Suyana Handman, LCSW · Psychotherapist in New York City

I've lived the in-between.
That's why I understand it.

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A little about me

My name, Suyana, means "hope" in Quechua, an Indigenous language of Peru. I'm Brooklyn-born, biracial, the daughter of a Peruvian mother and an American father. I grew up between cultures, between languages, between worlds that didn't always know how to hold each other. Ni de aquí, ni de allá. Neither here nor there.

For a long time I carried that in-between as a burden. Over time I came to see it as one of my greatest strengths: a deep understanding of what it means to live between identities, expectations, and versions of yourself that don't always fit neatly together. That understanding is at the center of everything I do in this room.

I didn't take a straight path to this work. I came through forensic social work, immigration defense, years of managing social work teams, and serving as Clinical Director at a group practice. I sat with families navigating some of the most complex legal and emotional situations you can imagine. That combination of clinical depth, systemic awareness, and the ability to hold immense complexity without flinching is what I carry into every session now.

I became a therapist because healing found me before I went looking for it. My own therapy, my years in the field, and my experiences with expanded states of consciousness all pointed in the same direction. At some point it stopped feeling like a career choice and started feeling like something that chose me as much as I chose it.

How I work

I'm a relational therapist. I believe relationships are the driving force behind how we grow, how we make meaning, and how we get stuck. That includes the relationships you have with others and the one you have with yourself.

  • Rooted in the present, informed by the past

    Your family system, your cultural lineage, the survival strategies you built as a kid. We approach all of it with curiosity instead of judgment.


  • Shaped by you, not a formula

    I draw from psychodynamic, relational, attachment-based, and somatic approaches. What we do together is built around your story and what you actually need.


  • Bilingual & culturally fluent

    I conduct sessions in English and welcome clients who feel more comfortable moving between English and Spanish. That fluidity is natural here.


What it’s like to work with me

WHAT TENDS TO COME UP IN THERAPY. NONE OF IT IS A FLAW. ALL OF IT MAKES SENSE.

  • Warm & Direct

  • Culturally Attuned

  • Honest & Human

  • Safe & Grounding

  • “Suyana has been a gift to me as a therapist. I feel intrinsically safe in the space she creates and able to be my vulnerable self, learning and discovering things about myself more deeply all the time. Suyana provides me with tools to manage the challenges of midlife, perimenopause, motherhood, a career shift, and understands a-typical/ADHD brain chemistry as well as the path of a working life as an artist. She is empathetic, compassionate, and invaluable during times of tremendous transitions that have contributed to anxiety, grief and depression. I recommend her to my closest confidants, as a collaborative guide and support system on our journey to creating the life we desire. I hope to continue to work with her for years to come. “

  • “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…”

  • “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.”

  • “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.”

  • “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.”

  • “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.”

  • “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.”

  • “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.”

  • “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.”

  • “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.”

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When I'm not in the therapy room

You'll find me at a kickboxing class clearing my head, forcing my cats into cuddles they did not ask for, or putting together a playlist that somehow connects Jimi Hendrix, Bad Bunny, Joni Mitchell, and Kendrick Lamar. I love a good skincare routine, a terrible Netflix dating show, and being anywhere near the ocean or the mountains. I’m a passionate foodie, and I'm not sorry about it.

I think therapy should feel human. The best therapists bring their whole selves into the room because that's exactly what we ask of our clients, too.