About
Sarah Gugluizza,
LCSW-R, PMH-C
Founder, Supervisor & Therapist
Sarah has spent her career servicing children, teens and their families in emotional, behavioral, academic & psychiatric capacities. Sarah has supported kids and teens through mental illness, trauma, developmental delays, learning issues, mood & behavior and substance abuse. Sarah engages adult clients through addressing life issues and transitions, changes and stressors; depression, anxiety, substance use, social & romantic relationships. Sarah's expertise further continues in the treatment of women facing maternal mental health concerns ranging from pregnancy & childbirth, postpartum experience, infant loss, new motherhood,
and the motherhood journey.
As an adjunct professor for several universities and presenter for continuing education programs, Sarah is an educator as well as clinician. Helping young social workers develop their craft and enter into the field is something she feels a great calling towards. She further provides guidance and supervision to her team, students, and fellow clinicians.
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Being a parent of three further gives Sarah perspective to work with her child clients and their grownups, as well as women coping with challenges in maternal mental health and mothering from a perspective that is truly unique, authentic, humorous and warm. Sarah believes that her experiences with patients over time have gifted her the ability to offer comprehensive care. She prides herself in giving a safe, nurturing space that allows clients to grow, learn, change, and overcome their challenges.
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Sarah is certified in Child and Family Therapy, Perinatal Mental Health Disorders, and Supervision in Field Instruction (SIFI)
Therapists of Rising Lotus Counseling
Alina Staicu-Alexander, LCAT
There is something so valuable about every person having a space that is their own, where they feel safe enough to say and feel whatever comes up for them. Alina is a Creative Arts Therapist that prides herself in the facilitation of that space. She works from the core beliefs that curiosity leads to understanding, creativity + play can heal, and comfort is something many of us could use more of these days.
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Alina serves children, teens and adults presenting with problems such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, chronic health concerns, relationship issues and life transitions. She works from a client-centered and insight-oriented approach, offering traditional talk therapy and creative arts therapy, as she is fully aware that it can be easier to communicate without words.
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It is important to Alina to intentionally build a trusting, affirming relationship where her patients feel completely accepted and seen. She has been known to use humor to bring levity to situations that can feel overwhelming and heavy. She believes that connecting with people in ways that are satisfying are essential to one's emotional health.
Izabel Burd-Tamdogan, LMSW
Izabel approaches therapy with the belief that you are the expert of your own life, and that her role is to provide a space where your authentic self is not just welcomed, but celebrated! She works with people experiencing addiction, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges and racial and cultural issues.
Utilizing a blend of therapeutic models and perspectives, she tailors her approach to meet your unique needs. Izabel's work is guided from a strengths-based approach.
She gathers interventions from trauma-informed practice, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), culturally sensitive therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and tele play therapy.
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Izabel's passion for helping others, and her lived experience reinforces the work and partnership that she has with her patients. Her goal is to partner with you on your journey focused towards a healthier life.
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Kelsey Getz, Intake Coordinator & Administrative Support
Kelsey will usually be the first person you will speak with, as RLC's Intake Coordinator, when you contact us by phone and email when getting started. She can answer any questions you might have, talk with you about your presenting concerns, understand how we can best help you, and match you with one of our therapists that will fit you best.
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Kelsey also provides the practice with administrative support and runs her own business specializing in supporting practices that provide mental health treatment. Kelsey has a background in nonprofit administration and has a passion for doing work that really makes a difference in the world.
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Katrina Siladi, MSW Intern
Katrina is a second year graduate student from SUNY Buffalo. Katrina views therapy as a space for discovering new possibilities and developing skills that support a deeper connection with oneself and one’s life.
She believes in the many ways clients know themselves and what is best for them, even during periods of uncertainty, pain, or change. Katrina supports clients in turning down the volume of distress and building embodied self-awareness in the face of personal and collective adversity. Her approach to therapy is trauma-and nervous-system–informed, eclectic, motivational, and body-based. This can include shared reflection, exploration, deep listening, mindfulness-based practices, and awareness of the body and stress. Katrina works to create a tailored experience with her clients that aligns with their unique life experiences, hopes and identified needs.
Katrina has experience working with individuals and groups of all ages as a facilitator of the Resilience Toolkit Training Alliance; providing crisis support to individuals of all ages and life circumstances in the Ulster County Community; and has worked with children from early childhood to the tween years.
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In addition to treating patients, Katrina manages the role of Intake Coordinator alongside Sarah, her supervisor and practice owner. Outside of her clinical work, Katrina enjoys pop culture, spending time at the river, learning about history, and making art.
Erica Petosa, LMSW
Erica earned her Master’s in Clinical Social Work from SUNY Albany has over five years of experience working with children, teens and young adults ages 2 through 26, treating anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms, and behavioral challenges. Erica is also skilled in supporting adults navigating life transitions, stress, and relationship challenges.
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She draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), play therapy, and art therapy to create sessions that are engaging, creative, and tailored to each client’s needs. Erica is certified in Brief Strategic Family Therapy and believes in the importance of incorporating family work whenever possible—helping parents understand their child’s perspective, strengthen communication, and navigate challenges together.
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Skilled in teaching coping strategies and emotional regulation techniques, Erica empowers her patients to better understand their feelings and approach life’s challenges with confidence. Her approachable, energetic style allows patients to feel comfortable and supported from their very first session.
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Outside of the therapy room, Erica is a Hudson Valley local who lives with her partner and their cute dog. She loves adventure and enjoys exploring all that the region has to offer.