Paula Lamanna, LCSW, CASAC

Ketamine-assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) Therapist in New York, New York, United States
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  • Therapist Info

    About Me:

    I didn't plan on becoming a therapist. My undergraduate degree is in theatre. I loved digging into characters, standing in their shoes, and figuring out what makes them tick. But after a few years of auditioning, getting acting work sporadically, and sitting in the back of a bus on national theater tours and waiting tables, I realized that acting wasn’t giving me all I was looking for in my life.

    I completed yoga teacher training and realized I was passionate about helping and guiding people. When actors create a character, they study their history, motivations, and reactions. Sounds kind of like being a therapist, right? I combined that work with my desire to help people and concluded that psychotherapy was the perfect career for me.

    There is no better feeling than watching a client thrive or accomplish something they thought was impossible. I love knowing that each client who feels relief will begin to impact the people around them positively, sending ripples of healing out into the world.

    Seeing this is my reason for getting out of bed each morning. It’s a joy to know that after those years of exploring careers, I’m finally exactly where I’m supposed to be. I’d love to help you get to the same place.

    I graduated from New York University with my MSW in 2011. I’m a licensed clinical social worker in NYS (#085926), Colorado (#09928874), Florida (#TPSW2820), Virginia (#0904015381), Vermont (#089.0135500TELE) and a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (#34070). I have completed a one-year certificate program in Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy through the Integrative Psychiatry Institute.

    I also completed Level III EMDR training with The Parnell Institute. I’m always learning and regularly attend conferences and training to add to the tools at my disposal to support my clients.

    When I'm not working I’m spending time with my family and friends.

    Being outside, physically active, and traveling are very important to me. I also love reading, writing, and singing in a choir.

    Description of Services:

    Have you tried therapy before and didn’t get the results you were hoping for? That can be a common experience, and it takes a lot of courage and strength to get back on the horse.

    Traditional talk therapy has helped millions of people make lasting changes in their lives, but the truth is, it has limitations. Anxiety, trauma, and other issues can live in our bodies and often need to be addressed on that level for you to feel relief.

    That’s where I come into the picture. We can use EMDR, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, breathing, and yoga techniques to help you heal and grow on multiple levels.

    Credentials & Certifications: LCSW, CASAC
    Licenses: NYS (#085926), Colorado (#09928874), Florida (#TPSW2820), Virginia (#0904015381), Vermont (#089.0135500TELE) Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (#34070)

  • Details

    Remote Practitioner: Yes
    Specializing In: Addiction, Anxiety and Depression, Mindfulness-based therapy, PTSD, and Trauma
    Price Range: $150-$350

  • My Process

    Overview of Experience:

    I strive to meet each client where they are and provide a personalized experience specifically for you. I offer psychedelic integration psychotherapy and harm reduction from a supportive and non-judgmental perspective. Our harm reduction work consists of planning your intended psychedelic experience. We will freely and openly discuss your plans to use a psychedelic substance in any setting, ranging from ketamine treatment in a medical setting to ceremonies and festivals, to alone in your living room. We'll consider your motivations, plans and expectations for your intended psychedelic experience, in order to minimize risk and maximize the potential for a safe, positive experience.

    Integration work is a process of discovering and exploring how psychedelic experiences relate to your relationships, career, spiritual practice, physical and mental health. I draw on principles of psychedelic-assisted therapy and conventional psychotherapy approaches to support you in translating your psychedelic experiences into lasting, meaningful insights and growth.

    Intake Process:

    I provide each potential client with a complimentary 20-minute phone consultation so that we can get to know each other a bit and make sure that we're a good match. During this time, I'll ask about you, your past experiences and current mental health as well as your goals for the future. We'll have a brief discussion about which tools and techniques may be helpful to get you from where you are now to where you'd ideally like to be. You'll also have plenty of time to ask any questions you may have for me.

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