Meet Our Therapists

Detra Gillians (Ms. G)

Mental Health Counselor - LP

(she/her)

Deal with reality, before it deals with you. How? By speaking your own truth through guided therapeutic practices of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, Solution-Focused and Reality Therapy practices to support your everyday mental health and well-being.

I started with the Clarity and Wellness Mental Health Counseling private practice in 2020 as an intern and maintained consistent client relationships. I helped clients navigate various personal issues and develop skills to manage their challenges. I graduated from Long Island University Advanced Certification in Mental Health Counseling program in 2021. I have 21 years of experience working with families, children and adolescents from all socioeconomic backgrounds. I believe in supporting listening and encouraging the better you as we collaborate and navigate through the pandemic. If you show up, so will I. Therapy is about being present and if you're ready for change, I welcome you and I would be honored to be a part of your journey.

Furthermore, I'm a compassionate, empathic and solution-oriented mental health professional dedicated to providing and implementing professional care and developing treatment plans to support children, adolescents, and adults experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, grief, suicidal impulses, relationship problems, and stress by using a multi-cultural perspectives and differentiating therapeutic techniques and approaches to guide clients towards achieving personal long and short-term goals in a safe and non-judgemental environment.

Your mental health is important and as a dedicated mental health counselor, I am here for you. Take the first step and believe in the better you.

Dr. Erik Benau

Clinical Psychologist

he/him/his

My approach to therapy is to work with clients to identify their patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that prevent them from reaching their goals. I will help you think about thinking, and evaluate and embrace your emotional life. To be human is to be doing the best we can with the tools we have; my therapeutic approach centers on improving the tools you know how to use, and teaching you a new set of tools to better your life.

I have experience working with clients from all walks of life with all kinds of struggles, including depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, disordered eating, stress and anger management, and beyond. I work with adults, adolescents, couples, families, on a range of challenges. My primary orientation is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and I also integrate skills and perspectives from a number of orientations, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and contemporary Psychodynamic Therapy.

I completed my Ph.D. from the University of Kansas and University of Kansas Medical Center, a clinical internship at SUNY Upstate Medical Center and a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Prior to doctoral study, I completed a B.A. in Cognitive Science at Hampshire College and an M.S. in Clinical Health Psychology at the University of the Sciences. I am also presently an Assistant Professor of Psychology at SUNY Old Westbury.

Amanda Belony

MHC-LP

(she/her)

Amanda Belony is a highly respectable and culturally competent therapist who has dedicated her life to helping individuals and families from diverse backgrounds. After completing her undergraduate degree in psychology Amanda went on to NYU and pursued a master's degree in mental health counseling with a focus on wellness. She aspires to get her Ph.D. in counseling psychology, where she will continue to expand her knowledge of cultural diversity and its impact on mental health. Amanda's work at NYU's Counseling and Wellness program helped her develop her skills in providing culturally sensitive therapy to a diverse population. Her approach is grounded in a deep understanding of the unique challenges that different individuals face, and she is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their feelings and experiences without judgment. As a therapist, Amanda is known for her warmth, empathy, and genuine interest in her clients. She utilizes a range of evidence-based therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches, to help clients achieve their goals. Her approach is always tailored to the unique needs and experiences of each individual, with a focus on building trust and fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship. Her dedication to providing quality care to individuals from diverse backgrounds is a testament to her commitment to social justice and equality.

Sidikatu Okunola

Mental Health Counseling Intern

(she/her)

I love to help people, but more importantly, I love to create a safe space for people to become self-sufficient. Life comes with several different twists and turns, so identifying a path in life is important for growth. The building blocks to developing a foundation to thrive in, comes from people becoming empowered with the skills they have and for me to help build on that knowledge to gain ways to support them. I encourage positive regard and have worked with people from different cultural, socioeconomical, educational, and demographic backgrounds. I acknowledge that the journey to becoming a multifaceted person, involves evolving and learning as you meet people. My goal in life it to help as many as I can with a person-centered approach, along with other theoretical approaches, I meet everyone with an open-minded and empathy.

I graduated from New York City Technical College, where I earned a Bachelors degree in human services, and I graduated from Ashford University, where I earned a masters in healthcare administration. I am presently attending Capella University, where I am working on earning my license and 2nd Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have a certificate of achievement from The National Society of Leadership and Success, and I am a member of the Counseling Honor Society Chi Sigma Iota. I have expertise in and have had the pleasure of working in the field of Developmentally Disabled for over 15 years. I have worked with dual diagnosed individuals, those who identify with the LGBTQ community, young adults, and the elderly. I completed an internship, which allowed me the opportunity to work with adolescents and teens. I believe there are many different factors in life that people deal with that is infused to making them the person they are, so I acknowledge all aspects when dealing with others.

Patrice Goburn

MH-LP

(she/her)

Your mental health significantly shapes your daily life. As a dedicated mental health counselor, I specialize in providing vital support to children, teens, and young adults facing challenges such as lack of confidence, peer pressure, relationship issues, and anxiety. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to empower clients, helping reshape their thinking and improve life perspectives.

Taking the first step towards healing is significant, and I am here to support you on your transformative journey. My approach integrates evidence-based techniques with empathy and non-judgmental support, empowering clients to navigate life's complexities with resilience and confidence.

With a strong foundation in Counseling Psychology and certifications in School and Family Counseling, I bring extensive experience to helping individuals achieve their personal growth goals. Currently pursuing a nursing degree, I gain valuable insights into healthcare, human biology, and patient care that complement my journey as a therapist. This dual perspective enriches my ability to support holistic well-being, addressing both mental health concerns and physical health considerations in client care.

Chantel Wells

MHC

(she/her)

As a therapist, I'm dedicated to offering a supportive and personalized approach to help you navigate your challenges and achieve your goals. I provide a safe space where you can be and feel your best self as we unravel vulnerability and work toward personal growth. My person-centered and trauma-informed methodology blends self-reflection with creative arts to empower you and foster positive change. With a Master's in Counselor Education and Mental Health from Lehman and Alfred University and extensive experience in diverse settings, I'm here to support you every step of the way.

In our sessions, my goal is to create a nurturing environment where we can collaborate on overcoming obstacles and enhancing your well-being. I look forward to meeting you and working together towards your goals.