Desiree Polonis (she/her)

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over six years of experience, working from a person-centered, relational approach. I don’t see people as diagnoses. I see people as whole humans, and I show up that way too. The foundation of my work is a therapeutic relationship where clients feel genuinely understood and not judged or rushed. A core part of my work includes psychedelic-informed preparation and integration. I support individuals in talking through their experiences, understanding emotional responses, and figuring out how to carry insights forward in a way that feels manageable and grounded. I use CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to work with patterns in mood and thinking, and I incorporate mindfulness and body-based tools to support emotional regulation and coping. My work has included oncology, neurology, cardiac care, and palliative care across hospital settings and private practice, shaping how I work with grief, uncertainty, and major life transitions.

I believe therapy works best when people feel respected, seen, and met as they are. I don’t believe a diagnosis defines a person, and I approach this work with humility, curiosity, and care. The therapeutic relationship matters deeply to me, and I value showing up as a real, present human rather than an expert with all the answers. I am committed to inclusive, affirming care and strive to create a space that is welcoming to people of all backgrounds, identities, cultures, and life experiences. Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and understood in therapy. Outside of my work, I care deeply about animals, the environment, and spending time in nature. These values shape how I think about connection, responsibility, and care. I also believe there is room in therapy to thoughtfully explore a wide range of human experiences, including non-ordinary states, when they are part of someone’s story. I respect each person’s pace, values, and resilience.