Elisa Toha, LMSW

Heart-centered trauma work, backed by science

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Hi, my name is Elisa.

I am a trauma therapist based in NYC.  I’ve spent the last decade studying the top evidence-based trauma therapies.

I believe we all have a natural tendency toward healing and an inner space of grounded, compassionate wisdom. Trauma blocks our ability to connect with that inner Self.  

As a therapist, I love holding space for people as they make that journey toward reconnection.

If you are looking for a therapist who just listens and nods, I am not your girl.

I have an active, engaging style. I truly love connecting with other humans and trying to understand their life experiences.

As a former journalist, my clients tell me my genuine curiosity, compassion and presence help them feel seen and heard. I know what it’s like to struggle with perfectionism and not be able to slow down and carve out time to listen to the voice inside.  

My journey has helped me discover my own tools, but I know each person is unique and healing looks different for everyone. I would love to accompany you on your own journey.

My Approach

  • EMDR

    Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a treatment that can address conditions caused by trauma, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and phobias.

    The goal of EMDR therapy is to facilitate the brain's natural healing process, enabling individuals to effectively process traumatic events, reduce emotional distress, and promote personal growth and healing.

    This technique works by stimulating both sides of the brain through eye movements, tapping, or sound, while reprocessing distressing memories or experiences. Clients typically experience a reduction in the vividness and emotion surrounding traumatic memories.

  • Internal Family Systems

    Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a treatment that has been shown to help heal physical and emotional stress due to trauma. This approach operates from the framework that we all have inner parts that are forced from their valuable states into extreme roles within us.

    The goal is to help clients access “Self” so they can understand and heal their wounded and protective parts, which can improve relationships with others and increase feelings of compassion, confidence, calm and connectedness.

    It is a non-pathologizing approach that has been used to address a range of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and eating disorders.

  • Deep Brain Reorienting

    Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) is a neuroscience-based treatment for PTSD that targets the sequence of events that occurred in the brainstem at the time of the traumatic event.

    The DBR process involves bringing up a recent traumatic trigger while mentally focusing on what happens in the muscles of the shoulders, neck, head and face. The client is guided through shock activation sequences which initiates subcortical processing and resolution of traumatic imprints.

    DBR has been observed to result in shifts in how people see themselves, others, and the world, with increases in self-compassion and reductions in trauma-related cognitive distortions, symptoms, and reactions.

Professional Information

    • NY State Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW, License Number: 101820)

    • Bachelor of Arts - New York University, Magna Cum Laude

    • Masters of Social Work - Fordham University (Child and Adolescent Trauma Program)

    • Two Year Post-Masters Program - Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy (Trauma Studies)

    • One Year Post-Masters Live Clinical Program- The Ackerman Institute (Couples and Family Therapy)

    • Post-Masters Certificate - New York University (Child and Family Therapy)

  • I am a lifelong learner - since I graduated I have been trained in many evidence-based trauma modalities including:

    • EMDR (EMDRIA approved and trained in Dr. Laurel Parnell's Attachment-Focused EMDR)

    • Deep Brain Reorienting (Level 3)

    • Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (currently in Level 2)

    • Internal Family Systems (Level 3 in November 2026)

    • IFS Training through IFSCA (Stepping Stones, Stepping Deeper).

    • Dr. Phil Manfield’s FLASH Technique Training (Advanced)

    • Safe & Sound Protocol (Polyvagal Theory)

    • DeTUR Urge Reduction Protocol for Addictions and Dysfunctional Behaviors with AJ Popky

    • EMDR with Eating Disorders - EMDRIA

    • EMDR in Disordered Eating Treatment - EMDR of the Pikes

    • EMDR for Addiction and Recovery with Hope Payson

    • Ego State Interventions Training with Robin Shapiro

    • IFS-Informed EMDR Training (Steps 1&2) - Syzygy Institute

    • EMDR + IFS Parts Protocol: An EMDRIA Approved Integration (Kendal Hart)

    • Two-day Trauma Training with Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk

    • ARC Trauma Treatment for Children and Adolescents

    • CBT for Anxiety - Beck Institute of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

    • Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI) Training - Yale Child Study Center

    • Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy -- Fordham University

      It is critically important to me that I am using evidence-based modalities when working with people who have experienced trauma.