What to Expect

We begin with a complimentary 15-minute consultation to determine whether working together feels like a good fit. If we mutually decide to proceed, we’ll move forward with weekly sessions. All sessions at Wise Mind Way are currently offered virtually or in person and range from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on your needs and the specific type of therapy provided.

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Culturally Responsive Care

Rooted in both my immigrant journey and multicultural heritage, I work with clients from across the globe—currently representing 11 countries and a rich diversity of racial backgrounds — which continually informs my responsive and inclusive approach.

Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice

I have experience working with neurodivergent clients in a way that is respectful, personalized, and deeply affirming. I consistently aim to create a space where all ways of thinking, feeling, and relating to the world are genuinely welcomed and supported.

LGBTQIA+ Ally

I bring direct experience in providing affirming care to LGBTQIA+ clients and am committed to creating a space where all identities are respected and supported. My approach is rooted in continual learning and a deep respect for the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities.

Use of DBT as a Treatment Approach

Using a DBT-based approach, our work will balance acceptance and change and include building skills in these four foundational areas:

  • Mindfulness – Cultivating awareness of the present moment with acceptance and without judgment.

  • Distress Tolerance – Building resilience to cope with crises and emotional pain in healthy ways.

  • Emotion Regulation – Understanding, accepting, and skillfully managing intense emotions.

  • Interpersonal Effectiveness – Strengthening communication skills, setting boundaries, and enhancing self-respect in relationships.

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Reflections

  • "I cannot overstate Ilene's abilities, both as a person and a therapist."

    “I experienced multiple complex traumas as a child that have followed me through the decades, and many therapists. When I started my DBT work with Ilene, I finally found a path to freedom from my PTSD and the layers of pain. She is a warm, skilled, and wise partner on the path to recovery.”

  • "Ilene's DBT coaching has been life-changing for me after three decades of anxiety and depression."

    “Working with her gave me hope and confidence I never thought possible for building a life worth living, and my relationships with loved ones drastically improved. I can't imagine my continued growth without her guidance.”

  • "Ilene is the perfect real-life example of how to treat myself."

    “My life experiences have supported the self-loathing habit but Ilene’s way of being (with me) helped me to be kind, patient, caring with myself ... Everyone deserves an Ilene in their life."

  • "Working with Ilene has been a true blessing."

    “She helped me navigate a career change, substance use, and relationship challenges by applying DBT skills to overcome these obstacles.”

  • "Being Ilene's client means never being alone."

    “She overflows with warmth, genuineness, and care, though is also never afraid to hold you accountable for your behavior. She helped identify my BPD and learn to manage it without stigmatizing me, helped me leave the house again and get my life back when my anxiety was at its peak, and was so supportive and affirming as I explored my gender and sexuality. Being Ilene's client means having someone hold hope for you always.”

  • "Working with Ilene changed my life."

    “For the first time in a long time, I felt a sense of connection again. We unpacked years of trauma, from living through conflict and facing death to losing close friends to violence. Ilene didn’t just listen—she helped me heal.”

  • "Ilene is attentive, empathetic, and wise."

    “She’s encouraging but not Pollyanna or phony — pragmatic, honest, smart, and practical.  She was always responsive when I was in need and, on top of that, she’s a warm, caring person with a great sense of humor.”

  • "Working with Ilene has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my personal growth journey. "

    “Her use of DBT was a game-changer for me. She helped me integrate the tools into my daily life in a way that felt achievable and empowering. What stands out most about Ilene is her ability to hold space with empathy and non judgment, while also gently challenging me to grow. She supported me through both breakthroughs and setbacks, always reminding me of my resilience and worth.”

  • "Ilene was the most amazing addition to my support system."

    “She’s the most caring and thoughtful therapist I could have asked for. She supported me through both the hardest and also the happiest times of my life and led me through so much growth with unending kindness.”

  • During a time of crisis for our family, Ilene was a weekly source of courage, insight, practicality, and warmth.

    Ilene was a DBT parent coach for my husband and me when our then teen daughter was experiencing self-harm and suicidal thoughts, leading to three hospitalizations. Ilene would later become my individual therapist. She taught my husband and me to change our family communication style and patterns of reactivity; to implement new, more effective ways of responding to our daughter’s behavior; and how to strengthen our daughter’s self-esteem and our own morale. Ilene is a superb clinician, thoroughly engaging, empathetic, and helpful. She hears you, “gets” you, and is your biggest champion.

  • "This life can be messy and her support has proven invaluable."

    “Ilene excels at nonjudgmental empathy and encourages looking at tough situations from multiple angles.  She’s very good at letting me address a topic, leave it alone, and circle back to it again at a later time."

  • "She helped me see life from new perspectives and stood by me through every step of my healing."

    “I’ve worked with a therapist for years, but meeting Ilene five years ago truly changed my life. Her guidance through trauma therapy was challenging, but her steady support kept me moving forward. I can’t imagine my life without her. She’s truly a game changer for a Life Worth Living.”

  • "We consider her to be a part of our family."

    “We met Ilene about seven years ago through a program that worked with teens with substance abuse. The program helped but it was Ilene that changed my son’s life as well as our family’s life. She was our therapist, confidente, mentor, cheerleader, teacher, and biggest supporter throughout our lives’ ups and downs and has helped us through it all. If I ask my son about her, he says, ‘I Love Her and She’s The Best.’ I Agree.”

Reflections voluntarily and generously provided and shared with consent.