Meet Our Psychotherapy Team| Aspire Psychotherapy
Dr. Anya Scolaro, Psy.D., LCSW, BCN
Clinical Director, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Helps clients of all ages navigate anxiety, OCD, identity stress, and provides expert psychological and neuropsychological evaluations.
Dr. Anya Scolaro is a licensed clinical psychologist and Co-Director of Aspire Psychotherapy. She provides affirming, evidence-based psychotherapy for children, teens, adults, and couples experiencing anxiety, OCD, mood disorders, identity-related stress, and relational challenges. Her approach is warm, hands-on, and focused—she meets clients where they are and collaborates with them to build insight, emotional strength, and practical tools for real-life change.
Dr. Scolaro’s therapeutic work draws from Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), CBT, ACT, DBT, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). She also integrates biofeedback and neurofeedback to support emotional regulation, mind-body awareness, and performance optimization. Whether you're facing persistent worry, low mood, compulsive behaviors, or difficulty in relationships, she partners with you to move toward greater clarity, connection, and fulfillment.
In addition to therapy, Dr. Scolaro is a leading expert in psychological and neuropsychological testing and evaluation. She conducts comprehensive assessments across the lifespan to clarify concerns such as ADHD, Autism, Giftedness, Twice Exceptionality (2E), learning differences, and complex or overlapping symptoms. Her evaluations result in clear, compassionate feedback and personalized recommendations to guide next steps in care, school or workplace support, and self-understanding.
Dr. Scolaro works with:
Individuals seeking therapy for anxiety, OCD, identity stress, or emotional dysregulation
Couples and families working through disconnection, conflict, or change
Children, teens, and adults seeking high-quality psychological or neuropsychological assessment
Clients exploring mind-body integration or performance enhancement
As Clinical Director, Dr. Scolaro also conducts intake sessions for new therapy clients. In this first meeting, she’ll learn more about your needs, goals, and preferences, and will thoughtfully match you with the right-fit clinician on the Aspire team. Whether you're looking to begin therapy, receive diagnostic clarity, or simply talk through your options, Dr. Scolaro will help you take a confident next step.
Therapeutic Approaches:
ERP | CBT | ACT | DBT | EFT | TF-CBT | Virtual Reality Exposure | Psychodynamic | Grief Therapy
Specializations:
Anxiety, OCD, BFRBs, and mood-related disorders
ADHD, Autism, Giftedness & Twice Exceptionality (2E)
LGBTQIA+ affirmative care and gender/body dysphoria
Neuropsychological assessment & diagnostic clarity
Family, couples, and relational challenges
Professional Background & Advocacy: Dr. Scolaro earned her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from LIU Post University, her Master of Social Work from Columbia University, and an MA in Clinical Psychology from City College of New York. She previously served as Director of the DBT Center at Behavioral Associates and Co-Director of the PRIDE Healing Center at LIU Post University. Her clinical training includes work in hospital, outpatient, and academic settings such as Mount Sinai Morningside, Gracie Square Hospital, and the William Alanson White Institute. Her research has focused on LGBTQ+ cultural competence in clinical training, and she regularly speaks on topics including affirmative care and identity-informed therapy.
Selected Professional Memberships: Dr. Scolaro is a member of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), reflecting her commitment to evidence-based care and affirming practice standards.
Brie Scolaro, LCSW, SIFI
Director, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Supports high-achieving adults and athletes with anxiety, burnout, and identity exploration through structured, affirming therapy and coaching.
Brie Scolaro, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker and Co-Director of Aspire Psychotherapy. They provide affirming, structured psychotherapy and performance coaching for teens and adults navigating anxiety, OCD, burnout, identity exploration, and high-performance pressure. Known for their direct, goal-oriented style and emotionally safe presence, Brie supports clients in gaining clarity, confidence, and actionable tools to move forward.
Brie specializes in:
Anxiety, OCD, social anxiety, and panic
LGBTQIA+ identity exploration and gender affirmation
High-achievers facing perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and burnout
Relationship and communication challenges
Performance and mindset coaching for athletes, creatives, and professionals
Their work is grounded in CBT, ERP, ACT, and performance psychology techniques. Clients can expect clear structure, collaborative goal-setting, and weekly tools or homework to deepen progress between sessions. Brie also integrates biofeedback (HeartMath Certified) and mindfulness-based strategies to support emotional regulation, focus, and nervous system resilience.
In addition to their clinical work, Brie serves as Intake Clinician for Aspire Psychotherapy. In this first meeting, Brie will learn about your needs, preferences, and goals—and then match you with the therapist on our team best equipped to support you. Whether you’re looking for therapy, coaching, or aren’t sure where to begin, Brie will help you find your next step.
Therapeutic Approaches:
CBT | ACT | ERP | MBSR | Performance Coaching | Biofeedback
Specializations:
Anxiety, OCD, social and performance anxiety
LGBTQIA+ identity, gender-affirming care
Burnout, perfectionism, and high-achiever stress
Neurodivergence, ADHD, and emotional regulation
Peak performance and mindset support
Professional Background & Advocacy: Brie earned their MSW from Columbia University and is SIFI and HeartMath certified. They are a Ph.D. Candidate in Social Welfare at The Graduate Center, CUNY, where their research focuses on the impact of queer-inclusive sports spaces on mental health and wellbeing. Brie serves as an Adjunct Lecturer and Field Advisor at the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College and mentors MSW students at Columbia University. They regularly guest lecture on LGBTQIA+ mental health, ADHD, and the business of psychotherapy.
Selected Media & Research Highlights:
Fast Company | The Ultimate Guide to Succeeding in the New Workplace
Panelist | Unlocking Potential & Breaking Barriers: CUNY Perspectives on ADHD (2024)
SSWR Conference | Examining Mental Health Provider’s Comfort with Sex & Sexuality (2024)
Fun Fact: Brie is a former collegiate ice hockey player and Hall of Fame inductee. They remain active in the LGBTQ+ sports community and are a proud member of the Alliance for Social Work in Sports (ASWIS).
Paula Carrizosa, LMSW, LSW
Psychotherapist, Licensed Master Social Worker
Specializes in trauma, emotion regulation, and LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy for teens, adults, and partners in both English and Spanish.
Paula Carrizosa, LMSW is a licensed social worker and psychotherapist at Aspire Psychotherapy who works with teens, adults, and couples navigating anxiety, trauma, depression, and identity-related stress. She offers a warm, collaborative space grounded in compassion, emotional safety, and nonjudgment. Clients describe Paula as calm, steady, and empowering—someone who helps them feel seen, supported, and better equipped to make meaningful change.
Paula specializes in:
Anxiety disorders and panic
Trauma and PTSD, including DBT Prolonged Exposure
LGBTQIA+ identity, gender affirmation, and relational stress
Emotion regulation and self-harm
Depression and life transitions
Her clinical approach integrates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and somatic and mindfulness practices. Paula is also trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Level 1) and provides affirming care to partnerships and relationships of all configurations, including poly/CNM.
Paula is passionate about working with marginalized communities and brings a deeply affirming, anti-oppressive lens to every session. Her therapy space is queer, gender-expansive, and sex-positive, and she has experience working with survivors, immigrants, asylum seekers, activists, and those impacted by systemic injustice. She offers sessions in both English and Spanish.
Therapeutic Approaches:
CBT| DBT | Prolonged Exposure | Gottman Method (Level 1) | Motivational Interviewing | Somatic & Mindfulness Practices
Specializations:
Anxiety, trauma, and emotional dysregulation
LGBTQIA+ affirming and gender-expansive therapy
Relationship and intimacy work (monogamous and poly/CNM)
Depression and identity exploration
Therapy for immigrants, survivors, and justice-impacted individuals
Professional Background: Paula earned her Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University, where she completed the DBT Intensive Training Program. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Berkeley. Her clinical training and advocacy work have centered on supporting LGBTQIA+ communities, refugees, sex workers, and previously incarcerated individuals through both direct care and systemic engagement.
Paula is committed to helping clients heal, grow, and reconnect with their values—so they can move toward more fulfilling, liberated lives.
Shunya Wang, LMSW
Psychotherapist, Licensed Master Social Worker
Provides culturally responsive therapy for anxiety, eating concerns, ADHD, and life transitions in Mandarin and English.
Shunya Wang, LMSW is a licensed social worker and psychotherapist at Aspire Psychotherapy who provides individual and couples therapy for teens, adults, and partners navigating anxiety, disordered eating, depression, relationship challenges, and ADHD. Shunya is known for her warm, compassionate presence and her culturally responsive approach, offering care in both Mandarin and English. She creates a thoughtful, grounded space where clients can explore their struggles and make empowered, values-aligned choices.
Shunya specializes in:
Disordered eating, body image concerns, and CBT-E
Anxiety and depression
ADHD and executive functioning challenges
Relationship and academic stress
Life transitions, cultural identity, and self-esteem
Her therapeutic work integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), CBT-E (Enhanced CBT for eating disorders), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). She also incorporates somatic and mindfulness-based strategies to support emotional awareness, nervous system regulation, and sustainable behavior change.
Clients often describe Shunya’s style as gentle yet practical—balancing emotional support with evidence-based strategies that lead to meaningful progress. Her sessions are shaped by each client’s unique cultural background, personal goals, and lived experience.
Therapeutic Approaches:
CBT | TF-CBT | CBT-E | Motivational Interviewing | Mindfulness & Somatic Strategies
Specializations:
Disordered eating and body image healing
Anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation
ADHD and academic stress
Culturally responsive, identity-affirming therapy
Relationship therapy for individuals and couples
Therapy in Mandarin and English
Professional Background: Shunya earned her Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia School of Social Work, and her Bachelor of Arts from Syracuse University. Her diverse clinical background includes work in schools, hospitals, summer programs, and private practice settings. She brings a globally informed and developmentally attuned lens to therapy, supporting clients of all ages and backgrounds on their path to healing and personal growth.
Shunya is dedicated to helping clients build a healthier relationship with themselves and others—grounded in self-compassion, curiosity, and the belief that change is always possible.
Tara Waldman, LMSW, LSW
Psychotherapist, Licensed Master Social Worker
Helps teens, adults, and couples reduce anxiety, build confidence, and move through life transitions with clarity.
Tara Waldman, LMSW is a licensed social worker and psychotherapist at Aspire Psychotherapy who helps teens, adults, and couples manage anxiety, build assertiveness, and create positive change in their relationships, careers, and personal lives. With a warm, affirming, and down-to-earth style, Tara supports clients in identifying their unique strengths, setting realistic goals, and stepping into more confident, connected versions of themselves.
Tara specializes in:
Anxiety and stress management
Assertiveness, communication, and conflict avoidance
Career exploration, transitions, and burnout
Relationship challenges and boundary-setting
Life purpose, identity, and self-esteem
Tara’s approach is integrative and highly personalized. She draws from psychodynamic therapy to help clients understand patterns shaped by past experiences, while using solution-focused strategies and role-play to help clients practice new behaviors and communication skills. She’s especially attuned to supporting clients who feel stuck, fear confrontation, or are navigating major life changes.
Tara also provides couples and relationship therapy, helping partners communicate more effectively, rebuild trust, and deepen emotional connection—whether in monogamous or non-traditional relationships.
Before becoming a therapist, Tara worked in advertising in New York City, and brings insight, humor, and real-life experience to her sessions. She is particularly passionate about helping clients who feel like they’re “behind” or “too late” to make a change—because she’s been there, and knows firsthand what’s possible.
Therapeutic Approaches:
Psychodynamic Therapy | Solution-Focused Therapy | CBT-Informed Tools | Role-Play & Skills Practice
Specializations:
Anxiety, overwhelm, and low confidence
Assertiveness and communication skill-building
Relationship and career stress
Identity development and life purpose
Couples therapy and partner communication
Support for career changers, creatives, and professionals
Professional Background: Tara earned her Master’s in Social Work from Yeshiva University and has experience working with adolescents, adults, and couples from diverse cultural backgrounds. Her therapy style is human-centered, encouraging, and focused on helping clients feel seen, supported, and capable of lasting growth.
Tara is dedicated to helping clients take empowering steps forward—whether in their relationships, careers, or self-worth—and to feel more grounded, confident, and aligned along the way.
Rebecca Goodman, Psy.D
Clinical Psychology Fellow
Offers therapy and psychological testing for anxiety, trauma, and learning differences, with a focus on children, teens, and families.
Dr. Rebecca Goodman is a Clinical Psychology Fellow at Aspire Psychotherapy who provides individual therapy and psychological assessment for children, teens, and adults. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and emotional dysregulation using evidence-based strategies that are tailored to each client’s goals, personality, and lived experience.
Dr. Goodman is known for her thoughtful, compassionate approach and her ability to help clients recognize their strengths, shift unhelpful thought patterns, and build sustainable coping skills. Whether supporting someone through a major life transition or helping them manage OCD, trauma, or chronic stress, she brings warmth, focus, and clinical expertise to every session.
Dr. Goodman specializes in:
Anxiety, panic, and stress-related concerns
Depression and low motivation
Trauma and emotional dysregulation
OCD and avoidance-based behaviors
Resilience-building for children, teens, and parents
In addition to psychotherapy, Dr. Goodman provides comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological evaluations, including testing for ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Learning Disabilities, and differential diagnoses. Her assessments are designed to offer clarity, guide treatment, and support school or workplace accommodations when needed. She believes strongly in the power of accurate diagnosis and individualized recommendations to change lives.
Dr. Goodman has a special passion for working with children, teens, and parents. She supports young people in developing emotional resilience and collaborates closely with caregivers to help them understand and support their child’s growth.
Therapeutic Approaches:
CBT | ACT | Interpersonal Therapy | Trauma-Informed Care | Parenting Support | Strength-Based Approaches
Specializations:
Anxiety, depression, and trauma-related concerns
OCD and emotional dysregulation
ADHD, Autism, and Learning Differences
Psychological & neuropsychological testing
Resilience work with children, teens, and parents
Professional Background: Dr. Goodman earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium in Palo Alto, CA, and completed her APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at Lincoln Medical Center, part of NYC Health + Hospitals. She has received advanced training in CBT, ACT, Interpersonal Therapy, and neuropsychological assessment, and is committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care that meets each client where they are.
Dr. Goodman is dedicated to helping individuals and families gain insight, improve their wellbeing, and create meaningful change—both in the therapy room and in everyday life.
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