Our Team of Therapists
We are a team of caring professionals committed to providing therapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups, to help them work through their struggles and live more joyful and rewarding lives. Read about the therapists of Positive Therapy 4U below to learn more about them and their individual styles and approaches to psychotherapy.
Susan Goryeb Simms, LCSW-R, Director
Susan Goryeb Simms, MS, LCSW has been a clinical psychotherapist for more than 25 years serving the Three Village area of Suffolk County, NY and beyond. She is the founder and director of Positive Therapy 4U. Susan earned her MS degree in Social Work in 1990 from Columbia University. She has conducted numerous workshops and presented at conferences on such topics as Stress Management, Cultural Diversity, Parenting and Work/Life Balance.
Susan founded PositiveTherapy4U to provide a positive approach to therapy in her community. As demand grew, Susan expanded her practice to include the talented team of therapists below, who shared her vision and commitment to providing the best possible treatment to their clients.
Emily Evans, LCSW, PMH-C, Supervisor
I am a licensed clinical social worker experienced in working with adolescents and adults suffering from anxiety, depression, panic disorder, addiction, and relationship issues. My mission has been to provide compassion, empathy, and a safe space to explore feelings, thoughts, and patterns of behavior. Along the way, I found that I have an undeniable passion for working with mothers during pregnancy, postpartum, and all the day-to-day joys, struggles, and transitions of motherhood.
Although it is beautiful, it can feel repetitive, isolating, and terrifying. I can provide the support and tools necessary to examine your mindset, inner dialogue, and core belief system that determines your relationship with yourself and others. I also believe in the importance of gratitude, intention, communication, and creating a life of fulfillment.
Growth and change are possible when we learn why we do the things we do.
I also offer “The Afterglow Postpartum Support Group”, a weekly virtual support group for mom’s in their first year of motherhood.
Billy Poerio, LCSW
Do you wake up dreading the day before you? Do you feel like there are tasks that you know you have to do but, never get around to doing them? Are you or a loved one just feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to turn? Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or having difficulty managing life transitions, relationships, or daily stress, I can help. I work with teens and adults to help create strategies that reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and chronic stress.
Through a variety of modalities and a client-centered, goal-oriented approach I can help you improve your self-esteem and understand and navigate phase of life changes and inner struggles. I have utilized my skills in environments from schools to psychiatric hospitals
I will provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you or your loved one will feel supported. It is my passion to help individuals develop effective ways to cope with life’s challenges and live a more enjoyable and fulfilling life. I look forward to working collaboratively with you and/or your loved one.
Stacy Ann Pennington Bartholomew, LMSW
When we connect, we boost our mood and increase our ability to manage our emotions. Partnering with a supportive therapist is the first step. With a supportive connection, you can discover your unmet needs and embrace your vulnerability with courage. Meeting what scares us the most is our greatest potential for reclaiming our power. When we are the empowered hero of our story, we can make positive changes for ourselves – or find the courage to let go of what we can not change.
When we connect, we are supported. Through our gentle and respectful therapeutic connection, I look forward to witnessing your empowerment and the rediscovery of your inner strength. As a unique individual, my interaction with you is uniquely focused and tailored toward a compassionate approach to life’s problems while living joyfully.
When we connect, we move forward. With warmth, honesty and a couple of laughs, we will work on gaining insight, understanding your experiences and removing challenges to achieve satisfaction in your life. You are not alone when we connect.
Zianna Khachaturian, LMSW, CASAC, CRPA-P
Life can get a little bit hectic and sometimes we lose ourselves in the mix. Losing ourselves can look like a loss of energy, not knowing what we enjoy or not, lack of boundaries, taking care of everyone around us but ourselves and avoiding others while also avoiding alone time with ourselves. Sound familiar? If yes, then let’s find YOU! Your authentic self sets boundaries, shows confidence, knows what you want and don’t want, and has some greater fulfillment with a life purpose. The authentic you is out there, so let’s start looking.
Should I get the opportunity to work with you, you will see that my counseling style is very relatable, down-to-earth and realistic. You tell me what you want to achieve in therapy or we will work together to find that answer. Either way, the therapy I offer has one consistent theme; being a better version of yourself than you were the day before.
If you’re unsure about wanting therapy or not, ask yourself these questions. Do you spend at least an hour on your phone a week, spending money on apps and games? Do you go shopping, spend time filling your cart or spend money that should be saved? Lastly, ask yourself this; why can’t that same time, energy and money be spent on YOU? Invest in yourself.
Alexandria Gonzalez, LMSW, CASAC
You deserve a life of happiness, abundance, and peace! Many people see therapy as that one-sided conversation laying on that stereotypical couch we see in movies. Therapy doesn’t have to be a painful or intimidating thing! My goal is to help you be the version of you that YOU want. You are capable of achieving whatever solutions and life changes you are looking for while enjoying the process and experiencing yourself in new ways.
During my 5+ years working as a clinician, I have helped individuals and families find healing and understanding in times of challenge and desperation. My goal in therapy is to guide you to become aware of patterns in situations and emotions, and learn how to avoid, cope, and replace unhealthy actions to achieve wellness.
Life is too short to give in to trauma, be anxious and angry all the time, or let toxic relationships control us. I want you to be free of emotional pain, able to deal with life on life’s terms, and to find purpose/ meaning in work, family, friendships, and all other areas of your life. I hope you will take a moment to reach out and see how I can help!
Christina Erhardt, LMSW
Life can bring uncertainty and pain that we need help to navigate and heal from. Are you feeling unhappy or lost? Having relationship difficulties? Worried about the future? Have you endured great losses or hardships that are leaving you feeling confused, isolated or unlovable? You do not have to shoulder this alone. Maybe you want to feel fulfilled or joyful. Maybe you want to cultivate meaningful relationships. Maybe you want to grow in ways you never thought possible. I am passionate about helping people put the pieces of themselves back together in a way that leaves them feeling inspired and open to life’s possibilities.
I am here to support you and attune to your needs by offering mindfulness techniques, CBT or attachment-based approaches. I help you explore your underlying emotions and thoughts to find solutions to what you are struggling with. This will help you uncover your inner strengths so that you can move forward with peace, clarity and self-trust.
Together, we can explore your challenges to help you find the hope and strength you need to live fully. I will provide a safe, non-judgmental space that offers support and compassion. We can collaborate on what is most important to you and go at your pace, keeping your needs at the core of the work. I look forward to connecting with you.
Mary Ryan Garcia, MA, LMSW
I believe that psychotherapy is a healing journey. I meet clients where they are to find creative and practical ways to alleviate their emotional suffering and stress. I specialize in working with older clients, LGBT clients, clients suffering the pain of loss/grief, neurodiverse clients, and those in life transition. I like to use a variety of interventions including CBT, poetry therapy, narrative therapy, and internal family systems to support and assist clients as they discover new and healthy ways of improving their lives.
Natalie Palermo, MHC-LP
Hello, I’m Natalie, a compassionate and dedicated therapist with experience in helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy and understanding, creating a safe space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
I specialize in anxiety, depression and relationships and I believe in tailoring our sessions to meet your individualized needs. Whether you’re seeking support for personal growth, healing from past traumas, or improving your overall well-being, I’m here to guide you on your journey to a healthier, happier life. When one day at a time becomes too much to handle, we will transition our focus to one minute at a time and take small steps to guide us to our bigger results.
I integrate a range of therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy to empower you with the tools and insights necessary for positive change. Together, we’ll work collaboratively to set goals, explore your strengths, and overcome obstacles.
Outside of my practice, I have a deep passion for reading that enriches my understanding of the human experience. It’s an honor to be a part of your healing process, and I look forward to accompanying you on your path to personal growth and self-discovery.
Alison Armbruster, MFA, LMSW
In addition to being a Licensed Master Social Worker, I also have a Master of Fine Arts Degree from New York University. I have many years of experience working with children, teens and adults within the world of the performing arts which has greatly inspired my approach to helping clients understand and overcome life’s challenges. I have worked in higher education, public elementary schools, and for private companies. Through a trauma-informed lens, I work to collaborate with each client on therapeutic goals using a strengths-perspective and person-centered approach.
I utilize a variety of evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness practices, (ie, breathing methods, sensory work, and relaxation exercises) and Play Therapy tailored to each individual client.
I believe that together we will address the stressors that may manifest in depression, anxiety, and interpersonal conflict, focusing on self-compassion and motivation, empathy, and positive coping strategies.
Erin O’Fallamhain, LMSW
I am a licensed social worker experienced in working with teens and young adults dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, and addiction. My mission is to provide compassion, empathy, and create a safe space to explore feelings, thoughts, and patterns of behavior. In today’s fast-paced world it can feel hard to keep up with daily demands. Many people find themselves putting their needs after the needs of their loved ones. Leaving your needs for last can lead to long-term issues for your mind and body.
I believe that working together utilizing a strengths-based perspective can help each client identify their own personal assets and inner strengths while providing opportunities to learn and practice more effective coping and communication skills. I also utilize CBT and Mindfulness to assist with overcoming challenges and attaining goals.
I believe creating space for yourself is the key to mental wellness. Together we will work to find what skills and strategies will work best for you to decrease the impacts of stress and increase feelings of joy in your everyday life. Feel free to call or email to set up an appointment.