Alona Perlin, LCSW - Therapist in New York

Stress and grief
CBT and ACT methods
Speaks English and Russian

About Alona

Alona Perlin is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 15 years of experience based in New York. She works with people who are managing stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, grief, depression, and trauma and abuse. She also addresses concerns such as self-esteem and addictions. Sessions are offered in English and Russian.

Perlin focuses on listening first. She asks about what brought someone to therapy and gathers background details before suggesting next steps. In early sessions she balances listening with straightforward feedback and practical skills people can try between meetings. This plain approach helps people feel more grounded and able to act on small changes.

Her work draws on cognitive behavioral techniques and acceptance-based ideas to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and build values-driven action. Attachment-based perspectives are used to look at how close relationships shape feelings and behaviors. Dialectical skills offer tools for managing intense emotions when they arise.

Perlin also uses client-centered practices that prioritize each person’s own goals and pace. She describes sessions as collaborative - decisions about focus and methods are shaped together. This includes discussing relationship issues, codependency, communication problems, and attachment concerns.

For people worried about getting started, she recommends a clear first step: complete the short matching questionnaire and schedule an initial session. The process aims to make the first appointment straightforward and focused on the concerns that matter most.

How Alona blends therapy approaches online

Alona uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in straightforward, practical ways. CBT focuses on identifying patterns of thinking that contribute to anxiety or low mood and testing small behavior changes to shift those patterns. ACT emphasizes noticing difficult thoughts and feelings while choosing actions that reflect what matters most to the person.

She also draws on attachment-based ideas to look at how early and current relationships affect how someone connects, trusts, and reacts in social situations. These perspectives can help when communication problems, codependency, or relationship stress are part of what feels hard.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals and preferences and try approaches together to see what fits. This is a collaborative process where methods are adjusted based on your responses and needs.

Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current online session options before booking. Online work can make fitting therapy into daily life easier by removing travel time, allowing shorter check-ins when needed, and making it simpler to schedule sessions around work or caregiving. Licensed professionals can use these formats to provide practical tools, emotion regulation skills, and support for social anxiety and relationship challenges.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuse Self esteem Depression

Also works with

Addictions Grief

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issues Communication problems Control issuesDependent personalityDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameImmigration issuesImpulsivity InfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / loneliness Jealousy Life purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issues Mood disorders Multicultural concernsNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stress Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issues Workplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyGottman MethodImago Relationship TherapyJungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

15+ years

Listed in

New York, New Jersey

Languages

English, Russian

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she address?

She works with stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, depression, addictions, and grief.

What is her general approach in sessions?

Sessions mix listening, feedback, and practical skills. Early meetings focus on understanding the concern and trying small, usable strategies.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has 15 years of experience as a clinician working with a range of emotional and relational issues.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

She is an LCSW licensed in New Jersey and New York and practices from New York.

Which languages are supported during sessions?

Sessions are offered in English and Russian.

Can international clients work with her?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How are sessions scheduled and what do they cost?

Costs vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What should I do to start working together?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.