I believe: all bodies are good bodies; you are not the cause of your suffering; and therapy can be a revolutionary act
About Lab Psychotherapy
My Approach
Lisa Benson, LCSW (she/her/hers)
You're unique. Your therapy should be too. My approach evolves, but is always rooted in compassion. Kindness can be a revolutionary act and I will treat you with the utmost empathy. I believe in authenticity and my approach to therapy is infused with a deep commitment to social justice and a strong belief in the power of human relationships. I believe that our suffering is often tied into systems of oppression, and in cultivating kindness to ourselves, we often must first acknowledge this. In our work together, you will not receive a "one size fits all approach" nor will you find a "blank slate therapist." Instead, we will address your concerns with a non-pathologizing and liberatory lens.
Note: Therapy services are offered to NY residents via telehealth only at this time, contact me if you would like updates.
Eating disorder therapy
My approach to eating disorder treatment is rooted in Health at Every Size® and Intuitive Eating principles. Because eating disorder treatment is holistic, I work collaboratively with treatment teams (often including families, registered dieticians, physicians, schools, etc.)
highly SPECIALIZED TREATMENT FOR ARFID
TREATMENT BASED IN CHOICE AND AUTONOMY
You will find uniquely specialized ARFID (Avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder) treatment at LAB Psychotherapy. My goal is for you to have a positive relationship with food, and I will always move at your pace. My approach is affirming, client centered, and sensitive to your needs and experiences.
Our work together is likely to follow the evidenced based guidelines established in CBT-AR: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for ARFID, which emphasizes patient choice with food exposures, and moves at the client's pace. Often patients with ARFID have had experiences that have felt more like pressure than support, and haven't been in line with their goals. This often causes folks with ARFID to shut down even more when faced with food-related discomfort, and can be counterproductive.
In treatment with LAB Psychotherapy, you'll be assisted in cultivating curiosity and having joyful experiences with food. My clients steer the treatment process and set their own goals. Treatment is never coercive, and is always affirming. This approach is successful for all ages, including children and adults.
OTher specializations
Trauma and PTSD
Neurodivergent-Affirming Care
Adolescent Issues
Cultivate emotional safety within the therapeutic alliance and receive support as you find your individualized preferred mode of healing.
Adolescent Issues
Neurodivergent-Affirming Care
Adolescent Issues
Adolescents face very different challenges than their parents did growing up. Work with a therapist who understands, and who teens connect with easily.
Neurodivergent-Affirming Care
Neurodivergent-Affirming Care
Neurodivergent-Affirming Care
Explore what neurodivergence means to you, and be your most authentic self. Although self-diagnosis is valid, diagnostic support can also be provided to long-term clients wondering about Autism and/or ADHD.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Depression, Anxiety & General Mental Health
Neurodivergent-Affirming Care
Work through intrusive thoughts and compulsions with innovative approaches like Inference-Based CBT, or more classic modalities such as ERP.
LGBTQ+ Life
Depression, Anxiety & General Mental Health
Depression, Anxiety & General Mental Health
It's a tough time to navigate gender and sexuality given our sociopolitical context. Feel safe and supported with a therapist who knows what you're going through.
Depression, Anxiety & General Mental Health
Depression, Anxiety & General Mental Health
Depression, Anxiety & General Mental Health
Learn self-compassion, CBT and DBT skills to support you in re-connecting to your best self. Work with a clinician who will help you to connect to the present moment and cultivate greater enjoyment in life.