My Background/Journey

I come from a diverse, multicultural family from the Caribbean and the United States, which helped me become aware and appreciative of people’s differences, as well as the similarities that bind us all together. I was also exposed to diverse cultural groups throughout my education. This multicultural perspective presented me with different concepts for how to view the world and individuals. My parents would often talk about their professional experiences as managers and leaders in their respective fields. It was common conversation around the dinner table to discuss the challenges and joys of being a leader, and that early dialogue helped shape my interest in careers and leadership.

Growing up, I always had a vague idea that I wanted to be a psychologist. In fact, when I was young, people often told me I should be a psychologist or lawyer. The idea of entering the field became increasingly appealing because a family member who I looked up to was planning to become a psychologist, and when I got to college, the classes I excelled in were my psychology classes. While I didn’t know exactly how I would make a living with a psychology degree, I felt called to continue along this professional path.

It is one thing to have an ideal career in your head. It is quite another, however, to meet someone doing something you’re passionate about who truly helps you to see yourself in that same role. Perhaps one of the most pivotal moments in my journey to becoming a therapist and coach took place at a professional conference as an undergraduate student. I sat in on a presentation given by a young woman who I seemed to have a lot in common with working toward her Ph.D. in counseling psychology. She was presenting on Social Cognitive Career Theory, an approach to understanding how one’s self-efficacy, outcome expectations and goals play a role in educational and vocational achievement that I had been interested in for some time. At that moment, I had never been more sure about what I wanted to do with my life.

I was drawn to Masters and doctoral programs with a strong emphasis on multicultural training. I wanted to deeply comprehend the ways people of different cultures operate and communicate in the world. More than just recognizing a cultural group’s common customs and traditions, I was committed to understanding how culture influences our perception of others and the choices we make.

While working on my dissertation to complete my doctorate, I focused on using Social Cognitive Theory—the theory that part of our knowledge and beliefs about ourselves are influenced by observing other people, in person or in the media—to help individuals understand and address career issues. We are all exposed to people, experiences and opportunities that shape our learning processes and what we believe is possible for ourselves. I was curious about how people interpret the world and how they can develop a healthier view of who they are. As compensation for participating in my project, I ran self-care workshops for my dissertation participants. And, as I met with the women participants and listened to their stories, a spark went off. I loved giving my attention to these women. Just like that, I knew that I wanted to spend my career helping people foster happiness, fulfillment and balance in their personal lives, relationships and careers.

Since opening my private therapy and coaching practice in Manhattan, I have incorporated what I learned in my extensive research and experience to help hundreds of others through individual work and seminars. As they began to build awareness around and accept their emotional, physical and financial needs, many were able to foster greater confidence and achievement in their personal and professional lives.

How My Background Informs My Work

I have always had a natural ability to understand and help people, and my training has further clarified my work as a therapist and coach. Many people feel unhappy or dissatisfied in one or more areas of their life—a career or relationship, for example. And, it can be hard to take a step back and see your situation from a new angle, especially if you have grown up believing you must fill a certain role or follow a certain career path. My goal is to help my clients gain the skills, awareness and self-confidence to widen their perspective and possibilities and to see challenges as opportunities. Whether you need help addressing personal, professional or relationship issues, there is a path to healing, profound growth and new discovery.

My work focuses largely on addressing career issues and helping you create personal and professional balance in your life. I am respectful, supportive and non-judgmental, and I am committed to developing a trusting, secure and effective relationship with you throughout the therapy and/or coaching process. Regardless of what brings you into my office, my goal is to help you explore your wants, needs and beliefs and how they may be positively and negatively affecting your life, career and relationships. Instead of feeling boxed in by your experiences, you can learn to embrace who you are and understand what you need to feel happy and satisfied.

My career counseling and leadership coaching draws from my own experiences as a leader as well as professional theory. I have led work teams and specialized in turning around agencies to increase productivity, structure and client and employee satisfaction. I have also undergone executive and organizational leadership training.

When I’m not in the office, I enjoy learning new hobbies and skills—from playing tennis to crocheting—as a way to enrich my life and connect with new people. I spend a good deal of my free time volunteering in the community and participating in civic work. And, while I might appear to be an extrovert, I’m really an introvert, and there is nothing I love more than spending quality time with my family.

If you are ready to embark on a journey of personal, professional and/or relationship growth, call (516) 647-1712 or use my online calendar to schedule a free, 15-minute complimentary phone consultation.

You can also learn more about my approach to self-care, stress management, relationship coaching, work-life balance and other related issues in my blog .

Dr. Cicely Horsham-Brathwaite earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Temple University and her M.S.Ed. in Counseling and Personnel Services from Fordham University. She is a New York State Licensed Psychologist who specializes in helping women successfully navigate career and life transitions and improve upon their self-care. In addition to running her private coaching and therapy practice in Manhattan, Dr. Horsham-Brathwaite is a Certified Wellness Speaker from the National Wellness Institute and a member of the National Mental Health Committee for The Links, Incorporated.