My Background

I strongly believe that people are experts in their own lives, with greater reserves of strength and resiliency than they realize. However, at one time or another, most of us face challenges that leave us feeling powerless and overwhelmed. I became a therapist to help people tap into their inner strengths, work through challenges and feel empowered to make real, positive changes that truly serve them.

In addition to therapy for anxiety, depression and grief, I specialize in chronic illness counseling and senior citizen counseling. These issues are more common than most people believe, and many people struggle for years without realizing that they are not alone in their experience. Living with mental and/or physical illness can feel deeply isolating, and I offer care, acceptance and encouragement to those who feel stuck, defeated and unheard.

I earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from McGill University and a master’s degree in social work from Columbia University, with a special focus on healthcare and disability, and I have worked in a variety of hospitals and healthcare settings. As a social worker, I have the unique ability to combine traditional talk therapy with practical problem solving, including collaborating with other providers, accessing effective resources and navigating the often-complicated healthcare system.

My Approach

When you enter a therapy session with me, your goals are my goals. My approach is collaborative, strengths-focused and solutions-focused. We will work together to identify what you want, what’s standing in your way and how you can draw on your natural talents and skills to overcome obstacles. In addition to helping you experience emotional relief and healing, I also offer individualized, concrete tips and strategies that can help you take practical steps toward the life you want. No matter what you need and regardless of what you’re going through, I am here to help.

I am a warm, nonjudgmental therapist. In sessions, I invite an open dialogue about your experience and symptoms. I will not tell you what to do. Instead, I will offer my expertise and insight to help you discover answers and solutions that work for you. I draw from a wide variety of effective therapeutic techniques, and, using an effective screening tool to measure your progress, we can work together to figure out which strategies best serve you. When appropriate, I offer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help you shift your thinking and gain greater control over your actions. We may practice stress management and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises. If unresolved issues from the past appear to be affecting you today, we can focus on healing from lingering trauma. Or, we might apply a little bit of everything. As we work together, I will honor your feedback and adapt to your needs.

I also draw from a deep understanding of how mental illness and physical illness interact. If you are seeking chronic illness counseling, I can help you better understand the relationship between your emotions and your physical symptoms so you can find overall relief. And, because I know how busy New Yorkers are—especially while balancing doctor’s appointments and necessary medical care—I offer evening and weekend sessions so you can take care of yourself without interrupting your life.

No matter what you are going through, you don’t have to do it alone. I invite you to reach out through this website to arrange call me at a free, 15-minute phone consultation. We can discuss your concerns, and I can answer any questions you have about my counseling services in New York, NY or New Jersey.

Kira Batist-Wigod, LCSW, MPS-H works as a therapist in New York City and in New Jersey. She earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from McGill University in Montreal, a master’s degree in social work from Columbia University’s School of Social Work (with a specialty in disability and healthcare) and a master’s degree in professional studies in healthcare interior design from The New York School of Interior Design.