PuttingFamilyFirst

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GR Portrait of Gerard Riconda
Online therapist

Gerard Riconda

Supportive social worker for family challenges

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Credentials
LCSW
Experience
28 years
Licensed in
New York
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Gerard

Gerard Riconda is a licensed clinical social worker who aims to help families and parents facing stress and change. He speaks plainly and focuses on practical steps parents can use right away. Gerard draws on nearly three decades of experience to guide conversations and offer steady support through difficult moments.

He earned a Master of Social Work from Fordham University School of Social Services. Early in his training he worked with families and children in the foster care system.

Background and approach

He also spent time as a medical social worker in a rehabilitation hospital, supporting people recovering from amputations, stroke, and head injuries. Over 28 years Gerard has worked with clients across a broad range of diagnoses and challenges. His noted strength is empathy, and he prefers to start where each person is.

He does not rely on a single method for everyone; instead he and the client decide together which approaches to try. Gerard uses several evidence-based methods, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, client-centered work, and EMDR for trauma. He combines these tools to address issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma and family concerns.

Sessions are offered in English and Gerard practices from New York. He holds the credential LCSW, New York license number 046130. For parents wanting straightforward help, he guides practical steps, listening first and then building a plan that fits daily life.

Therapeutic approaches and online options

Gerard commonly uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which focuses on helping people notice thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them and then take steps that match their values. It can be useful for anxiety, stress, and coping with life changes.

He also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a practical method that identifies unhelpful thoughts and habits and teaches ways to change them. CBT is often used for depression, anxiety, and mood symptoms. When trauma is a focus, he may integrate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, which helps process painful memories so they feel less overwhelming.

Finding the right mix of approaches is a collaborative process. Gerard works with each person to test methods and adjust based on what helps most. He prioritizes clear goals and practical steps that fit family life and daily routines.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules. These options let parents and caregivers continue work between meetings and choose the format that feels most manageable right now.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Less about arguing with difficult thoughts, more about loosening their grip and acting on what matters to you anyway. Values and committed action carry the work, which suits conversation at a distance.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does he work with?
He addresses a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, family problems, trauma and abuse, self esteem, depression, grief, anger, and career issues.
What is his general approach in therapy?
He starts with listening and uses empathy to understand the situation. Then he and the client choose practical methods to try, rather than applying one fixed technique.
What is his background and experience?
He trained at Fordham University School of Social Services and has 28 years of clinical experience, including work with foster care families and in medical rehabilitation settings.
What are his credentials and where does he practice?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, with New York license number 046130 and practices in New York.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different needs and schedules.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
28 years
Licensed
New York
Languages
English

Next step

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