Hilary Bucell, LCSW
Hi, I'm Hilary
I truly believe healing is possible when we can see ourselves both clearly, and with kindness.
There's profound power in having our experiences validated not only by others, but also by ourselves—learning to view our lives with non-judgmental acceptance so we can better understand what motivates us, where we feel stuck, and how to move forward in alignment with our values.
My Approach
Through evidence-based approaches, I'll work with you to create new pathways of thinking and more skillful ways to engage with your emotions. We'll reconnect with your body's wisdom through gentle, somatic practices that strengthen the mind-body connection, in service of creating sustainable change and a life you truly love.
Serving Clients in:
New York
Pennsylvania
Connecticut
Most of my clients come to me as either brand new to therapy—having searched for a therapist for some time, yet never quite feeling the safety that let them know it was a match — or having already completed years of therapy, yet still left feeling confused and struggling with both the “why” their difficulties came to be, and the “how” to fix them.
As a clinician, I believe transformation is possible with knowledge, insight, and skill. In our work together, I will provide psychoeducation—explaining not just what you're experience, but why it's happening, what you can do about it, and how to trust your own internal wisdom to guide you forward.
My Style
Warm Directness
Clients describe my style as "warm and direct". I specialize in creating open, safe, and validating spaces while offering the clear, actionable guidance needed for real growth and change.
Honoring Multiple Truths
In our sessions, many clients find they can be vulnerable in ways they never have before— finally allowing and noticing urges of their body, heart, and mind without habitual patterns of silencing, numbing, and criticism. As a therapist, I believe you can be both strong and emotional; high-functioning and struggling; capable and in need of support. These aren't contradictions—they're the beautiful complexity of being human. In our work, we honor that emotions are not weakness, and that true strength lies in embracing all parts of yourself.
Professional Background:
Education:
Columbia University, School of Social Work
- Master of Science, Social Work
- Overbrook Fellowship for Advanced Study in Clinical Social Work
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy Training Lab Fellow
UC San Diego, Mindfulness-based Professional Training Institute
- Qualified Teacher of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Experience:
Center for Cognitive and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, New York, NY
- Staff Psychotherapist
Child Mind Institute, New York, NY
- Clinical Social Work Intern, Mood Disorders Center
Rising Ground: STEPS to End Family Violence, New York, NY
- Clinical Social Work Intern, Criminalized Survivors Program at Rose M. Singer Center, Rikers Island
Licenses & Affiliations:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker:
- Pennsylvania LCSW 22457
- New York LCSW 094219
- Connecticut LCSW 11852
Professional Memberships:
- The Women's Mental Health Consortium
- The Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy
Appointments:
Adjunct Lecturer, Columbia University, School of Social Work
- Advanced Clinical Practice in Social Work
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Clinical Practice
Select Professional Trainings:
Couples Therapy
Trainers: John Gottman, Ph.D. & Julie Gottman, Ph.D.
Working with Reactive or High Conflict Couples
Trainer:Alan E. Fruzzetti, Ph.D.
Fostering Compassion in Couples
Michelle Becker, LMFT
DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY (DBT)
Trainers: Randy Wolbert LMSW & Gwen Abney-Cunningham LMSW
Behavioral Tech 6-Day DBT for Children (DBT-C) (48 hrs)
Trainers: Francheska Perepletchikova Ph.D. & Donald Nathanson LCSW
DBT for Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (DBT-PTSD) (32 hours)
Trainers: Martin Bohus Ph.D. & Shelley McMain, Ph.D
MINDFULNESS-BASED INTERVENTIONS (MBIs)
Trainers: Susan Woods LICSW & Patricia Rockman M.D.
UCSD MBPTI 7-Day Residential Initial Teacher Training Intensive for MBSR
Trainers: Susan Woods LICSW, Char Wilkins LCSW, & Holly Nelson FNP-BC
Breathworks UK Mindfulness-based Pain and Illness Management
Trainers: Vidyamala Burch & Sona Fricker
TRAUMA THERAPY
Trainer: David Treleaven, Ph.D.
Applying Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) to Trauma
Trainer: Paul Gilbert, FBPsS, Ph.D., OBE
Understanding Mindfulness & Trauma
Trainer: Rochelle Calvert, PhD, CMT, SEP, BCBA
BUDDHIST PSYCHOLOGY
Trainer: Matthew Brensilver Ph.D.
The Essence of Buddhist Psychology for Mental Health Professionals
Trainer: Jack Kornfield Ph.D.
SOMATIC THERAPY
Trainers: Chris Germer Ph.D. & Shari Geller, Ph.D.
The Hakomi Method for Somatic Healing
Manuela Mischke-Reeds, LMFT, CHT
Embodied Tools for Attachment Healing: Hakomi Method Somatic Approaches
Trainer: Jessica Montgomery, LCSW, CHT
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy L1 & L2 (32 hrs)
- Working with Reactive or High Conflict Couples
- Fostering Compassion in Couples
- Behavioral Tech 10-Day DBT Intensive Training (65 hrs, Pt I & II)
- Behavioral Tech 6-Day DBT for Children (DBT-C) (48 hrs)
- DBT for Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (DBT-PTSD) (32 hours)
- UCSD MBPTI 5-Day Residential Advanced Teacher Training for MBSR and MBCT
- UCSD MBPTI 7-Day Residential Initial Teacher Training Intensive for MBSR
- Breathworks UK Mindfulness-based Pain and Illness Management
- Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness in Therapy
- Applying Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) to Trauma
- Understanding Mindfulness & Trauma
- Spirit Rock Meditation Center, Certificate in Buddhist Psychology (18 hrs)
- The Essence of Buddhist Psychology for Mental Health Professionals
- Presence and Self-Compassion in Psychotherapy
- The Hakomi Method for Somatic Healing
- Embodied Tools for Attachment Healing: Hakomi Method Somatic Approaches
On A Personal Note:
Throughout my life I have been drawn to the practice of personal contemplation and insight-oriented traditions. For over a decade, I have been, and continue to be, a student of various sects of Buddhism, and spent just shy of two years teaching and studying in Southeast Asia.
My professional journey has also included roles in venture capital, private equity, and real estate, giving me insight into the unique challenges faced in high-pressure work environments, and helping me work with people from many different backgrounds.
Beyond my clinical training, I bring a diverse background to my therapeutic work. As a classically trained opera singer, I've performed throughout the United States and Europe, which has deepened my understanding of performance anxiety, creative expression, and human connection.
On a both personal and professional level, I am committed to growing my own mindfulness and compassion practice by attending silent meditation retreats each year to ensure I embody the principles I teach. As an avid through-hiker, I find respite from the complexities of modern life during extended periods of time in nature. And, at home, I relish time with family, friends, and my giant, goofy pup. I firmly believe in the intersection of social justice and mental health, and I'm continuously growing and learning to provide culturally sensitive, sex-positive, and LGBTQIA+ affirming practice.
Perhaps most importantly though, I am humbled daily by this magical experience we call human life, and the clients who are generous enough to share part of theirs with me.
