Practitioner’s Pulse – July's Mental Health Journey!
By Leo Massey, LMSW
Welcome Everyone!
Welcome to Practitioner’s Pulse - a monthly newsletter! I'm Leo Massey, a comprehensively trained DBT therapist specializing in helping tweens, teens, and young adults cope with anxiety, depression, BPD, trauma, and impulsivity. In addition to utilizing DBT, I also utilize ACT, CBT, EMDR, and exposure therapy to create a safe space where my clients can explore challenges such as LGBTQIA+ concerns, neurodivergence, suicidal ideation, impulsivity, and self-injury. I am committed to ongoing professional development and focus on providing culturally sensitive care for diverse populations!
You are receiving this because you are a member of the UES Mental Health Professionals Listserv, a listserv that started as a marketing endeavor and has evolved into a platform dedicated to nurturing our professional community and enhancing mental health care for all. Through this newsletter, I am committed to sharing insights, upcoming trainings, fostering connections, and providing valuable resources that benefit our diverse community of practitioners. I want to give a warm welcome to all of our new members who have recently joined UES Mental Health Professionals! Please take a moment to introduce yourself to the group.
From Psychodynamic Insight to Global Impact: Dr. Soe Thein is Psychiatry’s Compassionate Innovator
When I first connected with Dr. Soe Thein, MD, it was clear that his approach to psychiatry was anything but ordinary. Board-certified in both adult and child/adolescent psychiatry, Dr. Thein blends deep clinical expertise with a rare warmth and cultural sensitivity, qualities that have made him a trusted resource for individuals and families navigating complex mental health needs.
Over a thoughtful conversation about the evolving landscape of mental health care, Dr. Thein spoke candidly about the importance of meeting clients where they are, especially those from marginalized or underserved backgrounds. “So much of healing,” he reflected, “comes from feeling truly seen and understood, not just as a patient, but as a whole person with a unique story.” This philosophy is at the heart of his practice, where he offers a blend of psychotherapy and medication management tailored to each individual’s needs.
A Holistic and Inclusive Approach to Psychiatry
Dr. Thein’s clinical interests span anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and relationship challenges. He is especially attuned to the intersections of identity, culture, and mental health, providing affirming care for LGBTQIA+ clients and those navigating cross-cultural or family dynamics. His training includes advanced psychodynamic psychotherapy and play therapy, and he is known for integrating evidence-based modalities with a gentle, human touch.
Beyond the Office: Education, Advocacy, and Global Service
Dr. Thein’s impact stretches far beyond his private practice. He is the creator of “Good Enough Psychiatry,” a YouTube channel that makes psychodynamic concepts accessible to a wider audience. He also volunteers as a consultant for children and adults in Myanmar, his country of origin, and serves as clinical faculty at UC Davis Medical Center mentoring the next generation of mental health professionals.
A Commitment to Growth and Empowerment
What sets Dr. Thein apart is his unwavering commitment to both his own growth and the empowerment of his clients. He believes that psychiatry is most powerful when it is collaborative, stigma-free, and rooted in genuine connection. Whether he’s helping a young adult navigate anxiety, supporting a family through crisis, or advocating for mental health equity on a global scale, Dr. Thein’s work is a testament to the transformative power of compassionate care.
If you’re seeking a psychiatrist who combines clinical excellence with a deeply human approach, Dr. Soe Thein, MD, stands out as a visionary in the field. Reach out to Dr. Thein at Downtown Psychiatry to learn more about his services and philosophy.
Groups in the Community:
Virtual CBT-I Group for Adults – Join a 6-week virtual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) group designed for adults in NY, MD, AL, and FL who are struggling with falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early. Led by a clinical psychologist specializing in sleep disorders, this small group (6–8 participants) offers evidence-based, medication-free strategies to improve sleep. The group will begin once full (anticipated August) and provides each participant with a personalized sleep plan and practical tools for lasting, restful sleep.
Virtual Parent Emotion Regulation Group – Join this supportive virtual group for parents of children of all ages seeking to improve emotional regulation skills using evidence-based strategies from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Meeting weekly on Tuesdays (July 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th) from 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM EST via Zoom, the group is designed for parents struggling with disciplining their children due to their own emotions, feeling overwhelmed or guilty, or finding it difficult to stay present with their children. Open to parents residing in NY, CT, and FL.
Neurodivergent Young Adult DBT Skills Group – Join this inclusive virtual group for adults 18+ seeking to master the four core modules of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Meeting weekly on Tuesdays from 7:00 – 8:30 PM EST, the group explores how DBT skills, examples, and metaphors relate directly to everyday life, including learning through media and discussing real-life applications. Open to adults residing in NY, NJ, FL, and MD, with sliding scale fees available.
1:1 Therapy Intensives for Adults – Now enrolling for summer therapy intensives, ideal for adults feeling stuck, navigating relational trauma, people-pleasing, perfectionism, anxious attachment, or self-worth challenges. Includes a 60-minute intake, 2–4 hour extended session(s), personalized workbooks, and a follow-up session. Modalities: EMDR, somatic therapy, mindfulness, and nervous system regulation. Available in-person (NYC Financial District) and virtually for NY, NJ, DC, and MD residents. Private pay only; not for crisis/stabilization. Free consultation available—flyer and details upon request.
Continuing Education, Trainings and More:
Group Workout with Therapy Tribe – Finding Strength & Stillness – Join the vibrant early morning energy of Central Park this summer for a unique blend of movement, mindfulness, and community connection designed specifically for mental health professionals. In collaboration with Mendy Sports Academy, Therapy Tribe offers a structured space to support your well-being as you support others. Meet every Tuesday morning at 7:30 a.m. by the USS Maine Monument in Central Park, where Coach Christophe Mendy will lead a 45-minute strength and cardio workout, followed by a 30-minute meditation and gratitude circle. All fitness levels are welcome, just bring a yoga mat, towel, and water.
NYC Mental Health Pickleball League – Therapy Tribe and the Center for Intimacy Recovery invite mental health professionals of all experience and athletic levels to join Season 6 of the NYC Mental Health Pickleball League, meeting in person at Chelsea Piers. Sessions run Mondays from June 23 to August 4, 2025, 7:00–8:15 PM, and include 1 hour and 15 minutes of pickleball play, before-the-game networking, and the option to continue connecting over dinner or drinks with colleagues afterwards. This league is perfect for unwinding, building community, learning a new sport, and reconnecting with your playful side in a supportive environment. Registration closes June 18; sign up.