Kim Seelbrede LCSW Holistic Psychotherapist

Licensed psychotherapist, EMDR specialist & Couple therapist NYC, NY

Welcome—I’m so glad you’re here! I'm a New York University-trained licensed psychotherapist, somatic therapist, and energy healer with a private practice in New York City for nearly 20 years. I am highly intuitive and nurturing, and approach my work with a spirit of service, profound curiosity, and gratitude for being able to do work that I love. I aim to provide exquisitely tailored therapy to help clients Reawaken spirit and gain the necessary skills to feel present, resilient, embodied, vital, and empowered. Living an authentic life requires some unlearning and unknowing. My experience and my own circuitous personal journey have enriched my life and practice immeasurably.

I'm delighted you're interested in exploring holistic approaches to mental health. I am deeply passionate about connecting with the universe and the divine as a daily practice, recognizing the transformative power that this connection brings to my life and my work. While I hold a great respect for traditional talk therapy, I have found that integrating energy and somatic therapies creates an incredibly powerful pathway to lasting healing and profound transformation. My own journey into alternative therapies began following several significant losses, where I turned to yoga as a way to navigate grief. It was during this time that I discovered EMDR therapy professionally, sparking a profound realization about the immense impact of the subconscious and unconscious mind on our daily lives.

As I continued my path of self-exploration, my spiritual and alternative practices flourished. I discovered transformative modalities such as Buddhism, meditation, mindfulness, Kundalini, Tantra, inner child work, energy medicine, chakras, intuitive healing, past life regression, and more. These practices opened new doors to healing and self-awareness, and I began to experience the deep, interconnected wisdom of both body and spirit. I am a Level II Reiki Practitioner, having studied under the guidance of esteemed practitioners Margaret Ann Case and Pamela Miles, and I maintain a daily self-Reiki practice that supports my personal and professional growth.

In 2009 I had the privilege of participating in Donna Karan’s Urban Zen Foundation's Integrative Therapy Program. The UZIT program was a perfect fit for me because I seek to expand my knowledge and grow as a clinician so that I can offer quality and comprehensive care to my clients. I graduated from the program with a 500-hour certification in integrative therapy and yoga therapy in addition to 200 hours of previously earned yoga training. These valuable skills complement my work with clients managing chronic pain and illness, as well as those healing from trauma, PTSD, anxiety, stress, addictions and other mental health imbalances. The objective and philosophy of the Urban Zen Integrative Therapy program is to train integrative therapists to work in private practices, corporate environments, hospitals, outpatient care centers, support groups, hospices, nursing, and medical schools to transform healthcare to integrate Eastern healing techniques with western medicine in a model that delivers compassionate and complementary care. I continue many of these practices as I deepen my professional skills through ongoing training in various modalities.

I have specialized areas of focus that I am professionally dedicated to, including:

• EMDR and somatic awareness techniques (for just about everything)

• Women’s hormonal, emotional, and mental health (addressing concerns related to perimenopause and menopause)

• High-profile/celebrity clientele

• Relationship and couples counseling (high-conflict divorce, divorcing a narcissist, traditional and non-traditional relationships)

• Therapeutic consultation (coaching and short-term brief therapy and crisis support).

The other parts of my life

While my boys were young and after my divorce, I returned to school and earned an undergraduate degree in psychology. I later obtained a graduate degree with high honors from New York University in Clinical Social Work. I was also a Ph.D candidate at one time, but in the wake of several significant losses (the death of my brother and dad and my mother’s stroke), I decided to focus on raising my two sons, single mom, post-divorce. Somewhere between diving into my emotional history and transforming sadness and pain, I fell in love with the process of healing and transforming, again and again. I am an advocate for mental health awareness to decrease the stigma and normalize it through education.

I have homes in New York and Montana, where I share a private practice with my husband, psychologist John Christopher, Ph.D. I enjoy travel, photography, yoga, biking, gardening, nature, technology, workshops, the beach, and collecting vintage and flea market finds. I have two adult sons who live in New York City, a grandson who delights and delights, and two rescue felines named Loki & Luna.

The early years

Growing up in Greenville, Ohio, my youth was shaped by movement and discipline. Ballet, jazz, and modern dance were my artistic outlets, while gymnastics, track, swimming, and diving pushed me beyond my physical limits. The competition—often at the expense of listening to my body—slowly began to disconnect me from my own needs and sense of body integrity. I was taught to ignore the needs of my body and inner knowing. Over time, the joy of movement was overshadowed by the strain of pushing beyond my limits, leaving me feeling more disconnected from myself, my body, and my true desires. Eventually, this unbalanced dynamic led me to step away from competitive pursuits, realizing that to feel authentic in my life, I needed to honor my body’s wisdom and reclaim my sense of wholeness.

My well-meaning mother, with her vision of something larger than my small-town world, believed beauty pageants would be a stepping stone toward greater opportunities. With reluctance, I participated in my first beauty pageant during my freshman year of college. To my surprise, I not only won the title of Miss Ohio, but within months, I found myself crowned Miss USA. This whirlwind journey took me to New York City, where I competed as a runner-up in the Miss Universe Pageant. Despite never embracing the world of beauty pageants—something that felt foreign and uncomfortable for a shy, socially anxious young woman—I somehow survived the experience.

I acknowledge the unique doors that my year as an "accidental" beauty queen opened for me, particularly the life-changing opportunity to move to New York City—a place that became the backdrop for personal growth and grand adventures. After my reign, I stayed in Manhattan, where I ventured into the entertainment world, making appearances in soap operas, television commercials, and print ads. And, in an unforgettable twist, I became the face of the now-obsolete Sony Betamax, embodying an era of innovation.

My Interest In Psychology

My journey into the world of mental health began early, shaped by a childhood where love and kindness were tempered by an undercurrent of anxiety and sadness. My father, quiet and reclusive, spent his days running a dime store and inventing board games in our garage—his world of solitary creativity offering him an escape from the emotional landscape around him. My mother, a devout Christian Scientist, spent much of her time in prayer, seeking refuge from sorrow and fear. While her faith provided comfort and solace for her, I eventually realized, through my own psychoanalysis, that it served her psychological needs more than my own.

As I grew older, I became deeply curious about the complexities of human nature, driven by a need to understand the dynamics of my early experiences. This curiosity eventually led me to step beyond the confines of my strange and isolated childhood, sparking a lifelong journey of learning and discovery in psychology. My desire to understand the inner workings of the mind and the forces that shape us has been a constant thread, guiding me toward the work I do today—helping others unravel the intricacies of their own experiences, just as I once did with my own.

Types of therapy modalities that I offer

I excel in interventional therapy, or crisis therapy, which involves providing timely support and pragmatic solutions for patients in crisis. This approach is helpful for those undergoing challenging life transitions or struggling with acute emotional distress. This may include extra or extended sessions to support mental health and well-being. Evidence-based therapy sessions may also include somatic psychotherapy. My holistic perspective recognizes the importance of integrating the mind and body for optimal healing. As such, I incorporate somatic exercises and techniques using a polyvagal lens to help patients process and release trauma held within the body. While I don’t neglect the top-down approach because it’s essential, a bottom-up approach emphasizes the connection between physical sensations and emotional well-being, promoting a comprehensive healing experience.

My Practice Philosophy

I have a deep passion for learning, continuously advancing my skills and knowledge far beyond my graduate school foundation. This ongoing growth allows me to offer an eclectic and highly effective practice, grounded in evidence-based therapies that address a broad spectrum of challenges. My work is primarily psychodynamic and somatic, which means we explore not only the hidden dynamics and patterns influencing your life but also the health of your nervous system. As a mind-body practitioner, I honor all aspects of the individuals I work with, creating a space to address the root causes of your suffering.

If you're seeking therapy to heal from trauma, painful memories, or experiences that feel "stuck," I can guide you toward deeper healing using EMDR and Somatic Therapy. Alongside my traditional psychotherapy and clinical training, I bring a holistic philosophy that integrates cutting-edge treatments for profound mind-body healing. I am fortunate to have trained with world-renowned experts in many areas, and one of the exciting elements of my practice is the incorporation of holistic and alternative medicine to support healthy brain function. Feel free to ask about how precursor amino acids can contribute to optimal mental and emotional well-being.

At the heart of my work is the promotion of emotional growth, helping to identify the underlying causes of symptoms like anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship struggles. I believe that the relationship between therapist and client is the most reliable predictor of therapeutic success. While I may not be the right fit for everyone, I place a great deal of importance on creating a strong, supportive therapeutic alliance. As an integrative therapist, I blend multiple therapeutic models, such as EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing, positive neuroplasticity training, attachment-focused couple therapy, and psychoanalytic psychotherapy, tailoring each approach to the individual's needs. My training also extends into self-care and yoga therapy with the Urban Zen Foundation, and I am a level II Reiki practitioner.

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work with women, men, and couples in my private psychotherapy practice in New York City. Every day, I am inspired by the courage and resilience it takes to navigate life's many challenges—both extraordinary and everyday. As a holistic and integrative psychotherapist, my goal is to offer both challenging and compassionate therapy. I rely on my intuition and am here to help you learn to trust your own inner wisdom. I believe in creating an environment where clients can feel safe, secure, and genuinely themselves, leading to a deep connection with both themselves and others.

My ideal client is someone who is ready and motivated to make positive, transformative changes in their life. I work with individuals from all walks of life, addressing a wide range of issues, including those struggling to move forward after trauma or difficult life events. Many of my clients are high-functioning professionals and creatives who may appear outwardly “together” but are silently battling issues such as anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma, crisis, loss, destructive patterns, and relationship concerns. With my background in performing arts and sports, I also understand the unique challenges faced by high-profile clients, such as international musicians, creatives, writers, professional athletes, TV personalities, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and Fortune 500 CEOs. I proudly work with adults and couples from diverse sexual, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, offering tailored support for each individual’s unique needs.

Post-Graduate Training

• New York University 2001 (High Honors)

• Somatic Experiencing® International (in progress)

• William Alanson White Institute of Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis & Psychology Eating Disorders, Compulsions & Addictions (EDCAS) Certification

• EMDR Advanced Level I & II

• IFS Immersion: Integrating Internal Family Systems Across Clinical Applications

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy, DBT

• Advanced CBT Certification, NYU

• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Certification, NYU

• Advanced Clinical Practice Certification, NYU

• Clinical Approaches, Addictions Certification, NYU

• Clinical Practice with Adolescents Certification, NYU

• Nutrition and Integrative Medicine for Mental Health Certification

• Mindful Self-Compassion Training

• Brainspotting

• Whole Body Focusing

• Positive Neuroplasticity Training Certification

• Executive Life Coaching, New York University

• Institute for Life Coach Training

• Institute For Integrative Nutrition

• Usui Reiki Practitioner

About Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan

I’ve been in the holistic wellness & psychology field for nearly twenty years. As a licensed psychotherapist with a private psychotherapy practice in New York City, I blend what I’ve found to be the most effective practices in psychology, neurobiology, attachment, alternative medicine, nutrition, coaching, and mind-body medicine practices. I believe that lasting change and transformation is possible when given the right tools to thrive. I’ve received extensive training and certification in a range of innovative, effective, and evidence-based therapies to offer comprehensive care.

As a holistic psychotherapist, I believe it’s important to address the root cause of emotional and somatic suffering. As a trauma-trained therapist, I am influenced by humanist and existential philosophy, relational theory, attachment theory, psychoanalytic concepts, mindfulness, and somatic, mind, and body psychology. I have received extensive post-graduate training in EMDR Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Somatic Experiencing (SE), Nutrition and Integrative Medicine For Mental Health, and more. In marriage and couple counseling, my work is influenced by the Gottman Method, Internal Family Systems, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).

As neuroscience demonstrates, the brain can heal, and the body and mind are inextricably linked. My 20+ years of experience with mindfulness, yoga therapy, and meditation greatly influence my work as a mental health provider. A Holistic therapy model ensures that you thrive in the many aspects of your life—including your relationship with yourself and others. Together, we work with practices designed to create an environment that supports optimal physical and mental health well-being. Lasting change and transformation is possible when given the right tools to thrive.

Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan Therapy Modalities

• Psychoanalytic, Relational & Interpersonal Psychotherapy

• Attachment-Focused Couple Therapy (traditional, non-traditional, non-monogamy, alternative lifestyle couples), Sexual Counseling

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT Skills

• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

• Advanced level EMDR Therapy, Parts Therapy, Integrated Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing

• Positive Psychology, Positive Neuroplasticity Coaching

• Transformational, Peak Performance& Wellness Coaching

• Urban Zen Integrative Therapy, Reiki, Energy Medicine, Yoga Therapy

• Nutrition & Integrative Medicine For Mental Health, Nutritional Amino Acid Protocols (using precursor amino acids, fatty acids, herbal medicine, supplement recommendations for mood, anxiety, ADHD, addictions, cravings, brain fog, PTSD, and more)

• Clinical Hypnosis

Clinical practice Expertise & Specialties

• Depression (major, postpartum depression, SAD, bipolar disorder, atypical depression, dysthymia, situational, chronic sadness)

• Anxiety (panic, generalized, phobias, social, PTSD), fear, worry, stress management, insomnia, work/life balance

• Women’s hormonal health, perimenopause and menopause mental health assessment/coaching, chronic pain

• Trauma resolution, obstacles, blocking beliefs, self-sabotage, problem patterns, and habits

• Crisis counseling, life challenges, transitions, grief, loss and bereavement

• Dysfunctional relationship dynamics, professional and personal relationships, communication difficulties, divorce, separation

• Shadow work, energetic blocks, boundary work

• Addictions, behavioral addictions, substance abuse, alcoholism and compulsions

• Family of origin, codependency, family conflict resolution, submissiveness and recovery from family enmeshment, ACOA

• Recovery and post-rehab support (step-down support, wellness planning, new habit maintenance, and self-care)

• Celebrity mental health expertise and high-profile, VIP clients, therapy for entrepreneurs, executives, creatives, medical professionals

work with leading, top-rated highly-experienced nY psychotherapist, EMDR Expert Kim Seelbrede