Dr. Sera Lavelle: Guiding Operational Excellence and Holistic Wellness at Soho Integrative EMDR

Dr. Lavelle, the distinguished owner of NY Health Hypnosis & Integrative Therapy and co-founder of Bea Better Eating, also serves as the Director of Operations for Soho Integrative EMDR. While she doesn’t practice EMDR herself, her role is deeply inspired by the transformative impact of EMDR therapy. As the operational linchpin of the practice, she ensures the smooth and efficient running of all behind-the-scenes activities. Her management is vital in maintaining a seamless and supportive environment for both therapists and clients, allowing them to focus solely on the healing journey. Dr. Lavelle's dedication to resource and administrative management creates an ideal setting where therapeutic work is undisturbed and can flourish. Though her contributions are primarily in the background, her role is indispensable. Her deep appreciation and understanding of the benefits of EMDR therapy imbue her work with purpose and passion, providing a strong, well-organized foundation that significantly influences every client’s path to wellness at Soho Integrative EMDR.
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Background & Academic Education

Dr. Sera Lavelle, renowned for her achievements in the field of clinical psychology and hypnotherapy, has significantly expanded her influence beyond her founding of NY Health Hypnosis in 2007. Under her leadership, NY Health Hypnosis has evolved into an interdisciplinary team, offering a comprehensive range of services. Her innovative work, including co-founding the app Bea Better Eating, has garnered attention in prestigious publications such as Elle, Forbes, and The New York Times. Additionally, Dr. Lavelle has shared her insights on a variety of podcasts, contributing to broader discussions in her field.

Dr. Lavelle's clinical training is a testament to her deep commitment to understanding and addressing complex psychological issues. She completed an Externship at the prestigious Institute for Psychoanalytic Training and Research (IPTAR), where she gained valuable psychoanalytic insights into human behavior. Her experience was further enriched during her APA-accredited Internship at Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn, where she was exposed to a wide range of mental health challenges in inpatient acute care, substance abuse units, and outpatient care settings. Dr. Lavelle's academic roles as an adjunct professor at Adelphi University and Brooklyn College, teaching courses in Gender & Sexuality, Aging, and Cross-Cultural Psychology, underscore her dedication to exploring the impact of race, ethnicity, and gender on individuals and society. These diverse experiences have profoundly shaped her clinical approach, underscoring her belief in the significant role societal factors play in personal struggles. As a passionate advocate for issues related to pregnancy, fertility, self-esteem, and emotional eating, Dr. Lavelle applies a comprehensive and empathetic approach to her clinical practice. In her leadership roles at NY Health Hypnosis, Bea Better Eating, and as Director of Operations at Soho Integrative EMDR, she has demonstrated an exceptional ability to cultivate environments that nurture healing and growth, benefiting therapists and clients alike.

Journey into the Creation of Soho Integrative EMDR

Dr. Sera Lavelle's journey to involvement in Soho Integrative EMDR is a story of collaboration and shared vision, deeply influenced by her experiences at NY Health Hypnosis. While leading NY Health Hypnosis & Integrative Therapy, Dr. Lavelle worked alongside this team of talented therapists skilled in EMDR therapy. Observing the profound healing effects of EMDR on clients with trauma was a pivotal moment for her. It was not just the therapy's effectiveness that inspired her, but also the passion and dedication of her colleagues in facilitating transformative changes in their clients. This collective experience sparked a realization of the potential for a specialized practice focused solely on trauma recovery.

Together with her colleagues, Dr. Lavelle envisioned and established Soho Integrative EMDR. In this collaborative venture, each member brought their unique expertise and insights, with Dr. Lavelle playing a crucial role in shaping the practice's direction and structure. Her extensive background in clinical psychology, including her academic achievements from New York University and the Derner Institute of Psychology at Adelphi University, provided a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of trauma treatment. Although Dr. Lavelle does not practice therapy within Soho Integrative EMDR, her contribution as the Director of Operations is integral to the clinic's success.

In her role, Dr. Lavelle utilizes her leadership skills and deep understanding of trauma therapy to ensure that the clinic operates smoothly, allowing her colleagues to focus on providing the best possible care. She manages the daily operations, resources, and administrative tasks, creating an environment conducive to healing and professional growth. Her partnership in founding Soho Integrative EMDR and her ongoing role in its operations demonstrate her commitment to making specialized trauma care accessible. Dr. Lavelle's efforts, in collaboration with her colleagues, have been essential in establishing Soho Integrative EMDR as a practice where clients can find effective treatment and embark on their journeys toward recovery and wellness.

Academic & Professional Achievements

Formal Education

  • BS. Psychology/Biology - The Ohio State University
  • MA. Psychology - New York University
  • MA. Clinical Psychology - Adelphi University
  • Ph.D Clinical Psychology - Adelphi University
  • Externship: Institute for Psychoanalytic Training and Research
  • Internship: Interfaith Medical Center

Other Specialized Trainings

  • Basic Hypnosis Training - NLP Center of New York
  • Advanced Hypnosis Training - NLP Center of New York
  • American Psychological Association (APA)
  • Scientific Sessions - Society of Clinical & Experimental Hypnosis (SCEH)
  • Society of Psychological Hypnosis - APA Division 30
  • American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH)

Accomplishments

  • Owner: NY Health Hypnosis & Integrative Therapy
  • Cofounder: Bea Better Eating
  • Adjunct Professor: Adelphi University
  • Adjunct Professor: Brookly College
  • Media & Appearances: Forbes, NY Times, Elle, Oprah Magazine & Allure
Areas of Expertise
  • Clinical Areas: Fertility, ADHD, infertility, anxiety & relationship
  • Therapeutic Approaches: Hypnotherapy, psychodynamic & mindfulness
  • Press & media relations
  • Operational excellence
  • Promotion of ongoing education
  • Crisis management
  • Creating a cohesive & collaborative environment