About Me

Many of us carry quiet burdens—anxiety, self-doubt, disconnection, or the question: Who am I, and how do I live a life that feels like mine? 

My Approach


Philosophy & Values

These struggles can take root in our bodies, relationships, and the stories we tell ourselves. The desire to heal is strong, but the first step can feel daunting when past wounds or self-criticism weigh us down.

I believe our struggles often point toward something wise and adaptive within us. Together, we’ll explore these places with care and openness —uncovering the inner resources that may have been buried beneath pain, silence, or expectation. My hope is to help you meet yourself with compassion and move toward growth that feels grounded, meaningful, and true to you.

My practice is a space where all of you is welcome. We’ll hold your past with care, explore your present with curiosity, and make room to carve your own path forward. Rooted in an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed framework, I see each relationship as a living system shaped by history, culture, attachment, and both spoken and unspoken narratives. Whether you’re deepening connection, navigating conflict, rebuilding trust, or moving through change,

I support you in being more fully seen while we tend to the dynamics that hold—or hinder—healing.

How I practice


I’m a person-centered, relational therapist, which means that I see relationships as the driving force behind how we grow and make meaning of our lives. This includes not only the relationships we have with other people, but also the one we have with ourselves.

Style & Methods

While I center our work in the present, I recognize how the past is always with us—our family systems, cultural lineages, and survival strategies all shape who we are.

My style is collaborative, adaptive and insight driven. I draw from psychodynamic theory, relational work, somatic awareness, CBT, EFT, and harm-reduction when integrating plant medicine or expanded states of consciousness. Our work won’t be one-size-fits-all, but deeply personal and responsive to meet your unique needs with gentleness, depth, and transparency.

As a biracial and bilingual therapist, I bring a unique attunement and sensitivity to identity, belonging, and what it means to live between cultures, languages, roles, or expectations. While I primarily conduct sessions in English, I welcome clients who feel more comfortable expressing themselves in Spanish—and want you to feel at home moving fluidly between both.

I don’t usually assign homework, though I’m always open to what feel most supportive for you.

In our sessions, I bring presence, warmth, compassion, and sometimes a little humor. All you need to bring is yourself—just as you are.

I’m a licensed clinical social worker, Brooklyn-born New Yorker, and daughter of a Peruvian mother and American father. My name, Suyana, means “hope” in Quechua, an Indigenous language of Peru—a meaning that feels especially fitting for the work I do now.

More About Me

Growing up biracial in a multicultural home was both beautiful and challenging. I often felt stuck in the in-between—ni de aquí, ni de allá, neither here nor there. For years I carried this as a burden, but over time I came to see it as a gift: a deep understanding of what it means to live between identities, cultures, and expectations. I believe those in-between spaces can hold profound potential for connection, self-discovery, and healing.

I was drawn to this work through my own healing—through therapy, my years in family and immigration defense social work, and expanded states of consciousness that reconnected me to my body and lineage. This isn’t just a profession for me; it’s part of who I am. I hold deep respect for the complexity of each person’s process and trust in our capacity to transform.

Outside the therapy room, I find calm and creativity in music, cooking, kickboxing, reconnecting with nature—and yes, forcing snuggles on my cats (therapist cat lady energy).

Credentials & Training

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (license #093752)

• BA in Sociology – Goucher College

• MSW – Silberman School of Social Work

• Postgraduate training – Fluence

• Postgraduate training – National Institute for the Psychotherapies

• Seminar in Field Instruction (SIFI) Certified

• Online certification in TF-CBT

  • What my clients say about me

    “It’s been just over two years since I began working with Suyana, and I can honestly say that her support has been one of the most meaningful parts of my healing journey. About a year and four months ago, I lost my brother — an unimaginable grief that changed everything for me. Through that darkness, Suyana has been a calm, steady presence.”

  • What my clients say about me

    “She listens to me deeply and without judgment. In every session, I’ve felt seen, heard, and respected. Her ability to hold space for my emotions — no matter how heavy — has brought me peace in moments when I didn’t think peace was possible. She’s helped me sit with my pain, process it at my own pace, and slowly begin to find hope again…”

  • What my clients say about me

    “Suyana doesn’t rush the process. She’s patient and intuitive, guiding me gently when I need it and allowing silence when words fall short. With her, I’ve learned that healing isn’t about “getting over” the loss, but learning how to carry it with compassion for myself. 

    I’m deeply grateful for her presence in my life. Her empathy, professionalism, and kindness have made a lasting impact on my grieving process and on me as a person.”

  • What my clients say about me

    “Suyana is the best therapist I’ve ever had. We clicked right away, and in a short period of time I feel like she's helped me get my life back on track. She’s warm, kind, and really easy to talk to. As someone in their late 20s figuring out relationships and big life transitions, I’ve felt so supported by how patient and empathetic she is while still keeping it real.”

  • What my clients say about me

    “She makes space for cultural considerations and always meets me where I’m at, which means a lot. During a time when I needed kindness and sensitivity most, working with Suyana has been a grounding experience. If you want a therapist who’s wise beyond her job description and genuinely invested in you, meet with Suyana. Trust me.”

  • What my clients say about me

    “My experience with Suyana has been very meaningful. She is kind, patient, professional, and graceful in every session, and I appreciate how she validates me and my feelings. I’ve grown in confidence, gained a better understanding of myself, and learned to process my emotions in a healthier way thanks to her support. She listens attentively and creates a safe, non-judgmental space where I can truly be myself. Suyana is not only professional but also has a sweet soul that empowers and uplifts.”

  • What my clients say about me

    “After thirteen years of putting off returning to therapy, I decided to give it another try and came across Suyana. I initially dreaded being vulnerable and opening up to someone as I had in the past, however this time it was different. I was met with compassion and empathy. Suyana has provided a safe space to unpack my trauma and equipped me with tools to navigate difficult relationships in my life. Therapy with Suyana has allowed me to change the lens in which I look at myself, and this in itself, has been completely life changing.”

  • What my clients say about me

    “Suyana takes the time to listen to my concerns and prompts me with appropriate questions to gain further insight into a concern in a nonjudgmental and compassionate way. She is thoughtful, easy to talk to, and accommodating to my needs.  Sessions with her have helped me through unexpected job and life changes, burnout, and dealing with loneliness. Also, even though I tend to enjoy "homework" or tasks to do throughout the week, she doesn't put undue pressure on me - just showing up to the sessions is enough, but she will follow up appropriately if I'm ready to address it.”

  • What my clients say about me

    “I have been seeing Suyana for over 4 years now and I am so grateful for the guidance, empathy and understanding that she provides.

    She is thoughtful, never judgmental and brings an important awareness that we do not exist in a vacuum and are impacted by the increasingly fraught world around us. 

    One of the things I appreciate most is her modern perspective. In my specific case, Suyana was able to help me unlock new and effective methods of care by leading me to an ADD diagnosis despite the barriers presented by the outdated/male-centric testing that currently exists.”

I believe that healing isn’t about becoming someone new, but coming home to who you’ve always been—one layer at a time.
— Suyana Handman