Resilience Restored Psychotherapy
Culturally-Informed Therapy In Montclair, NJ
& New York, NY
Finding help for your mental health needs in a safe space
Having a therapist who really works to know you
having a safe therapeutic relationship in which to explore your values, dreams and goals
Living authentically in challenging times
What is Culturally-Informed Psychotherapy?
At the core of this approach is the understanding that every person’s identity should be treated with dignity, respect, and openness. Beyond the openness to others’ experiences, a culturally informed approach makes sure to understand how your cultural, racial, religious and/or ethnic identity impact your emotional experiences, how you express your emotions, and patterns and expectations in how you interact with others. Culturally informed therapists also acknowledge how the world around you (including through societal norms, political systems, historical context, etc.) impacts your lived experience.
We understand that as therapists, we have our own biases that we need to examine and confront. In order to do so, we approach our clients and their concerns with openness and curiosity and take the stance that you are the authority of your experience. We approach our clients with cultural humility, meaning that, as mental health providers, we need to be self-reflective about our biases and limitations, aware of the power differential inherent to our position as therapists, and committed to lifelong learning. In doing so, we hope to create safety within the therapeutic relationship and prevent the frustration and disconnection that comes from clients having to educate their therapists about their backgrounds.
Culturally-Informed Therapy | Online Across NJ & NY
How working with culturally-informed therapist can make a difference?
Sometimes, the advice that we see about how to take care of our mental well-being feels like it can’t be applied to our lives. Frequently discussed examples of how to communicate boundaries or navigate interpersonal conflicts can feel too black-and-white in their solutions. Often, these solutions are oriented towards Eurocentric and Western understandings of family dynamics and societal norms. Culturally informed care can help therapy feel more realistic in how to apply it to your life. Additionally, culturally informed therapists work to understand how a client’s cultural background might impact how they express their emotions, expectations within their family dynamics or other relationships, and how cultural norms impact mental health.
Some people also feel like discussions around mental health don’t take into consideration the impact of racism on individuals, families, and communities. Culturally informed therapists acknowledge these impacts; they acknowledge that doing so is critical to creating a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship. Additionally, in our current political environment, the ever-changing news and developments in policy changes can contribute to increased daily stress, fear, and feelings of instability. There may also be real-life impacts for you and those you love. Culturally informed therapists want to work with our clients to explore these impacts to your life and help you find ways to honor your identity.
Culturally-Informed Therapy| Online Across NJ & NY
Intersectionality & Cultural Humility
You Are The Authority on Your Own Experience
We understand that as therapists are human beings with our own biases that we need to examine and confront. In order to do so, we approach our clients and their concerns with openness and curiosity and take the stance that you are the authority of your experience.
Committed to Our Own Ongoing Education
We commit to our own continued education on the issues that affect the BIPOC and immigrant communities to remain culturally aware and connected to the concerns and issues facing our clients.
What is cultural humility?
In therapy, cultural humility refers to our desire and need to be aware of and reflective about our own biases and limitations, aware of the power differential inherent in our position as therapists (and perhaps in our own personal identities), and to remain committed to ongoing learning and self-examination.
Where does intersectionality come in here?
Through an intersectional lens we recognize that each person has multiple aspects of identity. Our gender, race, religion, ability/disability status, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnicity — all exist within us and intersect in how we see ourselves and how the world sees us. Intersectionality acknowledges that the ways in which we navigate through society are impacted by all of these factors, and that no singular facet of our identity can be disentangled from the rest without risking reducing us to something less than our whole selves..
Why would I choose RRP for therapy?
We would be honored if you do entrust yourself to our care. At RRP we are committed to understanding and welcoming the unique individual that you are in the many varied ways in which you experience yourself and the world around you. We will help you work towards your therapeutic goals in a manner that honors all parts of you.
Culturally-Informed Therapy | Online Across NJ & NY
Potential Benefits
- Relief from chronic anxiety, depression, or emotional numbness
- Opportunity to explore differences with dominant culture
- Improved communication in all relationships
- Negotiating healthy boundaries
- Encouragement to explore impact of cultural differences with your therapist
- Greater comfort in being yourself
- Enhanced resilience in the face of inevitable changes and challenges
Start your journey toward lasting change in an environment that welcomes all of who you are.
Fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation or book directly online at Resilience Restored Psychotherapy in Montclair, NJ. Discover how our therapists at Resilience Restored Psychotherapy can help you feel better, and more integrated within yourself.
ABOUT US
Why Work With Resilience Restored Psychotherapy
We are all wiser and more resilient than we know.
At Resilience Restored Psychotherapy in Montclair, we believe that resilience is your birthright, ready to be awakened.
No matter the challenges you’ve faced, there’s an inner strength within you waiting to be unlocked. We understand that during times of struggle, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or stuck. But we also know that when you’re supported by someone who holds space for your process, helps you reflect, and asks the right questions, healing and growth become possible.
Our focus is on guilding you from survival mode to a place where growth, hope, and thriving can take root. With years of experience in resilience, trauma, and personal growth, we use evidenced-base approaches like AEDP, IFS, EMDR, DBT and psychodynamic work to help you reconnect with your true self, heal from the past, and create the meaningful connections you deserve.
Eileen M. Russell, Ph.D.
Founder & Director
The values behind Resilience Restored Psychotherapy
Compassion
We believe in meeting each person with deep empathy, seeing their beauty and goodness through their struggles, and holding space for their pain with care and understanding.
Patience
We know healing takes time. We provide a patient, supportive space where you can trust the process and slowly build the belief that you are worthy of care and change.
Trust
With over 25 years of experience, we trust in the power of the therapeutic relationship to help you heal, grow, and navigate life’s challenges with strength and resilience.
Is Seeing a Culturally-Informed Therapist Right for You?
A culturally-informed therapist may be especially helpful if:
- Issues of cultural, racial, religious or ethnic differences have interfered with therapy in the past
- You have few people in your life with whom you can discuss such questions/ concerns
- If you're experiencing increased depression, anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, or distress around the current political climate
- If you would like to explore your cultural, racial, or ethnic identity and how it impacts your mental health, interpersonal relationships, values, and goals
- If you’re navigating interpersonal conflict within your family dynamics or within your community
- If you would like to work with a therapist who uses a social justice lens in their approach
LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy | Online Across NJ & NY
Getting Started at Resilience Restored Psychotherapy
Located in Montclair, NJ and serving clients across New York and New Jersey via telehealth, Resilience Restored Psychotherapy offers trauma-informed, experiential/ somatic, psychodynamic/ psychoanalytic services for adults seeking profound, sustainable change and child, play therapy and ABA for children. Every inquiry begins with a free 20-minute consultation to discuss needs, hopes, and logistical details. If the match feels right, an initial 60-minute intake session follows, mapping personal history and treatment goals.
From there, therapy becomes a joint voyage—sometimes challenging, often illuminating, and ultimately empowering. With curiosity, courage, and skilled guidance, even entrenched patterns can soften and new pathways can open.
Reach out today to schedule a consultation and discover how psychoanalysis or psychodynamic psychotherapy can help restore resilience, rekindle connection, and support lasting well-being
Resilience Restored Psychotherapy in montclair | Online Across NJ & NY
How To Get Started
At Resilience Restored Psychotherapy, we’re here to help you start your journey toward healing. Schedule a free consultation with us via the contact form below, or book directly by clicking the Book Online button. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
201-292-0581
85 Park St., 2nd Floor, Montclair, NJ 07042
220 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10001
Resilience Restored Psychotherapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does treatment last?
Will I need to come multiple times per week?
Is it all talk?
What if painful memories surface?
It’s completely natural to feel apprehensive about processing difficult emotions—many of us struggle with this. AEDP is a collaborative therapy that meets you where you are. Your therapist will never push you to process something you’re not ready for, but will gently invite you to explore what is emerging. If you feel overwhelmed, your therapist is trained in emotion regulation techniques to help you stay grounded and feel safe as you move through the process.
Culturally-Informed Therapy | Online Across NJ & NY
Resilience Restored Psychotherapy
Turn insight into transformation with therapy that meets you below the surface.
From Our Blog
Authored by Sri Harathi, Psy.D.
Last Updated: November, 2025