Hello, I'm Sedef Orsel
Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Group Leader
I am a bilingual social scientist, a clinical social worker, and a trauma and grief therapist. I am also a researcher, educator, published writer, ACPI Certified Coach for Parents and Families, and a certified Connection Parenting instructor.
​
I facilitate various groups, including mindfulness and grief support groups for clients, as well as a bereavement group for clinicians who have experienced client loss. I offer individual and group therapy based on evidence-based treatment modalities, including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Grief Treatment (PGT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). I actively promote and advance a trauma-informed approach in both clinical work and the workplace.
​
Additionally, I am an adjunct professor at Fordham's Graduate School of Social Services, where I teach graduate courses on cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma, and social policy. I began my career as a parent coach and am dedicated to community outreach, delivering lectures and presentations on topics such as parenting, trauma-informed care, and grief-informed care.
I teach, write, and practice clinical work in both English and Turkish. Over the past 15 years, I have published extensively and worked to enhance children's literature in Turkey. I have published children's books in Turkish and helped translate numerous English-written books for publication in Turkish, including Pam Leo's "Connection Parenting." I believe in the diverse wisdom we all bring to life. I am committed to approaching every client, regardless of ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, or religion, and with diverse genders and sexual orientations, with curiosity. I am always open to receiving feedback about my approach to learning and growing with my clients.
​
My personal interests include non-violent communication, mindfulness, and movement therapy. Outside of work, I find solace and grounding in my garden. Nature helps me center, my cats give me unconditional love, and music nourishes my soul. Finding joy in small corners of the mundane is a daily practice I follow. Whether it is an orchid reblooming, a cup of coffee enjoyed in a dainty china cup, or the smell of strawberries after a meal, they are all welcomed joyful experiences of every day.
Licensed in NY and CT
Specialties
I am passionate about community outreach, delivering lectures and presentations on topics such as parenting, trauma-informed care, and grief-informed care.
Therapy
Grief and Bereavement : Grief is a natural reaction to the universal experience of loss, one that everyone has at least once and possibly more. It is also a unique experience each time we have a new loss. I hold space for every client with this understanding and curiosity. As grief is painful, I try to create a safe and soft therapeutic environment for my clients where they can find acceptance, empathy, and support. The pain of loss and the grief often throws us out of balance and control, therefore creating a therapeutic experience where my clients find their agency and feel a sense of control is essential in my approach.
​Clinician Grief
Trauma (e.g. PTSD, Complex PTSD)
Parenting (Parenting neurodiverse children, Connection Parenting​​)
Recently Divorced Women​
Professional Grief
Consultation
In addition to providing outpatient psychotherapy, I also provide clinical consultation in both individual and group formats about grief. I consult with many clinicians at WJCS and help them find language, skills, and a safe space to explore grief-related work
Clinical & Educational
Experience
Sunrise Psychology NY P.C.
Clinician,
Grief & Bereavement Specialist
Westchester Jewish Community Services
Staff Therapist & Supervisor at Trager Lemp Center
Coordinator of WJCS TLC Grief Program
Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service
Adjunct Professor
Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service
Master of Social Work
CUNY Hunter
MS in Social Research
