Trauma & dissociation
Single-incident and long-running. Paced carefully, never re-told for its own sake — the goal is integration, not reliving.
CINDY SLIMAK, LICSW/PMHNP(RET.)/CHAPLAIN
The CenterPsychotherapy
Like the black swan—a symbol of rare, unexpected transformation—my depth-oriented, trauma-informed therapy offers a private, unhurried space to embrace transformation and heal from within.
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About
Cindy Slimak
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker · LICSW (Alabama), LCSW (New York);
Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Retired); Chaplain
I have practiced psychotherapy since 1992 — more than thirty years of sitting with people across the full span of life, from children to older adults.
My work spans individuals, couples, families, and groups, because the things that hurt us rarely stay contained in one person.
My approach is psychodynamic at its foundation: we follow what your patterns are protecting, not only what they cost you. Alongside that, I draw from a range of methods — EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Brainspotting, somatic and mindfulness-based work — matched to what you actually need, never as a fixed protocol.
A black swan is the event no model predicted. Most people arrive in therapy after one. The work is not to make you predictable again, but to make you legible to yourself.
- Experience30+years in practice, since 1992
- LicensureAL · NYLICSW Alabama · LCSW New York
- Works withIndividuals, couples, families, groups
- AgesAllChildren through older adults
Education
- Chaplain - Christian Bible Institute Seminary, 2023
- MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner — University of Rochester, 2010
- MSW — Syracuse University, 1992
- BSN — Rutgers, 1981
- LPN Diploma — Medical Center at Princeton, 1976
Prior psychiatric practice
Previously practiced as a Board-Certified Family Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (2010–2023), with experience across psychiatric evaluation, medication management, inpatient and community mental health, and substance-abuse treatment. That license is now retired; she practices today as a psychotherapist.
The practice
What I work on, and how
Mood, eating & self-injury
Bipolar disorders, eating disorders, and self-injury — held with steadiness, not shock, alongside whatever else you are carrying.
Loss, grief & medical challenges
Grief, chronic and acute medical issues, and pain management. The parts of life that medicine alone cannot reach.
Addictions & recovery
Substance abuse and post-addiction treatment, including the work of staying well after the crisis passes.
Approaches drawn from
Drawn from and combined based on what you need — not applied as a fixed protocol or a guarantee of any outcome.
Christian counseling
Faith-integrated work, when you want it
Cindy is an internationally Certified Christian Chaplain and in the past has served as a counselor at Christian Church in San Angelo, Texas. For clients who wish to, the Christian faith can be woven into the counseling process. It is always an option — never a requirement of the work.
Availability
Not taking new patients at this time
Presently, Cindy is on Sabbatical
Thank you for your interest in The Center. At this time, Cindy is not accepting new patients. When openings become available, they will be shared here.
Still, you are welcome to reach out. Whether you are looking for information about the work, a future opening, or a trusted referral to another clinician, Cindy is happy to point you in the right direction.
Questions
Get in touch
Reach out for more information
On Sabbatical, but your questions are welcome.
Whether you are hoping for a future opening, want to know more about the work, or are looking for a referral to another trusted clinician, send a note and Cindy will reply personally, usually within a week.
If you are in crisis or in immediate danger, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or 911.
A closing word
Whoever you are, there is a center you can hold—and a way back to it.