Sheila M Torres

Sheila Torres is an LCSW-R with a practice in Garden City, NY. She grew up in a large family in Manhasset L.I., where she and her siblings learned the importance of looking out for one another. This early lesson in empathy laid the ground work for her decision to pursue a career in mental health. Sheila earned her undergraduate degree in Human Services from California State University Fullerton and her Master's in Social Work from Fordham University.

For over 20 years, Sheila has treated clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, relationship troubles and transitional challenges. She began her career in the field of addiction where she learned how families are impacted by one person's illness, whether it be from substance abuse or another mental health condition. This fueled her interest in working with couples as she recognized that healing cannot be complete unless you treat the entire system.

Sheila draws from an array of theoretical approaches including CBT, Family System Theory, and Mindfulness-based practices. "I start where my client is, and gently move them towards making changes to improve their lives. I help them identify their negative thought patterns and examine the errors in their cognitions. With this new awareness, clients can utilize Mindfulness practices to develop healthier behaviors and improve their interpersonal connections.”

As the pandemic presented challenges to those struggling with mental health issues, Sheila came to appreciate the benefits of on-line therapy. “Being able to provide continuation of care through remote sessions was critical to their well-being.” Sheila also found that this new method of delivering treatment removed obstacles that often prevented clients from seeking help. “I find that clients are more consistent in their treatment because it’s much easier to sign-on remotely than it is to travel to my office.”