Adrienne Licari

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Stony Brook, New York. I combine a variety of evidence-based approaches in my practice, so you can experience the latest and most effective therapies that lead to individual growth and healing. My training focuses on Positive Psychology, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, while also integrating my certified training in the Gottman Method, Columbia University’s PGDT (Prolonged Grief Disorder Therapy) and David Kessler’s certification as a Grief Educator and Counselor.

Because I don’t believe in applying a one size fits all approach, I work collaboratively with you to determine the best way to address your specific needs and goals. Instead of looking at your challenges as a problem, I work from a strengths based perspective, that incorporates your skillset and life experiences that have uniquely shaped you.

I also incorporate the value of understanding your ethnic and cultural background, roles within the family, experiences that have and continue to impact your life, and any other important factors that have influenced you. This allows me to better understand you as a whole person and not as a diagnosis.

I am not going to tell you what changes you need in your life, as we are all different and unique. My role is to help you become the “expert” in your life, so growth continues long after counseling ends. Together, we will explore what is working and what skills are effectively leading to desired changes you identify in our work. the foundation to my approach is client-centered, non-judgemental, and is always from a place of genuine support and compassion. I am committed in seeing you make successful changes as well as getting to a more satisfying place in life.

I appreciate working with individuals and couples struggling with overwhelming realities of life experiences and the challenges of interpersonal relationships. My belief is that one can fully embrace all aspects of their lives, no matter how difficult their journey with self-compassion, kindness, acceptance, and empathy for self and others. I’m committed to help lead you to find your true positive self-identity, as well as exploring how to heal your pain and experience personal and interpersonal transformation.

My Background

I believe that when we begin to understand and appreciate the complexity and intricacies of our life experiences, we begin to develop love, compassion and appreciation for ourselves. Out of this new understanding we hold, we can find meaning and connection with our own selves and with others.

From my own health challenges early on in life, the loss of my mother as well as other family and friends, and all the ups and downs in marriage and parenting, it has been a journey filled with much joy and the seach for finding meaning.

I believe we are all on this planet to share our stories and learn from each other. For me, understanding the stories we tell ourselves and finding meaning with the story, not only gives me clarity in life, but it puts order to things and grew my personal identity as a woman, mother, wife, friend, dog breeder, and therapist.

Personal Background

I live on the north shore of Long Island with my husband of 20+ years. Our children are in various phases of adulthood, and we are very proud of all of them on so many levels. Each of us appreciate and cherish our family memories filled with our beloved family fur babies.

As new chapters open for us, our passion and love for dogs and people, is the foundation in our breeding program with our Moyen Parti Poodles, NewYorkPartiPoodles.com. It’s always been a dream of mine to breed as well as having my dogs be a part of my therapy services in our community. The families we have met through breeding, continue to fill my heart and life, giving me a whole new purpose and meaning. I am passionate about people and relationships, which continues to carry over in counseling and in our breeding program.

Another journey I am working on is gathering my family records, to reconnect with my Italian culture I deeply love and identify with. This is all on top of my passion for comedy, SUPing, reading, researching, international cooking and most importantly, making memories with family and friends.

Professional Background

License and Certifications

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker- Registered in NYS

• Certified School Social Worker- NYS

Training and Expertise

1) The Gottman Method

• Level 1 and 2 trained.

• “The Couple’s Chasm”

•  “Marriage Counseling”

• “Treating Affairs and Trauma”

•  “Uncovering the Secrets of Sex, Love and Trust”

2) David Kessler’s Grief and Loss Trainings

• Certified and Approved Grief Educator and Counselor listed on David Kessler’s directory Grief.com

• “Healing Grief and Loss”

• “Finding Meaning, The Sixth Stage of Grief”

3) Columbia University

• Columbia University School of Social Work –  Practice Focused Training in Prolonged Grief Disorder Treatment 2022

• Columbia University School of Social Work – Practice Focused Training in Complicated Grief Treatment-2020

4) Trauma and Abuse

• Trained in Trauma and Abuse by Janine Fischer

• Trained in Trauma Treatment by Bessle A. van der Kolk

5) Anxiety and Depression Reduction Techniques

6) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

7) Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)

8) Establishing and Maintaining Healthy Boundaries in Relationships

Professional Activities

• Guest Speaker at Local Community Centers focusing on trauma, sexual abuse, bullying, grief and loss

• Group Facilitator on Retreats focused on Healing From Childhood Sexual Abuse

• Former Board Member, Restoring the Heart Ministries

• Co-Editor, “In the WildFlowers” (updated) and “Into My Arms” video productions

• Co-Author, Self-Reflection and Group Discussion sections, “Into My Arms” workbook

• Author, Self-Assessment, “In the Wildflowers” documentary