Bilingual therapist in NYC.
For Latinas navigating anxiety, burnout and guilt.
About Monica Polanco, LCSW
Helping Latinas in NYC heal from high-functioning anxiety and burnout so they can reclaim their energy and thrive. I offer weekend sessions.
I’m a bilingual therapist in New York City who helps women go from standing in the shadows to kicking ass and taking names (metaphorically — crime doesn’t pay). As a licensed clinical social worker, I also work with women across New York State.
People pleasing and living in fear of “what they’ll think” is keeping you small.
Your new, powerful future starts with choosing yourself (if you just clutched your pearls, you’re ready).
Credentials & Training: Cultural Identity Therapist in NYC
I’m a bilingual, licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with more than 14 years of experience. I specialize in working with first-generation Latinas in NYC and across New York.
My approach combines cultural competence, evidence-based therapy and mind-body practices to help you heal from:
boundary-related guilt
I don’t just treat these mental health conditions, I help you identify the root cause so that we can creating lasting change, together.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked with young families, young adults, adults and elders. As a result, I have a broad understanding of the strengths and challenges that can occur across the human lifespan.
I work with first-generation Latinas because of my own experiences as a first-generation Dominican-American. In my younger years, I grappled with income inequality, unequal access and the complicated feelings that arise as a result.
Today, I have tools to help other women navigate the complexities of being from two worlds, de aquí y de allá.
My goal is to help you feel understood, supported and ready to create a life you love, one that honors your culture and your needs.
Monica Polanco
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
License # 084434
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New York University, Master of Social Work
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Certified Grief Educator: David Kessler, grief.com
Narrative Medicine
The Lived Experience of Grieving
Integrating Grief: A Strengths-Based Approach.
Gestalt Therapy
Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Older Adults
All your feelings are welcome in therapy, even the anger you may feel toward your family.
Could there be grief
under that anger?
You're here because you’re ready to thrive.
As a licensed clinical social worker and Latina therapist in New York, I’ll help you accept yourself exactly as you are — the first step toward change.
You’ll give yourself permission to have needs and explore your role within your family.
You’ll integrate the gifts of your Latina and American identities — (I say “salsa!” you say “spreadsheets!”).
I use a culturally-informed approach to bilingual therapy in NYC.
We’ll take things one step at a time, so that you can find your footing, on your terms (on 1 or 2 — your choice).
We’ll explore cultural expectations and the origins of your guilt (hint: it didn’t start with you).
We’'ll tease apart which values are yours and which aren’t (sape, gato!).
We might try guided visualizations, breathwork and always, compassionate listening.
Frequently Asked Questions
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I help first-generation Latinas who are ready to stop struggling with anxiety, burnout and setting boundaries. If this describes you, I can help you.
Many of my clients are high-functioning professionals who are ready for meaningful change.
If you’re still researching how to set boundaries instead of setting them, you don’t need more information. You need support and follow-through.
Therapy in NYC can help you dismantle old patterns and learn healthier ways of expressing yourself.
Therapy can help you strengthen your self-trust so that you can build a life that reflects all of who you are.
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Yes. I provide online therapy to first-generation Latinas in NYC and across New York.
Virtual therapy allows you to access support from the comfort and privacy of your home or office while receiving the same personalized care as in-person therapy.
Many clients prefer the flexibility of online therapy because they save time commuting. Online therapy helps them prioritize their mental health within their busy schedules.
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It’s important to feel comfortable being yourself in therapy.
The relationship between the therapist and client is the most important factor in creating meaningful change.
The best way to know if we’re a good fit is to schedule a consultation.
I work with clients who are motivated for change. They do their homework between sessions and arrive ready to discuss their questions and reflections.
They’re serious about transformation, not just taking the edge off.
And I’m serious about helping them.
I’m warm, collaborative and culturally-attuned. From time to time, I might toss you a one-liner to bring some laughter into the room — therapy doesn’t always have to be serious.
Specializing in…
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Get in touch for bilingual therapy in NYC
Transform anxiety, guilt and burnout into healing, connection and purpose.
Together, we’ll explore what you really desire and how you want to move forward (háblame de ti!).
You’ll embrace your identities and communicate who you really are to the people who matter most.
If you’re ready, I’d be honored to help you find your voice and live with intention — no te quedes con las ganas!
Find your voice.
Start thriving.
Find your voice. Start thriving.