Business Details
Your Trusted Mental Health Counseling Partner in Ithaca, NY
East Hill Psychotherapy has been dedicated to providing compassionate counseling services to adolescents, adults, and couples for over a decade. Founded by Barbara Lantz, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the highest New York state certification, our practice integrates deep professional expertise with a commitment to personal growth and authenticity. Barbara's unique background in cultural anthropology informs her therapeutic approach, allowing clients to explore the intersection of personal identity and societal influences.Our mission is to create a supportive environment where individuals and couples can navigate life's challenges, uncover their authentic selves, and develop sustainable strategies for emotional well-being. With bilingual capabilities in English and Spanish, we serve diverse clients seeking meaningful change through personalized therapeutic partnerships. Our practice emphasizes client autonomy, recognizing that each person holds the expertise in their own life while benefiting from professional guidance to facilitate transformation.
Services
Individual Counseling
Couples Therapy
Social Anxiety Treatment
Stress Management
Relationship Counseling
Body Image Therapy
Cultural Identity Exploration
Life Transition Support
Highlights and features
- 14+ years of clinical experience in private psychotherapy practice
- Unique integration of cultural anthropology perspective in counseling
- Bilingual therapy sessions available in English and Spanish
- Client-centered approach prioritizing individual autonomy and growth
- Specialized expertise in addressing social anxiety and relationship dynamics
Associations and certifications
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-R) - New York State
Services
Individual Counseling
Our individual counseling sessions provide a safe space for personal growth and self-discovery. Clients work one-on-one with experienced therapist Barbara Lantz to address specific challenges, develop coping strategies, and achieve personal goals. The therapeutic process emphasizes client autonomy while providing professional guidance for meaningful life changes.
Couples Therapy
Couples therapy focuses on improving communication and resolving conflicts in intimate relationships. We help partners reconnect, rebuild trust, and develop healthier interaction patterns. Sessions address specific relationship challenges while fostering mutual understanding and emotional intimacy through evidence-based therapeutic techniques.
Social Anxiety Treatment
Specialized treatment for social anxiety helps clients build confidence and reduce fear of social situations. Our approach combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices to address underlying thought patterns and develop practical social skills for improved daily functioning and comfort in social settings.
Stress Management
Stress management counseling teaches effective coping strategies for modern life pressures. Clients learn time management techniques, relaxation methods, and cognitive restructuring to address chronic stress symptoms. The program focuses on developing personalized tools for maintaining emotional balance and physical well-being.
Body Image Therapy
This specialized therapy addresses unhealthy relationships with food and body image. Clients explore cultural influences on self-perception, develop balanced eating habits, and work through emotional connections to food. The program promotes positive body acceptance and healthy lifestyle changes through compassionate, non-judgmental support.
People
Barbara Lantz
Therapist
Barbara Lantz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 14 years of private practice experience. She holds a PhD in cultural anthropology from Cornell University and a Master of Social Work from Marywood University, combining academic expertise with clinical training in her therapeutic approach.
Questions
What types of clients do you work with?
I work with adolescents, adults, and couples seeking personal growth and solutions to emotional challenges. My practice welcomes diverse individuals including nontraditional families and bilingual clients needing Spanish language sessions.
How long are therapy sessions?
Standard sessions last 50 minutes. Initial consultations may vary slightly to allow thorough assessment of client needs and treatment planning discussions.
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
My approach combines client-centered therapy with cultural context analysis. I integrate cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, and solution-focused strategies tailored to each client's unique needs and goals.
How can I determine if therapy is working?
We establish clear goals during initial sessions and regularly assess progress. Many clients notice improved self-awareness and coping abilities within the first few weeks, with more significant changes developing over time.
Do you accept insurance?
I operate as a private pay provider. Clients receive detailed receipts for potential insurance reimbursement. Please check with your insurance company about out-of-network mental health coverage options.
What makes your practice unique?
My background in cultural anthropology adds a distinctive perspective to therapy. This training helps clients examine how societal influences interact with personal challenges, providing deeper insights for lasting transformation.
