Sylvia Leal, LCSW
Warm, bilingual therapy for growth and change
- English and Spanish support
- Evidence based therapy skills
- Individuals and couples care
About Sylvia Leal
Sylvia Leal, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist based in New York and licensed in both New York and Connecticut. With over 20 years of experience, she provides bilingual therapy in English and Spanish and brings a steady commitment to understanding each client as a whole person. Her work aims to offer a warm, affirming environment where diverse identities and lived experiences are welcomed and respected.
She works with individuals and couples navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship stress, and difficult life transitions. Her style is compassionate, collaborative, and closely attuned, supporting clients who want more than short-term coping and are looking to build a kinder, more grounded relationship with themselves. She helps clients explore emotional pain, self-criticism, and fears around loss, while moving toward a life that feels more aligned with what matters to them.
Sylvia integrates evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy. In practice, she helps clients notice patterns that are no longer serving them, strengthen communication, support self-worth, and develop practical skills for emotional regulation and meaningful, lasting change.
She works with individuals and couples navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship stress, and difficult life transitions. Her style is compassionate, collaborative, and closely attuned, supporting clients who want more than short-term coping and are looking to build a kinder, more grounded relationship with themselves. She helps clients explore emotional pain, self-criticism, and fears around loss, while moving toward a life that feels more aligned with what matters to them.
Sylvia integrates evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy. In practice, she helps clients notice patterns that are no longer serving them, strengthen communication, support self-worth, and develop practical skills for emotional regulation and meaningful, lasting change.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFertility issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingImmigration issuesInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Existential Therapy Gottman Method Jungian Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Sylvia Leal have?
Sylvia Leal has 20 years of experience as a therapist.
Is Sylvia Leal a licensed therapist?
Yes. Sylvia Leal is licensed as an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). License information: CT LCSW 16565 and NY LCSW 076808.
In which languages does Sylvia Leal provide therapy?
She provides therapy in English and Spanish.
Where is Sylvia Leal located?
Sylvia Leal is located in New York.
How can I work with Sylvia Leal as my therapist?
You can work with Sylvia Leal through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Sylvia Leal work with international clients?
No. Sylvia Leal does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Sylvia Leal cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Online therapy grounded in values, skills, and connection
Sylvia Leal incorporates evidence-based approaches that translate well to online sessions and can be tailored to concerns like stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship challenges, and coping with life changes.Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients clarify what matters most and build practical ways to move toward those values, even when difficult thoughts and feelings show up. Rather than getting stuck in a struggle with discomfort, ACT supports flexibility and committed action in daily life.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, collaborative approach that focuses on noticing patterns in thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It can be especially useful for anxiety, low mood, and self-critical thinking by helping clients test new perspectives and practice skills that support steadier routines and coping.
Attachment-Based Therapy brings attention to how early relationship experiences can influence current needs, boundaries, and patterns in close relationships. It can be helpful for clients working through fear of loss, abandonment concerns, and recurring relationship dynamics.
Finding the right approach is part of the process. Sylvia works collaboratively with clients to choose strategies that fit their goals, preferences, and pace, adjusting over time as needs change.
Online therapy also offers flexibility. Sessions can take place by video calls or phone sessions, with the option of live chat or text-based messaging to support reflection and continuity between sessions.