Our counselors provide therapy for children and teens in Williamsville, NY

Hi, I'm Kcarin De La Cruz, LCSW. I have been working in the field of social work since 2013, and since 2016, I have had the privilege of working within the school system with children and adolescents ages 4 to 18. Throughout my career, I have supported young people navigating depression, anxiety, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and the challenges that can come with special education and school-related experiences.

As a first-generation Latina woman born and raised in the Bronx, I understand the importance of feeling seen and understood in your culture and family. My approach is warm, compassionate, and trauma-informed. I strive to create a safe space where children and families can feel comfortable being themselves and develop tools to navigate life's challenges.

I believe that therapy is a collaborative process, and my goal is to meet each person where they are while helping them recognize their strengths, build confidence, and feel empowered in their own journey.

Jaclyn Bencivenga is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in NY and FL, having worked in the field for 9 years in various different roles. She has experience with children, adolescents, and adults. She has worked in group practices and hospital settings, helping clients suffering from anxiety, depression, relationship issues, impulsivity, and more.

Jaclyn uses a cognitive behavioral approach to therapy, helping clients understand their thoughts and develop ways that they can change their negative thought processes to more positive thought patterns in order to improve their overall well-being.

In the first session, clients will get to know Jaclyn better and decide what goals are important to work towards, helping them make changes to become the best version of themselves. Taking the first step can be hard, but Jaclyn is willing to support you every step of your journey. If you feel it’s time to become your best self, schedule an intake today!

Michele is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 14 years of experience supporting clients as they navigate all phases of life. Michele has experience working with diverse populations, including various cognitive levels and adult age groups. She has individual and group counseling experience. 

Michele completed her Bachelor of Arts (MA) in Psychology at Purchase College and her Master of Science (MS) in Mental Health Counseling at Long Island University. She utilizes various therapy approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), applied behavior analysis, psychodynamic, and person-centered therapy. Michele is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.

With expertise in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and trauma-focused interventions, I empower individuals to develop resilience, overcome intrusive thoughts, manage anxiety, and process traumatic experiences. Through evidence-based approaches and a client-centered focus, I guide my clients on a transformative journey towards reclaiming their lives. Collaboratively, a safe and non-judgmental space is created where healing can flourish, and new paths to wellness can be discovered. 

I’m a licensed counselor in New York and Massachusetts with a clinical background working with individuals experiencing substance use challenges, anxiety, depression, trauma, and complex family dynamics. I earned my degree from the University at Albany, and I’ve worked extensively with children and families in the foster care system, as well as survivors of sexual abuse and assault. I especially enjoy working with young adults navigating anxiety, depression, and self-esteem concerns, as well as mothers adjusting to motherhood and finding their voice within the family system.

I offer a nonjudgmental, down-to-earth therapeutic space where clients can explore their experiences and better understand how past events shape current thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. My approach is collaborative and supportive, helping motivated clients build self-worth, clarify goals, and create meaningful, sustainable change.

Life doesn’t always unfold the way we expect, and navigating unexpected challenges can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to do it alone. I aim to help clients feel supported, understood, and empowered as they work toward a life that feels more balanced and fulfilling. I hope this feels like a space where you could begin that work.

I’m a dual-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a background in integrative medicine, substance use treatment, and mental health care. My experience working with individuals across a wide range of mental health concerns has shaped a trauma-informed, collaborative approach to care. 

I utilize an evidence-based approach that integrates psychiatric medication management with supportive therapy, focusing on symptom reduction, improved functioning, and the development of effective coping strategies aligned with your treatment goals, while fostering a supportive and collaborative care environment.

Starting care can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. I’m here to offer a safe, supportive space where you can feel heard and understood. When you’re ready, I invite you to take the next step toward feeling more like yourself again.