Helping Couples Work Through Relationship Issues & Improve Their Communication
Serving Couples In-Person in the Upper East Side
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Our Approach to Therapy
We are a team of clinicians who provide affirmative, evidence-based couples therapy for relationships of all kinds. Our goal is to create a safe, supportive space where partners can heal, grow, and move toward the connection they truly desire.
Our work is grounded in research-backed approaches such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which are highly effective for addressing issues like communication struggles, trust breakdowns, conflict cycles, intimacy challenges, and more. We use measurement-based care and relationship-focused assessments to track your progress—not only by how your relationship feels, but also through objective insights into how your bond is strengthening and evolving through therapy.
Our Specializations
Communication
We specialize in helping couples overcome communication challenges using evidence-based approaches that foster deeper understanding, empathy, and connection. Our work focuses on identifying unhelpful patterns—like defensiveness, criticism, or shutting down—and guiding partners toward healthier, more effective ways of relating. If you're ready to move past the arguments and reconnect, book an intake to see how our expert team can support your relationship.
Intimacy
Our team of relationship experts specializes in helping couples navigate intimacy challenges with science-backed treatments that foster lasting connection and trust. We use evidence-based approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help partners identify emotional blocks, shift unhelpful patterns, and rebuild closeness—both emotionally and physically. Whether you're facing mismatched desires, emotional distance, or trust issues, we're here to support you. Book an intake and take the first step toward rediscovering intimacy with your partner.
Boundaries
At Aspire Psychotherapy, we specialize in helping couples strengthen their relationships through healthy boundary setting. Boundaries are essential for fostering trust, mutual respect, and emotional safety—and when they’re missing or unclear, disconnection and resentment can take root. Our goal is to equip you with practical tools to navigate conflict, maintain your individuality, and create a relationship rooted in clarity and respect. Take the first step toward a more balanced, connected partnership—book an intake today and begin your journey toward healthier boundaries.
Our Team of Experts
Dr. Anya Scolaro, Psy.D., LCSW, BCN
Dr. Anya Scolaro, Psy.D., LCSW, BCN (she/her), is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in a wide variety of presenting issues such as mood and anxiety disorders, serious mental illness, and family/relational problems. Dr. Scolaro has rigorous training in providing affirmative LGBTQ+ therapy and evidence-based treatments for OCD, Body Focused Repetitive disorders, phobias, ADHD and behavioral issues in children and adolescents with a focus in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), biofeedback, and behavioral interventions.
Her commitment involves helping individuals envision a version of a happier, more fulfilling life. With a hands-on approach, she collaborates with clients to identify practical ways to navigate challenges and work towards their desired state of well-being.
Brie Scolaro, LCSW, SIFI
Brie Scolaro, LCSW, SIFI (they/their), is a queer licensed clinical social worker and performance coach that helps folx navigate anxiety, depression, and stress in one or more areas of life. Their style is a blend of a direct, structured approach and a supportive place for processing thoughts and feelings, drawing primarily from behavioral approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with or without exposure. In addition to talk therapy and coaching, Brie is certified in Heartmath Biofeedback and often uses technology to support athletes, students, creatives and professionals excel in their field.
Paula Carrizosa, LMSW, LSW
Paula Carrizosa, LMSW, LSW (she/her), is a queer licensed social worker and psychotherapist who focuses on treating anxiety disorders, depression, emotion dysregulation and trauma. Paula draws from evidence-based behavioral approaches like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, and Prolonged Exposure (PE) and often incorporates somatic and mindfulness practices into sessions. Paula is also fluent in English and Spanish.
Shunya Wang, LMSW
Shunya Wang, LMSW (she/her) is a licensed psychotherapist at Aspire Psychotherapy who provides culturally responsive therapy in English and Mandarin. She specializes in anxiety, ADHD, executive functioning, disordered eating, and identity-related stress — offering compassionate, evidence-based care for teens, adults, and couples. Shunya helps clients move toward greater emotional clarity, self-trust, and meaningful change by blending CBT, mindfulness, and somatic strategies with deep cultural attunement.
Tara Waldman, LMSW, LSW
Tara Waldman, LMSW is a licensed psychotherapist at Aspire Psychotherapy who specializes in relationship therapy, communication skills, and anxiety treatment for teens, adults, and couples. With a background in both psychotherapy and the NYC corporate world, Tara helps clients build confidence, reduce perfectionism, and navigate major life transitions — from college to career changes to relationship growth — with clarity, emotional insight, and actionable tools.
Ready to move forward and improve your relationship?
Book an intake to get matched with the right therapist for you and learn more about how we can help.
What Our Clients Have to Say
“After suffering my whole life and then having what I’d constitute as a mental breakdown, I’m living generally an anxiety free life without using medication.”
“I was having anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia last year and started seeking help. I am now a much more balanced, mindful and calm person who feels empowered with an armada of useful strategies and techniques to manage and regulate stressful situations in my life.”
“Dr. Scolaro is an incredibly gifted therapist who has helped me learn and practice vital CBT skills that have changed my life”
Frequently Asked Questions
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We all have times when anxiety, stress and depression take over our life. Relationships, family or work just feel harder to deal with, if not impossible. That's where therapy can help. Connect with an affirmative therapist at Aspire Psychotherapy to start thriving, not just surviving.
Whether you're looking for tangible tools to manage anxiety, or a safe space to vent about your dating life or work stress, therapy can help you take back control of your life.
We meet our clients where they are at and honor their stories and unique experiences. If you're not sure how to begin, the first step is starting the conversation and trusting that together, we will find the right path for you.
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Dr. Anya Scolaro, Psy.D. and Brie Scolaro, LCSW started Aspire Psychotherapy to provide the high quality, effective and compassionate mental health care they felt was missing in the therapy space. They believed in creating a space that was welcoming and affirming towards all humans, but that equally prioritized expert care and research backed solutions. From providing clear information online to being responsive to our clients, clinicians at Aspire Psychotherapy center their patients in their care. Aspire Psychotherapy is a therapy practice built from love, collaboration and a dedication to facilitate healing, and it is this foundation from which we look forward to helping you reach your goals.
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Our practices focuses on understanding your therapy goals and pairing you with a provider with the expertise to get you there. All new patients first meet with one of our Directors, Dr. Anya Scolaro, Psy.D or Brie Scolaro, LCSW, for a 30-minute Intake Appointment. During this appointment, we will evaluate your history, current symptoms and goals, and treatment preferences, in order to match you with an expert clinician on our Aspire Psychotherapy team. From there, you will meet with your individual or partners therapist on a weekly basis for 45 minute sessions.
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Our prices are comparable to other clinical psychologists and therapists in New York. The cost per session varies based on the level of the provider you choose to work with, such as with a Senior Staff Member, an Associate Staff Member or a Student/Intern. Please email us or book a 15-Minute Consultation to speak more about pricing!
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At this time, we do not accept insurance. You may be eligible for out of network benefits from your insurance plan, which can cover anywhere from 50-80% of total costs! If so, we can send you a superbill that you can submit to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement. You will be responsible for the full session cost at the time of your appointment, and will receive any reimbursement from your insurance company directly.
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We can work with anyone within New York State and in New Jersey.
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Currently, we are 75% telehealth (video / phone) and have limited spaces for in-person in both our Manhattan (UES) and Upstate NY locations. Our Upstate NY office is located in Stone Ridge, NY.