Today on the couch, we have Dr. Samara Toussaint, PsyD and Kimberly Parker, LCSW.

Dr. Samara Toussaint is a licensed psychologist specializing in individual and family therapy, and is the founder of Path2Growth Counseling Services in Valley Stream, NY. Dr. Toussaint obtained her doctoral degree from St. John’s University with a concentration in intervention. She specializes in the assessment and treatment of trauma/PTSD, grief, anxiety, depression, behavioral disorders (e.g., ADHD), autism, and developmental disabilities. She also works as a school psychologist in Long Island, NY. With her background in school education law, Dr. Toussaint can provide additional school consultation services regarding IEP review, psychoeducational testings, and helping others advocate for their child at a CSE meeting.

Dr. Toussaint provides a unique, culturally-sensitive approach to therapy that examines the history of family and generational trauma. When we understand our history, we can then improve for the future. Her research explores how different cultural groups express their symptoms of mental illness to help inform the field of mental health on how to become more culturally sensitive during therapy. Dr. Toussaint is Haitian-American and works with outside agencies to help provide mental health support for Afro-Caribbean communities in Queens and Long Island.

Kimberly Parker, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Through therapy, she facilitates the healing process needed to recover from depression, anxiety, and substance abuse to help others live the lives they desire. She understands negative thoughts, feelings, and self-defeating behaviors can get in the way of us realizing our full potential. Kimberly knows that we can have a new lease on life with adequate support, compassion, and insight; this is why she became a therapist.

Her experience includes working with youth, adults, and families focusing on mood disorders (depression, anxiety, Bipolar II), behavior modification, interpersonal development, trauma, and substance abuse. Her therapy approach is solution-focused working towards your identified goals. She utilizes mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy treatment modalities to create change.