Michelle Riganti, LMSW
Licensed Psychotherapist
“Compassionate therapy for healing, resiliency and growth.”
Meet Michelle
Welcome—I’m so glad you’re here.
Reaching out for support is a brave and meaningful step, and I honor the courage it takes to begin this journey. I’m a licensed social worker with over 20 years of experience helping individuals navigate life’s complexities with compassion, clarity, and resilience.
My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and grounded in respect. I specialize in supporting women, parents, and older adults through transitions such as fertility challenges, grief, career shifts, and relationship changes. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply seeking deeper fulfillment, I offer a safe space to explore what matters most to you.
Together, we’ll work to clarify your goals, strengthen your boundaries, and develop coping strategies that feel sustainable and empowering. I believe therapy is not just about managing symptoms, it’s about reconnecting with your inner strength and creating a life that feels more aligned and authentic.
As a mother and nature lover, I bring a grounded, holistic perspective to our work. I understand the demands of caregiving, the beauty of slowing down, and the importance of tending to your own wellbeing. You don’t have to navigate this alone. I’m here to walk alongside you with empathy, insight, and unwavering support.
How I Can Help
Who I Help
Women navigating motherhood, fertility journeys, career shifts, and relationship changes
Parents who feel overwhelmed
Older adults seeking meaning, healing, or renewed purpose
Individuals moving through grief and loss
Professionals experiencing burnout, job stress, or pressure
How I Help
I offer warm, collaborative sessions grounded in empathy and steady guidance, moving at a pace that feels right for you.
I help you make sense of the patterns and stressors that feel confusing or draining, so your choices feel clearer and more aligned.
We’ll work with approaches that meet you exactly where you are, supporting you in moving forward with a sense of clarity, trust, and confidence in your own growth.
Issues I Help With
Parenting stress and overwhelm
Career shifts, relationship changes, fertility journeys and loss
Anxiety and overthinking
Feeling stuck or disconnected
Grief and emotional healing
Professional + Clinical Experience
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— Person-centered
— Humanistic therapy
— Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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— Healing from trauma and past emotional wounds
— Stress management and coping skills
— Anxiety and overwhelming emotions
— Emotional regulation
— Reconnecting with joy, purpose, and meaning
— Feeling stuck or disconnected
— Major life transitions
— Career changes
— Relationship changes or breakups
— Parenthood and family transitions
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— Adults of all ages
— Young professionals
— Parents
— Women navigating major life transitions
— Women feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected
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— Monday to Friday: Daytime and evening appointments.
— Weekends: Evening appointments.
— Session Format: Virtual sessions offered throughout the week. In-person sessions available on select dates.
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University at Albany, Master’s of Social Work, LMSW
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New York State
Licensed Master Social
Work, License no. 075118
Supervised by Raquele Williams
NPI: 1144196783
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English
My Therapy Style
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My understanding of therapy, creativity, and healing has been shaped by both personal experience and the wisdom of mentors, authors, and teachers. As a mother, I’ve learned firsthand the power of presence, patience, and emotional attunement, values that deeply inform how I show up for my clients. I’m also inspired by the work of Brené Brown, whose teachings on vulnerability and courage remind me that healing begins with authenticity. From Kristin Neff, I’ve embraced the practice of self-compassion, not just as a tool for clients, but as a daily ritual in my own life.
Nature is another teacher for me. Its rhythms, beauty, and quiet strength help me stay grounded and remind me that growth often happens slowly, beneath the surface. These influences guide my approach: gentle, curious, and rooted in the belief that every person holds the capacity to heal and thrive.
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As both a therapist and a mom, I understand the importance of staying connected to myself while caring for others.
I find grounding through simple, intentional practices, like moving my body, spending time outdoors, and being present with my children. Whether it’s a walk in nature, a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, or laughter at the dinner table, these rituals help me recharge and stay emotionally attuned. I believe that tending to our own wellbeing isn’t a luxury, it’s essential.
This belief shapes how I show up in the therapy room: calm, compassionate, and fully present.
BEYOND THE THERAPY ROOM
My Rituals for Staying Grounded
Intentional movement that helps me feel grounded
Time outdoors, especially calming walks in nature
Simple, present moments with my children
Quiet mornings with a cup of coffee
Laughter and connection around the dinner table
Books I Often Recommend
Self-Compassion - Kristin Neff
The Wisdom of Menopause - Christiane Northrup
The Artist’s Way - Julia Cameron
It Starts with the Egg - Rebecca Fett
When Things Fall Apart - Pema Chödrön
Influences on My Work
Motherhood - Teaches me presence, patience, and emotional attunement, all of which shape how I support clients.
Brené Brown - Inspires my belief in vulnerability, courage, and authentic connection as foundations for healing.
Kristin Neff - Her teachings on self-compassion guide my approach to helping clients soften self-criticism and build a kinder, more supportive relationship with themselves.
SERVICES, RATES + AVAILABILITY
Consultation
30 Minutes
Complimentary
During our consultation, we’ll get to know each other and determine if we’re a good fit.
Psychotherapy
45-50 Minutes
$175
Compassionate, person-centered sessions that foster self-understanding, resilience, and meaningful change.
Availability
Monday–Friday, Weekends
Virtual daytime and evening appointments
In-person sessions available on select dates.
Please Note: We are primarily private-pay, and we accept Northwell Direct Tier 1 plans. Learn more on our Fees & Payment, How Out-of-Network Insurance Works, and Northwell Direct Tier 1 Insurance pages.
LET’S BEGIN
If you’re ready for therapy that’s collaborative, creative, and focused on what matters most to you, I’d love to connect. Whether in our Manhattan office or online, you’ll have a supportive space to reflect, recharge, and move forward with clarity.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT STARTING THERAPY
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Just reach out. You can complete our questionnaire to match with a therapist or email us directly, and someone from our team will follow up to learn a bit about what you're looking for. From there, we’ll recommend a therapist or invite you to explore our team bios to see who feels like the right fit. There’s no pressure. We want you to feel at home from the very beginning.
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Yes. Many clients come in knowing what kind of person they’d like to work with, while others prefer guidance. We’re happy to support either approach. You can review our therapists’ bios and request someone directly, or we can make a thoughtful match based on your needs, preferences, and availability.
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That’s very common. Our intake process includes space for conversation. We’ll ask a few simple questions, listen carefully, and help you connect with a therapist who feels like the right match for you. This is a collaborative process, not an algorithm.
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Most sessions are 45–50 minutes long, once a week. Some clients prefer longer or more frequent sessions depending on what they’re working through. We’ll tailor the cadence to your goals and preferences.
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Weekly sessions are the standard, though many clients choose to meet more frequently during transitional or emotionally demanding times. This is something you and your therapist will decide together, based on what feels supportive and sustainable.
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At this time, our focus is on individual therapy for adults and emerging adults. If you're seeking couples or family therapy, we’re happy to refer you to trusted colleagues in our extended network.