Raven Waterman, LCSW-R 

she/her

I am Raven Waterman, LCSW-R, a New York–licensed psychotherapist and practice owner specializing in trauma, anxiety, depression, and relational patterns rooted in early attachment and chronic stress.

I work primarily with adults, many of whom are women and professionals, who are seeking depth-oriented, culturally responsive therapy through EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and evidence-based trauma treatment.

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About Me

I came to this work through lived experience, long training, and many years working inside complex systems of care. I grew up in the Bronx, raised by a strong network of women made up of my grandmother, my mother, and my aunt, who shaped my understanding of responsibility, resilience, and the emotional labor that often goes unseen by others. Education was emphasized early on and it became a throughline in my life.

Over more than two decades, I’ve worked across hospitals, community mental health programs, residential treatment settings, and nonprofit leadership roles. I’ve supported children, families, medically complex patients, developmentally disabled adults, and individuals navigating profound loss and transition. I later spent over a decade at a large residential treatment campus, where I moved from direct clinical work into senior leadership, ultimately serving as Associate Vice President of Permanency, Health, and Wellness.

Those years shaped me deeply as a clinician and as a person. I learned how systems function (and fail), how culture and power impact care, and how much thoughtful, attuned relationships matter at every level of healing.

Raven's CV
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Working With Adults

Today, my private practice is focused exclusively on providing adult psychotherapy for those 18 and older. I value the autonomy adults bring to the process and their ability to engage directly with the patterns, beliefs, and relational histories that shape their lives.

Many people come to me describing anxiety, depression, loneliness, or dissatisfaction in their work or relationships. Often, what unfolds is something more personal and enduring shaped by early attachment wounds, chronic emotional neglect, cultural or religious pressure, racial stress, or a long-standing habit of carrying more than their share.

My approach is attachment-informed and trauma-responsive, with attention to how early relationships, chronic stress, and lived context shape the present. I focus on understanding what was absent, misattuned, or inconsistent and how those experiences continue to influence self-worth, boundaries, and connection in adulthood.

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How I Work

I begin with a comprehensive bio-psycho-social assessment. I want to understand how you arrived where you are, how your experiences unfolded over time, what you’ve already lived through, what has helped along the way, and where things may have fallen short.

My approach integrates evidence-based modalities, including:

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  • ERP-informed work for anxiety and related concerns

  • Attachment-based and trauma-informed psychotherapy

I am also trained in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) through Journey Clinical and provide assessment, preparation, and integration in collaboration with medical providers. For clients who need more focused support, I offer EMDR Intensives, which allow for deeper processing than is possible in standard weekly sessions. Through all of my work, I prioritize safety, cultural responsiveness, transparency, and thoughtful pacing. Therapy is not something I rush.

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Credentials & Training

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-R) in the state of New York. I earned my Master of Social Work from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service, with a specialization in Children and Families, and my Bachelor of Social Work from Seton Hall University.

Over the course of my career, I have pursued advanced, post-graduate clinical training to deepen my work with trauma, anxiety, and attachment-related concerns. 

My training includes:

  • Certified EMDR Therapist (EMDRIA)

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 1 and advanced IFS-based training, including Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO)

  • Certified Practitioner, Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM) Protocol

  • Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional, with specialized training in ERP for anxiety, panic, and related conditions

  • Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) training through Journey Clinical

I am intentional about ongoing education and select training that directly supports the clients I serve. My clinical work is informed by evidence-based practice, relational depth, and a commitment to ethical, thoughtful care.

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What Clients Often Experience

Clients often tell me that our work feels steady, grounded, and deeply relational. I work best with people who are reflective, capable, and often used to taking care of others, and those who may appear successful on the outside while feeling disconnected or depleted internally.

My practice is affirming of LGBTQIA+ identities and grounded in a thoughtful understanding of how culture, race, gender, and social context shape people’s lives. I strive to create a space where people can explore parts of themselves they may have avoided, or didn’t realize were shaping their lives.

Beyond The Therapy Room

Outside of my work, I value some alone time, reading, and caring for my own health and well-being. Much like I encourage my clients, I aim to balance my professional and private life. This allows me to do this work with care and integrity.

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