Odaris Palacios, LMHC‍ ‍

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About Odaris

Odaris Palacios immigrated to the United States from Ecuador when she was 16 years old. Her personal experience has given her an insider’s perspective on the challenges facing immigrants and first generation Americans dealing with issues around navigating multiple cultures. But more broadly, her experience has helped her develop a keen understanding of how family expectations and long-held belief systems can make it super challenging to develop one’s own identity. 

Working with individual clients along with their partners and other family members, Odaris guides them in learning how to break negative, generational patterns that can get in the way of building healthy and productive relationships and a greater sense of self. If you are struggling with pressure to behave in a certain way, and it’s getting between you and your happiness and peace of mind, then you will appreciate working with Odaris to discover more constructive ways of dealing with your challenges.

Some of the particular issues she commonly addresses include the following:

  • Generational legacies. Perhaps you are feeling the echoes of family trauma. Odaris can help you move gently through the recovery process and learn to cope with your emotions more effectively. 

  • Loss of identity. Amidst all the uncertainties of modern living, it can be hard to figure out who you are and what you want out of your life. Odaris can help you find focus and purpose.

  • Expectations around parenthood. If you are experiencing pressure around starting a family, infertility issues, or other cultural or religion-based challenges related to decisions about having children, Odaris can help you carve out your best path to making the right choices for you.

  • Anxiety and depression. Surviving and thriving in the current political climate can be difficult. Odaris can help you move from survival mode into a healthier place of stability and positivity that will allow you to take on exciting and rewarding challenges.

  • Navigating the workforce. Finding your way and building a stable and successful life for you and your family can be hard, especially if you are operating without good role models. Odaris can help you clarify your goals and build the confidence you need to thrive in your chosen career.

  • Family separation. If you are a recent immigrant or first generation American, you may be separated from your family and feeling pressure to perform at a high level to support them economically. Odaris can help you deal with overwhelming feelings of grief, loss, or guilt and focus on maintaining balanced attention to your own needs and well-being.

Having worked hard to carve out her own identity and develop her career, Odaris not only brings empathy and understanding to the table, she offers practical and strategic advice for managing situations that can feel emotionally overwhelming. She works collaboratively with individuals, couples, and extended families.

Education

  • Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Manhattan College

  • Masters of Arts in Developmental Psychology from the School of Professional Studies,

  • CUNY

  • Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from John Jay CollegeTreatment Areas

What my clients have to say…

  • “Odaris is super insightful and asks great questions. Her energy is super grounded and knowing. I feel like I am talking to a shaman.”

    - K.C.

  • “Odaris is incredible. I have had many therapists, coaches, and advisors, and never in my life have I had one so caring and optimistic. Never in a way that feels fake or forced, but instead met with gentleness and kindness. She has given me space to be vulnerable and offering new perspectives that aren’t forceful or felt like unbidden advice. She is genuine and for that, I will always be grateful.”

    - J.W.

  • "I've worked with two different therapists before, but my first session with Odaris truly opened my eyes to the healing power of therapy, just as my friends have described. I’m excited to continue this journey and look forward to many more sessions with Odaris."

    -N.U.

  • “Odaris balances accountability with empathy for an overall great experience.”

    - S.C.

  • “Highly recommend!”

    - L.E.