Maggie Dancel, PsyD
Message from Maggie
We at Hopefull Psychology recognize that therapy can be anxiety-provoking and uncomfortable. Thus, we aim at creating a safe, non-judgmental, and warm environment for you to share your concerns, thoughts, and feelings openly. We focus on cultivating the therapeutic relationship while utilizing various evidence-based techniques that can help alleviate some pressing issues. As treatment progresses, you will gain more awareness and insight that may result in breaking an old pattern or having an "aha" moment. In addition, we will be in "it" with you every step of the way and provide the unconditional support we all deserve. We specialize in relational and sexual issues (e.g., dating, lack of intimacy, infidelity, out-of-control sexual behavior, BDSM, open/poly) and promote healthy sex for all. I am kink-aware and an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community. The lead psychologist has 12+ years of experience working with individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, life transitions, low self-esteem, eating issues, lack of assertiveness, and identity issues. Additionally, we acknowledge and identify cultural dynamics that can happen in and out of the therapy room as therapists of color.
About Maggie's practice
Weekdays Before 9am
Weekdays After 5pm
Weekdays 9am - 5pm
$$$
Sliding scale
Directive
Reflective
Body-based
In-person available: Yes
Virtual available: Yes
Life Transitions
Romantic Life
Sexual Fear or Addiction
Self-Esteem
Mood
Sexual Dysfunction
Trauma
Sexual Abuse
Out of network providers
NY
Why state matters
Get to Know Maggie
"Dr. Dancel is the most incredible therapist. She is clearly very professional and knowledgable but is also very warm and welcoming. She never comes off as intimidating or judging. She is willing to work with you through many different tactics and changes her approach whenever she feels we would make more progress differently. She always manages to work around my crazy schedule. She continuously updates her own knowledge and seems to be dedicated to the most up-to-date research and approaches. She is so kind and caring and is truly dedicated to her clients growth. She has truly changed my life."
Kelly, Client
"Dr. Dancel is incredible. I have seen various therapists over time, and none have been as effective. She is reliable, knowledgable, trustworthy, and I know she is always there if something comes up between sessions. I've never felt as comfortable or have let myself be so vulnerable speaking to other therapists. Dr. Dancel is candid, direct -- and lets me vent while knowing when and where to step in, and what we need to focus on. She always remembers details from sessions, no matter how long ago it was discussed (including things that I've forgotten!). She will give "homework" that is relevant to my journey and will hold me accountable to help me progress towards my goals. She speaks with my psychiatrist as needed to ensure there's alignment on my treatment plan. Overall, I cannot put into words how lucky I feel to have found her, and can't imagine how I would have navigated the last few years without her guidance."
Erin, Client
"Dr. Dancel makes the most of every session. She is warm and supportive but also has pushed me to be accountable and stay on track to accomplish my goals. Dr. Dancel is helpful with her guidance and experience, but I most admire her ability to connect the dots of minute moments I'd mentioned in my past to what I'm currently experiencing. Some of these connections I've known and her confirmation feels affirming, and some completely surprise me and are very accurate. Both have been extremely important to my growth. Over the years, therapy has become one of the most important elements of healing and being healthy. I highly recommend Dr. Dancel, especially to those working through trauma."
Lena, Client
"Dr. Dancel is a therapist who works with you to address the painful obstacles preventing you from living a healthy and fulfilling life. I have been a client for almost two and a half years. Within that time, I have noticed a complete transformation. I started out as someone who struggled to articulate the pain of my past and current circumstances, to someone fully capable of identifying the toxic situations and relationships taxing me, with an unwavering determination to effectively confront them head on. Dr. Dancel has helped me address issues ranging from unhealthy family relations, depression derived from unfulfilling employment, to sexuality and the pursuit of achieving and maintaining healthy romantic relationships. I still have a lot to work on, and I am confident that with the guidance and support of Dr. Dancel, that I will continue to make the changes I need to live a better and more fulfilling life."
Greg, Client
"Dr. Dancel has positively influenced almost every aspect of my life. I am learning to identify and arrest addictive behaviors, replace negative thought patterns with positive self-talk, and eliminate unhealthy behaviors and toxic people from my life. I am practicing self-love and becoming my “best self.” I am finally understanding what it means to be truly happy, healthy and whole -- mind, body and spirit. Dr. Dancel is the ultimate change agent with a gift that is priceless. I am forever grateful to her."
Alison, Client
How much do you share about yourself during our time together and why?
We at Hopefull Psychology believe that the therapeutic process works best when the focus is on the client. We share feelings, both positive and negative, that may arise in the therapeutic setting that we feel may be important or helpful to the process. We also process transference/countertransference as well as cultural issues that may arise in session.
What is unique about the work you do, or how have you found your work to be different than your colleagues'?
At Hopefull Psychology, we really focus on the individual/client. We want to understand your history, your patterns of behaving (e.g., communication, problem solving), coping mechanisms, and support system. We spend a significant amount of time examining your past and making connections to your present. We also provide psychoeducation about various strategies that could help ease your anxiety, depressed mood, trauma responses, and/or sexual issues. We ultimately try to be your side every step of the way so that you know you are not alone in this journey!
Do you assign homework, activities, or readings for me to do between sessions? Why or why not?
We do assign "homework" at times because we believe therapy is not only what takes place in the office but what happens when you step out into the busy city streets. Thus, assigning things to complete between sessions can help hold you accountable and stay on track.
How participatory are you during sessions?
At the practice, we want sessions to feel like a conversation and a collaborative experience. We are there to offer our expertise, guidance, and support. However, we recognize that ultimately the decisions and work come from client. We want to instill hope that you can reach your goals and overcome the obstacles you want to address in therapy!
What is the best part of the work for you?
We at Hopefull Psychology believe that the best part of the work is the relationship that is formed with you over time. We are grateful to be a part of someone's life and get insight into his/her most private thoughts and feelings. We also get the opportunity to facilitate genuine human connection while learning from other's experiences.