Working With Raven Waterman, LCSW-R
Below is an overview of how I work, followed by answers to common questions clients have when they’re considering therapy or beginning treatment with me.
Starting therapy can bring up a lot of questions about fit, process, logistics, and what it might actually feel like to work together. Please explore the details below and reach out if you have questions that are not answered here or you’re ready to schedule a consultation to explore working together.
Types Of Clients I Work With
I provide individual therapy to adults 18 and older in New York State. My work is best suited for people navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, grief, burnout, and relational stress, including those who feel a strong sense of responsibility for others and struggle with self-criticism or emotional boundaries.
How I Work
My approach to therapy is grounded, collaborative, and responsive to the full context of your life, not just the symptoms that brought you in. I begin with a thorough assessment and continue to check in as therapy unfolds, so our work stays aligned with what you actually need.
I draw from evidence-based modalities such as CBT, IFS, EMDR, and ERP when appropriate, but technique always comes second to understanding you. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process, and we move at a pace that feels sustainable and respectful.
I often work well with people who:
Carry a lot of internal pressure or responsibility for others
Struggle with self-criticism, emotional boundaries, or burnout
Are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or major life transitions
Feel the impact of cultural, family, religious, or systemic expectations
My work is culturally responsive and grounded in an intersectional lens. That means I pay attention to how identity, background, and lived experience shape stress, relationships, and coping without making assumptions or reducing anyone to labels. Creating a space that feels emotionally safe, respectful, and collaborative is a core part of how I work.
What To Expect Logistically
All sessions are conducted virtually, and clients must be physically located in New York State at the time of each session. This allows for flexibility while maintaining privacy and continuity of care.
Most clients attend sessions on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, depending on their needs, goals, and scheduling availability. Especially early in therapy, consistency tends to support momentum and clarity.
Sessions are 55 minutes long unless you are attending an intensive.
Intensive Therapy Options
In addition to standard weekly or bi-weekly therapy, I offer two types of intensive sessions. Intensives provide a more focused, extended format and may be a good fit when you’re looking to work more deeply on a specific issue or when a traditional weekly schedule feels limiting.
EMDR Intensives use extended sessions (approximately 2.5–3 hours) to support deeper trauma processing in a concentrated timeframe.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) Intensives combine psychotherapy with ketamine treatment, offered in collaboration with a licensed medical provider. These virtual intensives include preparation and integration therapy, along with longer dosing sessions managed medically.
Both types of intensives include private pay components and are not fully covered by insurance. In some cases, certain preparation or integration sessions may be eligible for insurance coverage. More detailed information about each option is available on their respective service pages.
Working With Raven FAQs:
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Yes. I am in-network with several insurance plans, and insurance verification is completed prior to scheduling. Clients may also choose to pay privately and request a superbill if they have out-of-network benefits.
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It’s common to feel uncertain before starting therapy. Reaching out does not obligate you to begin treatment. The initial steps are an opportunity to ask questions, understand the process, and decide whether working together feels like a good fit.
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The first step is to complete the contact form. You’ll receive a confirmation that your message was received, followed by an email outlining next steps. All intake paperwork must be completed before scheduling your first session.
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Early sessions focus on understanding what brings you to therapy, your goals, and relevant personal, relational, and life context. From there, we develop a treatment approach that feels appropriate and sustainable.
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Yes. Therapy is confidential, with limited exceptions required by law. These will be reviewed as part of the informed consent process.
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Yes. You are never obligated to continue therapy. If you’re considering ending or changing the frequency of sessions, this can be discussed openly so the process feels intentional and supportive.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re noticing patterns that feel difficult to shift or emotional responses that don’t fully make sense, therapy may be a helpful place to begin. You can complete the contact form to start the intake process and determine next steps.
