Irene Maropakis

Healing for Highly Sensitive Queer, Spiritual, & Creative Souls As a bisexual, first-generation Greek-American highly sensitive person (HSP), I understand what it's like to navigate multiple worlds while feeling like you don't fully belong in any of them. I know the weight of cultural expectations, the exhaustion of code-switching, and the emotional toll of straddling two cultures. I specialize in working with first-generation Americans and adult children of immigrants navigating acculturation stress and intergenerational conflict, LGBTQIA+ individuals, creative professionals, spiritual practitioners(especially and including, christians, pagans, witches, and earth-based traditions), and highly sensitive people who are tired of therapists who don't get their full intersectional experience. My Liberation-Focused Approach I integrate art therapy, EMDR, and somatic healing through an explicitly anti-oppressive, feminist, sex-positive lens. Your sensitivity isn't a disorder—it's a response to a world that wasn't built for you. Together, we'll heal the wounds of invalidation, marginalization, and systemic oppression while building sustainable strategies for thriving as your authentic self. I offer space for: First-generation Americans and adult children of immigrants healing from acculturation stress, code-switching exhaustion, and intergenerational trauma Cultural bridge-builders navigating the pressure of being the "translator" between two worlds Children of immigrants experiencing immigrant guilt, perfectionism, and the burden of family expectations Queer and trans folks navigating authenticity and identity BIPOC individuals healing from racial trauma and microaggressions Spiritual practitioners whose practices are misunderstood or pathologized (pagan, witch, earth-based traditions) Sex workers, kink practitioners, and ethically non-monogamous people Bicultural and multicultural individuals experiencing identity confusion or cultural identity conflict Creative professionals experiencing burnout in oppressive industries Highly sensitive empaths navigating this current world and climate Neurodivergent individuals seeking affirming, trauma-informed care My Trainings and Credentials: Professional Credentials: Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT) in New York State EMDR Fully Trained, Certification in Progress, (Trauma Institute & Child Trauma Institute) Somatic Parts Work Levels 1-3 (The Embody Lab) Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional (CSTIP) Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) Reiki Level 2 What makes this work different: Traditional therapy often asks you to "adjust" to systems that harm you. My anti-oppressive therapy approach helps you heal from the impact of oppressive systems while maintaining and encouraging your radical authenticity. We'll use creative expression, trauma resolution (EMDR), and body-based healing to address both personal and systemic wounds. Whether you're healing from complex trauma, intergenerational trauma, gender-based trauma, or racial trauma—or you're simply seeking a therapist who understands what it means to be highly sensitive in an overwhelming world—you've found a space where your full self is welcome. Modalities I Use Art Therapy - healing that goes beyond words EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) - trauma processing Somatic Parts Work - nervous system regulation and embodied healing Internal Family Systems (IFS) - understanding and integrating all parts of yourself Feminist Therapy - naming and healing from patriarchal harm Mindfulness & Body-Based Practices - grounding in the present Energy Work/Reiki - holistic healing integration Astrology/Spiritual Integration - working with astrology, tarot, and other spiritual practices Issues I Specialize In: First-generation and immigrant identity issues including acculturation stress, cultural identity conflict, and intergenerational trauma Code-switching exhaustion and the toll of constantly translating between cultures Immigrant guilt, family expectations, and the pressure to succeed for children of immigrants Intergenerational conflict and communication challenges with immigrant parents Heritage culture disconnection and exploring cultural identity LGBTQIA+ identity exploration and coming out processes (especially for immigrants and first-gen individuals) Complex trauma, PTSD, and intergenerational trauma Racial trauma and healing from microaggressions Gender identity and expression for trans and nonbinary folks Anxiety and depression rooted in systemic oppression Perfectionism and imposter syndrome in marginalized professionals Burnout and compassion fatigue for caregivers and activists Body image issues and eating disorders from a fat-positive, body liberation lens Relationship issues including polyamory, ethical non-monogamy, and kink-affirming care Sexual identity, orientation, and sex-positive therapy Spiritual identity for pagan, witch, and earth-based practitioners Creative blocks and artistic expression Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) challenges and strengths Serving New York State via secure telehealth. Sliding scale available for BIPOC, trans, and financially marginalized clients.