Iris Lapas,MFA,LCSW

I am an MFA, LCSW based in New York City who works with individuals, couples, families and groups. I specialize in working with LGBTQ and gender non-conforming folks, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, addictions, personality disorders, and trauma. In addition to my Social Work degree from NYU, I have a background in fine arts and have studied at both The Cooper Union in New York City and Central Saint Martins in London, UK. This combination of influences informs my work with clients and allows for a unique approach that helps individuals gain awareness of their needs, adopt new behaviors, and transform their lives.

 

My style is warm, empathic, curious and authentic. I strive to ensure that clients feel safe and understood while exploring issues sensitively and deeply. A primary focus of my work is to help clients overcome barriers that lead to dissatisfaction, depression and lack of motivation. As discoveries are made and awareness of alternatives builds, one’s ability to feel clarity and hope in life reawakens. I combine a relational approach with evidence based practices including CBT and DBT to help clients clarify feelings, achieve goals and begin thriving.

 

During the past five years, I have worked with BALANCE eating disorder treatment center in Manhattan as a primary therapist and case manager, family therapist, and group leader in both the IOP and Day Treatment programs. I have also worked with Aurora Behavioral Health as a primary therapist and group leader facilitating both their DBT and CBT skills groups. Most recently, I have completed training at The National Institute for the Psychotherapies concentrating on both analytic and psychodynamic approaches.