Agnes Zalesna, PsyD

My clinical experiences taught me to look at human behavior and functioning from an integrative perspective. I view each patient as a “whole” with different moving parts that need acknowledgement and attention, and I adjust my approach to meet their individual needs. This pertains to how I approach psychological assessments and how I conduct therapy. I believe the catalyst of change will vary from one person to another, be it through recommendations I provide in a psychological assessment report or through evidence-based therapeutic interventions.

I have a deep passion for psychological testing and believe it can provide clarity to many questions that would otherwise go unanswered. My previous experience with psychological assessments illustrated to me how profound gaining these answers can be. Psychological evaluation can help gain a better understanding of cognitive and emotional functioning, along with areas of strength and growth. In many situations, this also transcends to functioning in various settings, such as school, and relating to others. I approach each patient presenting for an assessment with a non-judgmental and empathic stance, so that they feel empowered and understood throughout the testing process.

In my therapeutic work, I genuinely feel honored that my clients allow me to assist them in improving their lives. My authentic and interactive approach highlights the importance of the therapeutic relationship in facilitating personal growth. I have a supportive and goal oriented style in which patients are empowered by exploring and understanding the sources of their distress and learning strategies to better cope with their symptoms. I find myself drawing from Cognitive Behavioral, Humanistic, and Psychodynamic theories and use a collaborative, solution-focused approach to treatment, offering both short- and long-term techniques depending on the individual needs of the patient. My goal is to help patients find the tools they need to live fulfilling and healthier lives by gaining a deeper understanding of behavioral patterns and defenses.

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