About Us

Shira Hon-Lahav

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

Shira Hon-Lahav is a Licensed Psychoanalyst, Licensed Creative Arts Therapist, and a Public Speaking Coach, with over fifteen years of clinical experience. She 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). 

Shira’s career has spanned a wide range of therapeutic settings, including Bellevue Hospital’s Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center, where she worked with Mentally Impaired Chemically Addicted (MICA) patients, and Woodhull Hospital’s Psychiatric Unit, where she led both group and individual therapy sessions. Fluent in English and Hebrew, she has provided therapy in multiple countries, bringing a global perspective to her work.

As the founder of Therapeutic Alliance NYC, Shira offers individualized care to adults and couples navigating life’s complexities. She also founded Peace of Mind Psychoanalysis and Creative Arts Services PLLC, a group practice where she supervises a team of adult and children therapists, fostering a collaborative and client-centered approach to mental health. Additionally, she co-founded Embodied Minds Public Speaking Consultants PLLC, helping individuals overcome stage fright and empowering corporate clients to refine their communication skills.

Shira is passionate about integrating traditional psychological methods with creative arts therapies into mental health treatment and has recently partnered with the Department of Education to lead workshops exploring these innovative approaches. Her work is grounded in an interpersonal dynamic framework, creating a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their emotions, strengthen relationships, and achieve personal growth.

Mor Waksman

LCAT-LP | She, Her, Hers

Mor holds a Master’s degree in Creative Arts Therapy – Psychodrama from the University of Haifa and furthered her training at the Psychodrama and Creative Arts Therapy Institute in New York. She has gained extensive experience working in a closed ward at the Abarbanel Mental Health Center in Israel and in public schools, supporting children with emotional challenges.

In addition, Mor has served as the head of a mental health rehabilitation center for adults with severe mental illnesses, guiding clients on their path toward social rehabilitation and recovery. She has also developed and led innovative theater groups in an adolescent closed ward and designed a therapeutic educational program for refugee children in kindergarten. With over 15 years of experience as a group facilitator in various settings, Mor has worked with diverse populations, bringing a wealth of expertise to her practice. Her background in community theater further enriches her understanding of the transformative power of creative expression in therapy.

Fluent in both English and Hebrew, Mor offers therapy in both languages, adopting a client-centered approach to create a safe and supportive environment for all her clients.

Hamutal Posklinsky-Shehory

LCAT, MA | She, Her, Hers

Hamutal received her psychotherapy education, specializing in Drama Therapy, from New York University. Her therapeutic approach encourages clients to explore their past experiences and beliefs while working toward their personal goals and aspirations. Tailoring the therapeutic process to meet each client’s unique needs, Hamutal combines traditional talk therapy with creative art therapy techniques to support individual growth.

With experience working with all age groups—children, adolescents, adults, and seniors—Hamutal conducts therapy for individuals, couples, and families. She has worked in various settings, including therapeutic boarding schools for children, social rehabilitation organizations, senior citizen programs, PHP, inpatient care, and adolescent psychiatric hospitals, at renowned institutions such as King’s County Hospital and Interfaith Medical Center.

By blending her creative skills, education, and an eclectic approach that includes psychodynamic therapies and attachment-based techniques, Hamutal facilitates a deep, 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 with a strong academic background, holding Bachelor’s degrees in Theatre and Psychology from Tel Aviv University, and a Master of Arts in Drama Therapy from New York University.

She has gained valuable professional experience working with adults with severe mental illness in psychiatric units at Lenox Hill and Metropolitan Hospitals, where she facilitated both group and individual therapy. Keren also has extensive experience working with children and adolescents, as well as their caregivers, in outpatient and school settings. She specializes in supporting children facing trauma, depression, ADHD, anxiety disorders, emotional dysregulation, and more. Additionally, Keren has worked with children and adolescents on the Autism Spectrum in group home environments, creative arts therapy groups, and one-on-one sessions.

In her practice, Keren integrates drama therapy, play therapy, and talk therapy techniques, providing clients with opportunities for verbal and nonverbal self-expression, self-exploration, and growth within a safe and supportive space. Fluent in both Hebrew and English, Keren offers therapy in both languages.

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 furthered her professional education at the Hakomi Institute for Psychotherapy in Hod Hasharon. She completed training in a closed ward for adults with mental health disorders and substance abuse issues at the Abarbanel Mental Health Center in Israel. Throughout her career, Liat has worked in special education schools with adolescents facing ADHD, complex learning disabilities, and emotional challenges. Additionally, she facilitated art therapy groups at Hillel Yafe Hospital and in a specialized art therapy unit at the Ashdod Museum of Art.

After gaining extensive experience in diverse therapeutic settings, Liat opened her private practice in Tel Aviv, where she employed the Hakomi method—an experiential psychotherapy that combines mindfulness and somatic interventions—to support adult clients.

Liat firmly believes in the interconnectedness of the body and mind, offering therapy that integrates verbal expression with physical awareness. This approach allows for the exploration and release of accumulated life experiences. Liat holds that the foundation of effective therapy is a meaningful, honest relationship, where security and trust enable transformative experiences and profound changes on emotional, cognitive, and behavioral levels.

Nick Lear

RDT, LCAT-LP | He, Him, His

Nick is a drama therapist currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree at New York University. He also holds two bachelor’s degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Virginia Commonwealth University. With diverse international experiences—from studying across Europe to working with grassroots organizations in South America—Nick is well-equipped to work in a variety of settings.

Nick has an extensive background in working with adolescents in schools, residential treatment facilities, and creative arts organizations, with a particular focus on the LGBTQ+ community and couples. He has worked with clients from a wide range of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, providing innovative, long-term therapy.

By integrating psychotherapeutic and creative interventions, Nick has built strong therapeutic relationships with his clients, leading to meaningful, lasting change. Together with his clients, Nick develops personalized treatment plans using a broad range of techniques and interventions. He specializes in several psychotherapy approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, gestalt therapy, and existential therapy. Additionally, Nick is trained in a Drama Therapy method called Developmental Transformations, which helps clients confront and reduce their fear of life’s uncertainties. From creative therapy techniques to traditional talk therapy, Nick offers a variety of pathways to support each individual’s unique 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, she integrates a variety of artistic modalities—including theater, music, dance, and visual arts—to foster self-expression and personal exploration. By combining the therapeutic power of the arts with evidence-based counseling techniques, Lili empowers her clients to navigate life’s challenges.

Lili has worked with individuals across a broad spectrum of diagnoses and life experiences, establishing strong therapeutic relationships grounded in trust, respect, and collaboration. She is deeply committed to helping clients unlock their inner creativity, discover their authentic voices, and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing.

Patricia Contreras

She, Her, Hers

Patricia employs a diverse range of therapeutic approaches, including modalities in creative arts therapy. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Drama Therapy at New York University. Her therapeutic practice, combined with her extensive experience in applied theatre, has equipped her to work in dynamic and creative environments. A Latin-American psychotherapist, Patricia is fluent in both English and Spanish, offering bilingual care to her clients.

Patricia has worked as a creative arts therapist at the Penn South Program for Seniors and is currently providing care to families and children in the Early Head Start program at the Child Center of New York in Queens. She has experience working with individuals across all age groups, including children, adolescents, young adults, and seniors. Patricia also has experience working within the foster care system in Mendoza, Argentina, where she facilitated group therapy sessions for young girls in foster homes.

Patricia specializes in helping clients navigate life transitions, manage anxiety and depression, build self-esteem, address relationship difficulties, and heal from trauma. Primarily utilizing a Person-Centered approach, Patricia tailors her therapy to each client’s unique needs and preferences, integrating drama therapy and creative techniques as appropriate.

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.

Hilary Paredes, MA

She, Her, Hers

Hilary holds a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University at Albany, SUNY, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Human Development from the same institution. She currently works in higher education while also providing administrative support to Peace of Mind. As a born and raised New Yorker, Hilary is deeply passionate about connecting individuals with the therapeutic care they need.