About Dr. Rachel Rengifo
As mothers, we hold dreams for our children that begin long before their arrival. We envision their childhood and their successes and hope to provide them with a better, smoother journey than our own. This desire to protect and create perfection is both powerful and challenging, as there is no greater trigger than our children. I understand this intimately as I navigate this complex journey myself every day.
Like you, I had a beautiful vision of motherhood. I imagined the kind of mother I would be. Yet, I've embarked on a personal and intricate journey of unraveling how my past experiences shape my present reality. Our blended and intercultural family has faced the challenges of childhood anxiety, learning disabilities, and trauma, further highlighting the need for understanding and healing.
As a therapist, I am passionate about creating a safe and nurturing space where fellow mothers can be truly heard and begin their journey of self-discovery. Your lived experiences and values hold immense importance to me. Together, we delve into the connection between your past and present, uncovering how they intertwine. I guide my clients in transforming negative self-talk, elevating their mood and self-esteem. We explore the toll of people-pleasing and work on decreasing the fear associated with it through exposure exercises. With interpersonal effectiveness skills and boundary-setting practices, clients learn to break unhealthy cycles within their families of origin.
Furthermore, I am here to support you in equipping your anxious child with valuable tools. I’ll help you navigate transitions at every developmental milestone. As we teach your teenager or college-age child to become an adult, we will use alternatives to lecturing and foster open communication.
We will establish a meaningful and trusted therapeutic relationship throughout our journey, allowing you to feel fully supported and empowered. Let's embark on this transformative journey together, where understanding, growth, and healing await.
Clinical Focus Areas
Learn how SPACE therapy can equip you with tools and strategies to nurture your anxious child, foster resilience, and restore peace within the family.
Let go of mom guilt and the need for perfection and embrace the profound growth and joy of being a "good enough" mom.
Heal deep-rooted family wounds, set boundaries, improve communication, and break free from unhealthy generational patterns.
Training & Experience
Ph.D. Clinical Psychology- Derner Institute for Advanced Psychological Studies at Adelphi-2011
M.A. - Psychology- Long Island University- Brooklyn Campus 2006
B.A. Bard College
Private Practice since 2017
Licensed in NJ #5418
Licensed in NY # 020957
Former Staff Psychologist at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation
SPACE - Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions August 27th-28, 2023
Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy Training
Intensive Training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy by Behavioral Tech, LLC
Pre-doctoral internship at North Central Bronx Hospital
Former Assistant Professor in Graduate Counseling Psychology at Felician University
Former Staff Psychologist at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation
Pre-doctoral internship at North Central Bronx Hospital