Arlene Paez, MHC-LP

Welcome, I’m Arlene Paez, a dedicated trauma-informed therapist with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from SUNY Plattsburgh and a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from SUNY Oneonta. My work is guided by holistic healing, which involves the mind, body, and spirit and the belief that every person deserves to feel seen, understood, and supported. 

My professional career began in the Bronx, NY, where I worked as a case manager supporting migrant children and families through advocacy, care coordination, and emotional support. I later transitioned into higher education, helping college students navigate academic, emotional, and life challenges. These experiences deepened my passion for supporting adolescents and adults as they move through transitions and rediscover balance in their lives.

My therapeutic approach is integrative and mind-body oriented, recognizing that healing happens when we address the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and physical experiences. I tailor my work to each client’s unique needs, drawing from a range of evidence-based interventions, including:

• Polyvagal Therapy – helps clients understand how their nervous system responds to stress and trauma, fostering a greater sense of safety and emotional regulation.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – focuses on identifying and reframing unhelpful thought patterns to create healthier emotional and behavioral responses.

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – teaches mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and effective communication skills to improve balance and relationships.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – helps clients accept difficult emotions while taking meaningful action aligned with their core values.

• Mindfulness-Based Practices – encourage present-moment awareness and self-compassion, helping to reduce anxiety and increase emotional clarity.

• Strengths-Based Therapy – empowers clients to recognize and build upon their inner strengths and resilience as tools for healing and growth.

  
  

I believe that therapy is a space for self-discovery, connection, and empowerment. What inspires me most about this work is witnessing the profound transformation that occurs when individuals feel truly seen, heard, and empowered to heal. I love helping clients reconnect with their inner wisdom, gain new perspectives, and cultivate peace and self-compassion.

If you’re ready to begin your healing journey and reconnect with your whole self, I would be honored to walk beside you.