Testimonials

"As a therapist, Denise is everything you could ask for. She is friendly, relatable and you can tell she puts her whole heart into all of her services. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking a therapist who truly cares."

-Kristy, Suffolk County, NY

"After my first session with Denise, I knew she understood me and was there to help me. I was weary at first to even go, but I figured if I didn't like it, I wouldn't have to go back. I was back 2 weeks later. She really helps me a lot and makes me feel more than comfortable talking to her about anything. I never once felt judged or silly for saying something. I'm pretty sure she keeps me sane.  Haha. I've come a long way from where I was and I plan to continue seeing her. I highly recommend her. You will not only get professional advice on whatever's going on in your life, but you will gain a friend in the process."

-Anonymous, Suffolk County, NY

"I went from therapist to therapist trying to find someone that clicked, and then I met Denise.  She has helped me immensely and has given me the confidence to be able to help myself."

-Melissa, Suffolk County, NY

"The first time I walked into Denise's office, I was a 19 year-old girl, owned by anxiety and self-hate. I had just dropped out of college after I spiraled out of control with drug use in an attempt to escape my constant thoughts about how ugly, fat, and "not good enough" I was.  I was caught in an endless cycle of binges that were fueled by my attempts to restrict my food intake and starve myself.  If I wasn't thinking about how worthless I was, I was fixating on whether or not I ate "the exact right amount of food that day."

With encouragement from my boyfriend (who was scared for me, but also tired of my self-sabotaging behaviors), I met with Denise.  I told her about the food and drugs I gorged myself with.  I told her about all the reasons I hated myself and how I couldn't escape my constant negative thoughts.  Then I waited for a look of shock, disgust, or disappointment.  There was not an ounce of judgement in Denise's eyes, only compassion and hope.  Denise told me that things could and would be better, that it was possible for me to live a life that didn't center around food and weight obsession.  Just a small sliver of me believed her and I kept coming to meet with her once a week.  There was something contagious about her hopeful attitude and bright smile.  

Over the years, I've made progress that I never would have thought was possible when I was that scared, shame-filled, 19 year old girl.  I've graduated with a masters degree and now have a job where I am able to help guide others in emotional pain as Denise has done for me.  I also married the man who helped encourage me to reach out to Denise all those years ago, but above all, I've learned to love myself.  Though food and weight will always be a sensitive issue for me, it no longer dominates my thoughts and life, something I never would have believed to be possible.  Denise worked with me to help me to control and reduce my obsessive thoughts and reclaim my brain and life.

I would like anyone who was struggling like I was when I first walked into Denise's office to know that LIFE CAN GET BETTER and that the help to guide you in that direction is only a phone call away. I'm rooting for you, you can do it, take it from a girl who knows...<3."

-Anonymous, Suffolk County, NY

"Denise is not only a friendly, kind person, but an excellent therapist!  From the moment I met her, I felt extremely comfortable with her and just knew what a wonderful person she was.  She has a kind and non-judgemental approach when talking to people and her efforts come straight from the heart. She goes out of her way to help other people and thinks of their needs first. She is compassionate, caring, and passionate about what she does.  She enjoys helping people, is easy to talk to, and makes people feel comfortable.  She is experienced, knowledgable, and really cares...and it shows. She puts the needs of the client first and meets their individual needs.  I am grateful to know someone like her and I would highly recommend her to anyone who is looking for a therapist!"

-Kim, Suffolk County, NY

"Although I haven't known Denise that long, I do know she is a very approachable, intelligent woman. She cares about people so much that she volunteers at a Soup Kitchen on Long Island. I also admire Denise because she takes initiative if she feels it in her heart to do so.  In one instance, Denise knew I was going through a tough financial time and out of the blue, she gave me $20.  I hope to get to know Denise better and I hope this is helpful."

-Tricia, Suffolk County, NY

"As a healthcare professional, I know how important it is to treat the individual, not just the symptoms.  Denise is a very kind, compassionate, and intelligent woman that possesses the qualities that everyone looks for in a therapist.  Her empathy and desire to help those who seek her services is commendable; she is a consummate professional."

-R.N., Hauppauge, NY

"I came to Denise with a lot of questions.  I had never gone to therapy before, but I knew I was having trouble feeling good and that it would be a healthy idea to talk to someone.  At the time, I was going through a break-up with a long-term boyfriend.  I had just started going to a new school, and I was living with people with substance abuse problems.  I was feeling so overwhelmed.  When I walked into Denise's office, I immediately felt a sense of relief.  I felt like I was getting the mental break I needed.  Over our first hour, Denise got to know me, and I got to know a little about her.  She easily found ways to relate to me and really understood what was going on.  I knew she would be easy to talk to.  I didn't feel like I was being analyzed; I felt like I was talking to a friend.  We made really great progress and I feel rejuvenated after seeing her. She has a natural talent for what she does and I'm so glad I happened across her!"

-Anonymous, Suffolk County, NY

"I never looked down on anyone who needed help from a therapist; I just never thought it was for me. Then one day, my life changed in the blink of an eye.  I suffered immense anxiety due to an unexpected break-up with my long term boyfriend who was having a tough time managing his life.  Initially, still trying to remain friends, I obtained Denise’s name and number for him to hopefully get his life back on track.  However, he ignored my offer. I thought to myself, Hmm, maybe I am the one who should give her a call because I’m not handling this break-up very well.  I procrastinated because my nerves and apprehensions got in the way.  My best friend, who is a client of Denise’s, encouraged, “Just make one appointment and if you hate it, you never have to go back again!  What do you have to lose?!”  I thought, “my pride,” ...but then I realized I was going insane. What I really had left to lose was my sanity!  And with that, my pride went out the window.  I made the call, set up an appointment, and felt I was headed in the right direction.  

When I finally met Denise, I instantly felt her warmth, friendliness, and compassion.  I knew right away that I could trust her.  I began seeing her regularly and eventually my walls came down. Denise has been with me every step of the way, on my journey of healing and bettering myself.  She has helped me to realize that even though I cannot always control life circumstances, life will go on, and I will be JUST FINE. : ) 

As I write this, I am looking back and realizing how much stronger of a person I have become.  I am not sure where I would be today, had I never made that call.  I consider Denise just as much of a friend, as I do a therapist.  Seeing Denise isn’t scary or intimidating.  She is the only therapist I have ever seen, but I can guarantee that there is no one as insightful and empathetic as her.  I am also willing to bet, people don’t assume to leave a therapist’s office laughing and smiling, though there have been numerous times that Denise has helped me to see the humor in certain situations that used to bring me to tears.  Of course, there are times that I leave crying, but that’s all part of the process.  I still can’t believe how much Denise has helped me and I am so grateful to have met her."

-Anonymous, Medford, Suffolk County, NY

"I am seventeen years old and I am recovering from a subtype of anorexia, and I also suffer from a lot of anxiety.  I started seeing Denise in the beginning of my recovery.  Denise is extremely caring, compassionate, and non-judgemental.  Denise is a wonderful therapist because she cares so much individually for each client.  She is very knowledgable about eating disorders and has used her knowledge to be honest with me about what to expect in the process.  Denise helps me feel very comfortable each time I see her because she is no longer just my therapist: she is my friend.  We can laugh together, and I can also be very honest with her.  I know she truly cares about how I feel.  My eating disorder was easily the most difficult time of my life, but I'm happy to say that I am recovering well.  I've learned what I truly value in life, that I can focus on better things, and that it is possible to get better.  I have always been skeptical about the recovery process, believing that it would work for everyone else but me, but I was wrong.  Recovery is possible.  Denise has been a wonderful guide for me through this process and I am so grateful.  It can get better."

-Anonymous, Suffolk County, New York

"I have had the great honor of listening to and being enlightened by not only the expansive knowledge and wisdom of Denise Zartler, but her genuine spirit of love and restoration.  She has a God-given gift of instilling hope in the dark places where light has not shone for far too long.  She will fight for you.  She will never rest until you are released from these chains of oppression, depression, and self-hate.  You no longer have to be confused.  The key to your prison is in the palm of your hand.  Denise will help guide your hand, and together you WILL unlock the door to a new life!"

-Craig Groshans, C.P.T., Suffolk County, New York

"I was afraid to go to counseling, but I prayed for a counselor and God provided Denise. Denise is a gift and she is one of my testimonies of God's faithfulness.  Counselors are known for behavior modification, but not all counselor's behavior modification is in line with God's Word. Denise's recommendations are in line with God's Word, through her God-given wisdom. Thanks to her manageable, cumulative recommendations, I have a peace in my life that surpasses understanding and my relationship with God has been strengthened. Denise has a strong relationship with Our Heavenly Father and due to her strong relationship, God has anointed the work that she does and has used Denise as a vessel to bless me in the therapeutic process."

-Linda, Suffolk County, New York