MEET THE TEAM AT GHIRAJ COUNSELING
Dianne Ghiraj-Castor, LMHC
Founder + Clinical Supervisor
Dianne is a non-judgmental, compassionate, culturally competent psychotherapist who utilizes eclectic therapeutic approaches that includes psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, motivational interviewing, solution-focused strategies, and client centered therapy. Dianne specializes in treatment of individuals ranging from childhood to adulthood as well as couples. She works with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship stressors, behavioral issues as well as other difficulties. Dianne fosters a safe and welcoming environment that gives clients the space they need to openly discuss their challenges. Dianne believes that therapy is a collaborative approach in which she guides clients toward their identified goals.
Katherine Estevez, LMHC
Clinical Supervisor
My educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development from SUNY Binghamton University and a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from SUNY Albany University. I started my career in 2015 as an addiction counselor. Counseling is the passage to help my clients learn solutions to their problems. With an interactive, warm, and accepting approach I have been helping clients find healthy perceptions of themselves. No single approach is the right one for everyone, and so I have been trained in a range of modalities including motivational interviewing, CBT, and REBT amongst several others.
Trinace Sass, LMHC
Therapist
My goal is to empower my clients and help them work towards becoming a more confident and healthier version of themselves. I offer compassionate and judgement free support where clients are the center of their healing. I have extensive experience working with adolescent and adults with Anxiety, Depression and Addiction. My practice also includes working with individuals who have health concerns, family conflict and relational issues. The modalities I specialize in are Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Person Centered Therapy. As your therapist, I will help you to explore and implement coping skills needed to obtain your goals.
Hillary Hartnett, CMHC-LP
Therapist
Hillary Hartnett earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Canisius College. Hillary’s experience includes higher education, telehealth, and non-profit outpatient clinics. She is a humanistic person-centered, eclectic therapist. Hillary is well versed in working with clients across the lifespan, with diverse backgrounds, and a wide range of client concerns. Rooted in self-compassion work, Hillary helps to identify self-critical narratives in self-dialogue to help clients unblock stuck points and begin to reach their full potential. She believes in treating every person as a whole, taking into account the multifaceted mental, physical, and social factors, rather than just treating symptoms at face value. Her belief in the mind-body connection gives Hillary unique and effective insights into the counseling process overall. Her work is carefully tailored to each client's needs. By working together, you can begin to spark authentic positive changes that can be implemented right away. Hillary is being supervised by Dianne Ghiraj-Castor.
Elyse Fox, MHC-LP
Therapist
Elyse is an open, empathetic, and warm-hearted therapist. Elyse focuses on asking open-ended questions to allow you to lead your session, and to better tailor each therapeutic plan to the individual. She focuses on here-and-now mindfulness techniques; Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy; and Humanistic Therapy. Elyse will provide you with a warm, inviting space to explore your life challenges and make sense of your current situations. She is a careful listener who will help you better understand yourself and how to tolerate stressful thoughts. Elyse earned her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling and her Master’s in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She has worked in inpatient facilities, and community-based settings, conducting group and individual counseling. Her most recent work has focused on assisting individuals in crisis and working with incarcerated individuals suffering with severe mental illness. Elyse is being supervised by Katherine Estevez.
Breanna Hira, MHC-LP
Therapist
"Hi! My name is Breanna Hira MHC-LP. I have experience working with groups and individuals. I worked for 2 years at a clinic where I helped adults of all ages with numerous different backgrounds and life experiences. My goal is to utilize the best therapy techniques based on your needs. I try to take a person-centered approach; this means you are in charge of your treatment. For example, I will never push skills or conversations on you that you know won't be helpful. I will never guarantee a skill will work, I feel it's my job to educate you, encourage you to try new things, with the awareness that some things do not work for everyone. My specialties include DBT, CBT, Art Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Somatic Therapy. I understand I am not the right therapist for everyone but I will always give you 100 percent of what I have to offer." Breanna is being supervised by Katherine Estevez.
Sheriese Sanchez, MHC-LP
Therapist
Sheriese’s mission is to serve as a dedicated resource for those struggling with personal conflict and emotional distress. Although she utilizes a multimodality approach, her passion, and empathy are reflected in her unbiased person-centered approach. Through her life experiences, she has learned to reach people where they are—empowering them emotionally, triggering self-awareness, and facilitating a personal growth process that fosters clarity of mind and healing. Sheriese areas of expertise include addiction recovery, emotional intelligence, and spiritual well-being. Sheriese has a BS in Behavioral Science, a MA in Mental Health Counseling, and an Executive Certificate in advanced research Psychology. Sheriese is being supervised by Katherine Estevez.