

Thanks for visiting my page, I am glad you are here. I’ve spent more than 15 years supporting individuals of all ages and families through life’s toughest and most meaningful transitions. I specialize in trauma, grief, maternal mental health, postpartum support, anxiety, and life challenges. As a long time school social worker, I also love working with teens, young adults, and parents navigating stress, anxiety, identity, impulse control, ADHD, and the emotional impact of today’s digital world—including screen use overwhelm.
A lot of the people I work with describe feeling like they’ve been “holding everything together” but falling through the cracks themselves. Whether you’re a new parent, a caregiver, a teenager struggling to find direction, or someone facing loss or major change—you don’t have to do this alone.
Phyllis Taliaferro LCSW-R is a seasoned psychotherapist. She graduated from the State University of New York at Stony Brook School of Social Welfare. She acquired her Master’s Degree there. She has taught at the State University of New York at Farmingdale in the Community Service Assistant Department and at Old Westbury College in the Sociology Department.
My name is Courtney Kadish-Smith and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I have worked in both mental health and addiction throughout my career. I have a passion for therapy and at the end of the day I am aware this is not an easy thing to commit too. Exploring into ourselves and working to get better is something that takes courage. I applaud you for reaching out in the first place and now we can take the step together towards making your life better.
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, OCD, and family and interpersonal relationship challenges. I also offer Peak Performance training for individuals aiming to excel in various aspects of life. Whether in the office or in real-world settings, I work with you to create a personalized approach that supports your goals. I use evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing, Hakomi, and Motivational Interviewing. I'm also trained in Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy, using Ketamine for clients who are eligible.
I've worked successfully with race-and class-diverse, LGBT and straight clients from teens to seniors. Many are new to NYC or in other life transitions. Clients come with anxiety, identity issues, relationship or work problems, trouble managing anger...My style is warm yet analytical, and interactive. I encourage laughter! I find that people want to understand themselves, break free from self-damaging patterns, and live more fully--and joyfully.
As someone who has undergone her own adversities, I can sincerely say that I know how elusive achieving change and growth can be, but I also know that change is possible. Navigating through the difficulties and stressors that life inevitably brings us can be challenging and difficult to do alone, which is why I am a firm believer that healing begins the moment we feel heard. I have worked in mental health clinics, inpatient psychiatric settings and group practice settings, but have found that I excel in private practice where I have the ability to offer one on one, individualized psychotherapy.
I am a clinical social worker with years of experience. I value getting to know both the strengths and challenges my clients are facing. We will work collaboratively to address the issues we identify and create goals to achieve.


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