THERAPIST

“I’m not sure if resilience is ever achieved alone. Experience allows us to learn from example.  But if we have someone who loves us – I don’t mean who indulges us, but who loves us enough to be on our side – then it’s easier to grow resilience, to grow belief in self, to grow self-esteem. And its self-esteem that allows a person to stand up”

-Maya Angelou

Luz Cotto-Charneski

LCSW

CT | NY

  • I am bilingual and bicultural (English/Spanish), which allows me to connect with and support individuals from diverse backgrounds with sensitivity and depth. I’ve had the privilege of being a therapist for the past 17 years. I’ve decided that it was time to enhance the work I was doing in private practice as a solo clinician, and I founded New Light Psychotherapy. The moment the vision of New Light entered my heart, I sensed it was something meaningful.

    As a therapist, there is nothing more rewarding than sitting with someone who, with immense courage, is unraveling their life story and simultaneously piecing it back together into a unified and healed whole.

    I hold my role with great care and respect. I understand the courage it takes to step into therapy; to open your heart and share the tender, unhealed parts of yourself. That kind of vulnerability is an act of strength I deeply honor.

    Life brings its share of struggles, and one quote that stays with me is,

    “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting some great battle.”

    So often, we move through the world without spaces where we can truly be seen and heard. To be entrusted with someone’s inner world—the quiet ache, the hidden wounds—is a profound privilege.

    I believe our pain must be named, felt, and held with compassion in order for true healing to begin.

    Client Focus

    A core focus of my work is with individuals who are seeking to understand how their personal histories, especially the wounds of trauma, are affecting their present lives.

    For many, the past quietly weaves its way into present-day relationships, work, and self-perception. I work with those who feel ready to explore these patterns and heal from the lasting impact of earlier wounds.

    At the same time, I support individuals who may appear to be doing just fine on the surface, yet carry a quiet longing—for deeper healing, a clearer understanding of themselves, and a more meaningful life.

    They may not be in crisis, but they’re drawn to the inward path—seeking greater self-awareness, growth, and a sense of wholeness that comes from truly knowing and embracing who they are.

    I work with a trauma-informed lens, meaning I recognize how many wounds stem from relational pain that leaves profound marks on the heart and mind. These marks can impact how we see the world, ourselves, and our relationships. With gentleness, compassion, and honesty, we will tend to these wounded places—so you can begin to see yourself and the world with greater clarity and develop a deeper understanding. Therapy is a process of becoming; unfolding into the person you were before the world told you who you “should” be. I would be honored to walk with you; I’ll meet you were you are.

    Clinical Focus

    • Unhealthy / Painful Relationship Patterns

    • Depression & Anxiety

    • PTSD / Trauma / Domestic Violence

    • Grief & Loss

    • Low Self-Esteem / Low Confidence

    • Addictions / Destructive Behaviors

    • Life Transitions & Adjustment

    • Family Conflict

    • Unhealthy / Painful Relationship Patterns

    • Depression & Anxiety

    • PTSD / Trauma / Domestic Violence

    • Grief & Loss

    • Low Self-Esteem / Low Confidence

    • Addictions / Destructive Behaviors

    • Life Transitions & Adjustment

    • Family Conflict

    Training

    Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Smith College School for Social Work

    Certification from The Mitchell Center for Relational Studies in New York City

    Analytical Certification from the Westchester Center for the Study of Psychoanalysis & Psychotherapy

    My Therapeutic Style

    My approach is rooted in a psychodynamic framework, with influences from attachment theory, depth psychology, and analytic practices. This means the work we do together is about deep, meaningful exploration. The rush of our fast-paced world allows us to easily forget the value of taking care of ourselves. True and lasting healing unfolds when we give the mind, body, and soul the space they need to rest, restore, and gently reclaim what has been lost or wounded.

    Over the years, we all develop relational patterns. Some patterns help us navigate life, while others keep us stuck—trapped in unhelpful ways of thinking and relating that can lead to anxiety, depression, and disconnection in our relationships.

    Therapy creates a space to gently explore these patterns, reconnect with your true, authentic self, and open the door to growth, healing, and meaningful change. I provide a warm, supportive space where healing and restoration can unfold—guided by gentleness, intuition, compassion, and honest reflection. Together, we’ll explore your life’s journey, nurturing growth and transformation so you can create a more grounded, fulfilling life and deeper, more meaningful connections.