Derek Bakay, LMHC

Derek Bakay is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in New York with 15 years of professional experience supporting people through stress, anxiety, depression, career challenges, and major life transitions. He works with a wide range of concerns including relationship and family issues, intimacy and parenting struggles, compassion fatigue, self-esteem and coaching needs, as well as aging and caregiver stress, chronic illness and disability adjustment, and other midlife and purpose-related questions.

His therapeutic manner is warm, interactive, and thorough, grounded in respect, sensitivity, and compassion. He avoids stigmatizing labels and focuses on each person as an individual with unique strengths and goals. Derek frames the work around collaboration, viewing clients as the experts on their own stories while offering guidance and structure to help them move toward more satisfying daily life and relationships.

Clinically, he draws from client-centered approaches (a humanistic orientation), cognitive behavioral therapy - often called CBT - and solution-focused techniques to tailor conversations and interventions to each person’s needs. His aim is to create a personalized plan that blends practical skills, reflective exploration, and goal-oriented strategies so clients can address immediate concerns and build longer-term resilience.

Seeking change can take courage, and Derek positions himself as a supportive partner in that process. He prioritizes clear communication and practical tools, while attending to the whole person and the contexts that shape their experience.