of the instabilities of life.  From creative therapy approaches to talk psychotherapy, Nick offers many ways in which to go down your personal therapeutic journey.

Lili Chasen

MA, LCAT-LP | She, Her, Hers

Lili Chasen is a drama therapist specializing in humanistic psychotherapy. As a creative arts therapist, Lili employs a wide range of artistic modalities, including theater, music, dance, and visual arts, to facilitate self-expression and exploration. By blending the therapeutic benefits of the arts with evidence-based counseling techniques, Lili empowers her clients to navigate life’s challenges. Lili has worked clinically with a wide range of individuals with varying diagnoses and life experiences and builds strong therapeutic relationships based on trust, respect, and collaboration. Lili is dedicated to helping individuals unleash their inner creativity, find their authentic voices, and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing.

Joseph Labatt

MA | He/They

Joseph Labatt draws on drama therapy, verbal psychotherapy, mindfulness, and writing approaches to explore clients’ stories and seeks to provide tools, perspectives, and experiences in the counseling room that can be integrated and used in daily life to ultimately know oneself more deeply, feel better, and lead richer, fuller lives. Towards that end, Joseph strives to provide a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and LGBTQ+ friendly environment. Joseph has experience working with clients on a broad range of issues, including depression, anxiety, relationships, identity, neurodivergence, and disability.

Joseph received his Masters in Drama Therapy from NYU in 2023. Before grad school, he worked as a freelance director, fight choreographer, and teacher in NYC. As a drama therapist, Joseph has presented at regional and national conferences. Most recently, he co-chaired a panel on the many therapeutic applications of tabletop role-playing games (such as D&D) in working with clients of all ages, and completed advanced training in the Game to Grow Method of TA-RPGs.

Patricia Contreras

She, Her, Hers

Patricia utilizes a diverse range of therapeutic approaches including modalities in creative arts therapy. Patricia is pursuing her Masters in drama therapy at New York University. Her therapeutic work alongside her extensive applied theatre experience has prepared her to work in a creative and diverse environment. She is a Latin-American psychotherapist who has experience providing bilingual care in English and Spanish. Patricia has worked at Penn South Program for Seniors as a creative arts therapist and is currently working at the Child Center of New York in Queens where she provides care to families and children in the Early Head Start program.

Patricia has experience working with all age groups including children, adolescents, young adults, and seniors. She has worked with the foster care system in Mendoza, Argentina where she facilitated group therapy sessions with young girls at the homes in Mendoza. Patricia sees clients who are working through life transitions, experiencing anxiety, depression, self- esteem, relationship difficulties, and healing through trauma. Patricia mainly works from a Person-Centered approach and can implement drama therapy and creative components to the therapy session, tailoring the experience to each client depending on their needs and preferences.

Allison Sabbagh

MA | She, Her, Hers

Allison received her Master’s degree in Art Therapy from New York University. Additionally, she has earned her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology and Art from New York University.

Allison is experienced in working with a diverse range of individuals and settings. Allison has worked at a PROS (Personalized Recovery Oriented Services) program for adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses, focusing on anxiety management, coping skill development, and goal acquisition. She utilized art therapy in combination with DBT and CBT skills to conduct group and individual sessions. At a private practice, Allison led adult art therapy groups focused on open expression and creativity, addressing anxiety, depression, and complex trauma.

Allison has worked with children utilizing art therapy and sand tray play therapy to support emotion regulation and communication. At various high schools, Allison conducted art therapy workshops to support self-awareness, identity, and self-esteem. Allison has experience working with Grief and Loss, where she worked at a Grief Camp for bereaved children and teenagers, providing group art therapy sessions to support the grieving process.

Allison uniquely tailors her therapeutic process to each individual, incorporating traditional talk therapy alongside creative methods such as art therapy and mindfulness practices to meet each client’s specific needs. Allison brings open expression and creativity into her sessions, creating a therapeutic space where clients can explore their emotions and express themselves freely.

Lian Kelmann

She, Her, Hers

Lian  is a recent graduate from Hunter College, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Music in Classical Vocal Performance. Having been in the arts from a young age, she is a strong believer of the positive impact the arts can have on a person’s life, especially when it is used in mental health practice.

She is grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the Peace of Mind team and looks forward to continuing growing her knowledge in administrative, therapeutic settings.