Golda Fleischman

What inspired you to become a therapist?

I have always been passionate about helping people navigate meaningful change and major life transitions. My work as a DONA-certified birth doula showed me how deeply pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood can affect a person's emotional well-being and sense of self. I saw firsthand that many people need a safe place to process their fears, experiences, and changing identities.

That experience inspired me to pursue psychotherapy so I could support people on a deeper level. I especially value helping clients understand how their past experiences shape the way they experience the present and am committed to supporting people as they grow.

What types of clients do you typically work with?

I particularly enjoy working with people during pregnancy, birth, and the transition into parenthood. I have a special interest in supporting clients who are experiencing anxiety about birth, preparing emotionally for birth, or processing a difficult or traumatic birth experience. My doula background allows me to offer a particularly informed perspective when clients are trying to prepare for what lies ahead or to make sense of their birth experience. I also support individuals navigating infertility treatments and pregnancy loss. Overall, I welcome anyone looking to better understand themselves and make lasting changes in their lives.

How would you describe your approach to therapy?

My approach is warm, person-centered, and collaborative. I believe that people are more able to grow and make meaningful changes when they feel genuinely understood, seen and supported.

In my work, I balance empathy with thoughtful challenge, and insight with practical tools. Together, we can explore both what is happening in your life right now and how your past experiences may be influencing the way you understand yourself, your relationships, and the world around you.

I draw from approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and psychodynamic approaches. I am also currently pursuing specialized training in psychodynamic psychotherapy at the Westchester Center for the Study of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy.

What can a client expect from their first session with you?

My first priority in our first session is creating a space where you feel comfortable being yourself. You don't need to have everything figured out before coming to therapy, and you don't need to know exactly what you need.

In our first session, I'll ask specific questions to better understand your history, what brought you to therapy, what you're experiencing right now, and what you hope will feel different as a result of our work together. This helps me get a fuller picture of you while also giving us a starting point for identifying what may be most helpful moving forward. My goal is for you to leave feeling heard, supported, and hopeful about what is possible.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone struggling with their mental health, what would it be?

You don't have to wait until things are at their breaking point to ask for help. There is no requirement that you handle everything on your own. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, feeling disconnected from yourself, processing a difficult experience, or simply recognizing that something doesn't feel right, reaching out for support is an important first step.

What do you hope clients take away from their work with you?

I hope clients leave therapy with a deeper understanding of themselves and a greater sense of agency in their lives. Especially during major transitions like pregnancy and early parenthood, it can be easy to lose sight of who you are beyond your roles and responsibilities. I want my clients to feel more connected to themselves, more confident in their ability to navigate challenges, and empowered to create a life that feels meaningful to them.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Outside of my work, I have a longstanding yoga practice and love spending time hiking and traveling. I also value the perspective that comes from being a mother myself, and I know how much can change, internally and externally, during the transition into parenthood.