Lianna Hursh, LMSW

Lianna (she/her) holds a MSW degree from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College with a clinical focus on family and couples therapy. Her approach to psychotherapy is rooted in attachment and psychodynamic theory, exploring how past experiences, relationships, and one’s unconscious shapes their perception of the present. Lianna believes in empathetic and strengths-based therapy; while many individuals seek therapy to address their “problem[s],” Lianna focuses equally on what is working for her clients as they work together to develop committed actions for a richer, more authentic, meaningful life. 

These days, moving through life can feel like a performance; an enduring struggle to prove that things are not only okay, but seemingly perfect. Lianna strives to create a supportive, non-judgmental space in which individuals feel comfortable dropping (what she calls) “the act.” In fostering a safe environment for honesty, authenticity, and vulnerability, Lianna meets clients where they are while supporting them in achieving their goals. 

Having previously worked as a journalist and television producer, Lianna encourages clients to reflect on the stories they tell about themselves, question their validity, and rewrite old scripts that no longer serve them. Now a licensed social worker, Lianna recognizes the ways in which environments, systems, and social context often impact these stories and brings this perspective to her practice. 

Lianna has experience working in community mental health settings with a diverse population of clients including children, adolescents, and adults. She’s helped her clients navigate a wide variety of challenges including depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia, trauma, emotional abuse, physical abuse, difficult relationships, chronic illness, and grief/loss.